A road trip is not just about reaching the destination – it is about the fun, stories and the joy of taking a sudden detour along the way. The vibrant city of Kolkata is surrounded by beautiful beaches and quiet villages – all within a short drive. For those who want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, a long weekend drive can be a refreshing experience. Whether you want to visit the Bay of Bengal or take a stroll through the green countryside – each road has its own charm and story. In this article we discovered What are Some Good Long Drive Routes from Kolkata?
Best Time for Long Drives from the City
Planning the right time ensures to comfort and improved driving experiences:
- Winter (November to February): Best for pleasant weather.
- Monsoon (July to September): Great for views of lush greenery, but bewareย for slick roads.
- Avoid peak summer if you go destinations like Shantiniketan or Purulia.
Essential Tips Before Hitting the Road
- Ensure your vehicle is fully serviced.
- Carry a power bank and car charger.
- Download offline maps as mobile signals may drop.
- Always carry ID proof and basic medicines.
11 Good Long Drive Routes from Kolkata:
Kolkata isn’t just a cultural capital – it’s the starting point of some of the most soul-refreshing drives in Eastern India. Whether you crave beaches, hills, or riversides, a long drive from this vibrant city can fulfill all your weekend wanderlust. In this article we discovered What are Some Good Long Drive Routes from Kolkata?
01.Kolkata to Mandarmani
Route Overview
- Distance: 170 km (Approx.)
- Time: 4โ5 hours via NH16 and Contai Road
Top Attractions
- Drive along the beach (one of the few places in India where cars are allowed).
- Enjoy banana boat rides and jet skiing.
- Visit Mohana for an early sunrise with fishermen at work.
Driving Tips
- Leave early to avoid city traffic.
- Roads near Chawlkhola can be narrow.
02.Kolkata to Digha
Route Overview
- Distance: 185 km
- Time: Around 4.5 hours
Top Attractions
- Udaipur and New Digha beaches
- Marine Aquarium & Research Centre
- Evening seafood stalls
Driving Tips
- Well-paved highways make this one of the smoothest drives.
- Can get crowded during long weekends.
Also Read:5 One-Day Trip Destinations from Kolkata City Within 100 Km
03.Kolkata to Shantiniketan
Route Overview
- Distance: 160 km
- Time: 4 hours via NH19
Top Attractions
- Rabindra Bhavan Museum
- Sonajhuri Haat (Baul music & handicrafts)
- Visva Bharati University campus
Driving Tips
- Best visited during Poush Mela or spring.
- Check for traffic updates around Bolpur.
Also Read:9 Beautiful Hill Stations in West Bengal
04.Kolkata to Bakkhali
Route Overview
- Distance: 130 km
- Time: 4.5 hours
Top Attractions
- Henryโs Island
- Frasergunj Windmills
- Crocodile Breeding Centre
Driving Tips
- Ferry service needed for Namkhana crossing.
- Avoid travel after sunset.
05.Kolkata to Raichak
Route Overview
- Distance: 55 km
- Time: 1.5 hours
Top Attractions
- Raichak Fort
- Riverside walk by the Hooghly
- Luxury resorts for day outings
Driving Tips
- Perfect for a short romantic or luxury escape.
- Roads are mostly smooth but narrow in patches.
Also Read:7 Offbeat Monsoon Destinations in West Bengal
06.Kolkata to Tajpur
Route Overview
- Distance: 170 km
- Time: 4 hours
Top Attractions
- Pristine and quiet beaches
- Water sports and parasailing
- Evening beachside bonfire
Driving Tips
- Follow Digha route till Balisai, then turn towards Tajpur.
- Limited ATMs and network, carry cash.
Also Read:Why is Kolkata famous for tourism?
07.Kolkata to Mayapur
Route Overview
- Distance: 130 km
- Time: 3.5 hours
Top Attractions
- ISKCON Chandrodaya Temple
- Ganges boat rides
- Evening arati and prasadam
Driving Tips
- Try weekdays to avoid pilgrimage rush.
- Roads are scenic but narrow in rural patches.
08.Kolkata to Henryโs Island
Route Overview
- Distance: 135 km
- Time: 4 hours
Top Attractions
- Red crab-infested beaches
- Forest bungalows
- Birdwatching and eco-trails
Driving Tips
- Take the Namkhana route.
- Check availability of WB Tourism stays in advance.
Also Read:Top 13 Tourist Places to Visit in Kolkata
09.Kolkata to Mukutmanipur
Route Overview
- Distance: 240 km
- Time: 6 hours
Top Attractions
- Mukutmanipur Dam
- Kangsabati river views
- Tribal culture and food
Driving Tips
- Ideal for a 2-day weekend trip.
- Good roads via Bankura.
Also Read:Best Tourist places to visit in Digha
10.Kolkata to Purulia
Route Overview
- Distance: 290 km
- Time: 7 hours
Top Attractions
- Ajodhya Hills
- Bamni Falls
- Traditional Chau dance
Driving Tips
- Start early to complete major stretches in daylight.
- Fuel stations are sparse near the hills.
11.Kolkata to Jhargram
Route Overview
- Distance: 180 km
- Time: 4.5 hours
Top Attractions
- Jhargram Palace
- Deer Park
- Sal and teak forests
Driving Tips
- Good roads throughout.
- Avoid monsoon due to slippery conditions.
Also Read:Best Honeymoon Destinations in West Bengal
Long Drive Travel Checklist
| Item | Why You Need It |
|---|---|
| Spare tire & toolkit | Flat tire help |
| ID & Car Papers | Checkpoints |
| Water bottles | Stay hydrated |
| Snacks | Energy on road |
| Offline Maps | Poor signal zones |
Safety Tips for Highway Travel
- Take breaks every 2โ3 hours.
- Avoid overtaking in curves.
- Use Google Mapsโ traffic view.
- Donโt drive late at night in isolated areas.
- Keep emergency numbers handy.
โ FAQs
Q) What is the best time for a long drive from Kolkata?
Winter is ideal due to pleasant weather, especially from November to February.
Q) Are tolls frequent on these routes?
Yes, especially on NH16. Keep small change or a FASTag handy.
Q) Which route is best for first-time long drivers?
Kolkata to Raichak or Kolkata to Digha are beginner-friendly due to smooth highways.
Q) Are these places safe for solo travelers?
Yes, especially tourist-heavy spots like Digha, Shantiniketan, and Mandarmani.
Q) Can I rent a car for these road trips?
Absolutely! Services like Zoomcar and Revv are available in Kolkata.
Q) What should I do in case of a vehicle breakdown?
Call highway assistance (NH helpline: 1033), or use apps like Mappls Move or CarDekho Roadside Help.
Hope you liked this article on What are Some Good Long Drive Routes from Kolkata? Do share your views with me within the comments section below. If this article was helpful, do share this post with your friends on Facebook and Twitter. It would mean a lot.
Hey there! I’m Santu Chakraborty and I’m not your typical traveler. By day, I wrangle circuits and solve electrical mysteries as an engineer, but my true passion lies in exploring the world and sharing those experiences with you. For the past five years, this blog has been my canvas, where I paint stories of adventure, practical travel tips, and cultural insights to ignite your wanderlust. So, come join me on my journeys and discover the magic that awaits just beyond the horizon!
by Santu Chakraborty
Given informations are very useful. Thankyou