We all have visited notable places in Kolkata. Now it’s time to investigate some offbeat destinations near Kolkata. Before that, let’s know about the loving city of Kolkata.
The nickname of Kolkata is “The City of Joy,” and also the cultural Capital of India. Before Independence from 1756 to 1911, Kolkata was the capital of British rule India. Calcutta was the last name of Kolkata till 2001.
The eastern bank of the Hooghly River flowed through the city of Kolkata. Kolkata is the state capital of West Bengal, the Eastern state of India. It is located in the west direction of the Bangladesh border.
Kolkata plays a massive part in the Indian economy and industry sectors. Bengali is the sweetest language in the World and the official language of West Bengal. Not only Kolkata but every place in West Bengal is also dignified for its culture, celebrations, arts, communication, food, and politics.
Offbeat Destinations Near Kolkata
In every corner of West Bengal, history is hidden. The surrounding locations of Kolkata are as beautiful as it is. This is the land of exploring different arts, poetry, foods, and culture. So let’s come with me to visit some offbeat destinations near Kolkata and study them. The places which I have mentioned below are around 50 Km from Kolkata.
- Diamond Harbour
- Belur Math
- Dakhineshwar Kali Temple
- Barrackpore
- Achipur
- Serampore
- Chandannagar
- Bansberia
Diamond Harbour
Diamond Harbour is one of the popular offbeat destinations near Kolkata located in the South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal. It is almost 50 Km south direction from the center of Kolkata.
Diamond Harbour is the mouth of the Hooghly River and the distributaries of the Holy Ganges turning point. It is famous for its big ship dock. Hajipur was the old name of this harbor.
When the British ruled India, they named Diamond Harbour because they used these docks and rivers for their business. But now it is a perfect place to spend holidays with your loved ones and families.
You will love the scenic beauty of the Diamond harbor, old historic lighthouses, and the Portuguese fort. Once upon a time, this harbor was the home of Portuguese pirates.
All-time train services are available from Sealdah station if you travel by train. Or by road, you can travel in buses available from Babughat Kolkata.
Visiting Places: Bakkhali, Joynangar, Roychak, and Kapil Muni Temple at Sagar Island.
Belur Math
Swami Vivekananda established the Belur Math in honor of his principal, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. Belur Math is located west of Hooghly River Howrah district, West Bengal. It is the main office of Ramakrishna Mission and Ramakrishna Math.
Belur Math is for every religion. If you visit notice, kindly notice the art, architecture, and symbols of Christian, Buddhist, Islamic, and Hindu communities. Belur Math station is built according to the structure of Belur Math Station.
The assemblies of Belur Math highly celebrates the birthday of Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda, and Sarada Devi. In 1901 Swami Vivekananda started to celebrate Durga Puja on the campus of Belur Math.
To date, the main attraction is Kumari Puja in the morning of Ashtami. Since 2017 Swami Smarananda has been the president of Belur Math. Belur Math is one of the offbeat destinations near Kolkata and a famous pilgrimage destination.
Timing: 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM
4:00 PM to 5:45 PM.
Visiting Places: Sri Ramakrishna Temple, The Statue, Swami Vivekananda Temple, Holy Mothers Temple, Swami Brahmananas’s Temple, and Ramakrishna Museum.
Dakhineshwar Kali Temple
In 1855 Rani Rashmoni, a believer in Kali, built the Hindu temple Dakhineshwar Kali temple. It is one of the leading hindu pilgrimage mainly in West Bengal.
On the eastern bank of the Hooghly River, Dakhineshwar temple is situated. In a dream of Rani Rashmoni goddesses, kali came to worship her on a statue and built a temple beside the Gangaanga river where she manifested and accepted the worship at that place.
Bhavatarin, Kali, another appearance of Parashakti Adya Kali, is the central presiding deity of the Dakhineshwar Temple. Dakhineshwar is located in the North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal.
The distance from Kolkata to Dakhineshwar is o11 km11Km. Many people bathe in the Rashmoni ghat of the temple, then they worship to the Bhavatarini Kali.
Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Maa Sarada spent half of their life in this temple, and Ramakrishna was the priest in the 19th century. The pilgrimage value make Dakshineswar as one of the attractive offbeat destinations near Kolkata.
On the ground of the Dakhineshwar temple, 12 shivas temples face towards the river, 1 Radha Krishna temple, also known as Rani rashmoni ghat, and the main Dakhineshwar kali temple.
Timing: Morning: 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Evening: 3:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
Barrackpore
If you plan to visit an important historical places in India, Barrackpore must be in your list. It is one of the most famous offbeat destinations near Kolkata.
Barrackpore is a city in the North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal. Developing of Barrackpore is under the Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA).
In 1772 British East India Company inaugurated Barrackpore as India’s first Cantonment zone. Now the Canton zone is under the Indian government. Mangal Pandey, in revolt 1857, played a massive role in Barrackpore.
He killed the British armies and ruled in Barrackpore. After the revolt in 1857, Barrackpore became a historical place. There are many historical places to explore. And, also explore the cantonment zone is holding a peaceful nature and clean environment.
Don’t forget to try delicious biriyani from Dada Boudi restaurant and D Bapi which brings this place as one of the appetizing offbeat destinations near Kolkata.
Visiting Places: The garden, Shaheed Mangal Pandey Maha Udhyan, Gandhi Museum, Jawahar Kunj, and Gandhi ghat.
Achipur
Achipur is all about the history of the Chinese community. Achpur is the place in India where ere Chinese started to live and formed a settlement.
Achipur is 50km from Kokata. It is a small hamlet area near Budge Budge colony. In the 18th-centurytury, Chinese businessman Atchew Tong toe in Achipur, India, built a sugar mill in Achipur and started to bring Chinese employees from china.
At the time of Chinese New Year, the look of Achipur changes with lights and celebrations, and it looks like a Mini China town. Many Chinese around Bengal comes here to celebrate their New Year.
Acipur has been a famous offbeat destinations near Kolkata for picnics and boat rides (boating). Every year many tourists gather here.
Visiting Places: Chinese Temple, Grave at Achipur, Ferry Ghat, Bawali Rajbari, and Barood Ghar.
Serampore
From 1752 to 1845, Serampore was a Danish Colony or Fedrick Nagar on the name of Danish King Fedrick VI. It is a city founded by the Dutch. Due to the legacy and a historical hub, Serampore is one of the most visited offbeat destinations near Kolkata.
It is situated in the Hooghly district of West Bengal. Danish Missionaries is notable in Shirampur. After the British entry, Danish associations decide to sell to them.
The Danish community established India’s third College, Shirampur College in Shirampur. Shirampur is a historical and heritage place for its Denmark land in West Bengal.
The Hindu festival Rath Yatra of Mahesh Shirampur is famous in West Bengal. Shirampur is the best place for adventure in old buildings and archaeological places.
Visiting Places: Lakshminarayan Ghorai Heritage House, Serampore Raj Bari, St. Olavs Church Mahesh Lord Jagannath Temple, Jol Kol, and Shirampur College.
Chandannagar
Chandannagar is 42 km north of Kolkata in the Hooghly district of West Bengal. Once upon a time, Chandan nagar was under French Community. From that time, it is known as French Colony.
It is an important small town in World History. After 1947 French leaders permitted the Indian government that the buildings and the land of Chandannagar would be under the Indian body.
Unofficially some places of Chandannagar are under the authority of the French. Now also maximum peoples practices French culture and language. Apart from the above, the strand is an attraction and make this place as one of the offbeat destinations near Kolkata.
Jagadhatri Puja is the main attraction of Chandannagar in November month. Raja Krishnachandra started to worship goddess Jagadhatri beside the river Ganges of Chandannagar.
The fantastic lighting and decoration at the time of Jagadhatri puja will touch your heart. After the lighting Possession of Rio De Janeiro, Chandannagar Jagadhatri puja lighting possession took second in the World.
From teens to old age, every evening gathers in Chandanangar Strand ghat to spend quality time and enjoy the fantastic views.
Visiting Places: The Chandannagar Strand, French Cemetry, Sacred Heart Church, The Inscription on Chandannagar Gate, The Nandadulal Jiu mandir, The French Governor’s Palace, The Underground House, KMDA Parks, The Mango Gardens and The Chandannagar Strand.
Bansberia
The city of Bansberia is 45 km from Kolkata. Bansberia is located in the route of Bandel Katwa and the end of Iswar Gupta Setu, known as Kalyani Bansberia setu. If you love to explore any outskirt offbeat destinations near Kolkata, you can visit Bansberia.
This city is under the department of KMDA (Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority). In Ancient Saptagram, Bansberia was one of the main cities. There are many ancient buildings from the time of the Mughal period.
Bansberia Kartik Puja in November is famous in West Bengal. Awaking Hangseswari temple deity of Adi Parashakyi Jagatjanani Kali is the main attraction of many tourists. Many peoples come to worship god.
If you are fond of old buildings and Mughal history, you are welcome to explore Bansberia.
Visiting Places: Hangseshwari Temple, Ananta Vasudeva Temple, Zafar Khan Ghazi Masjid, Imambara, Bandel Church, Panchanan Tala Park, and Rock Garden.
Conclusion
Neighboring Cities and villages are also adventurous, like Kolkata. Please read the article properly. We have tried to solve your problems regarding the offbeat destinations near Kolkata. So don’t be late pick your goals and explore. Don’t forget to try various dishes of Bengal. It is delicious.
FAQ
Is Road transport available for every offbeat destination near Kolkata?
Yes, The road transport and the route are known for reaching your offbeat destination near Kolkata. You can also explore by train, ship as well.
What is the distance from the places mentioned above to Kolkata?
All the above mentioned places are within 50km of Kolkata. The closest places are Dakshineswar, Belur Math, Serampore, Chandannagar etc.
