Independence Day 2025: 5 Lesser-Known Places To Visit Near Kolkata

The long weekend of Independence Day 2024 is around the corner. And Kolkata serves as the perfect launchpad for many captivating destinations just a short distance away. Whether you yearn for an immersive forest adventure or tranquil coastal retreats, the options are plentiful, offering something for everyone within reach of the bustling city. Below, you'll find a few enticing trip ideas to make the most of your Independence Day 2024 long weekend getaway from Kolkata.

Raimatang For Nature's Beauty

Situated along the Raimatang River, this forest village near the Bhutan border is enveloped by hills and verdant tea gardens. The area's forests previously housed a substantial rhinoceros population, but due to hunting, the population has significantly declined. There are numerous activities to partake in, such as fishing, birdwatching, safaris, and treks to Lepchakha and Chunabhati. You can also stroll along the Raimatang riverbed or arrange for a guided jungle safari through the dense region of Buxa Tiger Reserve. The watchtower in this vicinity offers splendid views of the Buxa Forest and occasional glimpses of wildlife.

Getting There

The nearest railway stations are Alipurduar Junction and New Jalpaiguri Junction. The distance from Alipurduar Junction to Raimatang is around 40 km and the distance from New Jalpaiguri Junction (NJP) is 155 km. The nearest airport is located at Bagdogra, around 170 km away.

Gajoldoba For Birdwatching

Discover the beauty of Gajoldoba, situated just 10 km from Siliguri and adjacent to the Baikunthapur forest. This is the first reservoir built in the Teesta basin, with the majestic Mahananda River to the west and the Teesta River to the east. Surrounded by the Terai forest zone of the South Himalayan foothills, this area has a rich history. According to legend, it is believed that Lord Krishna sought sanctuary in this forest with his queen, Rukmini. Embracing a variety of migratory species, including the small grebe, bar-headed geese, greylag goose, lesser whistling duck, red shelduck, Eurasian wigeon, big cormorant, Indian Cormorant, small cormorant, purple heron, northern lapwing, and many more, Gajoldoba is a nature enthusiast's paradise that should not be missed.

Getting There

The nearest airport is at Bagdogra, around 40 km from Gajoldoba. New Jalpaiguri Junction railway station is around 28 km away.

Junput For Beach Bliss

Junput is located approximately 40 km from Digha and 145 km from Kolkata. It's known as an aquaculture research hub and offers a great getaway. If you visit via Contai, you'll find a museum and a pisciculture unit run by the state fisheries department. While exploring, it's best to avoid areas where locals dry fish to prevent the strong smell. Nearby Bankiput beach, although not widely visited due to limited accommodations, is definitely worth a visit. Don't miss the chance to explore the Dariapur Lighthouse and the fishing harbour where the Rasulpur River meets the Bay of Bengal.

Getting There

The nearest railhead is Digha. The nearest airport is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, around 160 km away.

Saranda For Forests

The Saranda sanctuary spans 820 square kilometers and was formerly a private game reserve of the Singh Deo royals of Saraikela. Situated in the West Singhbhum district, the area provides visitors with exceptional wilderness experiences amidst its lush sal forests and diverse botanical treasures. Saranda, meaning "seven hundred hills," lies along the elephant corridor connecting the nearby forests of Odisha's Keonjhar district and continues to be a historic habitat for the Asiatic elephant, bison, and leopard. There have even been sightings of the elusive tiger. Fed by the Karo and Koina rivers, this unspoiled sanctuary is a paradise for botanists due to its abundant plant life. The region is also home to the Ho tribesmen. Additionally, consider exploring Saraikela, a tranquil village located on the banks of the Kharkai River. It is one of the birthplaces of Chhau dance, the others being Purulia and Mayurbhanj. Originally exclusively for men, the government-operated dance centre now welcomes women and attracts international students. It is also a hub for creating intricate Chhau masks, which serve as a valuable memento and an intriguing conversation starter in your home.

Getting There

The nearest railheads are Manoharpur (MOU) or Barbil (BBN). The nearest airport is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata.

Daringbadi For Waterfalls

Daringbadi in Odisha is home to pine forests and plantations of coffee, pepper, and turmeric. It also boasts the stunning waterfalls of Putudi, the Doludi River, and the Belghar sanctuary, where wild tuskers and the Nakate tribe reside. Known as the Kashmir of Odisha, Daringbadi offers a blend of cultural, tribal, and nature tourism. Visitors should take advantage of the series of waterfalls, including the Daringbadi Waterfall, Putudi Waterfall, Dadubaba Waterfall, and Ludu Waterfall. The town is named after Daring Sahib, a British officer in charge. Tourists can enjoy the refreshing cool breeze while trekking along the hilly trails amidst the surreal landscape sprawling through the jungle. If the chill becomes too much, the hot springs of Taptapani are just a short distance away.

Getting There

The nearest railheads are Brahmapur Railway Station, around 130km away and Bhubaneshwar Railway Station, around 275 km away. If you are travelling by air the nearest airport is Biju Patnaik Airport, around 291 km away. You can easily hire private cabs from there.