Latest news with #PoushMela
India.com
2 days ago
- India.com
Experience The Thrill With Scenic Motorcycle Rides Starting From Kolkata
The Indian metropolis Kolkata serves as cultural hub and entry point for viewing stunning eastern Indian natural vistas. Motorcycle enthusiasts who depart from Kolkata can enjoy routes which perfectly unite their love of adventure with natural splendor and cultural attractions. Motorcycle riders who participate as professionals and recreational drivers will discover unforgettable adventures on these panoramic routes. Seven fundamental travel routes exist for tourists to witness the wide array of regional natural beauty. 1. Kolkata to Sundarbans Nature enthusiasts dream of visiting Sundarbans which stands as the world's biggest mangrove ecosystem and holds UNESCO World Heritage status. Motorists exiting Kolkata explore beautiful rural places with their motorcycles as they move along green farm fields and curving waterways. After reaching Godkhali or Sonakhali which serve as Sundarbans entry points you can embark on boat tours through the heavy forests while looking for Bengal tigers along with crocodiles and rare bird species. The tranquil backwaters of this area perfectly complement its energetic local population. 2. Kolkata to Shantiniketan Rabindranath Tagore established Shantiniketan as a sanctuary that attracts individuals interested in art, literature and nature through its doors. During the journey from Kolkata to its destination you can admire the local Bengali lifestyle by traveling through small towns and countryside areas. After your arrival you should head straight to Visva-Bharati University and Tagore's house and admire the peaceful atmosphere with its flowering trees and red earth trails. Poush Mela serves as the perfect occasion to visit Shantiniketan because it hosts a festive cultural celebration which occurs during late December. 3. Kolkata to Darjeeling via NH31 A journey from any location to reach Darjeeling delivers an unmatched experience for anyone choosing long-distance driving. From Kolkata the road guide leads riders to Malda then Siliguri and finally ends in the tea-filled Dooars valley. Plenty of mist surrounds the valleys as you go uphill while waterfall streams meet you and the Himalayas present stunning views to your sight. Tourists should experience iconic sites in Darjeeling that include Tiger Hill together with the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. The demanding yet beautiful nature experience is the climactic event of this journey. 4. A Time Journey from Kolkata Leads to Bishnupur Bishnupur stands out through its terracotta temples and historical ambiance as it lies only a few hours from Kolkata by car. During this route you will observe traditional mud houses and small ponds in addition to the scenic countryside of rural Bengal. Visitors to Bishnupur should see the spectacular Rasmancha temple together with the Jorbangla temple along with the Madan Mohan temple. The Bankura horses together with handcrafted objects made from conch shells serve as distinctive local items for purchase. The outing combines three elements that bring together historic sites with architectural masterpieces in a beautiful natural environment. 5. Kolkata to Digha The beach town of Digha serves as West Bengal's top beach attraction which provides ideal weekend relaxation. NH6 provides the highway for this journey that presents views between urban and country regions. Following your arrival at Digha you can experience the beautiful golden beach while feeling the ocean waves alongside tasting fresh seafood from the area. The destinations near Sanisharapur Beach include the coastal areas of Shankarpur Beach along with Talasari Beach together with the Marine Station at Mandarmani. Adventure seekers should explore the dolphins by visiting the estuarine zones near the destination. Conclusion The eastern part of India becomes accessible to travelers who begin their journeys from the city of Kolkata. Every motorcycle route between the Sundarbans mangrove ecosystem and mountains at Darjeeling showcases its own distinctive landscape features. The motorbike journeys deliver more than mere destination achievement because they permit people to cherish road adventures together with natural encounters and discover secret spots in between. Begin your journey by firing up your engine after planning the best route for an adventurous experience that will create everlasting memories.
India.com
21-05-2025
- India.com
5 Scenic Road Trips From Kolkata City That Are Perfect For Weekend Getaways
As India's cultural center Kolkata provides many options for exploring its nearby picturesque locations and watching its interesting festivals along with celebrating its rich heritage. The city of Kolkata connects to many roads which provide various destinations accessible for weekend excursions. Multiple road trip destinations near Kolkata offer travelers unforgettable opportunities between nature and historical sites and peaceful relaxation. Seven charming locations surround Kolkata to offer residents calm respite from urban living. 1. Sundarbans A United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization World Heritage Site along with being the world's largest mangrove forest exists about 100 kilometers south of Kolkata. The distinctive bio-weeny system shelters Bengal Royal Tigers and many bird species as well as deer and crocodiles. Traveling to Sundarbans starts by reaching either Godkhali or Sonakhali using a vehicle and continuing the journey by boat through the forest. During this trip all visitors can observe wildlife in its natural habitat while enjoying remarkable vistas of the thick mangrove forests which envelop winding waterways. Educational activities merge with thrilling opportunities at this place. 2. Shantiniketan Shantiniketan stands as the town founded by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore which can be reached by driving for just 180 kilometers from Kolkata within three hours. The peaceful site houses Visva-Bharati University as it offers visitors the chance to learn about art together with cultural and spiritual experiences. The property includes a visit to cultural programs and museum exploration at Kala Bhavana while allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the lush greenery. Visit Upasana Griha while savoring local food from the small eateries in the area. During spring time Shantiniketan becomes particularly enchanting because of the annual Poush Mela celebration. 3. Digha The town of Digha provides beach lovers with their perfect seaside sanctuary. The coastal town of Digha sits at a distance of 187 kilometers from Kolkata and offers beach visitors excellent vistas at New Digha Beach and Udaipur Beach. The combination of blue sea waters with golden shoreline beaches offers a splendid spot for relaxation. Families should try various aquatic activities on their stay and romantic pairs should walk down the beach shoreline together. Marine Aquarium Digha stands as an educational attraction which displays a wide variety of marine life during your stop. Digha serves as a weekend attraction for many because it can be reached through NH6. 4. Bishnupur The whole town of Bishnupur situated 150 kilometers from Kolkata fascinates history seekers. Bishnupur showcases Malla dynasty terracotta temples that serve as perfect examples of architectural talent throughout the town. The main highlights in the town are the Rasmancha Temple together with Jor Bangla Temple and the Madan Mohan Temple. The temples lead into Baluchari silk weaving areas where visitors can purchase exclusive handicrafts. Bishnupur brings townspeople an appealing authentic atmosphere that serves as a peaceful refuge from metropolitan confusion. 5. Mandarmani The coastal town of Mandarmani exists at a distance of about 180 kilometers from Kolkata. Digha and Mandarmani stand in contrast because Mandarmani shows calmer beaches that remain untouched by human development. Visitors find the longest drivable beach status in this region significant because it enables them to simultaneously drive while watching the waves. Adventure enthusiasts love visiting the destination due to opportunities for jet skiing and parasailing and dolphin observation activities. An amazing sight in Mandarmani is the stunning sunset that reveals the Bay of Bengal. Conclusion The city of Kolkata provides an ideal starting point for people who want to experience the various attractions of West Bengal. Travelers will discover something meaningful at these seven locations because they present different combinations of adventure with cultural elements and peaceful experiences along with spiritual attractions. Packing your possessions will lead you to powering your automobile while traveling on an unforgettable road journey that revitalizes both mind and spirit.
NDTV
29-04-2025
- NDTV
7 Easy Weekend Getaways From Kolkata Perfect For Your Next Road Trip
If you live in Kolkata or are just visiting, chances are you've caught yourself daydreaming about a quick break from the city's never-ending buzz. While the City of Joy has its own charm, sometimes a weekend away is all you need to hit refresh. The good news? There are plenty of gorgeous, offbeat, and downright relaxing escapes just a few hours' drive or train ride away. From tea-covered hillsides to quiet beach towns, these spots offer everything you need for that perfect two-day road trip. Here's your shortlist of some great weekend getaways from Kolkata that are low-effort, high-reward. Here Are 7 Best Weekend Getaways From Kolkata: 1. Mandarmani Distance: 170 km | Travel time: 4.5-5 hours Forget Goa-level noise and chaos. Mandarmani is what you get when you mix a clean beach, long walks, and crab spotting. It's one of the few motorable beaches in India (yes, you can actually drive along the shore), but thankfully, it hasn't been turned into a circus. Pack your favourite book, wear something breezy, and do absolutely nothing. By the way, sunrise here is worth waking up for. Don't hit snooze! 2. Sundarbans Distance: 100 km to Godkhali (launch point) | Travel time: 3-4 hours This one's for those craving some serious nature. The Sundarbans mangrove forest, home to the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that feels otherworldly. Take a boat ride through the narrow creeks, catch sight of crocodiles, exotic birds, and if you're lucky, the big cat itself. Go with a guided tour — it's safer and far more insightful. Winter is the best time to visit; the weather's perfect, and wildlife sightings are more frequent. 3. Shantiniketan Distance: 160 km | Travel time: 3.5-4 hours Once the home of Rabindranath Tagore, Shantiniketan still feels like a page out of his poetry. Located in Birbhum district, this artsy little town is perfect for a quiet weekend. You can spend your day cycling past red mud paths, checking out local handicrafts, or soaking in baul music performances under the stars. The Saturday haat (market) at Sonajhuri is a treasure trove of local art and organic eats. Visit during Poush Mela (December) for a cultural high that doesn't feel touristy. 4. Digha Distance: 180 km | Travel time: 4-5 hours It may be old school, but Digha still holds its own when it comes to easy beach getaways. Whether it's the buzz of New Digha or the quieter charm of Old Digha, this seaside town is all about laid-back walks, fish fry at roadside stalls, and some seriously photogenic sunsets. Book your train tickets early, especially on long weekends. Digha fills up fast. 5. Bakkhali Distance: 130 km | Travel time: 4 hours Not far from the Sundarbans, Bakkhali is one of West Bengal's lesser-known beach escapes. With fewer crowds and more coconut trees, it's ideal for those who want to clock out of the real world for 48 hours. The beach is clean, the seafood's fresh, and mobile network is spotty (read: digital detox, done right). Pro tip: Carry cash — ATMs are limited and digital payments aren't a given. 6. Bishnupur Distance: 140 km | Travel time: 3.5-4 hours History lovers, this one's for you. Bishnupur is best known for its stunning terracotta temples built by the Malla kings. The town's also famous for Baluchari saris and its classical music heritage. Even if you're not into ancient architecture, the town's pace is slow and inviting. It's a solid pick for a culture-filled weekend. Hire a local guide — the stories behind the temples make all the difference. 7. Raichak Raichak. Photo: Instagram/wanderwitharu Distance: 50 km | Travel time: 1.5-2 hours For those who want something swanky but close by, Raichak is the answer. The drive's short and scenic, and the riverside resorts (like Ganga Kutir and Fort Raichak) are perfect for a staycation that doesn't feel like a compromise. It's great for families, couples, or solo travellers in need of some pampering. Go mid-week if possible — rates drop and the vibe's even more serene.
