Love Adventure? Try these Weekend Getaways from Kolkata

From the old cultural alleys to new shopping malls, Kolkata has become a city with a cascade of culture and intellect.  However, there is no saying when everyday life stops being interesting and getting up in the morning means fighting the alarm clock. Those are the days when you should press the reset button, go exploring, seek thrill and live life with a racing heart! Are you looking for that change? A few kilometers in different directions from Kolkata can offer you these experiences: 

1. Parasailing at Shikarji, Giridh district, Jharkhand

Glide through the air and witness the deep Madhuban forest surrounding Shikarji also known as the Parasnath hill. It’s a place secluded from urban activities; gaining popularity for its recreational activities such as trekking, rock climbing along with paragliding. One of the most sacred places for Jains, there is much to see and explore.  If you love heights and always look for adventure then this will be the perfect weekend getaway for you and your family.

Distance from Kolkata: 275 km

2. Camping at Sundarban National Park, West Bengal

Sleep knowing that a tiger might be around somewhere! Stay at the famous Sundarban tiger camp,  take a wildlife safari in the world’s largest estuarine forest, watch the sea creep in at high tide and witness the forest as it floats all the while knowing that somewhere a ‘tiger is watching you’. Let your heart flutter with excitement and fear as you explore nature in its truest form. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sundarbans are the place to be since there is no better way to forget city life than spending a weekend in the arms of wilderness!

Distance from Kolkata: 109 km

3. Trekking at Biharinath Hill, Bankura District, West Bengal

Trek away the chaos of city life at the tallest hill in the sub-Himalayan region. Surrounded by the Purulia hills on one side and the Damador River on the other, this place is a climber’s paradise. Less of a trek and more of a nature walk, the time to reach the hilltop is between one to two hours. Unwind as you walk up the hill, loose layers of exhaustion and be greeted with a panoramic view of the entire district. This weekend getaway may not give you an adrenalin rush but it will definitely give you a sense of peace.

Distance from Kolkata: 230.3 km

4. Crocodile sighting at Bhitarkanika National Park, Kendrapara District, Odisha

Encounter crocodiles on boats, and let your heart beat soar at Bhitarkanika National Park. One of the largest Mangrove Eco systems in India, it is home to diverse flora and fauna along with leopard cats, jungle cats, hyenas, wild boars, porcupines, dolphins, kingfishers, wood peckers, and a large variety of resident and migratory birds. There’s so much to see, so much to explore and so much to learn, the place is like a breadth of fresh air, far away from our natural habitat.

Distance from Kolkata: 258 km

5. Snorkeling at Tajpur Beach, West Bengal

Swim like a fish and experience life underwater at this virgin beach. The sand is white, the sea is blue and the sunsets are worth waiting for. Bengal’s latest adventure hub, the place has on offer surfing, turtle nesting, ATV adventures, glass bottom boats, rubber boat propelling, zorbing and of course snorkeling. A place of contradictions, you can relax if you opt for this weekend getaway or you can let your heart race; the choice is all yours.

Distance from Kolkata: 172.3 km

6. Hiking at Neora Valley National Park, Darjelling District, West Bengal

Hike through a jungle where even sun light scares to tread. The Neora Valley is a haven for nature lovers as the terrain still remains unknown. Crisscrossed with streams, the park has preserved its natural biodiversity and challenged pollution and interference of humans so much so that much of it is completely unexplored. This is one place where you can be one with nature, go back to your roots and see life as you were meant to.

Distance from Kolkata: 653.2 km

7. Zip-lining at Mandarmani Beach, West Bengal

Parasailing, kayaking, jet skiing, trampolining, rappelling, rock-climbing as well as zip-lining are some of the activities you can take part in if you visit the Mandarmani beach. Fly over the world with the wind in your face, as you experience exhilaration on a 15 km stretch of sand, sea and adventure. However, there is more. At dawn, boats drop anchors and the beach is enveloped with energy, a sight to wake up early for! If you take this getaway, know that you’re in for an unforgettable ride.

Distance from Kolkata: 171.3 km

8. Rock climbing at Ayodhya Hill, Purulia District, West Bengal

Climb the highest peak of Ayodhya or hike through the dense jungle of Shimul and Palash. Standing at 2,220 ft. above sea level, Gangabaru is high and only for people that are proficient in rock climbing. However, for people looking for some adventure, the hikes around are perfect! You can climb the Peacock hill, and watch as the sun goes down the horizon over the lush green forest. Wander around the small tribal villages and see the way people live far away from the world we inhabit. It’s a getaway not just from the humdrum of city life but also from the present times.

Distance from Kolkata: 332.5 km

9. Rafting at Khandoli Dam, Giridh, Jharkhand

Famed for its adventure sports, Khandoli Dam sees travelers throng from all parts of the world. The place allows you to go mountaineering, kayaking, hot air ballooning, parasailing, speed boating, pedal boating, scuba diving, canoeing, water skiing and rafting among other activities. It’s a getaway filled with thrill. The place is for one and all; it doesn’t matter if you’re just starting out on a bit of adventure of if you’ve been battling the elements of nature forever!

Distance form Kolkata: 323.9 km

10. Rappeling at Joychandi Pahar, Purulia, West Bengal

Rappel off a cliff into a seemingly endless bottom, feel the fear as you look down and experience the relief when you land on your feet. Rappelling is a sport you’d want to return to again and again. Joychandi Pahar is a popular destination for thrill seekers as it is one of the most attractive places to rappel and rock climb. Therefore, take a weekend away from daily life and let adrenalin rush through your body; all you have to do is jump!

Distance from Kolkata: 251.9 km

So where are you headed to this weekend?