Bali Island

A village based community tourism destination has been developed at Bali Island in the Sunderbans forest. It is a picturesque village on the banks of rivers. A number of rivers - Vidya, Gumti, Pirkhali, Khanakhali and Matla surround this island. The dense green foliage, simple life of the village inhabitants and the thrill of the atmosphere of Sundarbans is waiting to greet you at Bali Island. You can also visit Sudhanyakhali and Sajnekhali from the island by motor boat or launch.

Bali Island

How to Reach

You can reach Gadkhali from Science City via Ghatakpur and Sonakhali. From there launches and motor boats are available to reach Bali Island. It takes about one and a half hour to reach Bali from Gadkhali.


Accommodation

Sunderban Jungle Camp. Booking: 67/A Kali Temple Road, Kalighat, Kolkata-26. Tel: 033-24550917, 9831031980.

Places Near Kolkata | Donate

Susunia

Susunia Hills is an ideal weekend getaway in Bankura district of West Bengal. Situated at a height of 1500 ft, the place is blessed with impressive natural beauty. It is said that Raja Chandravarma had built his fort on this hill. Gandheswari River flowing down the hill is an added attraction. A small waterfalls is nestled in the hillock. You can also visit Pachmura village from Susunia. Pachmura village is home to the Terracotta artists of Bankura.

Susunia

Buy Holiday Destinations Travel Guide Book and discover amazing travel destinations near Kolkata. Plus, inside the book, you will get
- Concise and informative text with full color photographs
- How to Reach guide with latest train schedules
- Tariff and contact information of hotels and resorts
- Travel tips and useful medicines
- Bonus: 30 Picnic Spots near Kolkata
Available as eBook & Print Book


How to Reach

Trains are running from Howrah and Santragachi to Bankura. It takes around 4 hours to reach Purulia by train. From there buses and hired cars are available to get to Susunia.


Accommodation

Aranyak Guesthouse. Tel: 03242-234201.
There are some other hotels around the bus stand. You can also stay at Bankura.

Places Near Kolkata | Donate

Taki

Taki is a great weekend destination situated on the bank of Ichamati River in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal. Bangladesh is located on the other bank of this river. The main attractions of Taki include the Mini Sunderban, Eco Tourism Park, Rajbari and Pratip Saikat. Several temples namely Nandalal Jiu Temple, Jora Shiv Mandir and Kuleshwari Kali Bari lie in and around the place. Other attractions include Bisram Baganbari, BSF Training Camp, Mansingha Road and an ancient watchtower. One can also go for a boat ride in the waters of the Ichamati River. Taki is also well known as a picnic spot.

Taki

Buy Holiday Destinations Travel Guide Book and discover amazing travel destinations near Kolkata. Plus, inside the book, you will get
- Concise and informative text with full color photographs
- How to Reach guide with latest train schedules
- Tariff and contact information of hotels and resorts
- Travel tips and useful medicines
- Bonus: 30 Picnic Spots near Kolkata
Available as eBook & Print Book


How to Reach

You can reach Taki Road from Sealdah by Hasnabad Local. It takes around 2 hours to reach Taki Road from Sealdah. Van rickshaws are available from Taki Road station to reach Taki Tourist Spot.


Accommodation

Nripendra Guest House. Tariff - Rs. 350-500. Tel: 03217-233328.
Bidhan Saikat Atithishala 1. Tariff - Rs. 800-1000. Tel: 9734173702.
Bidhan Saikat Atithishala 2. Tariff - Rs. 600-800. Tel: 7602128877.
Suhasini Guest House. Tariff - Rs. 900-1200. Tel: 9330826779.
Eco Tourism Guest House. Tariff - Rs. 1000. Tel: 03217-233324.

Places Near Kolkata | Donate

Sajnekhali

Sajnekhali Island is nestled in the forests of Sunderban at the confluence of Matla and Gumdi rivers. The Sunderban Mangrove Interpretation Centre is located at Sajnekhali. There is a watchtower beside the tourist lodge. The spectacular view of the river and the surrounding forests is mind blowing. You will be able to watch the daily life of wild animals from this watchtower. And if you're lucky, you may also get a sight of the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger. One can go for a boat ride in the rivers and creeks of the Sunderbans. You can also visit Netidhopani and Dobanki from here.


Buy Holiday Destinations Travel Guide Book and discover amazing travel destinations near Kolkata. Plus, inside the book, you will get
- Concise and informative text with full color photographs
- How to Reach guide with latest train schedules
- Tariff and contact information of hotels and resorts
- Travel tips and useful medicines
- Bonus: 30 Picnic Spots near Kolkata
Available as eBook & Print Book


How to Reach

You can reach Canning from Sealdah by Canning Local. It takes a little more than a hour to reach Canning from Sealdah. From Canning you can get launch to go to Dockghat. From there you can get bus, auto or rickshaw to reach Sonakhali. From Sonakhali you can get trekker to reach Gosaba Dwip. From there ferry service is available to reach Sajnekhali. Or you can board Sonakhali bound buses from Babughat.From there you can get trekker to reach Gosaba Dwip and then ferry to reach Sajnekhali.


Accommodation

WBTDC Sajnekhali Tourist Lodge. Tariff - Rs. 2100-4000. Tel: 03218-214960. Kolkata Office: Tourism Centre, 3/2 BBD Bag (East), Kolkata-1. Tel: 033-22436440.

Places Near Kolkata | Donate

Piyali Island

Piyali Island is one of the main entry points to the Sundarbans. Situated in a pollution free environment, Piyali Island is an ideal weekend getaway. It is well connected to Sajnekhali, Sudhanyakhali and Netidhopani by waterways. The island is located at the confluence of Piyali and Matla rivers. You can enjoy a boat ride in the waters of the Matla River. The view of Piyali River during sunrise and full moon is mesmerizing. The best time to visit Piyali Island is from October to March. Many migratory birds are also seen at Piyali Island during winter.

Piyali Island

How to Reach

Piyali Island is 75 km from Kolkata. You can drive to Piyali via Baruipur-Gocharan-Dhosa. It takes about two and a half hours to reach Piyali by car. If you want to go by train then you have to catch the Lakshmikantapur local from Sealdah South and get off at Dakshin Barasat station. Trekkers are plying from there to Piyali Island, 24 km away.



Accommodation

Piyali Island Tourist Lodge. Tariff - Rs. 850. Tel: 9433435181.

Places Near Kolkata

Manoharpur

Manoharpur is a nice weekend destination situated in the state of Jharkhand. Located near the confluence of Karo, Koena and Koel rivers, it is one of the gateways to the Saranda Forest. Walk on the serene banks of the river or approach the lonely hillocks, nature will be always by your side. There are some tribal villages in the vicinity of Manoharpur. You can also hire a car and a guide to go on a safari to the Saranda Wildlife Sanctuary.

Manoharpur

How to Reach

Trains are running from Howrah to Manoharpur station. It takes around 6 hours to reach Manoharpur from Howrah by train.



Accommodation

Santoor Guest House. Tariff - Rs. 1500 per person (including food and lodging). Tel: 8969560018, 9820128389.

Places Near Kolkata

Jamuna Dighi

Jamuna Dighi is a leisure weekend destination which has come up centering a number of lakes and water bodies. The place is ideal to spend some time amid nature. Colourful birds are observed sitting and singing on the branches of trees during winter and spring. The lone walk on the roads of Jamuna Dighi is a lovely experience. One can see small villages and mango tree gardens at a distance. An ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Kali is another attraction. You can also visit Bhalki Machan or Shantiniketan.

Jamuna Dighi

How to Reach

Trains are running from Howrah to Guskara. Hired cars are available from Guskara to get to Jamuna Dighi.



Accommodation

Amrapali Tourist Lodge. Tariff - Rs. 600-1200. Tel: 03452-245300.

Places Near Kolkata

Bhalki Machan

Bhalki Machan is an excellent weekend getaway, 140 km from Kolkata. It is said that the king used to shoot bears while sitting on the Machan (Platform) on top of the trees in the forest. That is why the name of the place is Bhalki Machan. The Sal forest which used to be inhabited by bears is now home to monkey, cats and fox. There is a large lake with trees surrounding it. Boating facility is available too. The ancient and ruined temple of Bhalki Machan is another attraction. Many people come here to picnic during the winter. You can also visit Jamuna Dighi and Shantiniketan.

How to Reach

Trains are running from Howrah to Guskara. You can then hire a car from Guskara to get to Bhalki Machan. One can also reach Bhalki Machan from Kolkata via Barddhaman by car.



Accommodation

Aranya Sundari Resort. Tariff - Rs. 750-4000. Tel: 03452-200604, 9434537545.

Places Near Kolkata

Kuldiha Forest

Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in Balasore district of Odisha and is great for a weekend trip. Covering an area of 227 sq. km, Kuldiha is separated from Simlipal National Park by Sukhuapata and Gagua hills. The forest is home to tigers, leopards, elephants, wild pigs, Giant squirrel and various species of deer. A number of birds are also seen in this sanctuary. One can find trees like shal, devdaru, shimul, shirish and mangrove etc in Kuldiha.

Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary

How to Reach

Trains are running from Howrah to Balasore. Cars are available from there to reach Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary, 92 km from Balasore.


Accommodation

There are two forest bungalows at Kuldiha Forest. Tariff - Rs. 800.
For Booking Contact: Odisha Tourism, 55 Lenin Sarani, Kolkata - 700013, Tel: 033-22493653.

Places Near Kolkata | Donate