Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, is a city in the eastern part of India. It is a wonderful tourist destination, and the best time to visit is during winter. The weather is quite chilly, but if you don’t mind the cold much, and bundle up, you can have a wonderful time exploring the city or by going on a short trip to nearby tourist destinations. Kolkata mostly has dry winters with the occasional drizzle. This makes it the best time to go on a tour of the city. You will not get tired easily or feel too warm. To have the best experience, you can book cabs in Kolkata and travel to different parts of the city, and learn about its culture and heritage. Winters are also the best time to go on morning walks. Mornings in Kolkata are misty during this time of year, and there is a tranquil ambience all around. This season is a beautiful time to be in the city.
Places to Visit In and Around Kolkata in Winter
There are many holiday destinations a few hours from Kolkata. You can rent a cab and visit these over a weekend or even on a day trip. Some of the best places to visit are listed below.
Raichak
Raichak is about 53 kilometres from Kolkata and it will take you an hour and a half to two hours to reach. It is a beautiful location on the banks of the Ganges and was once a site for a Dutch Fort, sometime in the 18th century. You will now find this site to be a lovely, luxury resort. It is the perfect place to relax and spend a leisurely day. You can walk to the Raichak Jetty, play a round of golf, enjoy some delicious meals, and visit the spa for some self love.
Shantiniketan
A neighborhood in the town of Bolpur, Shantiniketan is where Rabindranath Tagore set up the Viswa Bharati University. Shantiniketan is a beautiful tourist destination as well. You can explore the history of Viswa Bharati and Tagore’s time here. A short distance from the town is the Kopai river where you can watch the sunset. You could also shop for souvenirs, handmade jewellery, and fabrics at local shops and fairs. To reach Shantiniketan, you can book long distance cabs in Kolkata and enjoy the journey from the city to the Birbhum district.
Bakkhali
There are several beaches near Kolkata that you can visit in winter and Bakkhali is one of them. If you’re not a fan of the winter chill, spending a day or two by the beach is a great idea. Bakkhali is a village in the South 24 Parganas, and is a a part of the Kakdwip subdivision. It is on a deltaic island and has a pristine beach. You can visit various places here including the Bakkhali Watch Tower, Sagar Island, and Henry’s Island. You can also go on a boat ride out in the open sea.
Purulia
Purulia is a district in West Bengal and it is about 250 kilometres from Kolkata. If you’re up for a long drive, you can book a cab and reach Purulia in about 6 hours and 15 minutes. The district is known for its stunning landscape with small hills and lush forests. Winters are a lovely time to visit Purulia and you can explore the tourist attractions here. Some of the places you must visit include Rakab Forest, Muradi Dam, Turga Falls, and Charidah.
Bishnupur
Bishnupur is a town in the Bankura district, a short distance from Kolkata. It has many temples built from the local terracotta which has a warm and rich hue. The Jor Bangla Temple is famous for the carvings on its walls, and the Madan Mohan Temple has scenes from legends like the Mahabharata etched on it. You can also visit the Bishnupur Museum. The town also has a flourishing handicrafts trade and you can buy souvenirs for home.
Things to Do in Kolkata During Winter
If you would rather stay in the city, there are a lot of things that you can do. So all you need to do is pick an activity from the list below. You will find cabs in Kolkata without any trouble, so book one and get ready for the perfect winter day.
- Plan a picnic at Maidan and spend the day there with friends
- Go on a sightseeing tour around the city to learn about its heritage
- See the Christmas lights on Park Street
- Taste some delicious and hot street food
- Visit the many fairs that are held in winter, like the Handicrafts Fair and the International Kolkata Book Fair
- Explore the quaint cafes in the city
Conclusion
The best way to explore the city and its nearby locations is by cabs. You can book cabs in Kolkata through rYde and get them at affordable rates. If you are planning your trip to the City of Joy soon, pre-book your can from rYde and enjoy a pleasant time in Kolkata.
