14 Picnic Spots In Kolkata That Range From Gardens To Forts

Bengalis love to go on picnics, and Neeldeep Garden, which is close to Baruipur, is an ideal setting to recreate those everlasting childhood memories. This lush sanctuary, which spans 32 kathas and is filled with fruit trees, seasonal flowers, and flying butterflies, is the perfect place for families and friend groups to go to. It's where kids run wild, adda flows as freely as cha, and someone invariably starts singing Coffee House'er Sei Adda since it has a dining hall, a playground, and open green areas. Bring your cricket bat, shingara, and sense of nostalgia because a picnic in Kolkata wouldn't be complete without a little harmonica session in the sun.

Google Rating: 4.2/5

Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM

Price: INR 7,500 on weekdays, INR 11,000 on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. For groups of more than 80 people, there is an additional charge of INR 3,000.

How To Reach: From Sealdah, there are trains to Baruipur. From Baruipur station, you can take an autorickshaw to Jagailpukur More. Neeldeep Picnic Garden is located adjacent to Jagailpukur More. You can also go to this picnic location by taking the bus to Baruipur Padmapukur More and then taking an autorickshaw to Jagailpukur.

Contact: For more information, call +919830381827 or +918017133934.

LBB Tip:  Only one group is permitted to have a picnic here each day. A group can have no more than 200 members. On request, catering service is offered. There are restrooms and a kitchen inside the garden.

Literally meaning "resting house," the site is full of greenery and a large, shaded pond, making it the perfect spot to read, write, or simply take in the scenery and discover inner calm. With two sizable art galleries—the Baithak Khana and an Open Lobby brimming with paintings and other artwork—it's a terrific spot to visit with loved ones. The temple on the property, the expansive garden with a hint of the past, the cosy setting, and the real Bengali food combine to provide a wonderful experience. It takes five minutes to walk from the location to the Ichhamoti River. It features both indoor and outdoor areas and can accommodate between 30 and 70 people.

Google Rating: 4.2/5

Timing: Monday to Friday, 10 AM–6 PM, and Saturday to Sunday, 24 hours.

Price: INR 2,000 onwards

How To Reach: By car, drive via E.M. Bypass through Bantala, Ghatakpukur, Chaital Ghat Bridge, and Taki Chowrangee More, then continue to Saidpur BSF Camp, which is opposite Matrisadan Hospital. Take an e-rickshaw or van rickshaw after getting off the Sealdah-Hasnabad local train at Taki Road Station.

Contact: 09007012275 or email bisrambaganbari@gmail.com. For more details, check bisrambaganbari.com.

This picnic site in Madhyamgram stands out from the others due to its large property in nature's lap, a pond for pleasant breezes, and plenty of space for the kids to arrange a cricket or football match! Also, you may reserve it for a private event to avoid the dread of crowded spaces that are humming with loud music and noises. 

Google Rating: 4.1/5

Timings: 9 AM - 5 PM

Price: INR 10,000 onwards

How To Reach: Head towards Dumdum Airport on VIP Road, then proceed to Madhyamgram Chowmatha via Birati. Take a local train from Sealdah to Barasat, get off at Madhyamgram Station, and then take a rickshaw to the garden. From central Kolkata, the location is approximately an hour's drive away.

Contact: Call on 03332618553

This 350-year-old estate, which was formerly inhabited by Bengal's zamindars, is a symbol of mystery and history. It is unforgettable because of the magnificent bathrooms with copper-draped bathtubs, the regal beds with skylights, and the impeccable hospitality. Chokher Bali and Bulbbul were filmed there, making it a milestone in Bollywood. Before the sandhya aarti, enjoy the Zamindari thali at the Thakurdalan, followed by jhaalmuri and chai. Beautiful historical aesthetics may be found in the Zamindari Suite. Explore the historic treasures at the Jail Khana, take a stroll by the pond, or go on a 12-kilometer village tour by bicycle along the riverbank.

Google Rating: 4.3/5

Timings: Open 24 hours

Price: INR 10,168 onwards

How To Reach: You can take a bus operated under CSTC from Raj Bhavan to Charial Bazar in Maheshtala and take a taxi after. Or you can directly book your private car or drive your car to the resort on your own. By train, you can book a ticket from Sealdah Station to Budge Budge Station and then ride the autorickshaw.

Contact: 033 4180 0305

LBB Tip: The Mantra Spa offers yoga, meditation, and detoxification treatments that promote weight loss and anti-ageing, as well as mental wellness.

Raichak, also called Roychak, is a great destination to spend a good time with your favourite people. It is situated on the banks of the Ganga, or Hoogly, as it is known in Bengal. You can reserve a room at The Fort Resort Raichak. Everything that was left of the fort was meticulously renovated and repaired. The atmosphere at the old fort? Extremely zamindar core—historic shikhars and crenelated walls serve as an exquisite hotel setting. The hotel's finest feature is an almost life-sized chess board! Indian chess pieces are black, while British chess pieces are white. Every component is carved as a realistic figure. Spas, a golf course, lounges, swimming pools, and sports equipment are available for rent. The Ganga Kutir, Anaya, and Fort Suites are among its boutique hotels and resorts.

Google Rating:  4.4/5

Timings: Open for 24 hours. Check-in time is 1 PM and check-out is before 11 AM.

Price: INR 7,000 to INR 8,000 onwards

How To Reach: The trip will cost you between INR 500 and INR 800 if you drive. It would cost you between INR 1,200 and INR 1,500 to rent or hire a car. Go to Prativa Nagar Bankura by bus and then take a cab to fort Raichak.

Contact:  Call 033 4040 4040, +91 98314 04040. 

The perfect place for a picnic is Deulti, which is located on the Roopnarayan River. Along with a few other tourist attractions, this little village picnic spot is also home to famous Bengali poet Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay's hometown of Samtaber and the terracotta-adorned Madangopal and Radha temples. If you're a bird lover, listen to the chirps of various birds as you stroll down the town's clay walkways. The well-known towns of Kolaghat, Garchumuk, and Gadiara are also close to Deulti.

How To Reach: In terms of driving distance, Deulti is roughly 51 kilometres from Howrah. Train services are also available from Howrah station to Deulti station.

The Santragachi Jheel, a 13,75,000-square-foot lake, is within a 20-minute drive from Kolkata. Between 4,000 and 5,000 ducks and waders flock to this haven near Howrah throughout the winter months of October through March. Like most of the east, this lake is dominated by lesser whistling ducks. Among the frequent winter visitors are the more common Gadwall, Garganey, Northern Pintail, Northern Shovellers Common Moorhen, Cotton Pygmy Goose, and the uncommon Fulvous Whistling Duck, Swinhoe's Snipe, Ferruginous Pochard, and Comb Duck. This natural haven is set against a distinctive backdrop of residential complexes, local markets, and the quaint Chhottodal Club.

Google Rating: 4.1/5

Timings: Open 24 hours

How To Reach: From Howrah Station, take a local train to Santragachi Railway Station. The station is within a ten-minute walk from the jheel. Travel to Santragachi by car via Vidyasagar Setu via the Kona Motorway. There is parking close by. Numerous buses travel to Santragachi from Esplanade and Howrah Station; disembark close to the train station and make your way to the jheel on foot.

Just 51 kilometres from Kolkata, Babur Haat offers a glimpse into Bengali village life. It offers a welcome respite from the bustle of the city with its expansive fishing lakes, paddy farms, mango orchards, and nearby temples. You can stroll along the meandering roads that surround the bheris, or spend time in the resort's lovely surroundings. You may have a fantastic swim in the resort's swimming pools and boating facilities. One of Bengal's most famous fishing villages, Malancha is home to some of the state's largest fish markets. It is near Babur Haat. Malancha, which is situated where the Icchamati and Vidyadhari rivers meet, provides a stunning view of the sunset from the banks of the latter river. Numerous brick kilns with towering towers that stretch a considerable distance along the banks of the river are also scattered along them. Freshly caught fish are offered for sale in the marketplace. If you'd like, you can also go country boating over the rivers to the opposite bank, where Chaital village is located.

Google Rating: 4.3/5

How To Reach: Babur Haat has a good road connection to Kolkata. Babur Haat can be reached by bus or rental car from Minakha via the Basanti Highway. There are bus services that travel via Babur Haat between Kolkata and Malancha.

Situated in the centre of a lovely 17-acre plot of ground in Balakhana, Nabadwip, is this magnificent French-style home known as the Maheshganj Estate. It was sold to an Englishman by a French indigo dealer and is currently owned by the Palchoudhuris. It is also referred to as Neel Kothi or Indigo House. The structure has two non-air-conditioned and three air-conditioned rooms, with the main draw being a 2,000-square-foot veranda that dominates the property. You may lounge on the swing or in the old chairs here for hours on end. They have a library that will keep you entertained.  Cards, darts, carom, and snooker on the estate's antique table are all indoor pastimes, while those who want to go outside can explore their expansive gardens. There are guided nature hikes available at the estate as well. A boat ride along the Jalangi River at sunset is highly recommended as it is breathtaking.

Google Rating: 4.3/5

Timings: 6 AM - 11 PM

Price: INR 6,000 onwards

How To Reach: The Hazarduari Express, Bhagirathi Express, Dhanadhanya Express, and regular local EMU trains are among the trains that link Kolkata with Krishnagar. Transportation from Krishnagar station to Balakhana (12 kilometres) costs INR 500 for one way. By car, take the Dankuni, Kona Expressway, or NH 34. Seek out the Maheshganj sign board as well. Google Map's directions are inaccurate; do not follow them. You can always visit the official website for further information or contact the number provided.

Contact: +91 98313 28486, +91 98312 70807

LBB Tip: You can visit the Isckon Temple at Mayapur, and the Jaganath Temple of Mohanpur, and explore the ancient ruins of Ballel Dhipi at Bamanpukur. Have a shopping spree at Shantipur—known for the tangail saris and Ghurni for its famous clay dolls. 

The best place for a picnic or a weekend getaway from Kolkata is the river town of Falta. The town, which is 50 kilometres from Kolkata, is well-known for the stunning farmhouse that is the Bose Bigyan Mandir, which is the home of renowned Bengali scientist Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose. Picnics are permitted on the farmhouse's grounds. You can stroll along the riverbank and enjoy peaceful boat excursions here.

How To Reach: Falta can be reached by bus or by car. There are buses every day from Taratolla and Esplanade. To get to Falta by train, get down at Diamond Harbour and take a minivan.

Piyali Island, a picturesque picnic area south of Kolkata, is regarded as one of the main routes to the Sundarbans. A boat trip on the Matla River is a must-try here. Numerous hiking and walking trails can be found here as well. You can also see a range of migratory birds when they visit in the winter. Piyali is located 74 kilometres from Kolkata. The island and mainland are connected by the Piyali Dam. The calm location is perfect for a picnic, and the water's ripples below are a sight to behold. A stroll through the verdant paddy fields and the adjacent lush mangrove woods is a wonderful way to unwind in the middle of nature.

How To Reach: Take a road trip via the Baruipur-Gocharan-Dhosa route. 

A hidden jewel floating in the Ichamati, with Bangladesh on one side and India on the other, is Machranga Dwip, also known as Kingfisher Island. It's a nature lover's paradise, surrounded by greenery. Take a boat trip, stroll through verdant fields, or observe far-off Bangladeshi villages. Don't forget to bring a picnic, take a dip in the river, and watch the breathtaking sunset over Ichamati.

How To Reach: It is conveniently accessible via Hasnabad, just 20 minutes from Taki. You can drive 75 kilometres from Kolkata and then take a boat, or you can take a train from Sealdah or a bus from Dharmatala. 

Diamond Harbour is a laid-back picnic location close to Kolkata, where the Ganges meets the Bay of Bengal. Take a leisurely walk, admire the river's infinite expanse, or simply relax by the water. Visit Joynagar's ancient manuscripts and terracotta art, visit Bakkhali Beach, or explore the historic Portuguese fort for a little adventure. Travel via ferry on the Hooghly? An absolute must. You can even sail to Sagar Island or lounge at Raichak. If you want to fully experience the beautiful autumn season, October through March would be the best time to visit. In addition to the excellent weather, the festival season adds the icing on the cake. 

How To Reach: You can get off at PG after taking the bus from Howrah. You can then take a different bus to Nurpur or Raichak. At the bus stop, you will need to ask the conductor to let you off so you can get a direct bus or trekker to Diamond Harbour. There are direct buses to Diamond Harbour from Howrah which arrive at Esplanade.

The town of Chinsurah, sometimes known as Chuchura, is located in West Bengal's Hooghly district. This town is a shining example of graceful architecture. In 1656, the Dutch established their commerce in indigo and spices here. They got into a fight with the British in 1759 and lost in thirty minutes. Until the British eventually acquired control of the town in 1825, it was constantly changing hands. By the way, this is where Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay wrote Vande Mataram! The Dutch Cemetery, St. John's Church, clock tower of Ghorir More, Hooghly Imambara, and Bandel Church exhibit colonial grandeur. The defiance of Kazi Nazrul reverberates throughout Hooghly Jail, while the Chandannagar Strand offers a picturesque riverbank haven.

How To Reach: There are three major stations in Chinsurah—Hooghly Ghat on the Sealdah line, and Chochuura, Hooghly, and Bandel on the Howrah line. Well-served by bus service to Kolkata. The main thoroughfares in Chinsurah are Chinsurah High Court-Hooghly Railway Station, Chinsurah Court-Tribeni, and Chinsurah Court-Bandel Junction Rail Station. Ferry service is available from Naihati. By car, it is a two-hour drive.