With the Good Friday weekend knocking at the doors, many people are excited about the long weekend possibilities. If you haven't decided on places to escape to for a short holiday, here are some great last-minute destinations you can travel to from Kolkata. These places are perfect for a long weekend, encompassing historic towns, delta islands and more.
McCluskieganj is a small hilly town located about 64 km northwest of Jharkhand capital's, Ranchi. If you have seen the film "A Death In The Gunj," you would be familiar with its unique ethos. The town, which was founded as a home for Anglo-Indian communities, has managed to retain some of its Raj-era atmosphere. The main attraction of McCluskieganj is to slow down and do nothing, or very little. If you are looking for some activities, you can explore the British era bungalows and churches. Some of these Anglo-Indian residences have now been converted into guest houses. An interesting outing is to Dugadugi River, which is just five km away from town.
Places to Visit: Head to the McCluskieganj Church, Chatti River, Kuwarpaatra River Canyon, Sarba Dharma Sthal, or simply stroll past the British-era bungalows.
How to Get There: The nearest airport to McCluskieganj is Ranchi Airport which is 70 km away. Mccluskieganj Railway Station is connected to several cities.
This may be a longer trip but it is worth every minute! Nestled in the heart of the Darjeeling district, the picturesque hill station of Kurseong is known as the "Land of White Orchids." Kurseong boasts breathtaking views and fresh mountain air, making it a great place to visit. Take a trek up to Dow Hill and stop at the picturesque Chimney, which gets its name from a brick chimney built during the British era. A two km hike to Eagles Crag will lead you to a stunning viewpoint. The Makaibari Tea Estate, which is open to visitors, is also nearby. Do not miss the chance to experience a ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, which has been bestowed with UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
Places to Visit: Tea gardens aside, there's a lot to see in Kurseong such as Eagle's Craig, Giddapahar View Point, and Kurseong Deer Park, to name a few.
How To Get There: Bagdogra Airport is the nearest airport. Hire a taxi or take a shared cab to cover the approximately 40 km journey. Alternatively, you can take a train to New Jalpaiguri Railway Station and proceed by road. The scenic drive to Kurseong takes about two-three hours, offering breathtaking views of the Eastern Himalayas.
When you think of the beautiful clay work on Bengal's temples, Bishnupur is the first place that comes to mind. However, if you take a short diversion, you'll discover Gurap—a hidden gem of a village that boasts artwork comparable to Bishnupur's. This charming town is scattered with Shiva and Krishna temples, and decorated with priceless ceramic artwork from the 19th century. Terracotta tiles, used as decorations on the walls, roofs, and panels of ancient temples, depict stories from the past and feature fantastic craftsmanship. Gurap is located in the Hooghly district and can be reached from Kolkata in two to three hours by car.
Places to Visit: Places of interest around Gurap include the Hooghly Imambara, Bandel Church, and Dakshineswar Kali Temple, to name a few.
How to Get There: The nearest airport is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata. The nearest major railway station is also in Kolkata. So, if you're looking for a weekend getaway, consider this short two-hour-long road trip.
Mousuni Island is a serene destination located near Namkhana. Offering a mesmerising view of the confluence of the sea and river, it is kissed by golden sunshine on glistening sands. The island is part of the expansive Bengal deltaic islands and is separated from Sagar Island by the Muri Ganga river to the west. The Chinai river flows between Mousuni and the Bakkhali coast in the east, providing stunning vistas of the Ganga's distributaries merging with the Bay of Bengal.
The place is a nature lover's paradise. You can explore its long, slender beach adorned with the region's characteristic mangrove vegetation. Baliara Beach offers a panoramic sea view, while Patibunia showcases the riverine landscape. It is also home to a wide variety of birds.
Places to Visit: An offbeat gem near Kolkata, Mousuni Island is ideal for a rural escape. When here, plan your trip to include a visit to Baliara Beach, Kakramarir Char, and Patibunia.
How to Get There: To reach Mousuni Island from Kolkata (approximately 120 km away), start by heading to Namkhana, around 100 km from the city. You can opt for a bus or train to reach Namkhana. From there, embark on a 10-minute boat ride across the Hatania Doania river. Upon arrival, book a toto rickshaw to Bagdanga kheya ghat, a 30-minute ride away. Finally, enjoy a 20-minute boat ride to reach Bagdanga and begin your Mousuni adventure.
This story was first published on March 27, 2024; and it has since been updated.