15 Monsoon Destinations Near Kolkata To Experience The Best Of This Season

At the northern tip of the Bay of Bengal, in East Medinipur, Mandarmani is a place where time seems to slow down just enough to erase the craziness of the bustling city. Known as one of the longest beaches in India that can be driven on, it provides the unique experience of riding the waves. This beach is well-known for its sporadic colonies of small red crabs. It's only a four-hour drive from Kolkata, so you only need a weekend! 

How To Reach: It is around 170 kilometres away from Kolkata and takes four and a half hours to drive there. When visiting Mandarmani, it is always advised to drive. There are buses as well. 

Distance From Kolkata: 170 kilometres

Things To Do: Digha-Mandarmani cashew nuts are very popular. Make sure to buy some. Shacks provide excellent seafood like crab meat, prawns, and more.

 Shantiniketan in Bolpur seems like walking into a film: calm, beautiful, and ageless. Rabindranath Tagore established Visva Bharati University at Santiniketan, 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. 

How To Reach: It is reachable by trains that run on this route every day. The Howrah Division's Bolpur Railway Station and Prantik Railway Station provide comfortable transportation options to ensure a smooth journey. 

Distance From Kolkata: 163.3 kilometres

Things To Do: Explore the Viswa Bharati campus, visit the Kopai river, enjoy the Poush Mela, and shop at Sonajhuri Haat.

Pro Tip: Here's your full guide to Shantiniketan!

Situated 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, and 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.

How to Reach: The trip will cost you between INR 500 and INR 800 if you drive. It would cost you between INR 1,200 and INR 1,500 to rent or hire a car. 

Distance From Kolkata: 1,800 kilometres

Things To Do: 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. 

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.

How To Reach: You can take an express train from Howrah railway station to Digha station. Local trains leave from the Santragachi railway station. You can take a bus from Esplanade to Digha. A large number of WBSTC/SBSTC/private AC/non-AC buses are available daily. You can choose a private or hired car. A bike excursion from Howrah to Digha can be really thrilling.

Distance From Kolkata: 40 kilometres

Things To Do: 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. 

Pro Tip: Planning a full vacation at Digha? Check this out!

For those seeking a peaceful and thrilling experience, this is a utopia. There are a lot of things to do in Kurseong, like riding the famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway or visiting the Makaibari Tea Estate, which is the hub of the town's tea culture. Discover the bustling local markets, visit the tranquil Giddapahar Seti Mata Temple, and purchase handcrafted items to immerse yourself in a colourful, dynamic culture. A trip to Eagle's Crag at night seems unreal, as the valley shines like a secret just waiting to be kept, while the sunset flows orange, pink, and purple across the Himalayan horizon. Trekking through the dense woodlands of Dow Hill for half a day should also be on your list.

How To Reach: The quickest route from Kurseong to Kolkata is via train or plane via Siliguri. It takes about 3 hours. The cheapest is by train via Siliguri, which takes about 13 hours.

Distance From Kolkata: 600 kilometres

Things To Do: Book a ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, visit Makaibari Tea Estate, Trek through Dow Hill, and drink Darjeeling tea!

Pro Tip: Visiting Darjeeling? This guide is all you need!

Puri, located on the coast of Bengal, is an intriguing destination, particularly for families seeking a trip. Explore a market that features traditional art and rituals, have fun on the beaches, and see well-known religious locations like the Konark Sun Temple. Puri Beach, sometimes referred to as Golden Beach, is the most well-known beach in Puri. For both children and adults, it provides a wide range of thrilling water activities and thrills. Nabakalebara, meaning "new embodiment," refers to the periodical that replaces the five wooden idols that are worshipped. You can also witness this special custom of the temple of Shri Jagannath that takes place once every few years.

How to Reach: You can take a direct bus to Puri from Kolkata, which will cost you INR 330. Alternatively, you can opt for a direct bus, which will cost you INR 616.

Distance From Kolkata: 498 kilometres

Things To Do: Buy khaja or get it as prasad from the Jagannath temple, eat local food, take a walk by Chandrabhaga beach, and visit the Konark Sun temple.

Pro-Tip: Feeling the beach vibes? Here is all you need to know about Puri.

If you want to get away from the monsoon humidity of Kolkata, the first thing that springs to mind is to plan a brief excursion to the idyllic and magnificent villages of Lamahatta, Chatakpur, Tinchuley, and Takdah in Darjeeling, West Bengal. Known for its ecotourism park, which includes pine trees, prayer flags, twin sacred lakes, Jore Phokhari, and a picturesque watchtower with views of Teesta, Rangeet, and Kanchenjunga. For a taste of Darjeeling's best, tour neighbouring tea plantations like Runglee Rungliot and Makaibari, stroll along foggy paths, or unwind in bamboo gazebos. The Jogighat Bridge over the River Riyang is a charming, rural location for photos. The nearby villages provide a taste of local life, peaceful homestays, tea gardens, and an abundance of greenery. In addition, Mungpoo has a museum housed in a former farmhouse belonging to Tagore.

How To Reach: From Kolkata, take a train to New Jalpaiguri (NJP) and then rent a taxi for the three-hour trip. Another option is to drive 2.5 hours to Lamahatta from Bagdogra Airport. If you're driving, the trip takes roughly 14 to 16 hours.

Distance From Kolkata: 640 - 680 kilometres

Things To Do: Visit the pine forests, tea gardens, and villages like Tinchuley, Mungpoo, and Takdah. Eat churpee, thukpa, and sel roti. Go for rock climbing in Gumbadara Viewpoint, visit Tinchuley Sunrise Point, and the Tinchuley Monastery.

Pro Tip: Here's a guide to the top Lamahatta tourist attractions you must see. 

Take a trip to Garh Panchkot, situated next to Panchet Dam, at the base of Panchet Hill. It is as though time is waiting for you to turn each page, holding its breath. Once the Singh Deo dynasty's stronghold, it is now a stunning ruin beneath Panchet Hill, encircled by the Damodar River and verdant woodlands. There are several historic temples in the region, such as the Pancharatna temple, and serene retreats like Baranti Lake, Maithon Dam, and Panchet Dam. Trekkers interested in nature can explore the Joichandi and Ajodhya Hills, while Charida Village, which is close by, enchants tourists with its colourful Chhau dance masks, fusing nature, culture, and history in one idyllic sanctuary.

How To Reach: The Durgapur Expressway and National Highway 114 will take you there in around four to five hours. For comfortable travel, you can just take a private vehicle or hire a taxi. Take a train to Asansol, which takes close to two and a half hours, and then drive or hail a cab. You can take a regular bus from Kolkata to Asansol, where you can then hail a local cab.

Distance From Kolkata: 235 kilometres

Things To Do: Visit Panchet Dam, Garh Fort, Pancharatna temple, Adi Kalyaneswari Temple, Baranti Lake, Charida Village

Pro Tip: In search of something fresh? This guide to Garh Panchkot guarantees where you will go next.

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.

How To Reach:  You can reach here by car, as it should take roughly one and a half hours to drive. Some trains run between Howrah and Serampore. Board at the Howrah Jn station and deboard at Serampore station. Due to its 9 stoppage stations, the total time taken by the train is around 33 minutes.

Distance From Kolkata:  1,600 kilometres

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

Pro Tip: Explore the confluence of Danish and Bengali culture through Serampore.

A must-visit for all who seek the thrill of mountains and hilltops. And when you're visiting, you definitely have to cover the most popular tourist spot, Tiger Hill, of course! Standing at 8,500 ft, Tiger Hill is the highest hill in the immediate surroundings. As it slowly approaches sunrise at 4.30 AM, you will be able to witness alpenglow. The Toy Train Ride definitely rates as one of the top things to do in Darjeeling. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is recognised by UNESCO to be “the most outstanding example of a hill passenger railway” in the world. From the local favourite Chowk Bazaar to the tourist haunt of Mall Road, there are many places where you can go shopping. If you’re looking for one of the best places to pick up knick-knacks to take back home as gifts, then you must head down Nehru Road.

How To Reach: The closest airport is Bagdogra. It's a two-and-a-half-hour ride from here, which can be taken by bus or private car. You can also book tickets for Vande Bharat or the Darjeeling Mail in advance from IRCTC.

Distance From Kolkata: 33.6 kilometres

Things To Do: Ride the Darjeeling Himalayan Steam Joyride, drink tea from Margaret's Deck, explore tea gardens, walk around Mall Road, visit Oxford Bookstore, eat at Keventer's and Glenarys, and visit the zoo and mountaineering institute. Eat food from Noryang, eat the famous glass noodles thukpa from Kunga, and ema datshi.

Pro Tip: Looking for the perfect guide to Darjeeling? Here's everything you need to do and see! 

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!

How To Reach: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport is the closest airport. From there, you can take a bus and motorboat to Canning, which is 48 km from the park, and then a train. Roads also link Kolkata to the starting points of rivers, such as Sonakhali, Namkhana, Canning, Raidighi, and Najat. The most common way to enter the Sunderbans is via motorboat from these locations.

Distance From Kolkata: 350 kilometres

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

Well, monsoons stick around for a long time, especially when you're all dolled up for Durga Pujo. And if that is the case, then Taki needs to be on your list. Why? 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. 

How To Reach: If you're planning to visit Taki, consider it a perfect getaway. From Dum Dum, near Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, you can reach Taki by car in about 2 hours. If you prefer taking the train, catch the Hasnabad local from Sealdah station, which will also take around 2 hours. By road, you can drive or take a bus from Esplanade, though the journey by bus will take approximately 4 hours.

Distance From Kolkata: 70 kilometres

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.

How To Reach: Direct or connecting trains to Murshidabad are available from a number of important cities. The Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, which is roughly 195 kilometres from Murshidabad, is the closest. To get to Murshidabad from the airport, one can take a bus or hire a taxi. Murshidabad has excellent access to a network of roads and highways. The most popular road routes pass through NH12, which links Murshidabad with major cities.

Distance From Kolkata: 216 kilometers

Things To Do: Visit the Battle of Plassey grounds and Hazarduari Palace 

Pro Tip: Here's all you need to know about the Hazarduari Palace!

Tajpur is a hidden gem that lies 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! Don't miss out on the red crabs dotting the beach now and then.

How To Reach: You can either take buses or trains to reach Tajpur. These buses are en route to Digha. Ramnagar is the nearest railway station to Tajpur. You have to get down at Balisai if you're taking the bus.

Distance From Kolkata: 175 kilometres

Things To Do: Explore nearby villages, book a stay at Tajpur Nature Camp, visit the beaches, 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.

How To Reach: 125 kilometres away by road from the Joka tram terminus at the south-western edge of Kolkata. The 130 km stretch from the Kona expressway to Bakkhali has been marked as National Highway (NH) 12. Alternatively, Bakkhali-bound buses are available at the Esplanade. If you wish to travel by train, the nearest rail station is at Namkhana. There are regular trains from Sealdah via Lakshmikantapur and Kakdwip to Namkhana. The journey takes around 3 hours.

Distance From Kolkata: 125 kilometers

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