Plan a memorable picnic near Kolkata! Explore the 25 Best Picnic Spots Near Kolkata for a delightful day out with family and friends. Nature, fun, and memories await!
Kolkata, the City of Joy, is a vibrant metropolis with a rich history and culture. But sometimes, even the most joyful city needs a break from the hustle and bustle. And what better way to escape than with a picnic in the lap of nature? Luckily, Kolkata is surrounded by a plethora of stunning picnic spots, each offering something unique and special. Here is the list of 25 amazing picnic spots near Kolkata:
Within the City Limits:
1. New Town Eco Park:
This sprawling 480-acre park is a haven for nature lovers, with lakes, gardens, walking trails, and even a butterfly enclosure. Pack a delicious picnic basket and enjoy a serene day amidst the greenery.
| Distance: | 16.5 km from Esplanade, 14.4 km from Sealdah. |
| How to Reach: | Taxi or cab is recommended. Buses are also available. |
| Timing: | Every day from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM |
2. Alipore Zoological Gardens
Home to over 1,300 animals representing 200 species, this iconic zoo is a fun and educational outing for the whole family. Pack a picnic lunch and watch the playful antics of the animals after exploring the various enclosures.
| Distance: | 10 km from Howrah Station, 15 km from Sealdah Station. |
| How to Reach: | Buses are available. Hire taxi or cab. Nearest metro station: Rabindra Sadan |
| Timing: | Every day 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM (Closed on Thursdays) |
3. Nicco Park
This amusement park is a paradise for children, with thrilling rides, water slides, and a variety of games and attractions. Pack a picnic lunch and make a day of it, letting the kids loose to have some fun.
| Distance: | 14 km from Howrah Station, 12 km from Sealdah Station. |
| How to Reach: | Use public buses or hire a taxi or app-based cab service |
| Timing: | Every day 10:00 AM to 7:30 PM |
4. Science City
This science museum is a fascinating place to learn about everything from the human body to the cosmos. Pack a picnic lunch and spend the day exploring the interactive exhibits and shows.
| Distance: | 14.9 km from Howrah Station, 5.2 km from Sealdah Station. |
| How to Reach: | Use public buses or hire a taxi or app-based cab service |
| Timing: | Science City is open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. |
5. Botanical Garden
The Botanical Garden is a calm and pretty place for a fun picnic. It has lots of green plants, colorful flowers, and quiet paths to walk on. It’s a peaceful escape from busy city life, perfect for families and friends to come together, chill out, and enjoy nature.
| Distance: | 6.4 km from Howrah Station, 11.1 km from Sealdah Station. |
| How to Reach: | By Train: Nearest railway station is Howrah Junction. The garden is a short auto or taxi ride away from the station. By Road: Can be reached by Bus, taxi, auto-rickshaw, or private vehicle. |
| Timing: | Open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Monday to Sunday) |
Day Trips from Kolkata:
6. Jawahar Kunj Garden, Barrackpore
This historical garden, once the pleasure ground of British officers, is now a beautiful public park with manicured lawns, lakes, and bridges. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the serene gardens.
| Distance: | 21.9 km from Kolkata |
| How to Reach: | Take a local train from Sealdah Station to Barrackpore station. By road: Drive via Barrackpore Trunk Road. |
| Timing: | Open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays and 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM on weekends |
7. Gadiara
Located at the confluence of three rivers, Gadiara offers stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere. Take a boat ride, enjoy a picnic lunch on the riverbank, or simply relax and soak in the tranquility.
| Distance: | Approximately 81 km from Kolkata |
| How to Reach: | Take NH16 and Bagnan – Shyampur Rd. Nearest railway station is Bagnan, followed by a short drive. |
| Timing: | Anytime, but daytime visits are recommended |
8. Taki Picnic Spot
Situated on the banks of the Ichamati River, Taki is a popular picnic spot with lush greenery, mangrove forests, and a variety of birdlife. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy a boat ride through the mangroves or a nature walk along the riverbank.
| Distance: | Approximately 74 km from Kolkata |
| How to Reach: | By road: Take NH12 towards Taki. By train: Taki has a railway station. By bus: Regular buses ply to Taki from Kolkata. |
| Timing: | Open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM |
9. Falta
This small town on the banks of the Hooghly River is a great place to escape the city and enjoy the outdoors. Take a boat ride, visit the nearby bird sanctuary, or simply relax on the beach with a picnic lunch.
| Distance: | Approximately 50 km from Kolkata |
| How to Reach: | Take NH 12 or NH 117 Nearest station is Diamond Harbour, then by road. |
| Timing: | Open all days |
10. Babur Haat
Babur Haat is a village located about 50 km from Kolkata in North 24 Parganas district. It’s known for its idyllic rural atmosphere, vast stretches of fishing lakes, and traditional Bengali village life. It’s a popular weekend getaway destination for people from Kolkata.
| Distance: | Approximately 15 km from Howrah, 12 km Sealdah |
| How to Reach: | By Train: Take local train to Howrah or Sealdah and then a taxi or rickshaw to Babur Haat. By Road: Use local transport like buses or hire a cab/taxi. |
| Timing: | Open all days |
Beyond the Usual Suspects:
11. Deulti
This quaint village on the banks of the Hooghly River offers a glimpse into rural life. Visit the local temples, take a boat ride, or simply relax on the riverbank with a picnic lunch.
| Distance: | Approximately 50 km from Kolkata |
| How to Reach: | By train: Take a local train to Deulti Station. By road: Drive via NH16 and NH6. |
| Timing: | Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
12. Machranga Dwip
This island paradise is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 200 species of birds recorded here. Take a boat ride, explore the island’s mangroves, and enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the serene surroundings.
| Distance: | Approximately 150 km from Kolkata |
| How to Reach: | By Road: Take NH16 towards Diamond Harbour, then a ferry to Kakdwip. From Kakdwip, another ferry to Machranga Dwip. By Train: Nearest station is Diamond Harbour. From there, take a local transport to Kakdwip, followed by a ferry to Machranga Dwip. |
| Timing: | Varies, check with local authorities for ferry schedules. |
13. Fraserganj
This former British cantonment town is now a peaceful retreat with colonial-era buildings, a beautiful cemetery, and a stunning riverside view. Pack a picnic lunch and explore the town’s historical charm.
| Distance: | Approximately 125 km from Kolkata |
| How to Reach: | By road: Take NH12 and SH3, By train: Reach Namkhana followed by a short drive. |
| Timing: | Open year-round; best visited during daytime. Check for specific attraction timings if applicable. |
For the More Adventurous:
14. Piyali Island
Piyali Island, situated in the Sundarbans, West Bengal, India, is a picturesque destination embraced by the Matla and Piyali rivers. Activities include birdwatching, fishing, kayaking, and boat rides amidst mangroves.
| Distance: | Approximately 90 km from Kolkata |
| How to Reach: | By road: Take NH12 towards Namkhana. After reaching Namkhana, take a boat to Piyali Island. By Train: Nearest station is Namkhana, followed by a short ferry ride to Piyali. |
| Timing: | Open all day |
15. Junput
This off-the-beaten-path village is home to a unique natural wonder – a hot spring that bubbles up from the ground. Take a dip in the spring, explore the surrounding area, and enjoy a picnic lunch in the serene setting.
| Distance: | Approximately 135 km from Kolkata |
| How to Reach: | Take a train or bus to Contai (Kanthi) and then hire a local vehicle or take a bus to Junput. Alternatively, drive from Kolkata via NH16. |
| Timing: | Open throughout the year. However, it’s advisable to visit during daylight hours for better visibility and safety. |
For those Seeking Spiritual Tranquility:
16. Shantiniketan
This town, founded by Rabindranath Tagore, is a haven of peace and spirituality. Visit Tagore’s ashram, explore the university campus, and enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the serene surroundings.
| Distance: | Approximately 165 km from Kolkata |
| How to Reach: | By Train: Take a train from Howrah Junction to Bolpur Shantiniketan Railway Station. By Road: Drive or take a bus via NH19. |
| Timing: | Shantiniketan is open throughout the year. Specific attractions may have their own operating hours. It’s advisable to check ahead for any special events or seasonal variations. |
17. Tajpur
This seaside town is a popular pilgrimage destination, with beautiful temples and a peaceful atmosphere. Take a dip in the holy Ganges River, visit the temples, and enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach.
| Distance: | Approximately 180 km from Kolkata |
| How to Reach: | By road: Take NH16 and SH4. By train: Nearest station is Digha, followed by a 30-minute drive. By bus: Direct buses available from Kolkata and Howrah |
| Timing: | Open year-round. |
18. Susunia
This hill station is a welcome respite from the heat of Kolkata. Hike to the top of the hill, visit the temples, and enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the stunning views.
| Distance: | Approximately 180 km from Kolkata |
| How to Reach: | By road: Take NH19 southward By train: Nearest station is Bankura, then take a local bus or taxi to Susunia |
| Timing: | Open all day. But best visited during daylight hours |
For the Wildlife Enthusiasts:
19. Bakreshwar
This village is home to a bird sanctuary, a crocodile breeding center, and a deer park. Take a boat ride on the lake, spot wildlife, and enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the natural beauty.
| Distance: | Approximately 230 km from Kolkata |
| How to Reach: | By Train: Nearest railway station is Rampurhat. From there, Bakreshwar can be reached by taxi or bus. By Road: Direct buses are available from Kolkata. Taxis and private cars can also be hired. |
| Timing: | Open throughout the year. Specific attractions may have their own operating hours. It’s advisable to check in advance. |
20. Baranti
This village is located on the edge of the Sundarbans national park and offers a chance to see wildlife in their natural habitat. Take a boat safari, visit the turtle sanctuary, and enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the lush greenery.
| Distance: | Approximately 235 km from Kolkata |
| How to Reach: | By Road: Take NH19 and SH-9; By Train: Nearest station is Asansol; |
| Timing: | Throughout the year; Ideal time: October to March |
For the Foodies:
21. Barrackpore
Barrackpore is a cool place for a picnic by the Hooghly River, and it has a lot of interesting history. If you love food, there are tasty local treats like sweet yogurt and fish dishes that you can enjoy while soaking in the nice atmosphere.
| Distance: | Approximately 25 km from Kolkata |
| How to Reach: | By Train: Barrackpore is well-connected by suburban trains from Kolkata. By Road: You can take a bus or hire a taxi from Kolkata. |
| Timing: | Barrackpore is accessible throughout the day. However, it’s recommended to check specific timings for trains or buses for a more accurate schedule. |
22. Mukutmanipur
This village is known for its traditional Bengali sweets and savories. Sample the local delicacies, take a cooking class, and enjoy a picnic lunch in the village square.
| Distance: | Approximately 250 km from Kolkata |
| How to Reach: | By road: Take NH19 towards Durgapur and then follow the signs to Mukutmanipur. By Train: Take a train to Bankura and then hire a taxi or take a bus to Mukutmanipur. |
| Timing: | Mukutmanipur is generally open throughout the year. However, it is advisable to visit between 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM for the best experience. |
Beyond Bengal:
23. Serampore
This town in West Bengal has a rich history and is home to several colonial-era buildings. Explore the Danish settlement, visit the historical churches, and enjoy a picnic lunch on the banks of the Hooghly River.
| Distance: | Approximately 25 km from Kolkata |
| How to Reach: | By train: Take a local train from Howrah to Serampore station. By road: Drive via GT Road or take a bus from Kolkata. |
| Timing: | Open all day, but specific attractions may have their own operating hours. Check in advance. |
24. Chinsurah
This town in West Bengal is famous for its Dutch architecture and charming canals. Take a boat ride on the canals, visit the Hooghly Imambara, and enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the unique architecture.
| Distance: | Approximately 50 km from Kolkata |
| How to Reach: | By train: Take a local train from Howrah to Chinsurah. By road: Drive via NH19 or take a bus from Esplanade Bus Terminus. |
| Timing: | Chinsurah is accessible throughout the day. However, specific timings for attractions may vary. It’s advisable to check in advance. |
25. Diamond Harbour
This town on the banks of the Hooghly River offers a variety of activities, including boat rides, fishing, and birdwatching. Take a boat ride to Sagar Island, visit the Diamond Harbour Marine Aquarium, and enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach.
| Distance: | Approximately 50 km from Kolkata |
| How to Reach: | By Road: Take a bus or drive via Diamond Harbour Road. By Train: Nearest railway station is Diamond Harbour. |
| Timing: | Open all day |
This is just a small selection of the many amazing picnic spots near Kolkata. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day out in nature, a thrilling adventure, or a delicious culinary experience, there’s something for everyone. So pack your picnic basket, grab your loved ones, and head out to explore the beauty that surrounds Kolkata!
I hope this list helps you plan your next perfect picnic outing.
