Things to Do in Kolkata and Short Trips Nearby: Family Hill & Beach Getaways
When it comes to taking a break from routine, weekend trips from Kolkata are becoming increasingly popular among families who want both comfort and memorable experiences without spending too much time on the road. From cool hill retreats to breezy beaches, these destinations near the city are suitable for short, refreshing breaks. What makes these places unique is not just their proximity but also the specific activities and attractions that can make a family trip truly engaging.
This blog explores a selection of weekend getaways from Kolkata that combine convenience with meaningful travel experiences. Each destination has been chosen for its cultural, natural, and family-friendly highlights, along with practical insights about the weather, things to do, and the best time to visit.
In this Blog
Darjeeling – A Classic Hill Station for Families
Among the most well-loved Kolkata weekend destinations, Darjeeling continues to attract families with its combination of colonial charm and Himalayan beauty. Known for its tea gardens, toy train, and panoramic views of Kanchenjunga, Darjeeling’s appeal lies in the mix of activities suited for both children and adults.
Things to do in Darjeeling
- A ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage site, delights children and parents alike.
- The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park provides insights into rare Himalayan species.
- Tea estate visits allow families to walk through plantations and learn how tea is processed.
Best time to visit Darjeeling
The weather in Darjeeling is pleasant between March and June, and again from September to November. Families visiting during these months can enjoy clear views of the mountains.
Stay experience
For families who prefer privacy, booking a villa in Darjeeling surrounded by tea gardens can add a personal touch to the trip.
Digha – The Favourite Beachside Escape
When it comes to short getaways from Kolkata, Digha remains one of the most convenient beach destinations. Just around 180 km from Kolkata, it is accessible by road and train, making it a popular choice for families with children or elderly members.
Things to do in Digha
- The Marine Aquarium and Regional Centre showcases diverse marine life, making it educational for children.
- Families can enjoy local seafood delicacies freshly prepared by beachside vendors.
- A stroll along New Digha Beach during sunset is a simple yet memorable family activity.
Best time to visit Digha
The weather in Digha is most comfortable between October and February. Summer months can get hot, so cooler months are ideal for family outings.
Stay experience
From beachside hotels and resorts to cosy guesthouses and homestays, Digha offers plenty of stay options. Families can pick spacious cottages or bungalows for privacy, while budget travellers will find affordable lodges near the town centre.
Kurseong – The Quiet Hill Station Alternative
While Darjeeling receives a lot of attention, Kurseong offers a quieter alternative for families planning short tours near Kolkata. Known as the ‘Land of White Orchids’, it combines tea gardens with views of valleys and mountains.
Things to do in Kurseong
- Walks through Makaibari Tea Estate provide a closer look at sustainable tea practices.
- Eagle’s Crag viewpoint is perfect for evening family strolls.
- Forest trails around Kurseong give children space to engage with nature safely.
Best time to visit Kurseong
The weather in Kurseong is mild throughout the year, but March to May and September to November provide the clearest skies.
Stay experience
Along with valley-facing villas, families can also stay in cosy homestays run by locals, heritage tea estate bungalows for a colonial charm, or boutique hotels that blend comfort with scenic views.
Mandarmani – A Beach for Relaxed Family Time
Mandarmani has grown in popularity as a weekend getaway from Kolkata for families looking for long stretches of clean sand. Unlike Digha, Mandarmani is relatively less crowded and offers calm evenings by the shore.
Things to do in Mandarmani
- The drive along the beach is a highlight unique to this location.
- Children enjoy spotting red crabs moving along the sand.
- Beach resorts often organise bonfires and small events for families.
Best time to visit Mandarmani
The weather in Mandarmani is pleasant during winter and early spring, from November to March.
Stay experience
Besides beachside villas, families can opt for seaside resorts with private access to the shore, cosy cottages for a homely vibe, or budget-friendly hotels close to the beach for a comfortable stay.
Kalimpong – A Cultural Hill Station with Family Activities
Kalimpong is another Kolkata weekend destination where families can enjoy both cultural activities and mountain views. It is known for its Buddhist monasteries, nurseries, and views of the Teesta River valley.
Things to do in Kalimpong
- Durpin Monastery offers a peaceful atmosphere and insights into Buddhist traditions.
- Kalimpong’s flower nurseries showcase rare Himalayan orchids.
- Teesta River viewpoints provide opportunities for family photography sessions.
Best time to visit Kalimpong
The weather in Kalimpong is ideal from March to May and again between September and November. These periods bring bright skies and comfortable conditions.
Stay experience:
If you’ve been craving peace, The Forktail House—tucked away in the hills and mist—feels like it was made just for you.
Shankarpur – A Quieter Beach Alternative
Shankarpur, close to Digha, is gaining attention as a peaceful choice for short getaways from Kolkata. The beach is relatively calm and suited for families who prefer a slower pace.
Things to do in Shankarpur
- Early morning walks are popular to see fishermen bringing in their fresh catch.
- Families can sample local fish curries at homestays.
- The gentle slope of the beach makes it safer for children.
Best time to visit Shankarpur
The weather in Shankarpur is most enjoyable from November to February.
Stay experience
Along with villas, travellers can pick simple beachside homestays for local flavours, small hotels for convenience, or eco-stays that let families enjoy the calm setting close to nature.
Lava and Loleygaon – Hill Stations with Forest Charm
For families seeking a refreshing break, Lava and Loleygaon, located in Kalimpong district, provide excellent short tours near Kolkata. Surrounded by forests and mountain views, these towns give children and adults a chance to connect with nature.
Things to do in Lava and Loleygaon
- Lava Monastery is a peaceful spot where families can spend time together.
- Loleygaon’s Canopy Walk on hanging bridges is a thrilling experience for children.
- Trekking trails are short and easy, making them family-friendly.
Best time to visit Lava and Loleygaon
The weather in Lava and Loleygaon is comfortable during spring and autumn, particularly from March to May and September to November.
Stay experience
Beyond villas, families can choose cosy forest lodges, homestays with mountain views, or heritage-style retreats that offer both comfort and closeness to nature.
Tajpur – A Beach with a Different Character
Tajpur is a relatively new entry in the list of weekend trips from Kolkata. Its beach is known for its crescent shape and the red crabs that move along the shore, making it an interesting spot for families with children.
Things to do in Tajpur
- Families enjoy kite-flying and beachside games due to its wide stretches of sand.
- Fresh coconut water from beachside stalls is popular with visitors.
- Cycling along village roads near the beach provides a glimpse into local life.
Best time to visit Tajpur
The weather in Tajpur is at its best between October and March, when the air is cool and evenings are comfortable.
Stay experience
In Tajpur, families can pick from seaside resorts for a relaxed holiday, homestays for a touch of local hospitality, or budget hotels that keep the trip easy and convenient.
Planning weekend trips from Kolkata with family is about choosing places that combine comfort, accessibility, and meaningful experiences. From the Himalayan towns of Darjeeling, Kurseong, and Kalimpong to the beaches of Digha, Mandarmani, Shankarpur, and Tajpur, every destination provides something unique beyond the usual. Whether it’s walking through tea estates, watching red crabs on the sand, or enjoying a canopy walk in the hills, these experiences become memories that families treasure.
By selecting the right short getaways from Kolkata, considering the best time to visit and the weather, and choosing family-friendly stays such as a villa in Darjeeling or a villa in Digha, families can turn an ordinary weekend into a fulfilling travel experience. These trips highlight how convenient and enriching it can be to step out of the city and spend quality time together in both hill stations and beach getaways near Kolkata.
Image banner credits: Hbkalekhya via wikimedia commons
Written by: Ruben Saha
