Offbeat Weekend destinations from Kolkata
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ChuikhimChuikhim
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Ambika KalnaAmbika Kalna
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Somra BazarSomra Bazar
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GongoniGongoni
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AntpurAntpur
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NAYAGRAMNAYAGRAM
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NATUNGRAMNATUNGRAM
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MURSHIDABADMURSHIDABAD
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TANDRABONGTANDRABONG
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DAWAIPANIDAWAIPANI
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DARONDADARONDA
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PURULIA ( Ajodhya Pahar)PURULIA ( Ajodhya Pahar)
CHUIKHIM
Chuikhim is the newest addition to the existing list of offbeat weekend destinations from Kolkata in the hills. The general tourists have not yet “discovered” this small hilly hamlet at Kalimpong district. The village is nested on the southern hill of Kalimpong and it takes only a couple of hours to reach the destination after crossing the Coronation bridge over Teesta river and driving through the road bifurcating the scenic Bagrakote Tea Garden. If you need a break from the city in the hills without the usual tourist crowd, look no further. It is one of those less-crowded Places near Kolkata where travelers looking for serenity instead of “view points” will enjoy their stay in local home stays.
Sip your drink sitting at an altitude of 3500 feet as you see mist and clouds coming down over Kalimpong hills. The two tributaries of Teesta, Leesh and Ghish are the boundaries of the village. Take a walk though the village , climb the hilltop to see a magnificent view of sunrise and sunset, enjoy walking on the Leesh riverbed and check out for a variety of birds. For adventure, you can explore caves and small ravines near Ghish riverbed at the adjoining village of Yelbong. One can take a ride to nearby spots like Loleygaon, Samtahar and Charkhole.
District : Kalimpong
Distance from Kolkata: 608 Km North From Kolkata via Farakka, Malda, Raiganj, Islampur and Siliguri.
Places to visit: River beds of Leesh and Ghish rivers, Hilltops for sunrise and sunset, neighbouring villages. The most popular thing to do here is to take a hike.
Best time to visit:- All around the year except monsoon ( July- August)
How to reach:- The nearest rail station is New Jalpaiguri Station which is connected to Sealdah Junction by express trains having reservation options. One can drive from Kolkata or take a Volvo bus journey.
Distance from nearby Railhead, Airport:- Nearest Major railhead at New Jalpaiguri Junction (58 km South), Nearest Airport is Bagdogra Airport (64 km South)
Where to stay and eat:- There is only a solitary home stay at Chuikhim. The spacious wooden house and its owner’s earnest hospitality coupled with local cuisines made from organically grown vegetables nested inside nature’s heartland will make your accommodation at Chuikhim very memorable.
Ambika Kalna
Ambika Kalna can be the obvious choice for heritage enthusiasts looking for a day tour from Kolkata. The heritage town is a thousand year old settlement graced by the presence of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in 16th century showcasing almost every type of temple described in Bengal school of temple architecture. The terracotta temples of Ambika Kalna were built by Burdwan Maharajas between 18th to 19th centuries. The temples of Bishnupur are more famous and filled up with tourists, which is why Ambika Kalna can be the offbeat weekend heritage destinations from Kolkata
Roam around the narrow lanes of this ancient town and get pleasantly surprised reaching the Rajbari Complex of Ambika Kalna. Protected and maintained by Archeological Survey of India, this premise houses the majority of the famous temples of Ambika Kalna. The 360 degree view of the temples from the gate is mesmerizing. For a heritage lover, the stories depicted from mythological and social scenarios in numerous terracotta plaques are a treat to watch. The variety of temple structures ranges from simple Aatchala style to the gorgeous twenty five pinnacled structure. Adjacent to it is the Nava Kailash temple premises housing 108 Shiva temples built in two concentric circles. The first ever temple dedicated to Chaitanya Mahaprabhu exists at Ambika Kalna. Siddheswari Kali – the oldest temple of Ambika Kalna is famous among the devotees. Since Ambika Kalna was a significant military base in 1298, several age old mosques exist at the place.
District: Burdwan
Distance from Kolkata: – 106 km North from Kolkata via Durgapur Expressway and Boinchi.
Places to visit: – Rajbari Complex, Nava Kailash temples, Siddheswari Kali Temple, Ananta Basudev Temple, Gopal Jiu Temple, Maha Prabhu Bari, Datankathi Tala Mosque
Best time to visit: – All around the year except extreme summer (May to June) because of hot and humid weather.
How to reach: – Though Ambika Kalna is connected with Kolkata by rail, it is better to drive to this temple town for a one day tour from Kolkata as only unreserved trains stop at this station.
Distance from nearby Railhead, Airport: – Nearest Major Railhead is Bardhaman Junction (63 km west), Nearest Airport is Dum Dum Airport (106 km South)
Where to Stay and eat : – The hotels and eateries at Ambika Kalna are of Spartan and basic in nature. It is advisable to visit the place as a One day tour near Kolkata and have breakfast and lunch on the way.
Somra Bazar
Somra Bazar is a picturesque rural hamlet with an aura of ideal shooting location of period films. If one has to experience rural Bengal, Somra bazar as a tourist spot is the ideal destination for a day tour from Kolkata. The area has two prominent villages namely Sukharia and Sripur, famous for age old temples and other structures built by the Mitra Mustafi family of Somra Bazar who were local land lords of the area. Terracotta temples and mansions near Somra bajar are the chief attraction of the place.
The atmosphere of Somra Bazar with its plenty of water bodies, scenic landscape with ample vegetation provides an immediate soothing effect on a traveler coming in from a busy life to an offbeat place to visit around Kolkata. Among the build heritages of the locality, the 1813 built 25 pinnacled Ananda Bhairabi temple of Sukharia accompanied by 12 temples besides it is the most talked about architecture of Somra Bazar. Adjacent to it is the Radha Kunja – the dilapidated mansion of the Mitra Mustafi family, locally known as Sukharia or Somra Bazar Rajbari. In the 1980s eminent film maker Mrinal Sen filmed “Akaler Sandhane” in Sukharia at these spots. The most talked about spot of Sripur is the 1797 built Chandi Mandap whose intricate wooden panels are unparalleled works of art. There are other temples at Somra Bazar as well. In close proximity to Sripur is the busy boat making hub of Balagarh which exists from the period when the famous port town of Saptagram existed till the late 16th century. There is an island named Sabuj Dwip nearby on the banks of river Hooghly which is a popular picnic spot.
District: Hooghly
Distance from Kolkata:- Sukharia is 87 km and Sripur is 90 lm North from Kolkata via Belghoria Expressway, Kalyani Expressway and Saptagram- tribani -kalna- katwa (STKK) road.
Places to visit:
At Sukharia – Ananda Bhairabi temple, Radha Kunja, Hara Sundari Temple, Nistarini Kali Temple,
At Sripur – Chandi Mandap, Radha Gobinda Mandir, Jora Shiva Mandir, Dolmancha, Balagarh boat
making hub
Best time to visit:- All around the year except extreme summer (May to June) because of hot and humid weather.
How to reach:- Though Somra Bazar is connected with Kolkata by rail, it is better to drive to this temple town for a one day tour from Kolkata as only unreserved trains stop at this station.
Distance from nearby Railhead, Airport:- Nearest Major Railhead is Howrah Junction (74 km South), Nearest Airport is Dum Dum Airport (72 km South)
Where to stay and eat:- About 3 km from Somrabazar Station almost touching the banks of Hooghly river is a guest house having both AC and Non Ac Rooms with choicest Bengali cuisine. The best accommodation facility at Somrabazar, this guest house is just 1 km from Ananda Bhairabi temple with a peaceful surrounding and a scenic view of the Hooghly.
Gongoni
If the Grand Canyon at Arizona or a trip to Gandikota at Andhra Pradesh gets farfetched, try out our most exciting offbeat weekend getaways from Kolkata by visiting the gorges of Gongoni at Paschim Medinipur. Though in reality it is a small gorge on the banks of Shilabati River, since such landforms are rare in South Bengal, the gorge of Gongoni is fondly known as the Grand Canyon of West Bengal. Locally known as Gongoni Danga or Gongoni canyon, the place is popular amongst locals as a picnic spot. One can get down to the canyon and walk up to the river. The nearest settlement to Gongoni is the ancient township of Garhbeta which has some ancient temples.
Gongoni can be done as a one day tour from Kolkata as it is only a 4 hour drive from the city. However, for the photographer tourists who want to enjoy that golden morning light basking over the canyon, it will be advantageous for them to reach Garhbeta the earlier afternoon and check into the local accommodation. Next day early morning a trip to the canyon can be refreshing and photographically rewarding. After breakfast a tour of Garhbeta town’s ancient temples may be conducted. It will follow with a visit to Chandrakona – the Kingdom of Bhan Kings. After lunch in the afternoon a drive to the nearby forests with an elephant corridor can be refreshing.
District : Paschim Medinipur
Distance from Kolkata: –166 Km North West From Kolkata via Arambagh and Bishnupur. 189 km North West from Kolkata via Kolaghat, Kharagpur and Chandrakona town,
Places to visit: – Gongoni Ravines, Temples of Garhbeta, Temples of Chandrakona, Garhbeta forest and Amlagora range of elephant corridors.
Best time to visit: – All around the year except extreme summer (May to June) and peak monsoon (July to August).
How to reach: – Garhbeta is well connected with Kolkata by express train. One can either reach Garhbeta by train in the morning for one day outing from Kolkata or in the evening for a trip to an offbeat weekend getaway near Kolkata.
Distance from nearby Railhead, Airport: – Nearest Major Railhead is Garhbeta Junction (4 km South West), Nearest Airport is Dum Dum Airport (189 km South East)
Where to Stay and eat: The most desired accommodation at Garhbeta is located just 5 km from the ravines surrounded by various kind of trees in a serene environment. Apart from providing well maintained rooms, delicious cuisines and ample parking space, the guest house is in close quarters to the elephant corridor of Amlagora reserve forest. For small groups, camp fire and barbeque can be arranged here.
Antpur
The Ayodhya hills are part of the Dalma hills and the Purbaghat range. Out of the various tourist spots of Purulia, Ayodhya hills are most desirable for the tourist. The beauty of the landscape surrounding Ajodhya hills with its central township at Baghmundi makes it an ideal offbeat weekend getaway near Kolkata. The lush green hills, waterfalls, dense forests, boulevard of trees, lakes and dams of Ajodhya hills gives an urban mind the much needed tranquility.
For a typical tour of Ajodhya Pahar and its surroundings, the favourite spots would be Bamni and Turga waterfalls, Usul Dungri village & Sunrise view point, Chorida- village of mask makers, Upper Dam and Lower Dam. Trekkers can try out climbing Matha Pahar and Pakhi Pahar. One can take an extended tour to Murguma Dam and Khairabera Dam too.
District : Purulia
Distance from Kolkata: 290 Km North West from Kolkata via Arambagh, Bishnupur, Manbazar and Balarampur
Places to visit: Bamni waterfalls, Turga waterfalls, Usul Dungri village & Sunrise view point, Chorida, Upper Dam and Lower Dam, Matha Pahar and Pakhi Pahar, Murguma Dam and Khairabera Dam
Best time to visit: – September to March is ideal time. However in monsoon the hills becomes lush green which is another kind of beauty
How to reach: – The nearest rail station is Barabhum which is connected to Howrah Junction by express trains having reservation options. One can drive to Baghmundi by car from Kolkata or take a bus journey.
Distance from nearby Railhead, Airport: – Nearest Major railhead at Jhargram (25 km South East), Nearest Airport is DumDum Airport (289 km East )
Where to stay and eat: Baghmundi has several accommodation options with food for all type of budget. Simple yet delicious and a variety of food is included in the package. Scenic beauty of Ajodhya Pahar and its lush green surrounding is visible from the balconies. For a weekend or even long extended tour these accommodation facilities area ideal. They are very close to both Chorida and Ajodhya Pahar.
NAYAGRAM
Do you wish to visit a painter’s village with artworks getting created live throughout the year as a One day tour near Kolkata. What more they will offer you those artworks for sale from their house and sing songs written by them describing the artwork. The artisans of Nayagram are locally known as Potuas or Chitrakars. Using mainly organic colours the Chitrakars paint on a long canvas fixed on narrative scrolls of cloth. The theme of paintings created by Chitrakars of Nayagram has a wide variety. With the advent of time, they have advanced to other mode like woodwork to showcase their art.
Apart from painting tales from Ramayana and Mahabharata as well as Mangalkavyas, the present generation of Chitrakars also takes interest in present day events. During the last week of November end, the Patachitrakars of Nayagram organize a fair named as “Pot Maya”. Here they display their handicrafts for sale in large numbers.
District : Jhargram
Distance from Kolkata: 121 Km South West From Kolkata via Kolaghat, Panskura and Debra
Places to visit: Artisans workshops in the village to view the artisans at work and buy souvenirs
Best time to visit: – All around the year especially during “Pot Maya” fair during November end
How to reach: – The nearest rail station to Nayagram is Kharagpur Junction which is well connected with Kolkata . One can travel by express train with reservation to Kharagpur and then take local conveyance to reach Naya village.
Distance from nearby Railhead, Airport: – Nearest Major Railhead is Kharagpur Junction (39 km West), Nearest Airport is Dum Dum Airport (129 km North East)
Where to stay and eat: Naya is a small village where accommodation facilities are available in the village itself at the painter’s houses all throughout the year. All modern facilities with excellent home cooked food are available.
NATUNGRAM
The Doll maker’s village of Natungram attracts visitors for one day outing from Kolkata especially during the month of January when the annual wooden doll fair takes place here. The beauty of these wooden dolls are that they are carved from solitary piece of wood and then they are painted with fabric colours and oil paints. The Wooden Owl has been the most popular doll of Natungram. Also the Radha Krishna Dolls and Gour Nitai are popular too. Apart from traditional dolls, the doll makers of Natungram have successfully incorporated these dolls into furniture like small tables and stools. The Government of West Bengal, in partnership with UNESCO, has taken up an initiative to develop a Rural Craft Hub at Natungram.
Nature lovers often extend this one day trip from Kolkata into Offbeat weekend getaways from Kolkata by clubbing the visit with a trip to Purbasthali –an oxbow lake which is home to 1000 migratory birds, 30 km south west of Natungram. Accomodation facilities are available at Purbasthali.
District : Hooghly
Distance from Kolkata:- 121 Km South West From Kolkata via Kolaghat, Panskura and Debra
Places to visit:- Artisans workshops in the village to view the artisans at work and buy souvenirs
Best time to visit:- All around the year especially during annual doll fair during January
How to reach: – The nearest rail station to Natungram is Katwa Junction. Though it is connected to Howrah junction by express trains, none of them reach in the morning hours. Since the only option to reach Katwa by train in the morning hours is by unreserved local trains, it is better to drive here for a one day outing near Kolkata.
Distance from nearby Railhead, Airport: – Nearest Major Railhead is Katwa Junction (39 km West), Nearest Airport is Dum Dum Airport (140 km South)
Where to stay and eat: Close to Nutangram there is an excellent accommodation facility at Purbasthali (24 Km south of Natungram). For bird lovers Purbasthali is a paradise. The resort is amidst greeneries with both cottage and tent facilities.
MURSHIDABAD
Murshidabad is a must visit for history lovers looking for an offbeat weekend destination from Kolkata. Every nook and corner of the city whispers about its past history. Once considered to be as prosperous as London, this ancient capital of Bengal Suba started losing its glory after Nawab Siraj-Ud-Daulah lost it out to the British Empire after being betrayed by Mir-Jafar in the year 1757. Today the city is studded with relics from the past spread over the city.
A typical sightseeing experience at Murshidabad includes the Hazarduari Museum complex. Katra Masjid, Jahan Kosha Cannon, Wasif Manjil and Triplia gate inside the Killa Nizamat area and Motijheel lake. In the outskirts the worth visiting spots are the mosque of Azimunnishah Begum, Jagat Seth’s house, Nashipur Rajbati, Jaffraganj Cemetery and Kathgola Palace. On the other side of Bhagirathi are Khosbag, Bhattabati, Jagabandhu Dham and Kiriteshwari Temple. With an extended tour, tourists may visit Char Bangla Temple at Baronagar and even Cossimbazar Palace at Baharampore.
District : Murshidabad
Distance from Kolkata: 202 Km North From Kolkata via Ranaghat, Krishnanagar, Bethuadhari, PLassey and Baharampur.
Places to visit: Built heritages in Lalbagh and Motijheel area of the city, Outskirts of Murshidabad, Char Bangal temples at Baronagar, Cossimbazar palace at Bahararmpur. Also shops near Hazarduari museum provide local handicrafts
Best time to visit: – All around the year except extreme summer (May- June) and monsoon ( July- August)
How to reach: – The nearest rail station is Murshidabad Junction which is connected to Sealdah Junction by express trains having reservation options. One can drive to city from Kolkata tpp
Distance from nearby Railhead, Airport: – The city has its own Major railhead at Murshidabad junction., Nearest Airport is Dum Dum Airport (191 km South)
Where to stay and eat: Close to Hazarduari Museum are many accommodation facilities, some of which provide view of Hazarduari from their balcony. There are many decent eateries too and many of the hotels have in-house restaurants too.
TANDRABONG
One of the most sacred places of Limbu and Lepcha communities, Tandrabong has its name connected to Buddhist rituals. There is a sacred lake in this village. Tandrabong signifies a locality where ‘Tangdar’ or “Beating of Drums” can be heard during Buddhist rituals. Located 25 km North east from Kalimpong , this virgin offbeat weekend destination from Kolkata is nested inside Mayrong forest of Neora Valley National Park.
A large variety of orchids can be found at Tandrabong as well as an abundance of a variety of flowers. Almost every family owns a Cardamom Farm On a sunny day, when the distant misty mountains gives clear view, one can see even Mt.Kanchenjunga in the horizon. One can take a hike to the sacred lake of Tandrabong. For hardcore trek lovers, there is a trekking route to Rishyap from Tandrabing which stretches above 10 km. If you want to spend your weekend at a less crowded places near Kolkata in the hills, Tandrabong is the ideal destination for that well deserved break.
District : Kalimpong
Distance from Kolkata: 646 Km North From Kolkata via Farakka, Malda, Raiganj, Islampur and Siliguri.
Places to visit: Sacred Lake of Tandrabong, look out for Orchids, view Mt.Kanchenjunga in the horizon, embark on a trek to Rishyap, visit nearby places like Lava, Rishyap and Lolegaon
Best time to visit: – All around the year except monsoon (July- August)
How to reach: – The nearest rail station is New Jalpaiguri Station which is connected to Sealdah Junction by express trains having reservation options. One can drive from Kolkata or take a Volvo bus journey.
Distance from nearby Railhead, Airport: – Nearest Major railhead at New Jalpaiguri Junction (58 km South), Nearest Airport is Bagdogra Airport (64 km South)
Where to stay and eat: Decorated with indigenious flowering plants, the local family’s homestay is literally a home away from home. The lush green forest surrounding the village provides a serenity to the soul. Sipping a hot cup of tea in the wooden cottage basking in the morning ray of sun in a rather cold morning gives an out of the world feel here. Add to that a sight of Mt. Kanchenjunga in the horizon and your weekend holiday in the hills becomes perfect.
DAWAIPANI
Dawaipani is totally offbeat weekend destinations from Kolkata in the hills of North Bengal. Unbelievably quiet and serene, this himlayan hamlet gives 180-degree view of the full Kanchenjunga range. Apart from the majestic mountain range, one can also get a grand view of Darjeeling town and Samdruptse Monastery of Namchi. If you wish to enjoy the majestic view of Kanchenjunga away from the maddening crowd of Darjeeling, this is your place.
Dawaipani is located only 20 km North East of Darjeeling. Since it is located at an altitude of above 6000 feet, the place remains more or less cold throughout the year. Dawaipani actually means “medicated water”. The name comes from a local river stream whose water other than quenching your thirst is supposed to heal your wounds as well. There are two other settlements named Dawaipani, but this one’s actual or alternate name is Bhutia Basti.
Apart from enjoying the view of Kanchenjunga from Dawaipani, one can embark on the various trekking routes in this village. The place is also paradise for bird lovers. One can take a tour of nearby similar hamlets.
District : Darjeeling
Distance from Kolkata: 622 Km North From Kolkata via Farakka, Malda, Raiganj, Islampur and Siliguri.
Places to visit: Local river stream “Khola”, short treks, view of Kanchenjunga on a clear day, Tour to nearby hamlets like Lamahatta and Takdah
Best time to visit: – All around the year except monsoon (July- August)
How to reach: – The nearest rail station is New Jalpaiguri Station which is connected to Sealdah Junction by express trains having reservation options. One can drive from Kolkata or take a Volvo bus journey.
Distance from nearby Railhead, Airport: – Nearest Major railhead at New Jalpaiguri Junction (81 km South), Nearest Airport is Bagdogra Airport (78 km South )
Where to stay and eat: A few homestays are the only options for accommodation at Dawaipani. One of them has a beautiful balcony on the first floor of the two storied wooden house. Having morning tea while checking out the beauty of Kanchenjunga on the horizon can be a great way to spend an offbeat weekend holiday at Dawaipani. Also the local cuisines are of excellent taste.
DARONDA
Daronda is an offbeat weekend getaway near Kolkata, where an urban visitor takes a holiday from own personality.
If you want to embark in a journey for soul searching and want absolute peace and relaxation without travelling much distance from Kolkata, Daronda is your destination. The place is in the outskirts of Shantiniketan on the way to Illambazar. The area has many farmhouses where organic farming is done. Many of them provide homestay with delicious home-made and home-grown meals. Most farmhouses have open courtyards and many have mud houses.
Tourists are expected to reduce non-biodegradable waste and refrain from creating noise.
The beauty of Daranda is that most tourists come here without any agenda. Relaxing in an open courtyard, looking at the deep blue sky , taking a walk in the pristine neighbourhood with sprawling fields with river Ajoy giving company, enjoying good food are the simple things for which visitors arrive here. Daranda is a home away from home, where people come to rejuvenate from daily monotony. One can visit the ancestral house of Lord Sinha at Raipur, terracotta temples Illambazar and zamindar house at Kalikapur or just visit the local fair on weekend which takes place near Khowai area of Shantiniketan. Evenings can be spent listening to the sounds of nature like buzzing of cricket while listening to the folk songs by local artists.
District : Birbhum
Distance from Kolkata: 164 Km North from Kolkata via Burdwan and Guskara..
Places to visit: Nearby village roads and fields,banks of river Ajoy, Shantiniketan, Illambazar, Raipur, Kalikapur
Best time to visit: – All time around the year
How to reach: – The nearest rail station is Bolpur Station which is connected to Howrah Junction by express trains having reservation options. One can also drive from Kolkata by car.
Distance from nearby Railhead, Airport: – Nearest Major railhead at Bolpur Junction (12 km East), Nearest Airport is DumDum Airport (165 km South )
Where to stay and eat: There are many farmhouse homestays at this offbeat tourist place. The prime property gives you that feel of staying close to nature yet having all amenities. The silence of the place is appropriate for an offbeat weekend getaway near Kolkata where one can reach in just a couple of hours.
Parking space is aplenty. Food is served in traditional brass plates. Both AC and Non AC accommodation is available here.
JHARGRAM
The road from Kolkata to Jhargram is so scenic that despite being well connected by rail, the wish to drive out to these offbeat weekend destinations from Kolkata always remains. You can check out the Royal Palace of Jhargram, take an early morning walk to fill your lungs with fresh air. The tall deciduous forests and lush green fields beside the road provides comfort to the eyes. Apart from the palace , one can check out the Kanak Durga Temple at Chilkigarh, Chilkigarh Raj Palace and the zoo. If your heart desires for more wilderness, drive to Belpahari (27 km) which is located under Dolma hills. Apart from the forest around the gorge, the Ghagra river gorge is worth visiting. A walk in the jungle of Belpahari gives a sense of adventure. The jungle of Lodashuli just before reaching Jhargram is also very interesting.
District : Jhargram
Distance from Kolkata: 171 Km West from Kolkata to Kollaghat, Kharagpur and Lodhashuli
Places to visit: Jhargram Raj Bari, Kanak Durga Temple at Chilkigarh, Chilkigarh Raj Palace, Belpahari, Lodhashuli
Best time to visit: – All time around the year
How to reach: – The nearest rail station is Jhargram which is connected to Howrah Junction by express trains having reservation options. One can also drive from Kolkata by car.
Distance from nearby Railhead, Airport: – Nearest Major railhead at Jhargram (3 km North), Nearest Airport is DumDum Airport (178 km East)
Where to stay and eat: Apart from the tourist infested Jhargram Rajbari Complex and Government Guest house, there is a secluded accommodation option at the entrance to Jhargram town surrounded with various trees and water bodies. Apart from delicious cuisines served here, there is ample parking space for groups coming from Kolkata by road. This will be preferred by nature lovers and tourists looking for privacy and serenity while going on an offbeat weekend trip near Kolkata.
PURULIA ( Ajodhya Pahar)
The road from Kolkata to Jhargram is so scenic that despite being well connected by rail, the wish to drive out to these offbeat weekend destinations from Kolkata always remains. You can check out the Royal Palace of Jhargram, take an early morning walk to fill your lungs with fresh air. The tall deciduous forests and lush green fields beside the road provides comfort to the eyes. Apart from the palace , one can check out the Kanak Durga Temple at Chilkigarh, Chilkigarh Raj Palace and the zoo. If your heart desires for more wilderness, drive to Belpahari (27 km) which is located under Dolma hills. Apart from the forest around the gorge, the Ghagra river gorge is worth visiting. A walk in the jungle of Belpahari gives a sense of adventure. The jungle of Lodashuli just before reaching Jhargram is also very interesting.
District : Jhargram
Distance from Kolkata: 171 Km West from Kolkata to Kollaghat, Kharagpur and Lodhashuli
Places to visit: Jhargram Raj Bari, Kanak Durga Temple at Chilkigarh, Chilkigarh Raj Palace, Belpahari, Lodhashuli
Best time to visit: – All time around the year
How to reach: – The nearest rail station is Jhargram which is connected to Howrah Junction by express trains having reservation options. One can also drive from Kolkata by car.
Distance from nearby Railhead, Airport: – Nearest Major railhead at Jhargram (3 km North), Nearest Airport is DumDum Airport (178 km East)
Where to stay and eat: Apart from the tourist infested Jhargram Rajbari Complex and Government Guest house, there is a secluded accommodation option at the entrance to Jhargram town surrounded with various trees and water bodies. Apart from delicious cuisines served here, there is ample parking space for groups coming from Kolkata by road. This will be preferred by nature lovers and tourists looking for privacy and serenity while going on an offbeat weekend trip near Kolkata.