Boss being stingy with leave? Don’t worry. Just pack your walking shoes, an appetite and a spirit of adventure, and hit up these destinations that are totally doable – even if you’ve only got two days free. Of course, the world opens up a gazillion opportunities if you combine it with a Friday or Monday off, but either way, you can attempt these even if the weekend’s your only recourse to making that mini-vacay happen!
Located right outside Gorumara National Park and near Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary, Aranya Jungle Resort in Lataguri is roughly a thirteen-hour drive from Kolkata. The wooden interiors of rooms here, and a mix of cane and wooden furniture, all add to a staying-in-the-wilderness vibe.
Priced as low as INR 1,800 a night, facilities include a garden, multi-cuisine restaurant and playground for children, as well as an assortment of fun activities, including bonfires, jungle walking, trekking, boat riding, bird watching, barbecues, karaoke and more.
Jamshedpur is hardly five-and-a-half hours away from Kolkata and is home to the scenic Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary. Book a stay at Ramada, which has rooms priced as low as INR 3,700 per night for two adults. Rooms are furnished with everything you need, ranging from a TV, fridge and AC to mini-bar, study table and coffee maker.
Wheelchair accessible rooms are also available. There is a gym on-site, as well as a spa, Jacuzzi, sauna bath, bar and delicious restaurant options.
Make sure you pack boots, backpack and bug spray if you are going to visit Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary and head out for various treks nearby.
Thirteen hours from Kolkata lies one of the gateways to Bhutan – Dooars, with gorgeous sweeping hills and rivers. Check into Sinclairs Retreat at Chalsa Hills, which overlooks the valley. A spacious deluxe room, with a balcony that offers a view of greenery, will cost INR 5,700 a night for two adults, including breakfast.
The hotel is equipped with a pool, gaming room, library, badminton and tennis court, cycling track, children’s park, gym with sauna and steam, massage centre, Ayurveda centre, yoga classes and an in-house doctor. There is a restaurant, cafe and bar, and a bonfire can be arranged upon advance notice, too.
Consider extending your stay long enough to be able to visit Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary, Gorumara National Park, Neora Valley National Park and the monastery at Lepcha Village.
Stay walking distance from the beach at Anutri Beach Resort in Madarmani for an extremely relaxing getaway, just four-and-a-half hours away from Kolkata for INR 5,300 a night for two adults, including breakfast. There are many facilities at this resort, including a jacuzzi, swimming pool with a poolside bar, spa, gym, children’s park and gaming room. The railway station is quite nearby, and there is a decent multi-cuisine restaurant at the resort.
Not all of the rooms are tastefully done, so specifically ask for a Sapphire premium room {with a balcony} to enjoy the best stay.
Just seven-and-a-half hours away from Kolkata, Odisha’s rich heritage and culture is awaiting your arrival. Starting at INR 5,600 per night for two adults, Hotel Swosti Premium in Bhubaneswar will ensure you have a very comfortable and luxurious stay, with spacious, contemporary rooms and five dining options at your disposal, in addition to a gym, dance floor, swimming pool, Kerala massages and Scottish-theme bar. There’s a bakery as well, to satisfy all your sugar cravings.
Plan on visiting Lingaraj Temple, Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves and Chausathi Jogini Mandir. And, if you have more time, you can venture out to the gorgeous beaches of Puri and swing by the majestic Konark Sun Temple.