20 Best Road Trips From Kolkata Under 5 Hours

Located in South 24 Parganas, approximately 155 km from Kolkata, Bankiput is a peaceful little haven on the West Bengal shore. It's a great spot when you need a long drive and want a quiet getaway from the typical throng because of its serene waves and untouched attractiveness. The casuarina (Jhau) woods that encircle the beach add to its natural beauty and provide a sense of peace. Petuaghat Fishing Port, which is near the beach, offers a glimpse of local life as boats arrive, fisherman fix their nets, and there's a busy hum around. The Dariyapur Lighthouse, which stands nearby, offers expansive panoramas from its summit as well as an opportunity to appreciate its historic appeal.

Distance From Kolkata: 155 kilometres

Time Taken By Car: 4 hours

Best Time To Visit: October - February, June - September

LBB Tip: This place specialises in serving freshly caught seafood, and you can enjoy delectable meals like crab masala, fish fry, and prawn curry.

Taki, located on the banks of the Ichamati River, which separates India and Bangladesh, is a town with lush paddy fields and dazzling ponds. Every year, it, like the rest of West Bengal, changes into a brilliant hub of Durga Puja festivities. The Epar Bangla Opar Bangla Devi Visharjan Darshan represents Bengal's rich cultural tapestry and harmony, representing the merging of Epar Bangla (West Bengal) and Opar Bangla (Bangladesh) in a joint devotion to the goddess. During this auspicious occasion, devotees gather in lively processions, proudly carrying exquisitely carved Durga idols. 

Distance From Kolkata: 70 kilometres

Time Taken By Car: 3.5 - 4 hours

Best Time To Visit: October - February, September - October (during Durga Pujo)

LBB Tip: Taki is home to many old zamindar-style heritage homes; make sure to take a look at them.

On the banks of the Hooghly, Raichak is a tiny community with a port. The town used to be a major hub for the trade of betel leaves and salt. The town grew to be a significant hub for the jute trade during the British colonial era. It is home to the Raichak Fort, a magnificent hotel and spa built in a former colonial fort. Diamond Harbour, renowned for its historical charm and scenic beauty, is about 15 miles away. Gadiara, at the meeting point of the Hooghly and Rupnarayan rivers, is a great place for a relaxed picnic. Nearby is the Mughal-era Chingrikhali Fort, which is situated on the banks of the Hooghly River. About 100 km away, the Sundarbans entice the daring with their renowned tiger reserve, abundant wildlife, and impenetrable mangroves.

Distance From Kolkata: 50 - 55 kilometres

Time Taken By Car: 1.5 - 2 hours

Best Time To Visit: October - March

LBB Tip: Book a stay at Ganga Kutir and walk down the path towards the Ganga and stroll along the banks. Ride the boats, launches, and ferry from Kukrahati to explore the place and interact with the locals. 

Shantiniketan in Bolpur seems like walking into a film: calm, beautiful, and ageless. Rabindranath Tagore established Viswa Bharati University at Shantiniketan, an idyllic haven where traditional knowledge coexists with contemporary education. With iconic buildings like Rabindra Bhavan, Kala Bhavana, and Chhatimtala, as well as lively celebrations like Poush Mela and Basanta Utsav, the campus honours art, nature, and tradition, making it a spiritual paradise rich in culture and creativity. The monsoon season brings a lot of rain that turns the scenery lush and green, and it is a different vibe when visited during that season. 

Distance From Kolkata: 160 - 165 kilometres

Time Taken By Car: 4.5 hours

Best Time To Visit: October - March, late December (Poush mela)

LBB Tip: Explore the Viswa Bharati campus, visit the Kopai river, enjoy the Poush Mela, and shop at Sonajhuri Haat.

When you travel up to Gangani in Garhbeta, West Midnapore, you'll understand why it's known as the Grand Canyon of Bengal. Along the River Silabati, there is a deep gorge of red clay that has been sculpted by wind and water over many years. With patches of white sand, the cliffs appear untamed and unique. You descend along a government-constructed stairway, and as you go down, the red dirt gradually turns yellow. According to the locals, this area was constructed when a monster named Bakasura dwelt here and was vanquished by Bhima from the Mahabharata.

Distance From Kolkata: 135 kilometres

Time Taken By Car: 3.4 - 4 hours

Best Time To Visit: October - March

LBB Tip: Visit during the early hours of the morning, the sand is said to glow up. 

Serampore is a riverbank town where Bengali history and Danish influences coexist. You have the exquisitely renovated 1806 St Olav's Church, which is at peace and quiet, and still has a lot of historical charm. Then there's the sprawling Serampore Rajbari, which has a dramatic old-school Durga Puja ambiance and royal arches. Visit the Henry Martyn Pagoda for views of the river and some silent ruins. If you enjoy old books and fascinating stories, Serampore College, founded by William Carey, houses a museum and India's first printing machine. The cemeteries, both Danish and missionary, are pleasant little historical sites. If you enjoy unhurried walks, stories waiting to be unearthed, and hidden jewels with vintage appeal, you should go to Serampore.

Distance From Kolkata: 26 - 30 kilometres

Time Taken By Car: 1.5 - 2 hours

Best Time To Visit: October - March, April - June

LBB Tip: Eat at the Danish Tavern, which serves Danish-style sausages and Danish pastries. Visit the Danish Cemetery, Mission Cemetery, and Henry Martyn Pagoda.

Situated on the banks of India's most revered river, the Ganges, 100 kilometres away from the bustle of Kolkata, this location is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is home to the largest mangrove forest in the world. The bright lime green paddy fields shimmer in contrast to the brown mud cottages, yellow straw roofs, and black muck of the mangroves, while houses, walls, fences, channels, embankments, and roads are all constructed from the delta's mud. An early morning boat trip through the mangroves to the uninhabited islands of the Sundarban Delta, a night safari with phosphorescent plankton glittering, and a small boat deep into the mangroves while taking in the surrounding bird life—all of which heighten the suspense as you keep your eyes open for the Royal Bengal Tiger!

Distance From Kolkata: 100 - 110 kilometres

Time Taken By Car: 4 hours

Best Time To Visit: November - March

LBB Tip: Night safari, evening safari, boat rides, book a stay at the eco-tourism resorts and spa for a guided tour around the delta. 

Located on the banks of the Bhagirathi River in West Bengal, Murshidabad is a historic town. Named for Nawab Murshid Quli Khan, it served as the capital of undivided Bengal until 1717, when the British moved it to Calcutta in 1773. The town is famous for the Battle of Plassey (1757), which marked the beginning of British administration in India and saw the British beat Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah through treachery despite having fewer troops. Key sights include the enormous Nizamat Imambara mosque across from the palace, the Footi Mosque, Wasif Manzil, the modest Madina Mosque, and the Hazarduari Palace (Palace of a Thousand Doors), which is now a museum containing royal treasures.

Distance From Kolkata: 205 - 230 kilometres

Time Taken By Car: 3 hours

Best Time To Visit: 4.5 - 5 hours

LBB Tip: Visit the Battle of Plassey grounds and Hazarduari Palace 

On the Kolkata-Digha route, the main attraction of Tajpur is its beautiful beach, lined with dense tamarisk trees. You will see the sand carpeted with red crabs during the day. At the break of dawn, you will get to witness the chaotic yet delightful cacophony of the seagulls at the beach. About 175 kilometres separate Kolkata and Tajpur. You can stay at the Tajpur Nature Camp to explore the place for a while. Sea fish, prawns, crabs, and desi chicken are all kept in abundance in the beachside shacks, which also serve cold beer. It is pet-friendly, so grab your bags and your four-legged bestie for an amazing beach staycation! 

Distance From Kolkata: 170 - 173 kilometres

Time Taken By Car: 4.2 hours

Best Time To Visit: April - June, October - March

LBB Tip: Explore nearby villages, book a stay at Tajpur Nature Camp, visit the beaches, and eat local seafood.

If you wish to have the perfect beach monsoon getaway that doesn't include ear-throbbing music or alcohol-heavy evenings, Bakkhali is the place to be. Beach walks, wind farms, boat rides, islands, and cycle rides are to be found around town. Well-known for its golden dunes, small red crabs, and serene atmosphere. If you can't walk, take a taxi, see kingfishers, or stay in nearby cottages. Take a boat from here to the enigmatic island of Jambu Dweep, which is submerged for a portion of the year. A British officer's unfulfilled dream left behind haunting ruins and windmills spinning against a stormy sky at Frasergunj Wind Park. Lastly, relax at the crescent-shaped Bakkhali Beach, which is ideal for strolls at sunset and has the serene Bishhalakshmi Temple at its far end.

Distance From Kolkata: 125 kilometres

Time Taken By Car: 3.5 - 4 hours

Best Time To Visit: October - March, July - September

LBB Tip: Visit Henry's Island, Bakkhali beach, and the crocodile breeding centre. Enjoy watersport activities and eating Bengali food. 

Digha is West Bengal's most popular sea beach and tourist destination, located south-west of Kolkata. It is 187 kilometres from the city, making it an excellent destination for a vacation. Digha has a steep climb and a shallow sandy coastline with calm waves that stretch seven kilometres. You can take part in activities such as banana boat rides and speedboat rides. Children can ride horses, toy vehicles, and make sandcastles. You can also rent two-wheelers and ride them around the beach or to a location called Mohona. Don't pass up the delicious fish fries and shrimp cocktails offered by the neighbourhood street food vendors.

Distance From Kolkata: 190 kilometres

Time Taken By Car: 4.5 - 5 hours

Best Time To Visit: October - February, July - September

LBB Tip: Boat rides, bike rides across the coast, tasting local seafood, visiting Talsari beach, which is less crowded, visiting Marine Aquarium and Regional Centre, spending time at Amrabati park and exploring Bichitrapur Mangrove Sanctuary. 

With its European architecture, Bandel is great for a one-day break! Go and see the service at St Basilica. The Bandel church is something you shouldn’t miss. This Doric-style church with its open spaces and beautiful paintings is the best example of the Portuguese influence in Bandel. This well-maintained church with Rosario’s Idol was one of the first churches built in Bengal! From a distance, you can see the graceful minarets of the Hooghly Imambara, which was constructed in 1861. Admire the magnificence of the Islamic calligraphy on the walls and the old clocks. The prayer hall with coloured glass and marbles in black and white wins. It is most famous for its famous clock, which was purchased from M/s Black & Hurray Co., the manufacturers of Big Ben in London, in 1852. It is situated between the twin towers of 15 feet and features three bells and two dials. The large bell chimes every hour, while the smaller ones do so every 15 minutes. Using a 20 kg key, winding it takes two people 30 minutes per week!

Distance From Kolkata: 49 - 53 kilometres

Time Taken By Car: 1 hour

Best Time To Visit: October - February, April - June

LBB Tip: You must check out Felu Modak. Although this place is further away from Bandel, it serves great sandesh, kalojam, malai rabri and mango malai rabri.

Mayapur is a city of ancient temples and myths. It is one of the nine islands that form the Navadweep (that looks like a lotus flower with eight petals) and is situated just at the confluence of the Ganga and Jalangi rivers. It’s a well-known pilgrimage place attracting tourists and devotees from across the world. It’s believed that Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Lord Krishna’s incarnate, was born here, which is why there’s also a temple dedicated to him. The famous ISKCON temple is also here. 

Distance From Kolkata: 128.9 kilometres

Time Taken By Car: 4.5 hours

Best Time To Visit: February - March, November - March

LBB Tip: Visits during the Gaura Purnima festival also offer vibrant processions, cultural performances, and an energetic atmosphere!

The perfect place for a picnic is Deulti, which is located on the Roopnarayan River. Along with a few other tourist attractions, this little village picnic spot is also home to famous Bengali poet Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay's hometown of Samtaber and the terracotta-adorned Madangopal and Radha temples. If you're a bird lover, listen to the chirps of various birds as you stroll down the town's clay walkways. 

Distance From Kolkata: 60 - 65 kilometres

Time Taken By Car: 1.5 - 2 hours

Best Time To Visit: October - March, July - September

LBB Tip: The well-known towns of Kolaghat, Garchumuk, and Gadiara are also close to Deulti.

Just 35 kilometres away from the city, Bawali is the best place for a weekend escape if you want to mix your vacation with a little dose of history. This village near Budge Budge is known for its palatial mansions and old temples. The greatest attraction of this place is the 300-year-old Bawali Rajbari, which has been restored and is now a heritage resort. You can also book one of the cottages at the Bawali farmhouse, spread across several acres with nurseries, gardens, ponds and tree houses.

Distance From Kolkata: 30 - 35 kilometres

Time Taken By Car: 1.5 - 2 hours

Best Time To Visit: October - March, July - September

LBB Tip: Chokher Bali and Bulbbul were filmed at Rajbari Bawali, making it a milestone in Bollywood. The Mantra Spa at the Heritage Hotel offers yoga, meditation, and detoxification treatments that promote weight loss and anti-ageing, as well as mental wellness.

Diamond Harbour is a laid-back picnic location close to Kolkata, where the Ganges meets the Bay of Bengal. Take a leisurely walk, admire the river's infinite expanse, or simply relax by the water. Visit Joynagar's ancient manuscripts and terracotta art, visit Bakkhali Beach, or explore the historic Portuguese fort for a little adventure. Travel via ferry on the Hooghly? An absolute must. You can even sail to Sagar Island or lounge at Raichak. If you want to fully experience the beautiful autumn season, October through March would be the best time to visit. In addition to the excellent weather, the festival season adds the icing on the cake. 

Distance From Kolkata: 50 - 54 kilometres

Time Taken By Car: 1.5 hours

Best Time To Visit: October - March

LBB Tip: Visit the Chingrikhali fort ruins and watch the sunsets.

The town of Chinsurah, sometimes known as Chuchura, is located in West Bengal's Hooghly district. This town is a shining example of graceful architecture. In 1656, the Dutch established their commerce in indigo and spices here. They got into a fight with the British in 1759 and lost in thirty minutes. Until the British eventually acquired control of the town in 1825, it was constantly changing hands. By the way, this is where Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay wrote Vande Mataram! The Dutch Cemetery, St. John's Church, the clock tower of Ghorir More, Hooghly Imambara, and Bandel Church exhibit colonial grandeur. The defiance of Kazi Nazrul reverberates throughout Hooghly Jail, while the Chandannagar Strand offers a picturesque riverbank haven.

Distance From Kolkata: 50 - 54 kilometres

Time Taken By Car: 1.2 - 1.5 hours

Best Time To Visit: October - March

LBB Tip: Bengali sweets like langcha, mihidana, or fresh fish dishes from local eateries is a must-try

Piyali Island, a picturesque picnic area south of Kolkata, is regarded as one of the main routes to the Sundarbans. A boat trip on the Matla River is a must-try here. Numerous hiking and walking trails can be found here as well. You can also see a range of migratory birds when they visit in the winter. Piyali is located 74 kilometres from Kolkata. The island and mainland are connected by the Piyali Dam. The calm location is perfect for a picnic, and the water's ripples below are a sight to behold. A stroll through the verdant paddy fields and the adjacent lush mangrove woods is a wonderful way to unwind in the middle of nature.

Distance From Kolkata: 70 - 80 kilometres

Time Taken By Car: 1.5 - 2 hours

Best Time To Visit: October - March

LBB Tip: Migratory birds arrive during winter, making it great for bird‑watching and photography.

Bengalis love to go on picnics, and Neeldeep Garden, which is close to Baruipur, is an ideal setting to recreate those everlasting childhood memories. This lush sanctuary, which spans 32 kathas and is filled with fruit trees, seasonal flowers, and flying butterflies, is the perfect place for families and friend groups to go to. It's where kids run wild, adda flows as freely as cha, and someone invariably starts singing Coffee House'er Sei Adda since it has a dining hall, a playground, and open green areas. Bring your cricket bat, shingara, and sense of nostalgia because a picnic in Kolkata wouldn't be complete without a little harmonica session in the sun.

Distance From Kolkata: 30 - 35 kilometres

Time Taken By Car: 1 hour

Best Time To Visit: November - February

LBB Tip: The garden is aesthetically pleasing, with sections set out for selfies and photos and even a rooftop lounging area. Pack a mat, water, and some snacks, and allow at least two to three hours to really enjoy the location's charms.

In the centre of a lovely 17-acre plot of ground in Balakhana, Nabadwip, is this magnificent French-style home known as the Maheshganj Estate. It was sold to an Englishman by a French indigo dealer and is currently owned by the Palchoudhuris. It is also referred to as Neel Kothi or Indigo House. The structure has two non-air-conditioned and three air-conditioned rooms, with the main draw being a 2,000-square-foot veranda that dominates the property. You may lounge on the swing or in the old chairs here for hours on end. They have a library that will keep you entertained. Cards, darts, carom, and snooker on the estate's antique table are all indoor pastimes, while those who want to go outside can explore their expansive gardens. 

Distance From Kolkata: 110 kilometres

Time Taken By Car: 3 - 4 hours

Best Time To Visit: November - March

LBB Tip: There are guided nature hikes available at the estate as well. A boat ride along the Jalangi River at sunset is highly recommended, as it is breathtaking.

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