Winter calls for basking in the morning sun, playing fun sports out in the open and simply having a good time with your crew. And let's be real, it's way more fun when you escape the city chaos and dust. So, we did some digging to uncover the coolest spots around Kolkata for a quick getaway, far from the city's hustle for some quality winter picnic time.
Head To These Farms & Bagan Baris Near Kolkata For The Perfect Winter Picnic
Neeldeep Garden
Spread over 32 kathas, Neeldeep Garden (in Baruipur) has exotic seasonal flowers and fruit trees covering the landscape. Just a 40-minute drive from South Kolkata - it’s about 30 km from the heart of the city — you’ll get tons of ‘natural’ photo opportunities along with plenty of open space to play all the badminton possible. You can rent the garden from 6 am to 6 pm. Cough up extra and they’ll even bring out a music system and campfire for the perfect bonfire party. In terms of its conveyance, catch a train from Sealdah to Baruipur, then grab an auto rickshaw to reach Jagailpukur More. Neeldeep Picnic Garden is conveniently located near Jagailpukur More.
Location: P.S, Radhaballabh Pur, Baruipur - Amtala Rd, Rajpur Sonarpur, Kolkata, West Bengal 700145
Bisram Bagan Bari
The name of this bagan bari literally translates to ‘resting house’ and it’s the place you need to drive to (takes about two-and-a-half hours) if you want to just chill. Located around 9 km from Kolkata, the place is surrounded by gardens and a lawn pond-facing area that is beautiful in winter. It houses around 30 to 70 people and has both indoor and outdoor spaces including a dining area, bathrooms, and more. You can also rent bedrooms for the day if you’re not going in a big group. Since it’s located in a rural setting, you can even explore outside the house, and the Icchamati river is only a couple of minutes walk from the premises.
Location: North 24 Parganas, West Bengal 743429
Unique Picnic Garden
Unique Picnic Garden near Madhyamgram Chowmatha is just over an hour away from the main part of the city by car. You can also go by train, board at Sealdah, disembark at Madhyamgram and take a rickshaw fromt there. If you’re not for spending too many hours travelling out, this four-bigha property, complete with an area for the kids to play and a pond, is perfect to spend the day chilling. A huge bonus — only one group is allowed to book the place in the day so you’re guaranteed privacy.
Location: Madhyamgram, Kolkata, West Bengal 700124
Bawali
Take a break from the city cacophony and enjoy some me time at Bawali. Located 35 km from the city, the place is a perfect picnic destination. You can take a stroll in the nearby villages, engage in fish farming, or drop in at the highly popular Bawali Rajbari. With four guest cottages by ponds overlooking paddy fields and gardens, along with three treehouse rooms, Rajbari is an ideal year-round getaway. Explore the Navratna Gopinath Temple next to Bawali and the historic Ferry Ghat in Budge Budge, where Swami Vivekananda was welcomed back from his 1897 Chicago visit.
Location: Bowali Rajbari, North, Bawali, Kolkata, Raypur, West Bengal 743384
Raichak
Located by the banks of Hooghly river, Raichak is another must-visit picnic spot near Kolkata. Here you must visit the Raichak Fort, a super luxurious hotel on its premises. The best part is that it gives you a royal feel of staying in a fort with all the modern amenities and luxury. They have a variety of activities including a good swimming pool. For a single-day's outing, explore Raichak's history at the F fort, visit the Ramakrishna Mission ashram, and enjoy a boat ride on the Hooghly River- and call it a day of fun!
Location: Raichak (Singhalgunjabad), South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, 743368
Deulti
Located 63 km from Kolkata, Deulti is perfect for a sudden weekend getaway. Replete with coconut trees, mud roads, thatched roofs, and pristine fishing ponds, the place is a perfect picnic spot where you can eat, have fun, or simply admire the greenery. You will also enjoy a stroll along the narrow clay path cutting through the paddy field that will lead you to the bank of river Rupnarayan. Given that the location is encircled by this river, it is advisable to avoid visiting it during the monsoon season, with winter being the optimal time for a visit. A handful of the delightful nearby tourist spots waiting to be unfolded include Samtaber, the hometown of renowned Bengali author Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay, and the temples of Madangopal and Radha, adorned with embellishments of Terracotta art.
Location: Deulti, West Bengal, 711303
Santragachi Jheel
Santragachi Jheel, nestled in Santragachi, Howrah, is adjacent to the railway station and conveniently close to residential areas. The lake attracts migratory species during winter, making it an ideal spot for a day of birdwatching. Linked to Kolkata by two Hooghly River bridges, it offers easy accessibility from all parts of the city. Encompassing 32 acres, the lake transforms into a picturesque retreat for nature enthusiasts, particularly from December to February. Positioned strategically, it opens doors to various tourist attractions in Howrah, including the renowned Indian Botanical Garden in Shibpur (a 30-minute drive), the Rail Museum near Howrah Station, and the iconic Howrah Bridge, also known as Rabindra Setu.
Location: Howrah, West Bengal
Babur Haat
Babur Haat, approximately 50 kilometers from Kolkata on Basanti Highway, is a delightful rural retreat. Situated amid expansive natural fishing lakes, the village is enveloped by mango groves and palm orchards. As a day activity, stroll through the verdant farmlands and explore the neighboring fishing village of Malancha, positioned in the middle of the Icchamati and Vidyadhari rivers. Reach Babur Haat easily from Kolkata by renting a car or taking a bus from Minakha via Basanti Highway. There are also buses connecting Kolkata and Malancha that pass through Babur Haat. Ideally, visit this place during winters and early summer when there's less heat.
Location: Basanti Highway in North 24 Parganas