Escape the city
Weekend Getaways
From Shantiniketan to the Sundarbans, from Murshidabad to Digha — quick escapes from Kolkata, all with real travel info for people who don't own a car.
130 km
3–3.5 hours by bus
Bakkhali
Best in November to February
Stay: Budget hotel / guesthouse · ₹800–2,000 per night
600 km
10–12 hours by overnight train + toy train / jeep
Darjeeling
Best in March to May; October to December (clear mountain views)
Stay: Heritage hotel / guesthouse · ₹1,500–8,000 per night
185 km from Kolkata
3.5–4 hours (train or bus)
Digha
Best in October–March
Stay: Beach hotel or resort · ₹800–3,500/night
100 km
3–4 hours (train + ferry)
Gangasagar (Sagar Island)
Best in November to February; January 14 for Makar Sankranti
Stay: Basic guesthouse / ashram · ₹400–1,500 per night
610 km
10–12 hours by overnight train + jeep
Kalimpong
Best in October to May (avoid monsoon)
Stay: Homestay / small hotel · ₹1,200–4,000 per night
560 km
10 hours by overnight train + jeep/toy train
Kurseong
Best in March to May; October to November
Stay: Heritage bungalow / homestay · ₹1,500–5,000 per night
180 km
3.5–4 hours by train + auto
Mandarmani
Best in October to March
Stay: Beach resort / hotel · ₹1,500–5,000 per night
130 km
2.5–3 hours by train
Mayapur (ISKCON Temple & Nabadwip)
Best in Year-round; February-March for Gaura Purnima festival
Stay: ISKCON guesthouse / pilgrim accommodation · ₹500–2,500 per night
580 km
10–11 hours by overnight train + jeep
Mirik
Best in March to May; September to November
Stay: Lakeside hotel / guesthouse · ₹1,000–3,000 per night
500 km
7–8 hours by overnight train
Puri
Best in October to February
Stay: Hotel / guesthouse (wide range) · ₹800–6,000 per night
330 km
5–6 hours by train
Purulia
Best in November to February; March for Holi / Basanta Utsav
Stay: Guesthouse / eco-lodge / forest bungalow · ₹1,000–3,000 per night
160 km
2.5–3 hours by train
Shantiniketan
Best in October to March (winter); avoid May–June heat
Stay: Guesthouse / homestay · ₹1,500–3,000 per night
100 km from Kolkata
3–4 hours (bus + boat)
Sundarbans
Best in November–February
Stay: Eco-resort or forest guesthouse · ₹2,500–6,000/night