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.

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Murguma

Murguma is a tribal village in Purulia district of West Bengal. It is an ideal weekend getaway situated in a beautiful natural environment and pristine landscape. There is a dam on the Saharjor river which is the prime attraction of this place. The lake created by this dam is surrounded by hillocks and forests. A number of birds inhabit the surrounding areas of this lake. Winter is the best time to visit Murguma.

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How to Reach

Trains are running from Howrah to Purulia. It takes around 5-6 hours to reach Purulia by train. Murguma is 43 km from Purulia station. From Purulia, you can get a car to reach Murguma.



Accommodation

Bon Palashi Eco Huts
Tariff: Rs. 1800-2400 per room
Tel: 874361951, 033-40075510

Palash Bitan Jungle Huts
Tariff: Rs. 900-1500 per room
Tel: 9674222670, 9831347123

Aranya Sundari Village Cottage Resort
Tariff: Rs. 600-1000 per room
Tel: 03252-228472, 9609601780

Places Near Kolkata

Asna

Asna is an ideal weekend destination situated in Bankura district of West Bengal. The place is calm and serene with forests and trees surrounding the area. There are some tribal villages in and around Asna. Tribal dance performed by the local people is an added attraction. The main habitation near Asna is Taldangra town. From Asna you can visit Panchmura, village of the Terracotta artists. You can witness the process of making of Terracotta handicrafts in the workshop and buy them. Chechuria Eco Park is located at a walking distance from Asna.

How to Reach

Trains are running from Howrah to Bishnupur. From there you can hire a car to reach Asna.



Accommodation

Asna Bungalow. Tariff - Rs. 1000-1200. Booking: DFO, Panchet Soil Conservation, P.O. Bishnupur, District - Bankura. Tel: 03244-252189.

Places Near Kolkata

Bankiput

Bankiput is a virgin and unexplored sea beach located close to Kolkata. The beach is dotted with dense Casuarina groves. Those who want to spend their weekend amidst serenity and calmness away from the hustle and bustle of the city will find Bankiput, an ideal destination. Many red crabs are seen popping their heads from their burrows in the beach during low tide. You can visit the Kapalkundala Temple which finds its mention in one of the novels written by the famous Bengali novelist Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay. Dariapur Light House is situated at a little distance from the temple. The panoramic view of the sea from the top of the light house is amazing. Another attraction of Bankiput is the picturesque Deshpran Fishing Harbour at Petuaghat.

Bankiput

How to Reach

You can reach Bankiput directly from Kolkata by car. Cars are also available from Digha, Shankarpur and Mandarmani to get to Bankiput via Junput. Otherwise you can board a Digha-bound train from Howrah and disembark at Kanthi station. It takes about 3 hours to reach Kanthi from Howrah. From Kanthi, hired cars ply to Bankiput.



Accommodation

Jhinuk Residency. Tariff - Rs. 1600-2200. Tel: 7047779272, 9932677258.

Places Near Kolkata

Kettle Valley

Kettle Valley near Kurseong is fast becoming an ideal weekend spot among tourists. Situated beside Rinchengtong river, the place is an excellent picnic spot too. Dilaram Tea Estate is located close and is worth a visit. The surrounding greenery and dense foliage along with the cascading river is mind blowing. One can get a spectacular view of the snow capped peak of Kanchenjunga from Kettle Valley.

Kettle Valley Home Stay

How to Reach

Trains are running from Kolkata and Sealdah station to New Jalpaiguri. Kurseong is located on the way to Darjeeling from Siliguri. You can reach Kurseong from Darjeeling by jeep or minibus. The valley stands at the North of Kurseong town. Share taxis, cars and buses are plying from Kurseong to Kettle Valley.



Accommodation

Kettle Valley Home Stay. Tariff - Rs. 2000 for single occupancy, Rs. 2500 for double occupancy (including food and stay). Tel: 8609456707, 9002399353.

Places Near Kolkata

Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary

Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the vicinity of Siliguri and is a paradise for bird lovers. The forest is also home to elephants. Sukna, the entry point to Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary is 10 km from Siliguri. The glimpse of Mt. Kanchenjunga through the dense bushes and trees of the forest add to the beauty of this jungle. Sukna Lake is situated inside the forest. During winter thousands of migratory birds visit this lake. The sanctuary remains open from 8 am to 4 pm. It is closed during monsoon season.

Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary

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How to Reach

Trains are running from Sealdah, Howrah and Kolkata to New Jalpaiguri. The journey from Kolkata to New Jalpaiguri takes around 10 hours. Auto rickshaws are plying from New Jalpaiguri to Siliguri. The sanctuary stands beside the road leading to Darjeeling from Siliguri. Buses, jeeps and taxis are available from Siliguri to get to Sukna.


Accommodation

You can stay at Sukna or Kalijhora Forest Bungalows. Tariff - Rs. 600-800. For booking contact: Forest Officer, Kurseong Division. Tel: 03554-244320.

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