When the workweek winds down and the itch to escape the chaos of city life takes over, a weekend getaway is the perfect remedy. And if you are in or around West Bengal, you are spoilt for choice. With its diverse landscape of serene hills, picturesque beaches, vibrant culture, and rich colonial heritage, West Bengal is an ideal destination for rejuvenating short trips.
Whether you are looking to explore the misty mountains of the north, unwind by the Bay of Bengal, or lose yourself in the charm of old-world towns, West Bengal offers something for every traveler. In this guide, curated by Adotrip, we take you through some of the best weekend getaways and places to visit in West Bengal that are perfect for your next short escape.
1. Darjeeling – The Queen of Hills
Distance from Kolkata: Approx. 615 km
Ideal for: Families, Couples, Nature Lovers
Perched at an altitude of 2,050 meters, Darjeeling is a timeless destination. A perfect blend of colonial charm and scenic beauty, this hill station is known for its lush tea gardens, panoramic views of Mount Kanchenjunga, and the iconic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.
Top Attractions:
Tiger Hill (for sunrise views)
Batasia Loop
Darjeeling Zoo
Peace Pagoda
Tea Estates
Weekend Tip: Don’t miss the Darjeeling toy train ride – it’s a UNESCO World Heritage experience.
2. Mandarmani – Seaside Serenity
Distance from Kolkata: Approx. 170 km
Ideal for: Beach Lovers, Couples, Solo Travelers
Mandarmani is one of the longest motorable beaches in India and makes for a quiet, luxurious weekend getaway. Unlike the crowded Digha, Mandarmani is more peaceful and ideal for a beach holiday with family or friends.
Top Attractions:
Mandarmani Beach
Water sports and ATV rides
Sunset strolls
Nearby visit to Shankarpur
Weekend Tip: Book a beachfront resort in advance for the best experience.
3. Santiniketan – Land of Tagore
Distance from Kolkata: Approx. 160 km
Ideal for: Culture Lovers, History Buffs, Students
Established by Rabindranath Tagore, Santiniketan is not just a university town but a cultural epicenter that nurtures Bengal’s rich heritage. It offers a peaceful retreat into nature and literature.
Top Attractions:
Visva-Bharati University
Rabindra Bhavan Museum
Amarkunja
Saturday Haats (craft bazaars)
Weekend Tip: Visit during Poush Mela or Basanta Utsav for a vibrant cultural treat.
4. Sundarbans – The Wild Mystique
Distance from Kolkata: Approx. 100 km (plus boat ride)
Ideal for: Wildlife Enthusiasts, Photographers, Adventurers
The Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the world’s largest mangrove forest and home to the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger. It offers an adventurous weekend experience amidst creeks and estuaries.
Top Attractions:
Sajnekhali Watch Tower
Dobanki Canopy Walk
Crocodile and turtle breeding centers
Mangrove interpretation center
Weekend Tip: Opt for a guided boat safari to spot wildlife safely.
5. Kalimpong – Peaceful Himalayan Escape
Distance from Siliguri: Approx. 70 km
Ideal for: Couples, Nature Seekers, Backpackers
Kalimpong, with its colonial architecture, Buddhist monasteries, and panoramic views, offers a serene and spiritual retreat. It’s less crowded than Darjeeling but equally beautiful.
Top Attractions:
Zang Dhok Palri Monastery
Cactus Nursery
Deolo Hill
Dr. Graham’s Homes
Weekend Tip: Try local Tibetan food from small cafes and interact with monks.
6. Dooars – Gateway to North Bengal Wildlife
Distance from Siliguri: Approx. 60-80 km
Ideal for: Wildlife Lovers, Adventure Seekers
Dooars, the floodplains at the foothills of the eastern Himalayas, is a lesser-known but incredible getaway. With lush forests, sprawling tea gardens, and wildlife sanctuaries, it’s a paradise for eco-tourism.
Top Attractions:
Gorumara National Park
Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary
Murti River
Buxa Fort
Weekend Tip: Book a forest bungalow and wake up to the sound of chirping birds.
7. Raichak – Riverside Relaxation
Distance from Kolkata: Approx. 55 km
Ideal for: Luxury Escapes, Couples
A small town on the banks of the Hooghly River, Raichak is known for its luxurious resorts and colonial history. It’s perfect for a short romantic or rejuvenating getaway.
Top Attractions:
Fort Raichak
Ganga riverside promenade
Nearby Diamond Harbour
Weekend Tip: Enjoy a sunset cruise along the Ganges.
8. Bakkhali – Offbeat Beach Delight
Distance from Kolkata: Approx. 130 km
Ideal for: Quiet Getaways, Photographers, Offbeat Travelers
Less commercialized than Digha or Mandarmani, Bakkhali offers an untouched beach experience. With red crabs dotting the shores and dense mangrove cover, it’s a natural haven.
Top Attractions:
Bakkhali Beach
Henry Island
Crocodile Breeding Center
Weekend Tip: Visit early morning or during low tide for the best beach walk experience.
9. Bishnupur – Temple Town of Terracotta
Distance from Kolkata: Approx. 135 km
Ideal for: History and Architecture Enthusiasts
Known for its terracotta temples and Baluchari sarees, Bishnupur is a delight for history lovers. It narrates stories of Bengal’s rich artistic and cultural lineage.
Top Attractions:
Rasmancha Temple
Jor Bangla Temple
Madan Mohan Temple
Bishnupur Museum
Weekend Tip: Carry home some terracotta souvenirs and handwoven sarees.
10. Taki – Border Town with a View
Distance from Kolkata: Approx. 80 km
Ideal for: Peace Seekers, Nature Lovers
Taki is a scenic town on the banks of Ichamati River that forms the border with Bangladesh. It offers a tranquil riverside escape and a glimpse of a different way of life.
Top Attractions:
Ichamati Boat Ride
Golpatar Jungle
Taki Rajbari
Weekend Tip: Boat rides on the Ichamati River offer a view of both India and Bangladesh.
Why Choose Weekend Getaways in West Bengal?
From mountains to mangroves and temples to tea estates, West Bengal’s landscape is incredibly diverse. Whether you're seeking solitude or adventure, relaxation or heritage, the state has a weekend getaway tailored just for you. And thanks to improved roads and transport, most of these destinations are just a few hours away from major cities like Kolkata and Siliguri.
Travel Tips for Weekend Trips
Start early: Beat the weekend traffic and make the most of your short trip.
Pack light: Carry essentials, a water bottle, sunscreen, and a basic medical kit.
Book in advance: Especially in popular spots like Darjeeling or Mandarmani.
Respect local culture: West Bengal is culturally rich; be mindful while exploring.
Use local transport: It’s economical and gives you a true feel of the region.
FAQs About Places to Visit in West Bengal for Weekends
Q1. What are the best weekend getaways near Kolkata?
Mandarmani, Raichak, Santiniketan, Taki, and Bakkhali are great options for weekend trips from Kolkata.
Q2. Is Darjeeling suitable for a 2-day trip?
Yes, a 2-day itinerary covering Tiger Hill, tea gardens, and the toy train ride is ideal for a quick getaway.
Q3. Are the beaches in West Bengal clean and safe?
Mandarmani and Bakkhali are relatively cleaner and safer compared to more crowded beaches like Digha.
Q4. Which weekend destinations are best for families?
Darjeeling, Dooars, Mandarmani, and Santiniketan are great for family outings.
Q5. Can I do wildlife safaris over a weekend?
Yes, destinations like Sundarbans and Dooars offer quick 1-2 day safaris and forest stays.
Q6. Are there luxury weekend getaway options in West Bengal?
Absolutely. Raichak and Mandarmani have several premium resorts offering luxury experiences.
Q7. How do I reach Bishnupur from Kolkata?
You can reach Bishnupur via train or road (NH2 or SH2), with travel time of about 4-5 hours.
Q8. Which hill station is closest to Siliguri?
Kalimpong is the nearest hill station, around 70 km from Siliguri.
Q9. Is Taki a good destination for monsoon travel?
Yes, Taki becomes lush and scenic during monsoons, but river boating may be limited.
Q10. What are the offbeat places to visit in West Bengal?
Henry Island, Taki, Bishnupur, and Dooars are ideal offbeat weekend spots.
Final Thoughts
Whether you crave mountains, forests, history, or the sea, there are countless amazing places to visit in West Bengal that cater to your wanderlust, even if it's just for a weekend. With the perfect blend of culture, nature, and comfort, these weekend getaways promise memories that last far longer than two days.
So go ahead — pack your bags, check out the routes on Adotrip’s trip planner, and set out to explore the weekend wonders of West Bengal!
