Kolkata was the old capital of India. It has an unmatched beauty, rich history, and cultural heritage that make it stand out from the others. Also, it is well-known for its landmarks that attract tourists from around the globe.
But travelling to Kolkata doesn’t mean that you just need to visit the popular places in the city. In a bid to get a better understanding of the city, you must explore the not-so-popular attractions or hidden gems.
Those places hold the essence of Kolkata’s history, diversity, and the stories of its people. Travelling the beaten path will allow you to delve into the locale’s unique beauty and inherent beauty.
If you are interested in the plan, we have listed the best offbeat places to explore in Kolkata to give you a fantastic city travel experience.
5 Offbeat Places to Explore in Kolkata:
1. Mousuni
The first off-beat location to start with is a beach. There are several lesser-known beaches near Kolkata, like the Mousuni Beach. It is located on an island that gives it a look of paradise.
Also, it is an ideal place for birdwatchers, although not for people visiting there. You can stroll through the beach, click Instagramable pictures, or swim in the clear waters to enjoy your holiday.
You can engage in multiple activities there, like swimming, boating, fishing, beach walks, camping, paragliding, or windsurfing. The ideal time to visit the beach is from October to February, when you will find a rich climate and setting.
2. Shankarpur
Are you looking for a weekend getaway near Kolkata? If so, start your list with Shankarpur. It is a lesser-known place, which means you won’t find crowds of people there. Consequently, it is suitable to spend some time alone away from the hustle of Kolkata.
There is a lesser-explored shore, miles from any major human activity, that is rare to find in Kolkata. Moreover, it is a fishing village where you will get beautiful sights of fishermen with their daily catches from the sea.
You can have fun at the beach, sit in the water, or relax.
3. Gangani
If you are looking for a fishing river or waterfall in Kolkata, Gangani is your stop. It is like the very own Grand Canyon of West Bengal. The important Silabati River flows through a gorge surrounded by beautiful hills that make a breathtaking site.
Moreover, it has incredibly withstood thousands of years of erosion and weathering, standing strong. Alongside, you will find different shapes carved in the sandstone hills formed due to the impact of the flowing water.
At the same time, it’s not so deep that water can easily be crossed just on foot! You can go there for hiking, photography, or river crossing.
4. Mukutmonipur
Among the other lesser-known offbeat places in Kolkata, Mukutmonipur is a real gem. Situated near the shores of the Kangsabati Dam, you can spend some peaceful time there to relieve your stress and rejuvenate yourself naturally.
The wonderful scenic beauty just adds to the charm of the place. It’s surrounded by hills nearby where you can go on hiking or trekking activities within the lap of nature. Furthermore, the water reservoir offers ideal boating facilities.
There are a lot of open spaces that make the place suitable for picnics with your partner or family members. Once in a while, you can go there to relax or camp away from the urban centre of Kolkata.
5. Baranti
Kolkata is one of the busiest metropolitan cities in India and is comparatively more developed than other parts of the country. But, sometimes, you may feel like going to a calm and serene place like Baranti.
It’s a small village located on the shores of a large dam reservoir. The place is surrounded by lush green hills all around. Taking a trip down the village will allow you to regain the energy you would have lost daily.
Particularly during the monsoon season, the village comes to full life. It turns into a heaven on earth with colourful butterflies and different animal species like wild boars, deer, and wolves surrounded by greenery.
The place is suitable for nature walks, interacting with tribal people, and wildlife spotting.
Final Words
Kolkata is a popular tourist destination. You would have seen it in different movies or TV shows that visually represented it as a Bengali centre. Moreover, places like Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, and Maidan have now become synonymous with the city. But visiting these offbeat places will give you an unmatched insight into the city like nothing else.
Also Checkout – Unveiling The 7 Architectural Wonders Of Kolkata