10 quick getaways from Kolkata: Rivers, forts and fresh air

Kolkata is many things at once — a bustling city of trams and yellow taxis, of sweet delights and spicy curries, of heated debates and addas that stretch for hours. But even the most devoted occasionally craves a breather from all the humdrum. Fortunately, the City of Joy is blessedly surrounded by heritage and natural beauty — rivers, mangroves and historic towns — that make for perfect little escapes just a stone's throw away from city limits. 

In fact, some of Bengal's best day trips lie less than two hours from Esplanade, meaning you can leave after breakfast, explore to your heart's content and still return home for dinner.

These trips offer more than quick breaks – they provide glimpses into Bengal's layered story: Portuguese basilicas, French promenades, zamindari mansions and fishing villages where life still follows river tides. Some destinations focus on history, others on food (we're looking at you, biryani in Barrackpore), whilst a few simply celebrate watching the sun set on the Hooghly. Most of these destinations are connected via suburban trains and buses from Esplanade, keeping them light on time and budget. 

So pack a picnic, grab a friend and let Kolkata's backyard surprise you with its riverside charm.

This sleepy riverside village on the Hooghly feels like a postcard forgotten by modern life. Here, time slows with boat rides, riverside walks filled with birdsong and sunsets that paint the water in glowing colours. Set in the Budge Budge area, the village also has patches of forest that fill the air with the earthy scent of petrichor that nature lovers crave.

• How to Get There: About 35-40 km from Esplanade, Burul is an hour’s drive by car. You can also take a suburban train from Sealdah or Howrah towards Budge Budge, then continue by auto or toto. Adventurous travellers can take buses from Esplanade that wind through the suburbs.
• What to See/Do: Walk the ghats, hire small country boats and enjoy riverside picnics whilst village life unfolds – children splashing in the river, fishermen casting nets and snack stalls selling puffed rice and tea.
• Where to Stay: For those who want to linger, there are small riverside homestays like Nodi Teerae, which offer rooms, gardens by the Ganga and local meals. They are usually listed on major travel portals.
• Food or Shopping: Simple meals of steaming hot rice and fresh river fish curries and snacking on Jhalmuri accompanied by steaming cups of tea capture Burul's authentic flavours.

This riverside town on the Rupnarayan serves up wide river views, bridge-side picnic spots and buzzing atmosphere courtesy of its flower market and hilsa fish stalls. The blend of river breeze, roadside energy and authentic local life reminds you of the beauty of simple pleasures.

• How to Get There: Kolaghat is about 55-65 km from Esplanade. Take a long drive along NH-116 or NH-6 (roughly 1.5 hours), or catch a suburban train towards Kolaghat station on the Howrah-Kharagpur line, then walk or rickshaw from there.
• What to See or Do: Wander the lively markets picking up local flowers and fresh hilsa, then settle in for riverside strolls watching boats drift past. It's pure small-town charm in action.
• Where to Stay: Hotel Sonar Bangla, a riverside resort perched by the Rupnarayan, offers river views, sprawling lawns, a pool and modern comforts.
• Food or Shopping: Beyond the flower and fish counters, local stalls serve jhalmuri, steaming cups of tea and other snacks perfect for munching while on a stroll by the river. Many visitors make a beeline for the legendary highway dhaba Sher-e-Punjab, whilst Hotel Sonar Bangla's restaurant provides a more relaxed sit-down alternative.

These twin towns north of Kolkata are steeped in Bengal's layered history. Panihati boasts riverside ghats and Vaishnav heritage, whilst Barrackpore holds deep colonial and freedom-fighting significance. Together, they create a thoughtful day out where every corner whispers stories from the past.

• How to Get There: About 20–25 km north, 45 minutes by car. Catch suburban trains from Sealdah towards Barrackpore or Panihati, or take buses from Esplanade along Barrackpore Trunk Road.
• What to See or Do: Walk through riverside options where the spark of India's first war of independence was lit in 1857, visit the Prafulla Chandra Roy statue, explore historic temples and ghats and stroll through colonial gardens that once entertained British officers.
• Where to Stay: These towns are best enjoyed as day trips, though riverside options are available for overnight stays. Nihar on the Ganges in Panihati is a heritage villa with gardens, river views and homely Bengali meals. In Barrackpore, the Mangaldhara Tourism Property near Gandhi Ghat, run by West Bengal Tourism, offers simple riverside rooms and houseboats. You can call the phone numbers available online for booking options.
• Food or Shopping: Indulge in the famous Dada Boudi Biryani, a cult favourite even in Kolkata. Add temple prasad, syrupy Bengali sweets from local shops and street food near the ghats for that perfect food trail to match the history tour.
   

A riverside town on the Ichamati that blends mellow vibes with a touch of curiosity, here you can look across the water straight into Bangladesh. Taki is all about slow walks, leafy gardens and that unique thrill of being right on the border while still wrapped in small-town charm. And remember to carry a valid ID just in case.

• How to Get There: Around 70 km north, about 2 hours by road. You can also catch a local train from Sealdah to Hasanabad and hop off at Taki Road station, followed by a short rickshaw ride to the riverside. Buses from Esplanade towards Hasanabad also stop here.
• What to See or Do: Stroll through the Golpata forest and its mangrove trail, take a boat ride on the Ichamati to watch fishermen at work, visit the Kuleshwar Kali Temple and Ramakrishna Mission Ashram, explore old ancestral mansions, or unwind at the eco-park. Those travelling by bus or train can hire local toto services to take you around town.
• Where to Stay: Best enjoyed as a day trip, though small local lodges are available for overnight stay. Hotel Sonar Bangla, a riverside property with gardens and views across the Ichamati is often chosen by visitors who want to relax and stay the night.
• Food or Shopping: Taki is famous for its hearty fish thalis, with catches pulled straight from the Ichamati. Local sweet shops offer delicacies perfect as edible souvenirs.

Diamond Harbour, an old favourite day-trip destination for city-weary Kolkatans, is situated where the Hooghly River opens out towards the Bay of Bengal. It is a place to breathe in the fresh breezes, explore a touch of history and watch vivid sunsets on the river that leave you awestruck.

• How to Get There: About 55–60 km south; it takes roughly 1.5 hours by car. There are frequent local trains from Sealdah to Diamond Harbour and buses from Esplanade also head that way.
• What to See or Do: Visit the crumbling ruins of the Portuguese-built Chingrikhali Fort, take a stroll along the riverbank, or take boat rides for gorgeous river views. Sunset at the jetty is the undisputed highlight.
• Where to Stay: The Sagorika Tourism Property, run by West Bengal Tourism, offers simple riverside rooms and basic amenities. Private options, such as Hotel Punyalakshmi, set along the Hooghly, are also available for overnight or day visits.
• Food or Shopping: Fresh river fish cooked at local eateries is a must-try. Street vendors sell simple snacks and small shops offer sweets to pack for the journey home.

A peaceful riverside town where the Hooghly slows its pace, Falta is perfect for laid-back outings. Once an East India Company base, it now offers quiet walks, shaded picnic spots and the simple charm of watching boats glide past.

• How to Get There: About 50–55 km south, around 1 hour by car. Local trains from Sealdah to Diamond Harbour stop nearby, with buses also connecting from Esplanade.
• What to See or Do: Stroll along the riverbanks, take a short boat ride and picnic by the waterside. Birdwatchers will enjoy spotting local species around the wetlands, while history enthusiasts can visit the Bose Bigyan Mandir grounds for leisurely walks.
• Where to Stay: Homestays and guesthouses offer simple rooms with local meals. Private riverside resorts provide more indulgent experiences. Options include Rajhans Hotel & Resort, a riverside stay along the Ganges and more rustic escapes like Aqua Retreat.
• Food or Shopping: Riverside treats include muri, pakoras and sweet chai. Village markets sometimes offer simple local produce. The resorts offer more luxurious Bengali and other multi-cuisine fare.

These twin river towns carry traces of Bengal's Portuguese and French past, respectively. They make history feel alive through old churches, colonial facades and leafy riverside promenades. They're close enough to explore in a single trip, offering two cultural flavours in one outing.

• How to Get There: About 38–44 km north, around 1 to 1.5 hours by car. Local trains from Howrah stop at Bandel Junction and Chandannagar stations, with rickshaws easily available for short rides within the towns.
• What to See or Do: In Bandel, visit the 16th-century Basilica built by the Portuguese and stroll along the riverside. In Chandannagar, walk the elegant French-style promenade – the Strand, visit the Sacred Heart Church, explore the Chandannagar Museum and if the timing is right, enjoy the famous Jagaddhatri Puja lights.
• Where to Stay: Small hotels and guesthouses are available for overnight stays, though most people treat these as day trips. The West Bengal Tourism Department has its own accommodation at Chandannagar, Alo Tourism Property, offers basic rooms with dining facilities. In Bandel, options include Anushka Garden & Resort, which promises a garden view and a pool.
• Food or Shopping: Bandel is known for its smoky, crumbly Bandel cheese, a rare culinary relic from Portuguese times. Chandannagar tempts with Jolbhora Talsash Sandesh, syrup-filled sweets bursting with flavour. Local bakeries and snack stalls make excellent pit stops along the way.

The Basanti stretch offers an eco-rich rural escape where ponds, paddy fields and fish farms create a mosaic of life. Recognised as part of the East Kolkata Wetlands, the area feels worlds away from the bustle of the city, making it a refreshing choice for nature lovers.

• How to Get There: Around 80–90 km, roughly 2 hours by car along the Basanti Expressway. Public buses run part of the route, though driving down is more scenic and comfortable.
• What to See or Do: Drive past sprawling wetlands, watch fishermen working in the bheris (traditional fish ponds), visit local villages and sit by ponds that mirror the sky.
• Where to Stay: Storii by ITC, Devasom Resort & Spa offers a more upscale option with wellness-focused facilities. Simpler stays include Sundar Gram, Bonobithi and Banabithi Resort and Jungle Tent.
• Food or Shopping: Freshly caught pond fish and seasonal vegetables get served in village homes. Local craft items, simple woven goods, or earthen pots are sometimes available as souvenirs.

A heritage hamlet wrapped around a 300-year-old Rajbari, Bawali, combines antique grandeur with rural calm. The village atmosphere of ponds, temples and bamboo groves contrasts beautifully with the Corinthian columns and chandeliers of the old zamindar mansion, making it a rare slice of history just outside the city.

• How to Get There: Just about 30 km south, it is roughly a 40-minute drive by car or cab. Buses towards Budge Budge also head that way, though driving is the most convenient.
• What to See or Do: Step inside the restored Rajbari with its antique furniture and columns worthy of a Bollywood period drama. Visit the Navaratna Gopinath Temple (built in 1794) and other terracotta shrines. Wander through the village to discover quiet ponds, temple steps and everyday charm.
• Where to Stay: The Rajbari itself has been converted into a heritage hotel, offering a luxurious stay in a restored setting. Nearby, the Bawali Farmhouse provides a quieter alternative with simple rooms in a rustic environment.
• Food or Shopping: The Rajbari restaurant serves traditional Bengali thalis and old-world zamindari recipes, while village stall owners offer homemade snacks and sweets. 

A serene gateway to the Sundarbans, Jharkhali lets you taste mangrove life without going deep into the reserve. It is quieter than the tourist-heavy entry points and the views of rivers, creeks and green belts make it feel like nature has slowed down just for you.

• How to Get There: Roughly 100–115 km, about 2.5 to 3 hours by road. Hire cabs from Kolkata or take trains from Sealdah to Canning, followed by local autos or car hires to Jharkhali.
• What to See or Do: Take boat safaris through mangrove creeks, enjoy guided nature walks and potentially spot wildlife around Bonnie Camp or nearby tiger reserves. Kalash Island and Netidhopani are accessible via longer boat trips.
• Where to Stay: A handful of guesthouses and eco-lodges cater to visitors, including the Jhore Jole Jongole Eco Heritage Resort.
• Food and Shopping Highlights: Simple but fresh meals feature Bengali-style river fish curry and steamed rice. Honey collected from the mangroves and handmade local handicrafts make for thoughtful souvenirs.

• How to Get There: About 50–55 km south of Kolkata, it takes around 1.5 hours by car. You can also catch a train from Howrah to Diamond Harbour before taking a short auto ride to Raichak, but a direct drive is more convenient.
• What to See or Do: Explore 18th-century fort ruins, take ferry rides across the Hooghly to Gadiara or Kukrahati, climb the lighthouse for wide river views or spend quiet hours at the Ramakrishna Mission ashram.
• Where to Stay: There are homestays and private cottages where you can spend the night in comfort, as well as larger properties like The Ffort Raichak and Ganga Kutir. You can check out popular travel booking web portals for more information.
• Food or: Hearty provincial Bengali fare with abundant fresh river fish. Local flea-market-style stalls sometimes sell curios, handicrafts and knick-knacks for souvenirs.