There are innumerable places of interests around the beautiful and lively city of Kolkata. Some are famous for their natural wonders and some for their historical significance. Haldia is one amongst these weekend getaways from Kolkata which are popular amongst tourists for their historical significance as well as natural wonders.
You can find here everything, ranging from ancient buildings to beautiful rivers and mesmerising docks to interesting localities. So, let's learn more about Haldia and why you should plan a trip from Kolkata to Haldia this season.
Best Time To Visit Haldia
Being a port city, Haldia experiences a hot and humid type of climate during the summer season; hence, it is wise to avoid visiting Haldia during the summer season. If you desire to discover the hidden beauty of the town comfortably, then the best time to visit Haldia is from October until the end of April.
How To Reach Haldia From Kolkata
PC- Maps
By Air: The nearest airport is at Kolkata only at an approximate distance of 125 km.
By Rail: There are no direct trains available between Haldia and Kolkata. However, you can take a train from Kolkata to Tamluk and then from you can hire a cab to Haldia. Tamluk is located at a distance of 32 km from Haldia.
By Road: Located at a distance of around 177 km from Kolkata, Haldia is easily accessible by road.
Route 1: Kolkata - Panchla - Haldia
Route 2: Kolkata - Falta - Haldia
Route 3: Kolkata - Fatehpur - Haldia
However, route 1 is the fastest as it will take an average of 1 hour lesser in comparison to the other routes. While on your way to Haldia, you can take a break at Panchla and learn about this small town.
Panchla
Panchla is a small town in the Howrah district of West Bengal and is located at a distance of around 87 km from Haldia and 34 km from Kolkata. It is popular for its embroidery works.
Even though there are not many places of interest in Panchla, you can still take a break at this tiny town and witness the beauty of handicrafts such as exclusive garments and fashion accessories made out of gold zari, seed pearls and beads.
Final Destination – Haldia
PC- Mandal.mou
Haldia is a port city in the Purba Medinipur district of West Bengal and is also home to several ancient masterpieces in the form of temples and palaces. There are a lot of things to explore within the boundaries of Haldia.
On one hand, you can savour the peaceful aura of its temples and meditation centre and on another hand, you can enjoy the relaxing environment of Hooghly river and the beautiful docks.
Muktidham Temple
PC- Tevaprapas
Being a part of Vivekananda Mission Ashram, Muktidham Temple is one of the most visited places in Haldia. Located amidst beautiful gardens and lawns, it was inaugurated in 1999 and since then, it has been a frequented site in Haldia on account of its delightful space and calm presence.
Here, you can also find several people meditating in its galleries. It is made out of white marble in Indian style and is a definitely a place to visit.
Haldia Dock
Haldia Dock is popular amongst nature lovers and local tourists who come here to witness the natural beauty of the town at the time of sunset and sunrise. Being a prominent trading port, it has also become a commercial hub in the state of West Bengal. You must visit this beautiful dock during sunset, when you can clearly see the colourful rays of the sun spreading all over the town.
The beautiful Marive Drive is the part of Haldia Dock where you can find people jogging, walking and siting quietly gazing at the everlasting horizon over the sea. The Marine Drive is dotted with palm trees and is covered with green grass on either sides. So, why refrain from being a guest to such a wondrous beauty?
Sataku
How about visiting this mini Japan and enjoying the beauty of its settlement and savouring delicacies at Japanese restaurants? Well, if you would love to see the tiny settlement of Japan within Haldia, then Sataku is the place where you should head towards. Being engineers and executives at chemical plants in Haldia, these Japanese have been living here for several years.
Mahishadal Rajbari
Mahishadal Rajbari has been a royal estate since its formation with two beautiful palaces within its compound. However, the old palace is more of a tourist destination and the new palace, built in 1937, is serving as the residence to the royal family of the region.
If you desire to watch a rich collection of ancient relics in the form of paintings, furniture and stuffed animals, then Mahishadal Rajbari is your destination in Haldia.
Gopaljew Temple
PC- spmurugesan
Gopaljew Temple is one of the most popular and oldest temples in Haldia and is located inside Mahishadal Rajbari. It is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is believed to be built by Rani Janaki during the 18th century.
You can also find two tiny temples dedicated to Lord Shiva around Gopaljew Temple. The major specialities of the temple are the shrines and its enthralling architecture portraying the Navaratna style.