Smaller trips around Kolkata

Thankful for help where to go on smaller tours around kolkata. Maybe for one day, or two.
we are nature interested, and especially water, boats.
Has anyone been to Hasnabad or Bhedia. Is it big cities? (Our son is born there, somewhere.)

We read about Sunderbans, but our son did not appreciate the man eating tigers! So, we need other excursions.

Well, I left India 30 years ago, therefore, I am not sure whether I am qualified to give anyone advice about Kolkata any longer. I was born and raised in Kolkata. In good old days, Botanical Garden in Howrah, and Calcutta Museum were great places to go. I do not know whether they are still well-maintained. Last time we visited Calcutta zoo, I thought it was in a very bad shape and I would not recommend.

Botanical garden has the world's oldest (I could be wrong) Banyan tree and lots of rare plants that children may enjoy. I plan to take my daughter to these places in June. BTW, tigers in Sunderban are not man-eaters. Rarely, a healthy tiger becomes a man-eater.

1-2 days trip from kolkata :-

Beach trip
1)Digha
2)Sankarpur
3)Junput
4)Bakkhali/Frazergunge
5)Sagardeep

Beside above you can go to :-

1)Mukutmanipur
2)Shantiniketan
3)Ghatsila/Galuri
4)Raichak
5)Gadiara
Hasnabad is not a big city but a small suburb town.

If I have to pick from the suggestions given by ddutt I would go for Bakkhali & Mukutmanipur.
ddutt can u please write a bit about these places, I mean how to reach, places to stay & activities? My knowledge is too outdated!!

Hi Anett,
Don’t worry, you will not be able to see a tiger there. They will not come to the touristy trails and you will not be able to visit the core area.
I know this small town Hasnabad. Once upon a time I used to visit these Taki / Basirhat / Hasnabad area. It is a very small town and not a tourist spot. If you are thinking to visit the birthplace of your son, I don’t think you will be able to co-op with the facilities available at Hasnabad. So in my personal experience, Taki (another small town but lovely place to spend one or two days) would be a better choice. You will be able to get an idea of these places from this map
http://north24parganas.nic.in/map.html#tourist
Taki Guest House is a better option and here is the phone no:

Taki Basirhat, North 24-Pgs Taki Guest House 953217233328
But, Anett, I am sorry, I cannot remember ‘Bhedia’.
Regarding short trips from Kolkata, there are so many places but I think these areas may match with your interest: http://www.wb.nic.in/westbg/bakkhali.html
Apart from the above mentioned areas, Shantiniketan, Vishnupur, Mayapur (ISKCON temple) can offer you a good 1-2 days outing experience.
And if you can spend 3-4 days for a trip Digha, Shankarpur, Junput are there.

Biswas babu , the tigers of Sundarbans are the real exception. It was mentioned in other threads that Tiger is the other name Terror out there. Almost all of those tigers are man-eaters (not my personal opinion but came to know from the local people and some books written by some renowned hunters). But this is very tough to spot one of them.

You will love to know that your favorite Botanical garden is comparatively well maintained. Some cactus hose, glass hose and orchid hose are added attractions now. and you need to buy tickets to enter.

For details about Digha , Sankarpur , Junput , Bakkhali , Sagardeep please log on to :-

http://www.wbtourism.com/beaches/digha/index.htm#digha

Mukutmanipur
http://www.seemyindia.com/west-benga...kutmanipur.htm
Stay - WB govt has Tourist Lodge
Peerless Resort- http://www.peerlesshotels.com/mukutmonipur.html

Sagardeep/Gangasagar
http://www.seemyindia.com/west-benga...ar-islands.htm
Stay - Larica SagarVihar / small private hotel

Ghatsila / Galuri
http://www.seemyindia.com/bihar/bihar-ghatsila.html
http://personal.vsnl.com/amitsengupta/ghatsila.htm
http://sundarijhargram.netfirms.com/Galudih.htm
http://www.bhraman.com/this_month/weekend.html

Santiniketan
http://www.wb.nic.in/westbg/shanti.html
http://www.wbtourism.com/heritage/sh...#Shantiniketan

Stay - Lots of private as well as govt hotel/lodges .

Gadiara & Raichak
http://www.wb.nic.in/westbg/bakkhali.html

Wow, good collection. , Dutta da.

Thanx , somnath.

ddutt,
Some one praised the Peerless Resort recently... at Mukutmanipur

During summer months which of the above places are worth visiting?

One of our best day trips from Kolkata was by taking the local train to Canning (an adventure in itself) wandering through the fascinating market there - then hiring a boat to take us out on the river for a couple of hours. Utter bliss.

We didn't see much wildlife (if any!), but to be out on the water with a knowledgeable boatman, in complete tranquility, was something I shall never forget.

I had written about our escapades to Canning, Gosaba, Basanti, Taldih & Ghtiyari Sharrif.

There is in fact hundreds of small towns/ places in both sides of Ganges . Historicaly these places are quite rich too. But I wont suggest any first timer (specially foreigners) to visit these places alone. It will be better to stick/visit the popular tourist spots with atleast some decent/proper facility.Once you are seasoned with local culture, system is free to explore .

Thanks for all help, I really appreciate it!

Anett

Hope this gets through!