KolkataKolkata, the cultural capital of India, is a great starting point to explore the diverse landscapes and experiences of the eastern part of the country. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, here are five unique places near Kolkata that are perfect for the Independence Day long weekend.

Visit Gajoldoba for bird watching

On the western bank of the Teesta River, 10 km from Siliguri, this is a relatively undiscovered destination, famous only for its reservoir built on the Teesta basin. But the Baikunthpur forest that surrounds the foothills of this quiet town in the southern Himalayas is home to a wide variety of birds, making Gajoldoba a paradise for bird watchers. The reservoir also attracts many migratory birds from Ladakh and Central Asia such as Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Bar-headed Goose, Greylag Goose, Lesser Whistling Duck and Ruddy Shelduck, among others.

Visit Raimatang for tea plantations

Nestled between rolling hills and lush tea plantations, Raimatang is a quiet village on the banks of the Raimatang River. Strategically located near the Bhutan border and within the Buxa Tiger Reserve, this quaint place is slowly coming into prominence for being a perfect contrast to the chaotic lanes of Kolkata. Apart from exploring the Tiger Reserve, you can go fishing in the river, discover Lepchakha and Chunabhati, or explore the many tea plantations on a nature walk.

Gangani, a valley in West Bengal

Gangani is to Bengal what Gandikota is to Andhra Pradesh. The valley is formed by the Silabati River flowing through a gorge, surrounded by hills that have suffered erosion and weathering over thousands of years. In fact, locals say that the area, often called “Gangani Danga” or “Gangani Khola”, also finds mention in the Mahabharata, and is the place where Bhima killed a demon called Bakasur. The best way to explore the area is by walking; in fact, the government has built a staircase that takes you from the highest point of Gangani to the river bed, and during summers, the water is so shallow that you can even cross the river on foot!

Also read: India also has a Grand Canyon and it is in West Bengal

Visit Shankarpur to see the twin city of Digha

Just 14 kms from the bustling Digha beach, Shankarpur, often called Digha’s lesser-known twin, is still an untouched destination, with shores lined with casuarina trees for those looking for solitude. This fishing village-turned-resort offers a variety of accommodations, ranging from budget-friendly options to comfortable hotels. If you don’t want to bump into hundreds of seafarers looking for a short getaway, skip Digha and head here.

Choose Mousuni to enjoy the island life

This vacation is truly on an island! A short drive and then a boat ride takes you to Mousuni, which has pristine beaches kissed by the gentle waves of the Bay of Bengal. Here, you can camp in tents and participate in beach games before cooking over a bonfire with friends and loved ones. The tents are practically on the beach, and may close if it rains too much, but it’s worth the drive if the weather permits. Think about relaxing on a hammock at Baliara Beach or enjoying the riverside landscape of Patibunia.

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