Exciting Weekend Getaways from Kolkata for Wildlife Lovers

Your Ultimate Guide to Weekend Getaways is Here. Check it Out!

Is the constant beeping of horns and humidity attack of Kolkata getting to you? Are you craving to be somewhere close to nature? If you’re tired of your hectic and predictable daily schedule, here are some of the top ten weekend getaways from Kolkata for nature and wildlife enthusiasts.

1. Sunderbans

 

An abundance of mangroves feature at the Sunderbans national park. Home to the Bengal Royal Tigers, the Sunderbans National park is the ideal place for wildlife lovers to enjoy the Royal Bengal tour, or the Tiger & Rhino safari! For a more thrill-seeking experience you can opt to stay inside the Sunderbans amidst the jungle and away from the urban chaos.

How to reach: You can travel by road which will take around 2 hours and is an appropriate way of travel if you’re traveling with family. You can opt to travel by train which takes around one and a half hours and local trains are available from Sealdah.

Where to stay: Sunderbans offers limited accommodation options, however we recommend you stay at the Sunderband Tiger Camp (Rs.7463 per night).

Book Your Stay at Sunderban Tiger Camp

 

2. Purulia​

 

Purulia is known for its natural beauty, and a paradise for photographers. The Baranti Reservoir is a serene lake surrounded by verdant mountains perfect for a romantic stroll along the banks of the lake. Visit the Doldanga Deer Park to capture breath-taking shots of numerous species of deer and later on feast on a picnic and enjoy the scenic views of the sunset.

How to reach: You can travel by road which takes around six hours via NH19. You can also opt to travel by a direct train which takes around five and a half hours and we recommend the Rupasibangla Express.

Where to stay: We recommend you to stay at Hotel Akash Sarovar (Rs.3750 per night) for the most comfortable stay.

Book Your Stay at Akash Sarovar

 

3. Kaziranga​

A world heritage site, Kaziranga boasts of the largest number of Royal Bengal Tigers amidst tall camouflage grasses. If you’re up for an adventure, an elephant safari in Kaziranga National Park is an unforgettable experience and its flora and fauna adds to the scenic beauty of the park. Bird-watching in Kaziranga is a unique experience as it is the abode to 25 of the globally threatened species of birds.

How to reach: There is no direct train, however we recommend you to take the Saraighat Express from Kolkata to Guhahati and then take a cab to Kaziranga and takes around twenty four hours. You can also opt to fly to Jorhat and then take a taxi to Kaziranga which takes around four hours.

Where to stay: For the most luxurious stay we recommend the Infinity Resort (Rs.8000 per night) and the Kaziranga Gold Resort (Rs.6825 per night)

Book Your Stay at Infinity Resort

 

4. Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary

Perfect for a weekend getaway, The Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary is home to riche flora and fauna. The sanctuary allows you to experience nature at first hand by walking on nature tracks to catch glimpses of deer and other animals! The main attractions at the Sanctuary are the Blackbuck Deer and the migratory birds such as the Pintails and Teals. The Ballavpur wildlife sanctuary is the ideal place to de-stress from the urban chaos and bask in the glory of nature.

How to get there: You can travel by road which will take around four and a half hours via NH19.

Where to stay: There are various options for accommodations in Ballavpur, however we recommend you to stay nearby the Sanctuary.

 

5. Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary

You can spot a variety of mammals including swamp Deer, Tigers, Sloth Bear and many more. The sanctuary is also an abode to rare species of buffalos and birds, try and spot them! Enjoy long walks amidst the lush greens and the jeep safari while basking in the glory of the sunset. If you’re looking for an offbeat destination, Sunabeda is the ideal place!

How to get there: You can fly from Kolkata to Sunabeda by taking a flight from Kolkata to Vishakhapatnam and then take a taxi to Sunabeda which takes around six hours.

Where to stay: Sunabeda has limited number of accommodations, however we recommend Jungle Bells Nature Camp.

 

6. Satkosia Tiger Reserve

The Satkosia Tiger Reserve is one of the lesser known wonders of Odisha, nonetheless it’s a must see. You can opt for a boat ride on the great Mahanadi River and spot several species of fish including Bodafish and the 30 kilogram Cat fish! It is a perfect opportunity for photographers to capture breath-taking shots of the Royal Bengal tiger along with the two most rare species of crocodiles- The Mugger and Gharial. We recommend you to visit Tikarapada to get a first-hand experience of an overnight camping stay by the river banks.

How to get there: You can take a train to Sagadapata, the nearest station, after which you can take a taxi to the reserve. You can also opt to travel by road which will cost around Rs.5 per kilometer and take around five hours.

Where to stay: Satkosia offers varied options for accommodations, however we recommend that you camp near the banks of the river to experience nature at its best. Camping costs between Rs.1700 to 3000 per night.

 

7.  Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary

 

A world heritage site, the Gahirmatha Sanctuary is Odisha’s only Olive Ridley turtle sanctuary. This unique phenomenon is difficult to spot anywhere else in India and offers the perfect opportunity to relax by the beach and observe the turtles nesting. An ideal place for eco-tourists, The Marine Sanctuary has been created into a safe habitat by the help of NGO’s. The experience of seeing these magnificent creatures nesting, laboring and migrating is unforgettable!

How to get there: You can opt to fly to Bhubhaneshwar after which you can take a cab to Gahirmatha Sanctuary.

Where to stay: Gahirmatha offers varied options for accommodation, however we recommend you to stay near the beach!

 

​8. Mukutmanipur

Known for having one of India’s largest damns, Mukutmanipur is the ideal weekend getaway. Mukutmanipur is a serene town surrounded by lush greens and clear blue waters. Hikers can hike to the highest peak, Parasnath Hills, on top of which is a world-renown pilgrimage center. Adventure enthusiasts can visit the Deer park where you can enjoy the refreshing exposure of boating in the damn enclosed water amidst the greens. Opposite the lake is the Deer park where you can see herds of deer roaming about in their natural habitat, an ideal destination for eco-tourists!

How to get there: You can drive to Mukutmanipur which takes around five hours via NH16. You can also opt to travel by train, the closest station is Bankura after which you can take a taxi to Mukutmanipur which is only 45 kilometers away.

Where to stay: Mukutmanipur offers limited accommodations, however we recommend you to stay in Peerless Resort (Rs.3600 per night) for the most comfortable stay

Book Your Stay at Peerless Resort

 

9. Sana Beach Resort, Mandarmoni

The Sana beach resort allows you to enjoy white-sand beaches while observing the phenomenon of thousands of small crabs crawling across the 13 kilometer stretch of Virgin Beach. Bask in the glory of the serene sea-side amidst lush coastal trees. It is the ideal place for photographers to capture breath-taking shots of the sunsets by the shore!

How to get there: You can drive from Kolkata to Mandarmoni which takes around four hours via NH16. 

Where to stay:  The Sana Beach Resort offers ethnic well furnished rooms each with its own attached bath facilities. Experience nature at first hand in absolute luxury!

Book Your Stay at Sana Beach Resort

 

10. Chandipur

A seaside retreat, Chandipur is the ideal getaway to de-stress from the urban chaos. Balaramgadhi is located right beside the Chandipur where you can witness the natural beauty of the confluence of two rivers and take a romantic stroll amongst the river banks. Nature Enthusiasts should visit the Similipal Forest Reserve, a wildlife sanctuary which shelters tigers, crocodiles and deer amongst many others and enjoy a day out to experience nature first hand. Chandipur is a perfect destination for an offbeat getaway!

How to get there: The best option is to drive from Kolkata to Chandipur which takes around five hours via NH16. You can also also take a train from Kolkata to Balasore which takes around four hours, after which travel by road to Chandipur which is around 2 kilometers away.

Where to stay: We recommend you to stay at Anandmayee Hotel (Rs.6000 per night) or Arpita Beach Resort (Rs.2000 to 3000 per night).

Book Your Stay at Anandmayee Hotel

 

These ten weekend getaways are the ideal destinations to experience nature first hand!