Often portrayed as the ‘City of Joy’, Kolkata is abounding with passions. From cultural vivacity to the emotional hullabaloo, the city celebrates everything that comes along. India’s cultural and political nucleus, Kolkata reigns supremely in everything it exudes, be it the remnants of the past or the entirety of the present. If you want to live the feeling called home, Kolkata is your ideal bet. It welcomes you with hearts open, no matter where you belong, attracting a horde of tourists and travellers from all across the globe every year.
If travel entices your being and you are planning a long trip to Kolkata anytime soon, we would like to intervene in your itinerary a bit by suggesting a staycation at one of the most astounding weekend destinations near Kolkata in summers.
Let’s delve a little deep into it:
- Ravangla
Located at an altitude of 7000ft amidst the Meanam and Tendong hills, Ravangla is a small town known for its exquisite natural beauty and breathtaking views. The recent transformation has turnedthis little town into a splendid tourist resort. Whether you are interested in trekking or bird watching, this intricately beautiful town offers you everything in oodles. Counted among the best offbeat tourist destinations near Kolkata, Ravangla in South Sikkim is, undoubtedly, a must-visit destination.
- Shantiniketan
If the history persuades your senses well, Shantiniketan in Birbhum District is an ideal place for you to visit in summers. The story of its existence surfaced in the year 1862 when DebendraNath Tagore converted this piece of land into a gorgeous guest house hemmed in by numerous small plants and trees. Years later, in 1902, his son Rabindranath Tagore commenced a school here with just 5 students which went on to become the first university of India. Just a 4-hour drive from the capital city of West Bengal, Shantiniketan is also renowned for festivities including PoushMela and Basanta Utsav.
- Kurseong
Located in the Darjeeling district at an altitude of 1,458 metres, Kurseong is popularly known as the land of white orchids. With astounding Castle Tea Estate and famous Toy Train,Kurseong’sunparalleled beauty is a respite in the scorching summer season. From a multitude of tea gardens including Makaibarie, Ambootia and Goomtee to innumerable religious sites like The Ambootia Shiva Temple, GiddhaPaharSita Ram Mandir, and GiddahPaharDurga Mata Mandir, the hills of Kurseongexudes consummate beauty at its best.
Along with the above-mentioned weekend destinations near Kolkata, you can also check out some remarkable places to visit in Kolkata in summers like Victoria Memorial Hall, St. Paul’s Cathedral Church, JorasankoThakurbari, Town Hall etc. and make your trip worthwhile.
