Attractive tourist destinations near Kolkata

Nothing can be more exciting than a break from the mundane and finding a weekend getaway. Kolkata can be taxing in terms of traffic and the chaos, but scratch the surface, and you will find enough places that will make your trip. If you are also looking for Kolkata trip with a difference, then here is a list of attractive tourist destinations that will make your trip worth the while:

• Tarakeshwar (58 kms from Kolkata): Situated in the Hoogly district, this Shiva pilgrimage is 58 kms from Kolkata, and its major attraction is Taraknath Temple. The best time to visit this attraction is around Shivratri in February or March, and during Shravan month from July to August. Mondays are auspicious days to visit any Shiva temple. There is a legend that anyone who takes a bath in the Dudhpukur Tank here would have all his wishes fulfilled.

Tarakeshwar Temple (Photo Courtesy: http://blog.clearcarrental.com)

• Kamarpukur (90 kms from Kolkata): Located on the banks of River Damodar, this is the place where Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa was born, and its major attraction is Sri Ramakrishna temple. The place has the saint’s marble statue, and also has a dispensary, a school and a library. Yoga classes and meditation sessions are held to train the youth. Do not forget to visit the deer park, where you can have a nature walk, and see the different varieties of deer. Best time to visit is from October to February.

Kamarpukur (Photo Courtesy: http://ziptrips.in)

• Mandarmoni (165 kms from Kolkata): This is a seaside hamlet that has a 13-km long driveable beach, perhaps the longest motorable beaches in the country. The waves are gentler in this area, but you need to keep a tab on the high tide before beginning your drive.

Mandarmoni (Photo Courtesy: http://www.tripadvisor.in)

• Krishnanagar (100 kms from Kolkata): Located in the Nadia district in the south of Jalangi River, is renowned for its art, literature and culture. Clay artists of Ghuni are known for their statues of Hindu gods and goddesses. The Jagaddhatri Puja is celebrated with great pomp and show. Jhulan Mela is celebrated every July to August at the Royal Palace. Do not forget to taste the sweets made by local moyras, especially the sarpuriya and sarbhaja.

Clay Dolls of Krishnanagar (Photo Courtesy: http://bhramansangi.blogspot.in)

 

Jagaddhatri Puja in Krishnanagar (Photo Courtesy: http://10utsav.blogspot.in)

• Bakkhali (125 kms from Kolkata): This is a seaside resort having an 8-km long beach stretching till Frasergunj. Hire a motorized boat and travel to Jambu Dwip, which is a must-see reserved forest island. Visit the Watch Tower which allows you to see the entire Sundarbans forest, in addition to the crocodile park. You can also drive to the Henry’s Island, and enjoy its wildlife and mangroves.

Jambu Dwip (Photo Courtesy: http://mytripmap.blogspot.in)

Henry’s Island Way to Beach ( Photo Courtesy: http://www.tripadvisor.in)

These are some of the most famous tourist destinations near Kolkata. So, browse through the best deals on Kolkata flights, reach the city, and find your ideal getaway. To top it off, a number of airlines in the country are offering great discounts and deals on flights to Kolkata during the summer months. So go right ahead, block your dates and make the most of the offers.