With Durga Pujo less than a month away, Kolkata is at an all-time high — as shoppers throng the markets around Esplanade and Gariahat, others are lining up outside trial rooms in upscale shopping malls. From a standard queue at a roll shop to chops and cutlet eateries, the city is caught up in a flurry of things and the weather isn’t helping. After experiencing solid rains for more than a week, people are making the last rounds of ‘kenakati’ before the grand event.
Amid the hullabaloo, a major chunk of city dwellers has taken to vacationing. As the days get closer and the crowd swells, pujo pandals are hoping for massive numbers this year and for many Bengalis, this is their cue to leave the city — be it the hills, valleys, or beaches scattered along West Bengal. Keeping this trend in mind, we have curated a list of places that although isn’t too far from the city, are perfect for a quick getaway. Read on.
Dooars region around West Bengal is primarily known for its foliage and natural scenic beauty. From waterfalls and lush greens to the spotty network (you’ll thank us later), Dooars is perfect if you are trying to detox and no better place than Jhalong to bring you closer to Mother Nature. Situated on the banks of river Jaldhaka, this small village lies on the Indo-Bhutan border.
Surrounded by lush Bhutanese hills, the babbling sound of Jaldhaka, the singing birds, and the dense forest, it provides enough scope for the imagination. You can choose to squander away time while sitting on the banks or take a quick stroll around the marketplace also known as Gol Bazaar; a melting pot of culture as Nepali, Bengali, Marwari, Adivasis, Rajbanshis, and the Bhutanese people drop by for their daily essentials — perfect if you’re looking for fresh produce.
However, it is the Jhalong River Camp that is a major attraction for tourists; options of bird watching, Angling, Rock climbing, Camping, and Trekking are available, and while all of these seem ideal, we suggest not missing out on the tribal dance that is arranged by officials every evening.
Deulti
The perfect escape for Literature enthusiasts, Deulti is a village tucked away in the western part of Baghnan, a district in Howrah. Perched on the banks of river Rupnarayan, it is ideal for people who are looking for a quiet retreat amidst nature. With its rich heritage and culture, Deulti welcomes you with open arms as it is also home to the famous author Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay, whose literary prowess has wooed many Bengali hearts over the decades. In a charming little abode, learn about the author, his works, and the life here in the village that is reflected in his writing.
It is also a great way to discover the novelties of a simpler life with a picturesque landscape, paddy fields that open into the banks of the river, and a plethora of birds singing about throughout the day that adds to the charm. Although there is practically nothing fancy about this town, we recommend visiting the temple of Radha and Madanogopal which has a striking terracotta décor and was constructed by a Zamindar, Mukundaprasad Roychoudhury in 1651 AD. We also suggest interacting with the locals as it will give you a fair idea about the place and its culture.
Bishnupur
A common name in the Bankura district of West Bengal, Bishnupur is famed for its architecture, particularly terracotta. Named after Lord Vishnu, the presiding deity of the Vaishnavite Malla Kings, Bishnupur has a rich heritage that is ingrained in its pottery, and weaving. Ideally a place for music and art lovers, this place has a signature style of architecture involving detailed terracotta work crafted from local laterite and brick.
Covered with terracotta tiles, the temples depict scenes from the epic Mahabharata and Ramayana and we recommend the Shyam Ray Temple, the twin shrines of Jor Bangla, and the Rasmancha; the last remaining terracotta temples.
It is also famed for its traditional handloom saris (Baluchari), pottery, artifacts, the Bankura horse which is a must-buy, and jewellery, particularly dokra which is a famous tribal art. The Bishnupur School of Painting and Bishnupur Gharana, a school of Hindustani classical music that specializes in Dhrupad tradition and has its origins in the 13th century also add to the culture of this town.
Chandannagar
If you’re looking for a Colonial escapade but less commercial than Pondicherry, Chandan Nagar is your go-to. A former French colony, this town is located 53 kilometers away from Kolkata and retains a slice of its colonial past, without being too overbearing. Initially known as ‘Chander Nagar’; the name was derived from the shape of the bank of the river Hooghly which looks like a crescent moon. Today it is commonly known as Chandan Nagar, but its former glory is anything but.
Talk a walk along the promenade, regally known as The Strand which is the most striking feature of this town and boasts of multiple colonial structures, then head onto the stunning 200-year-old Sacred Heart Church that was built in the 19th century and has beautiful stained glass windows; the Chandan Nagar Museum which was once home to the French Governor and houses many French and British artifacts, Patal Bari, a zamindari house half submerged in the river, and Nandadula Temple; one of the only temples in the area that dates back to 1740.
If you’re looking for a picnic spot with the gang, KMDA Park also known as Wonderland Park with its 44-acre manicured lawn is ideal. Round off your day at one of the Ghats around sunset to experience Hooghly at its finest.
Ayodhya Hills
One of the more popular destinations in the Purulia district of West Bengal, Ayodhya Hills is a semi-hilly area that is peppered with greenery all around. Rich in mineral deposits, Purulia has a distinct red soil or ‘laal mati’ as we call it in Bengal and is a part of the Dalma hills and the easternmost part of the Chhotanagpur Plateau. It paints a pretty postcard of tall trees, lakes, springs, and forests brimming with wildlife that begs to be captured in frames.
The tribal villages add their fair share of rustic flair to this little town. From experiencing local culture to trekking, bird watching and lazily strolling around the villages, Ayodhya Hills has a mix of everything one can ask for. We recommend visiting the Bamni and Turga Falls, Tarapaniya Lake, Mayur Hills, and Pakhi Pahar which is also a great spot for bird watching.
Home to the Santhal tribes, the most popular treat here is the ‘Chhau Naach’, a dance form that is mixed with martial arts, enacting stories from the great epics with its strikingly colourful masks that can be recognized from a mile. On that note, do not forget to visit Charida, the village near Baghmundi where these masks are made, which also double up as a souvenir.
Henry Island
An island near the popular village of Bakkhali, Henry Island is a solid 140 kilometers away from Kolkata and acts as a quick getaway for locals. Famous for its tranquil atmosphere, virgin beaches, and red crabs that run around like little children on the beach, it is an ideal spot for ones who seek time away from larger crowds and touristy destinations.
Named after a British Surveyor, it is one of the numerous islands that form the Ganga-Brahmaputra delta and has an interesting mix of mangrove forests, and beaches that open up to a panoramic view if you can make it to the watchtower inside the Sundari Tourist Complex. With options of staying in cottages or guest houses, make yourself at home; indulge in scrumptious seafood that is made to order, and experience slow living.
We cannot recommend watching the sunrise and sunset enough, as it adds to the already perfect beach aesthetic of golden sand, clear waters, and dense mangroves — an absolute treat for people of all ages.
Taki
While this might come as a surprise to many, Taki is popularly known as the Land of Zamindars as it was once the residence of many; the palatial buildings and ruins of the residences all stand testimony to the fact. Although it is touted as a quaint village nestled along the banks of the Ichamati River, Taki’s cultural heritage is far wider than that. Separating India and Bangladesh, Ichamati is a confluence of cultures, as it flows gracefully through the fertile soil. Often, one can spot fishermen from both nations going about their day.
Although modern resorts have now given way to a more urban crowd, one cannot miss the opportunity of walking down the village or hiking a ride on a toto (e-rickshaw) to explore the ancient temples and palaces. The most favored are the abode of General Shankar Roychowdhury, the 300-year-old twin Shiv Mandir and the Kuleshwari Kali temple. We recommend visiting the Golpata forest which is replete with Sundari and Golpata trees forming a canopy of sorts that adds to the aesthetic. To round off the experience, we recommend trying the fresh prawns, chhana’r malpua (a Bengali dessert), and Patali gur (jaggery).