Offbeat places near Kolkata are abundant. While the city’s bustling lanes are loved by many, sometimes it is worthwhile to explore something that is not exactly a tourist hub yet. These places are often overlooked because of a lack of awareness about them. We bring you a list of places that are within 200 km of Kolkata that are worth a visit. You can go to these offbeat places near Kolkata on your solo trip with your entire family.
11 Offbeat Places Near Kolkata To Give You A Much-Needed Break
1. Natungram – The doll village
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Are you interested in going to a village that requires only a day? When you are pressed for time but want to get away from the hustle and bustle, head to Natungram. If you are an art lover, then this place is a bonus! You will find artisans here called sutradhars whose income comes from making beautiful and super colourful wooden dolls. There is an annual fair where they showcase their creations. If you have children, take them along as this is among the best offbeat places near Kolkata.
Location: Burdwan district
Distance from Kolkata: 142 km
Best time to visit: Throughout the year, January (for those interested in the Annual Wooden Dolls Fair)
Must Read: Don’t Take a Holiday For These Amazing Places Near Kolkata
2. Deulti – Picnic, Temples, and Quiet
Deulti is listed among the best offbeat places near Kolkata for a reason. It is perfectly perched on the Roopnarayan river bank, making it a great picnic spot with your loved ones. You will love the Radha and Madangopal temples here. It is also one of the many offbeat places near Kolkata for the weekend because you can take a breezy walk on earthy clay paths on the way to villages. You will be stunned at how peaceful the place is as you can hear different birds chirping around you. You can visit the nearby places such as Gadiara and Kolaghat.
Location: Howrah district
Distance from Kolkata: 60 km
Best time to visit: October to March
3. Somrabazar – A Town With a Rich History
Image Source: Paramanu Sarkar for Wikimedia Commons
Somrabazar is an offbeat tourist spot near Kolkata that you must visit once at least. It is a haven for period film enthusiasts because it is where Mrinal Sen shot ‘Akaler Sandhane’. It has 17th-century temples, ancient mansions, lush greenery, and more. You will be taken to an era when people truly enjoyed every second of life. It will make you crave your childhood days of not having a care in the world. You can sit and relax because you will feel spiritually uplifted. Want to learn something new here? Then go to the boat-making place in Balagarh.
Location: Hoogly district
Distance from Kolkata: 78 km
Best time to visit: Throughout the year
Suggested Read: Best things to do in Kolkata
4. Babur Haat – Explore The Rural Life
Looking for offbeat places near Kolkata for the weekend? Babur Haat is the answer. This place gives you a taste of the rural life of Bengal. You will find bheris (natural fishing lakes) in this area, known for having some of the best fish in West Bengal. You can do many activities here such as fishing, roaming near vegetable orchards, country boating, enjoying scenic landscapes, and rural areas. Want to enjoy some open space? Then enjoy outdoor games at the village’s open grounds or visit Malancha villages a mere 15 km from Babur Haat.
Location: Medinipur district
Distance from Kolkata: 50 km
Best time to visit: Before summer starts
5. Ambika Kalna – For History Buffs
Ambika Kalna is one of the top offbeat places near Kolkata within 100 kms for history lovers. You can tour this place in a day as you will be delighted to find historical relics that date back more than 1000 years. You can find many Bengal temples that are architectural marvels and made with natural artistry. The Chaitanya Temple is the first ever made and resides in this city of temples. Mosques are also something you will find in this city as Ambika Kalna was conquered at a time. It has a rich cultural history that is intriguing and pure fun.
Location: Purba Bardhaman district
Distance from Kolkata: 94 km
Best time to visit: October to March
Suggested Read: Historical Places In Kolkata
6. Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary – A Birdwatcher’s Dream
Image Source: Arpan20102000 for Wikimedia Commons
Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary, or Kalyan’r Bagan, houses over 150 bird species. But it’s more than just a bird sanctuary. You will also find different types of butterflies, reptiles, plants, mammals, and flowers. It is a nature’s paradise because the amazing sounds of birds and distinct types of plants will surround you. It is a perfect weekend getaway for those with children and those who want to escape the usual grind of bustling Kolkata. You will find the orchard is dense with local fruit trees. This is an offbeat tourist spot near Kolkata you don’t want to miss!
Location: South 24 Parganas district
Timings: 7:00 am to 5 pm
Distance from Kolkata: 20 km
Best time to visit: October to March
7. Kamarpukur – Cluster Of Villages
Image Source: Sukanta Pal for Wikimedia Commons
Kamarpukur is an excellent choice of offbeat places near Kolkata within 100 kms. It is a bunch of villages that fall between Tarakeshwar and Vishnupur. As it is the birthplace of Sri Ramkrishna Paramhansa, you will feel the good vibe all around. A sense of peace lurks in these villages that the city life just cannot match. It is dipped in simplicity, and the atmosphere will make you forget all your troubles. You can visit many temples there and take in the scenic landscapes. It can be a weekend tour or even a few hours of visit. It will surely be unforgettable.
Location: Hooghly district
Distance from Kolkata: 96 km
Best time to visit: Before summer begins
Suggested Read: Most Beautiful Villages in India You Must Visit
8. Sonajhuri – A Clean Forest
Image Source:Biswarup Ganguly for Wikimedia Commons
Sonajhuri is among the best offbeat places near Kolkata within a 200 km radius as it is deemed among the cleanest forests in the country. People often undermine this place until they visit it. If you want to make the most of your visit, come on a Saturday. You can relish the local market on that day called the Sonajhuri Haat, where handmade goods made by the villagers are sold. It is great for those who appreciate other cultures as you can see firsthand and learn about indigenous culture. You can cover it in one day or enjoy a long weekend here.
Location: Birbhum district
Distance from Kolkata: 166 km
Best time to visit: October to March
9. Sundarbans – The Best Mangrove Forest
The first thing that comes when you hear Sundarbans is the royal Bengal Tiger. And while this is the highlight of the place, you will certainly enjoy the thick forests filled with mangroves, rivers, and estuaries. The endangered species thrive here which is why it is among the best-preserved forests in the country. You can also visit Ghoramara Island, Marichjhapi, and New Moore Island, among the top offbeat places near Kolkata. It is a trip you can enjoy alone or with your loved ones as you watch nature play out in its true form with greenery and stunning views.
Location: South and North Parganas district
Distance from Kolkata: 110 km
Best time to visit: September to May
Suggested Read: Gavi Forest
10. Daronda – A Place Filled With Temples and Wildlife
Among the list of offbeat places near Kolkata within 200 kms, you have Daronda, home to many forests. You can go to Bolpur in Daronda to revel in the Sonajhuri Khawai Forest, Viswabharati Complex, and Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary and Deer Park. You will also find Upasana Griha, Srijoni Shilpagram, and Kopai River here. Surul and Supur in Daronda are full of temples such as Jora Shiva Temple and Paschim Para Shiva Temple. Illambazar in Daronda is also home to Raneshwar Shiva, Illambazar Forest, and Mahaprabhu Temple.
Location: Birbhum district
Distance from Kolkata: 160 km
Best time to visit: July to March
11. Murshidabad – An Intriguing Historical Site
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A historical treasure, the town of Murshidabad has history etched in every corner, making it among the best offbeat places near Kolkata. In the northern part of the town, you will find the Nashipur Palace, Kathgala Gardens, and the ruined Begum Ajimunnishah’s mosque. In the southern and central regions, the clock tower, Chawk Masjid, Hazardauri Palace and Museum, and New Palace will be found. The remaining western side of Murshidabad has temples such as Ratneshwar Temple, Kiriteshwari Temple and Dahapara Dham. You can also go on a country boat ride at Khosbag.
Location: Murshidabad district
Distance from Kolkata: 209 km
Best time to visit: July to March
Further Read: Places to visit in Summer in West Bengal
As you can see, there are loads of offbeat places near Kolkata, so make sure you add these to your trip to Kolkata. Whether you are a history buff or want to experience serenity all around, all these offbeat places near Kolkata have something special to offer you. Which offbeat place are you planning to go to next?
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Frequently Asked Questions About Offbeat Places Near Kolkata
Which are the best offbeat places near Kolkata?
Some coolest offbeat places near Kolkata you must visit are Sundarbans, Ambika Kalna, Murshidabad, and Natungram.
What are some offbeat places in Howrah?
Howrah has many offbeat locations such as Bandhaghat, Ramkrisnapur Ghat, and Nazirgunj Ghat.
What are the top offbeat places near Kolkata for the weekend?
Babur Haat, Duelti, Shantiniketan, Kharagpur, and Durgapur are some offbeat places near Kolkata that are perfect for a weekend getaway.
Are there offbeat places near Kolkata in Purulia?
Yes, Doldanga is a great offbeat place in Purulia. It is a tribal village in the Sonajhuri forest.
Which offbeat hill station is close to Kolkata?
Kalimpong, Taki, and Mukutmanipur are some of the best hill stations near Kolkata.
Which beach is offbeat in Kolkata?
Bakkhali is a beach that is among the offbeat places near Kolkata. It is located 130 km from Kolkata.
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