Engrossed in the colonial legacy that is as old as three centuries, Kolkata sparks off a spirited reaction from folks who visit it. And with crisp cold winds, dim winter sun and a hot cup of coffee, residents of Kolkata welcome monsoons like no other city. Along with dim sun and chills, monsoons also hosts many festivals, and thereby holidays.
Be it a long weekend or a few days; all that people want is to take a break from the routine work and bask in the lazy afternoon sun. And if you are planning for a monsoon holiday or a short trip in and around Kolkata, we have the best list for you.
Here are the ten famous places to visit near Kolkata in August 2023:
1. Pakur
The Birkitti Fort, Devinagar Ruins, and Martello Towers are a few of the historical landmarks you can visit in Pakur with your family and friends to learn a little about the tumultuous history of our nation. It is also home to natural hot springs in Sidpur, which is considered to be sacred by many locals. Rumour has it that a dip in this holy springs on the occasion of New Year is supposed to cleanse your body and soul.
2. Joychandi Hill
Apart from its natural bounties, the hill station is also home to many attractions like Garpanchkot, Panchet Lake, Maithon Dam and Mata Chandi, to name a few. It is also an apt winter destination for thrill-seekers and adventure junkies as it offers trekking, hiking and rock-climbing options in the rocky hills.
3. Golpata Forest
Engrossed in the colonial legacy that is as old as three centuries, Kolkata sparks off a spirited reaction from folks who visit it. And with crisp cold winds, dim winter sun and a hot cup of coffee, residents of Kolkata welcome monsoons like no other city. Along with dim winter sun and chills, winter also hosts many festivals, and thereby holidays.
Presently serving as the international border between India and Bangladesh, Golpata Forest is located just 80 km from Kolkata, in Taki. You can take a short trip to Golpata forest with your friends and family to enjoy an idyllic winter weekend or vacation. During winter the whole forest thrives with diverse flora and fauna like no other place near Kolkata.
You can also camp on the banks of River Ichamati and witness its rare conflux with the River Ganga at the Sundarbans. Maachranga Dwip, Durgadalan, Kuleshwari kali Temple, and the Jora Shib Mandir are a few other tourists attractions in and around Golpata Forest that will leave you wanting for more.
4. Joypur Forest
A short trip to this forest can be an excellent getaway to reconnect with your loved ones, as well as with nature. The best time to visit Joypur forest is between November to March, as most of the exotic and harmless animals can be witnessed easily in the woods while you enjoy a trek with the fresh air filling your lungs.
5. Mukutmanipur
You can also go hiking in the forests around the hilly area. And for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, there is deer park and the Jhilimili Forest to venture into. Whatever the purpose, this winter destination will surely give you an exhilarating experience of the nature meeting civilisation.
6. Mayapur
Mayapur, a popular Vaishnavite site, is home to many mystical shrines. Located about 120 km away from Kolkata, it boasts nine holy islands representing a petaled-lotus flower formation; hence famously called 'Navadwipa'.
If you are pious, Mayapur is the right place to visit near Kolkata this winter as it is adobe to many famous shrines like Chandrodya Temple, Yoga Peeth, and Shree Chaitanyanath, to name a few. It is a one-stop-spiritual destination that will satiate your mind, body and soul to start the new year with a bang.
7. Khanyan
Itachuna Rajbari, Mahanad Kali and Kalibari are a few Rajbaris, where at one point, the zamindars dictated the terms and held their congregation to solve the problems of the locals. Besides Rajbaris, Khanyan is also apt for history buffs, as there are local galleries and museums that stores many local letters, photographs, and writings and famous work.
8. Chandraketugarh
Apart from the magnificent ruins, Chandraketugarh boasts a grand view of Bidyadhari river, and it is best viewed from the Bidyadhari Bridge. It is one of the best winter getaways near Kolkata, and it will ensure you unwind in the marvel of some historical landmarks abreast gaining a little knowledge about our ancient history as well.
9. The Sundarbans
Many small islands and parks are decked in the vicinity of Sundarbans. Besides the view, you can also get the best accommodation and wholesome meals for economical packages. Boasting plenty of wildlife sanctuaries and watchtowers, Sundarbans is the most sought after winter destination near Kolkata
10. Bakkhali Beach
You can stroll along on the pristine white beach, bask in the sunset and sunrise and even witness a few migratory birds while enjoying the fresh sea breeze with your loved ones. Besides, being a beach destination, Bakkhali is also home to Crocodile propagation reserve. Thus, making it an ideal place for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.