Mandarmani: Romantic Fishing Village
Distance from Kolkata:
171 kmA long beach, situated in the Midnapore district, is one of the most popular honeymoon places near Kolkata. This is the longest motorable beach in West Bengal and is known for fantastic sunset views, fishermen boats, and red crabs.
For that ultimate romantic experience: Enjoy a photogenic sunset, take a romantic walk along the long sandy shore, or savor the sumptuous seafood in local shacks. You can also go for fishing trips with your beloved.
How to reach: A drive from Kolkata via Kolaghat takes about 4 hours.
Places to stay: Sana Beach Resort, Hotel Sonar Bangla, and Candlewood Park Beach Resort & Spa are the best places to stay in Mandarmani.
http://hotels.tripsaround.in/accommodations/west-bengal/digha/all
Bakkhali: Amidst Scenic Surroundings
Bakkhali is a seaside resort in South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal. It is located on one of the many deltaic islands spread across southern part of Bengal. Most of the islands are part of the Sunderbans, except a few at the fringes. Some of these are joined together with bridges over narrow creeks. This small island juts out into the vast expanse of the Bay of Bengal. The place remains as a popular tourist destination for quite a long time. The development of the barge over the Hatania-Doania River, has made Bakkhali more and more accessible for the people. With the passage of time Bakkhali has changed a lot. The development of transport and communication system truly makes Bakkhali an ideal getaway for weekends.
Places to see at Bakkhali: There are quite a lot of attractions in Bakkhali like the windmills of Frasergunj as well as the crocodile propagation centre at the place. The narrow path that enters into the casuarinas forest lying adjacent the beach will lead you to the temple of Banabibi, a local deity.
Nearby attractions from Bakkhali: Bakkhali offers so many places of attractions that are located nearby like the Henry’s Islandwhich was created by the State Fisheries Department. Frasergunj, the twin town of Bakkhali can be visited on a day trip.
Things to do at Bakkhali: Sightseeing is the best thing that you can do in Bakkhali. Take a walk over the beach from Bakkhali to Frasergunj and enjoy solitude. Plus, you can also take a look at the daily life on the villages and experience the different rhythm of life these villages live in.
How to go ?
You can board a bus from Kolkata (Esplanade) till Namkhana and then a ferry ride across the Hatania-Doania River. Then you have to board another bus to reach Bakkhali. However, you can also board direct buses to Bakkhali from Kolkata. You can also reach Namkhana by train from the Sealdah station. By road, you have to travel through Diamond Harbour and Kakdwip to reach Namkhana.
Where to stay ?
You can stay at the West Bengal Government Tourist Lodge. For booking details please contact:
Address: 3/2, B.B.D. Bag (East), Kolkata – 700 001
Phone : +91-033-2243 6440, 2248 8271 Website: www.wbtourism.gov.in
Ben Fish also has a tourist lodge in Bakkhali. For booking details you may contact:
Address: P161/1, (4 th Floor) V.I.P Road, Ultadanga, Kolkata – 700 054.
Phone: +91-033 2355-4931 Website: www.benfish.info
There are also few private hotels at Bakkhali.
Hotel Amarabati: +91-09732619340, 9647367780
Hotel Deepak: +91-033 2464 0081
Digha: Idyllic Destination For Revitalising & Rejoicing
Digha is one of the renowned seaside weekend destinations of West Bengal. It is located in the East Midnapur district at the border with Orissa. A charming seaside town for the last 50 or more years, Digha is the tourist hub with numerous hotels and resorts of every budget, restaurants and bars that serves all sorts of cuisine and shacks along the beach selling everything that can be created from sea shells.
Places to see at Digha: The town of Digha is divided into Old Digha and New Digha. The beaches of Old Digha have all been submerged in the sea and the Govt. has protected the sea with boulders and concrete constructions. However, Old Digha offers a unique look, admired with huge stones and concrete steps. The beach of the recently developed area of New Digha just 2 km away has nice golden beaches. The beach of the New Digha is quite extensive and is still not exploited and maintained properly. The entire region of Digha is dotted with Casuarina groves.
Nearby attractions around Digha: You can easily make a number of trips to the nearby destinations of Digha. Only 2 km. west of Digha is the pristine beach of Udaipur, along the border of Orissa and Bengal. Admired with Casuarina trees, the sight of the beach has some unique appeal to the tourists. You can also locate a delta nearby, which marks the confluence of the Subarnarekha River and Bay of Bengal. You can also make a trip to the famous temple of Lord Shiva in Chandaneswar, which is visited by millions of devotees during the Maha Vishuva Sankranti. Junput, Shankarpur, Mandarmuni and Tajpur are tourist hotspots, located near Digha. Another major tourist spot is Talsari, a delta on the Bay of Bengal, located at a distance of 6 km. from Digha.
Things to do at Digha: Nothing can be more refreshing than enjoying a stroll along the scenic sea beach of this beach resort. You can also walk around the Casuarina plantation, stretching from Old Digha to New Digha.
Best time to visit Digha: Digha is suitable for visiting round the year.
How to go ?
Digha is well connected by both roadway and railway with Kolkata. You can avail trains from both Howrah station and Satragachi railway station to reach Digha directly. Regular bus services to Digha are also available from Esplanade in central Kolkata and Howrah bus terminus. It takes about five hours to reach Digha by bus.
Where to stay ?
There are plenty of hotels and tourist lodges in Digha. You can choose your accommodation according to your budget, as the place houses both cheaper and budget hotels and luxury lodging.
Larica Holiday Inn: +91-03220-266481 / 267281, +91-40089890 (Booking)
Hotel Gitanjali: 033-2248 2121 / 2213 0696
Ownland Resort:9239262728, 03220-266504
WBTDC tourist lodge is also an option for staying at Digha. For booking details you may contact:
Tourism Centre (Kolkata):
3/2, B.B.D. Bag (East), Kolkata – 700 001
Phone : +91-033-22436440, 22488271. Website: www.wbtourism.gov.in
http://hotels.tripsaround.in/accommodations/west-bengal/digha/all
Raichak: Riverside Romance
Raichak has developed as a weekend destination lately and is only a drive away from Kolkata. Savour the spectacular view of the river Ganges and the 18th century Radisson Fort or the Raichak Fort. This small and scenic town of Raichak is located in the South 24 Parganas District of West Bengal. This attractive destination is located on the bank of River Hooghly, and is 15 km from Diamond Harbour and 50 km from Kolkata and acts as a connecting link between Haldia and Kolkata.
Places to see at Raichak: The prime tourist attraction of the region is the Raichak Fort, which was built by the British East India Company in the year 1783. However, post-independence the fort was in deplorable condition, which was undertaken by the Carlton Group of Hotels and the Bengal Ambuja Group in the late nineties and was transformed into a deluxe resort – Radisson Fort. Though entry at the site is restricted only for the guests, but you can highly savour the wonderful sight of the resort. The hotel also treasures some memorabilia of the British period, which include a clock, a grand piano, perfume bottles and swords. You can also visit the port city of Haldia situated on the other side of the river Hooghly.
Nearby attractions around Raichak: For exploring further organize an exciting trip to Diamond Harbour, 15 km from Raichak. Diamond Harbour used to be a bustling port of the British, where you can still find large ocean vessels. Tourists are truly amazed by the natural beauty of the place. The site also houses the ruins of an ancient Portugese Fort called Chingrihkali Fort, known as the refuge of the Portugese pirates. You can also spot a lighthouse at the site. Many tourists also visit the Ashram of Sharisha Ramakrishna Mission located here. You can also enjoy a tour in the neighbouring township of Joynagar or visit nearby Gadiara.
Things to do at Raichak: Enjoy the scenic beauty of Raichak and the spectacular sunset on the river Hooghly. The ferry rides or the boat rides from the Raichak Jetty and Nupur Jetty to Gadiara or Kukhrahati is truly exciting. Relish the scrumptious Bengali cuisines available at Raichak. In visiting Diamond Harbour you can also book a day long river cruise trip.
How to go ?
Raichak lies at a driving distance from Kolkata. You should drive down the Diamond Harbour Road from Behala in southern Kolkata to reach Sarisha in about 30 mins and take a right turn just before Diamond Harbour. Raichak is another 5 km from here.
Where to stay ?
To reserve a room at Raichak fort you may contact:
Ph. : +91 33 4040 4040
Another option is
The Ganga Kutir: +91 3174 275632/33
Sundarbans: Wildlife, Nature, & Romance
Distance from Kolkata: 109 km
Sundarban, one of the most exhilarating places for honeymoon near Kolkata, is known for the largest delta and the largest mangrove forests. The place offers spine-chilling experience of spotting varied wildlife including the Royal Bengal Tigers, thereby making the romantic trip thrilling and exciting.
For that ultimate romantic experience: Enjoy the wildlife from Sajnekhali watch tower
How to reach: Canning, 57 km from Sundarban, is the nearest rail connect. From Kolkata one can drive up to Canning, Sonakhali, & Namkhana, and then avail waterways to reach Sundarban.
http://hotels.tripsaround.in/accommodations/west-bengal/sunderbans/all
Shantiniketan: The Colorful Heritage
Distance from Kolkata: 165 km
Shantiniketan is one of the beautiful honeymoon destinations around Kolkata, popular for its peaceful surroundings, heritage rich buildings, and cultural sites. From fascinating art galleries to awesome retail therapies, the place has it all to delight couples who have tied the knot recently.
For that ultimate romantic experience: Visit the museums and art galleries together. Visit the place during Poush Mela (end of December) or Basanta Utsav (Holi) to feel the vibrancy of the place with your beloved. Do not miss to pick some dokra showpieces & ornaments and some Kantha work sarees & dresses for your better half.
How to reach: Bolpur is the nearest station which is 3 km from Shantiniketan. From Kolkata it takes about 4 hours by road.
Where to stay?
West Bengal Tourism Development has a tourist lodge. There are several private resorts like Chutti, Camellia and Mark & Meadows. Photography is not allowed inside Uttarayan Campus.For details visit www.wbtourism.gov.in
http://hotels.tripsaround.in/accommodations/west-bengal/santiniketan/all
Darjeeling
Darjeeling has an international reputation for being a charming hill resort. This Himalayan town of North Bengal still remains in the lead as an attractive tourist destination. Tourists from all corners of the world make a visit to this place throughout the year. Darjeeling is located at an altitude of 6,710 ft, in the Lesser Himalayas. The most popular tourist spots in Darjeeling is the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and the Zoo. A trip to nearby Tiger Hill to watch the beautiful sunrise over Mt.Kanchenjunga is also a lifetime experience. You must carry your umbrella in Darjeeling because it rains here suddenly and stops abruptly.
Nearby attractions of Darjeeling: There are some major tourist attractions, nearby too. You can organize a day trip to the MirikLake, located at a height of around 5,800 feet. This hill-resort offers a visual delight with its picturesque natural backdrop. The prime feature of the spot is a natural lake, fed with rainwater and perennial springs. Barbotey Rock Garden, located 10 km from Darjeeling is a charming picnic spot admired with natural waterfalls. You will truly enjoy the mesmeric sight of the natural waterfall.
How to go ?
You can avail a number of options to reach Darjeeling. The Bagdogra Airport, located at a distance of around 96 km from Darjeeling, is the nearest airport of the destination. The airport is well connected with direct flights to Kolkata. Direct taxis to Darjeeling are available from the Bagdogra Airport. You can also reach Darjeeling by roadway via Siliguri from Kolkata in buses. Buses and Taxis are available in Siliguri to reach Darjeeling.
Where to stay ?
You will find many accommodation facilities offered by several hotels and lodges in Darjeeling. The location also has a number of forest guesthouses. Decent dining facilities are offered in most of the hotels. http://hotels.tripsaround.in/accommodations/west-bengal/darjeeling/all/all
Kalimpong
On a clear morning, we can feast our eyes on the elusive Mt. Kanchenjungha. Spending three days in an idyllic ambience, breathing fresh air is an exclusive experience for any urbanite.
Kalimpong sits between two hilltops — Delo and Durpin and overlooks the beautiful Teesta river that flows through the valley below. Durpin, about 5km away from Kalimpong, is an ideal destination to walk around.
You need to walk through the cantonment area to reach the Durpin Buddhist monastery on the hilltop. The view from Durpin is breathtaking. Kalimpong is home to four schools of Tibetan Budhhism — Sakyapa, Nyingmapa, Kagyupa and Gelugpa — with several monasteries dotting Delo and Durpin.
Watching an evening prayer at a Durpin monastery is a novel experience. Walking back, someone can take a break over hot tea and pastry at the cantonment coffee shop before heading towards the main town.
The picturesque Delo is around 8km away but worth a taxi ride. Climbing towards the hilltop, we will find the sprawling grounds of Dr Graham’s Homes. At Delo, more flowers and beauty is awaiting. We can get a panoramic view — from the Teesta to the Kanchenjungha — from the hilltop, if the weather permits.
There is also a must-see cactus garden in Kalimpong.
For those who can afford a few more days here, they can make day trips to Darjeeling, Lava and the nearby areas.
How to go ?
A train to New Jalpaiguri (NJP) and then a car to Kalimpong.
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Where to stay ?
Kalimpong has several accommodation options — from budget hotels to premium properties. The Morgan House is WBTDC owned tourist lodge. Booking can be made from Kolkata.
West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation Ltd.
3/2, B.B.D. Bag (East), Kolkata – 700 001
Phone : (033)22436440, 22488271
http://hotels.tripsaround.in/accommodations/west-bengal/kalimpong/all/all
Mirik
Renowned for its panoramic beauty and the beautiful Sumendu Lake, the monastery Mirik is an ideal tourist destination. Here you can also enjoy the activities like horse riding and boating. This hill station is a perfect spot for complete relaxation for those tired of the bustling city life. It perches at an altitude of 1767 meters, and is widely covered by cardamom and pine forests. There are also many other plantations and orchards in Mirik that attracts a lot of nature lovers from all over the country. You can enjoy nature walks down the gardens of Mirik and the natural surrounding there. Do watch the Sumendu Lake, with a bridge over it that spans 80 meters and enters a dense pine grove.
Places to see at Mirik: The prime attraction of Mirik is the Mirik Lake, which is a great place to take a horse ride around it. Beside, there is the coffee and tea plantation that makes it a good spot, especially for nature lovers. Religious people will have a pretty good time visiting some places of religious importance like Shri Mangal Dham, a temple that was built in 1933. Devi Sthan or the Singha Devi Temple located on the western bank of the Sumendu Lake is another place of religious importance. Rai Dhap, another beautiful spot overlooking Mirik is ideal for picnics. This place is the main source for water for the people of Mirik. There are a few viewpoints located all around Mirik, which offers wonderful views of Mt.Kanchenjungha too.
Where to stay ?
Mirik is a very popular tourist destination and offers a wide variety of lodges and hotels other than forest rest houses and private guest houses. In Mirik you would find chic luxury hotels with all modern facilities as well as traditional hotels and wood cottages. There are also some homestays in Mirik. Some options are:
Bomzon Salamander Homestay, Thapa Thali Salamander Homestay, Syangden’s Homestay. For booking details you may contact: +91-9932224074.
http://hotels.tripsaround.in/accommodations/west-bengal/mirik/all/all
