With fingers crossed and full safety in mind, mark your calendars and pack your bags to make the most of the long weekends 2022 has on offer. We have selected the best of the holidays and curated a list of destinations at driving distances from Kolkata. So, take your pick and get planning on those vacations you missed out on. By Satarupa Paul
1. APRIL
Dr Ambedkar Jayanti, Good Friday, Bengali New Year
April 14 to April 17 (Thursday to Sunday)
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Where to go? Murshidabad, West Bengal
Along the eastern bank of the Hooghly, some six hours upstream from Kolkata, lies the forgotten capital of Bengal. Once a prosperous city, Murshidabad served as the seat of the Nawab of Bengal under the Mughals. It was home to wealthy merchants and banking families, an important centre of trade and commerce, and a hotspot for Hindustani classical music, art and literature. Today the town is a shadow of its glorious past, where mansions from a bygone era stand by tree-lined streets, and historical monuments present a study in the opulence and culture of the place. Begin your year with a trip down the pages of history by spending a few nights here at Bari Kothi—a revamped 18th-century mansion.
Distance from Kolkata: 204 kilometres
Duration: Approximately six hours
Where to take a pitstop?: Ghar Bharat Petroleum Food Court, Talgachi; Pather Sathi, Debagram
Where to stay?: Bari Kothi
What to do?: Visit the magnificent Hazarduari Palace (literally, the ‘palace of a thousand doors’), Nizamat Kila, Katra Masjid, and Nizamat Imambara for a lesson in Murshidabad’s opulent past.
2. MAY
Eid al-Fitr
April 30 to May 3 (Saturday to Tuesday; take a leave on Monday)
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Where to go? The Sundarbans, West Bengal
The world’s largest contiguous mangrove forest and home to history’s famous man-eaters, the Sundarbans require little introduction. While a majority of it lies in Bangladesh at the delta formed by the confluence of the Ganga, Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers with the Bay of Bengal, a part of this UNESCO World Heritage Site also extends into West Bengal. Ecologically, the Sunderbans are some of the richest areas in the world, teeming with 453 varieties of fauna—including the Bengal Tiger—and 334 plant species, including the abundant Sundri tree that lends the place its name. Boat safaris on the creeks winding through the dense, mysterious mangroves are the best way to experience the Sundarbans’ mystical beauty. However, for more immersive wildlife and cultural experience, a luxury cruise from Kolkata is highly recommended.
Preferred Cruise: Vivada Cruises
Where to embark or disembark? Millennium Park, Kolkata
What to do?: Explore the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve on small boats for wildlife sighting and birding; visit the Bhagabatpur island—a hatchery and sanctuary to the biggest estuarine crocodiles in the world; experience the local lifestyle and occupations like paddy husking, honey packing, fishing, etc. at a typical Sundarbans village.
Guru Rabindranath Jayanti
May 7 to May 9 (Saturday to Monday)
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Where to go? Shantiniketan, West Bengal
Often counted among the top destinations in India to experience a unique celebration of the festival of colours, Shantiniketan is best known for its association with Rabindranath Tagore. Imagined as an abode of peace, it was originally established as a guest house on 20 acres of land in Bolpur by Tagore’s father in 1863. It was later expanded by Tagore himself with the vision of creating a university town that led to the foundation of Visva-Bharati—now a central university and an institution of national importance. Tagore also introduced Dol Utsav during Holi, wherein revellers dress up in colourful traditional attires and play with colours and flower petals, amidst an extravaganza of folk music and dance performances.
Distance from Kolkata: 164 kilometres
Duration: Approximately four-and-a-half hours
Where to take a pitstop?: Azad Hind Dhaba, Gopalpur; Cheap & Best Biriyani, Bardhaman
Where to stay?: Choupahari
What to do?: Visit Rabindra-Bhavana—a museum, library and archive housing Tagore’s manuscripts, correspondence and paintings; Uttarayana Complex—a collection of five houses built by Tagore; Ashram Complex—the original houses and structures built by the Tagore’s. Also, enjoy a Baul song and dance routine by local folk artists.
Buddha Purnima
May 14 to May 16 (Saturday to Monday)
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Where to go? Raichak, West Bengal
Located a short drive away from Kolkata, on the banks of the Hooghly in the Diamond Harbour jurisdiction, the quiet town of Raichak makes for an idyllic retreat from the hustle-bustle of big city life. Originally founded by the British East India Company, Raichak prospered in the olden days as an important trade link of the Hooghly river. Today, the calming views of the river flowing by, along with plush resort facilities complete with spas and wellness services, attract a discerning crowd who come here to relax and unwind. Besides, the Fort Raichak—built in an Anglo-Indian style in 1783 along a river bend to guard against pirates sneaking into Kolkata through the river route—presents an interesting nugget of the place’s history.
Distance from Kolkata: 53 kilometres
Duration: Approximately one-and-a-half hours
Where to stay?: Ganga Kutir – Raichak on Ganges
What to do?: Explore Fort Raichak; take a walk by the river or go on a boat ride; visit the popular Diamond Harbour (30 minutes away) built at the point where the Hooghly meets the Bay of Bengal, and check out the fully-functional lighthouse and the ruins of the Chingrihkali Fort.
3. AUGUST
Independence Day
August 13 to August 15 (Saturday to Monday)
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Where to go? Mayurbhanj, Odisha
An erstwhile princely state, today Mayurbhanj is known for its tribal communities and their unique cultures, most notably the Santals. Here, the ancient village of Khiching houses the black chlorite stone Kichakeswari Temple. It was constructed during CE 920-925 for the state deity of the ruling Bhanj Dynasty. Rich in natural beauty and wildlife, Mayurbhanj is also home to the massive Similipal National Park, which features serene waterfalls and red silk cotton tree forests that teem with Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, gaurs and chausinghas (four-horned antelope). The 18th century Victorian-style Belgadia Palace of the Bhanja royal family serves as a sustainable boutique homestay and social enterprise that employs and skills local tribal people.
Distance from Kolkata: 251 kilometres
Duration: Approximately six hours
Where to take a pitstop?: Express Food Plaza, Kolaghat; Shere Punjab Dhaba, Kharagpur
Where to stay?: The Belgadia Palace
What to do?: Go on a safari at Similipal National Park; hike to the beautiful waterfalls of Barehipani, Joranda, Debakunda and Sitakund; experience tribal life at one of the many villages around Khiching.
4. OCTOBER
Dussehra
October 1 to October 5 (Saturday to Wednesday)
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Where to go? Rinchenpong, Kaluk, and Ravangla, Sikkim
If you’ve been pondering on that quintessential getaway to Sikkim, then this extra-long weekend might present the right time to get on it. A long drive from Kolkata with an overnight halt in New Jalpaiguri will bring you to the fairytale villages of Rinchenpong and Kaluk in West Sikkim. Just three kilometres apart, these villages are part of the buffer zone of the Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary. When here, being at close proximity to Mt Kanchenjunga means that you are gifted with tremendous views of the third highest mountain in the world. Spend a couple of days feasting on the gorgeous panoramas and visiting quaint monasteries, temples and lakes in the area. Then, drive on to the breathtaking town of Ravangla that offers uninterrupted views of the Greater Himalayas. The landscape here is dotted with monasteries, sulphur hot springs, holy caves and beautiful tea gardens.
Distance from Kolkata: 560 kilometres (Kolkata-New Jalpaiguri); 125 kilometres (New Jalpaiguri-Rinchenpong); and 59 kilometres (Rinchenpong-Ravangla)
Duration: Approximately 14-and-a-half hours from Kolkata to New Jalpaiguri, four hours from New Jalpaiguri to Rinchenpong, and another two from Rinchenpong to Ravangla.
Where to take a pitstop?
En route New Jalpaiguri: Taramaa Hotel, Nabadwip; Hotel Lucky, Bokhara; Patha Sathi, Malda; Hotel Dolphin & Restaurant, Islampur
En route Rinchenpong: Abhinay Restaurant, Riyong Forest
En route Ravangla: Sumi Tree House, Lingzo
Where to stay?:
In New Jalpaiguri: Courtyard by Marriott Siliguri
In Richenpong: Yangsum Heritage Farm
In Ravangla: Hotel Zumthang
What to do?: Visit Rinchenpong Monastery, Bon Monastery, Doling Monastery and Buddha Park; take a dip in the healing hot springs of Borong, Ralang Cha-chu and Tato Pani; visit the Temi Tea Garden and en route hike to a dormant volcano through the Tendon Sanctuary.
Diwali
October 22 to October 25 (Saturday to Tuesday; take a leave on Monday)
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Where to go? Mandarmani, West Bengal
One of the largest seaside resorts in West Bengal, Mandarmani at the northern end of the Bay of Bengal is a serene virgin beach destination. The 13-kilometre long stretch of sand here is home to red crabs that crawl away playfully, as you take a walk along the beach soaking in its beauty. The waves are relatively low and make for great swimming spots, while the neo dunes along the shoreline add a layer to the landscape. Mandarmani is also possibly the longest drive-in beach in India. Other picturesque beaches are just a stone’s throw away—the pristine Tajpur beach fringed with a dense forest of tamarisk trees, the casuarina-lined Shankarpur beach with its fishing harbour, and the popular Digha beach with its food shacks and flea markets.
Distance from Kolkata: 171 kilometres
Duration: Approximately four hours
Where to take a pitstop?: Patha Sathi, Purba Medinipur
Where to stay?: Viceroy Beach & Spa Resort
What to do?: Relax with the sun, sea and sand for company; enjoy a hearty meal of fresh seafood prepared in authentic Bengali style.
5. NOVEMBER
Guru Nanak Jayanti
November 5 to November 8 (Saturday to Tuesday; take a leave on Monday)
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Where to go? Balasore, Odisha
Once part of the historical Kalinga region, today, the coastal district of Balasore in northern Odisha is known for its stunning beaches and beautiful temples featuring traditional designs and intricate carvings. The ‘magic beach’ of Chandipur is one of the few beaches in the world that has a daily tidal movement of five kilometres. This means that you can witness the rare sight of the sea vanishing and reappearing at low and high tides right in front of your eyes. Bordered by Casuarina trees and creeper sand dunes, it makes for a beautiful getaway where you can chase the waves in a jeep at low tide, or join in the locals when they go fishing during high tide. In close proximity are the wonderful temples of Chandaneswar, Panchalingeswar, Langaleswar and more.
Distance from Kolkata: 260 kilometres
Duration: Approximately five-and-a-half hours
Where to take a pitstop?: Shere Punjab Hotel, Kolaghat; GT Restura, Jaleswar
Where to stay?: Roopark Village
What to do?: Explore the award-winning eco-friendly resort of Roopark Village that provides an insight into rural life; go on a guided trek through the Kuldiha forests, home to a variety of wildlife.
Related: Check Out The Long Weekends In 2022 For Your Next Short Vacation
