Remember last time you with friends or family or even all alone went for a long drive? What does your urban heart desires when it chocks in pollution and professional pressure? Does your mind floats here and there in search of exploring some amazing stuffs, that too on the way and under the sky? If all these questions puzzle you and make you a bit curious, then it’s probably a time to venture out for a road trip. But where should you start from? If you’re in West Bengal, don’t you worry! We’ve sum up the best road trips that you should take while in Bengal. Let’s check them out.
Siliguri to Kurseong, Darjeeling
The road trip from Siliguri to the ever beautiful Darjeeling is probably the best road trip in West Bengal to take. Siliguri is the second largest city in West Bengal after Kolkata and it lies between New Jalpaiguri (the largest railway station in the locality) and Bagdogra (only airport in the locality). Siliguri is also considered the starting point of the mountain road trip towards both Darjeeling and Sikkim.
The Hill Cart Road or the Tenzing Norgay Road (NH55) goes to Darjeeling via Siliguri and is the best one to take. The whole 37 km distance from Siliguri to Kurseong would take around 2-2.30 hours. This short trip would offer some of the most stunning and picturesque views of the mighty mountains, hill-side villages and beautiful valleys. The narrow-gauge toy train track running along with the smooth road and the toy trains on the track would make the trip more enjoyable.
The second alternative route to reach Kurseong is via Rohini, a beautiful small village. This route has gone through major repairing recently and now considered the second best route to Kurseong with some magnificent natural views of the surrounding hilly region.
Important Note:
The Hill Cart Road has recently become damaged and somewhat inaccessible due to a major landslide and the renovation work is going on. But for now, it is advisable to take the alternative Rohini Road to experience a breathtaking journey.
Kolkata to Digha, Midnapur
At a stone’s throw away from Kolkata lies Bengal’s own and probably the most favourite sea side destination, Digha. Digha is a place that the people from Bengal get never tired of visiting again and again. The beautiful beach (now somewhat spoiled by the overwhelming crowd) helps restoring the vigour of the regular city-dwellers that gets evaporated during their daily city lives. The road trip to Digha is the most popular and enjoyable trip in Bengal.
You can start your journey at an early morning on the Kolkata - Digha Kona Expressway to avoid unnecessary traffic and to reach Digha by noon. The road which was earlier filled with pits and uneven rides is now revamped and offers a smooth and comfortable journey. The morning ride on the NH6 and Haldia road would be a memorable trip. The long route comprises of multiple roadside restaurants and dhabas where you can also take a short break and have some sumptuous breakfast. The total journey measure around 180 km from Kolkata to Digha.
Kolkata to Raichak, South 24 Pargana
A mere 53 km ride from the hue and cry of the crowds of city can lead you to a beautiful and serene place called Raichak. Raichak is located on the bank of Hoogly River and the road which leads to Raichak is as splendid as the place itself is. An unhindered and peaceful drive from the city of Kolkata would refresh your mind. The Diamond Harbour road offers several good to great food-stops and dhabas where you can take your food break. It would likely to take around 90-100 minutes to reach Raichak from Kolkata. But try to avoid starting your journey at the evening.
Kolkata to Mukutmanipur, Bankura
Mukutmanipur is located 203 km away in Bankura district and is a giant dam at the confluence of Kangsabati and Kumari rivers. Mukutmanipur which literally means the crown Jewel is undoubtedly justifies its name and is one of the most beautiful attractions in West Bengal. The road journey to Mukutmanipur would be an experience of a lifetime. The best way to reach Mukutmanipur would be through NH2 via Durgapur.
The vast and smooth expressway is covered by greeneries and offers an impressive journey. A short break at Shaktigarh before reaching Durgapur is mandatory as this place is globally renowned for Lyangcha, a favourite Bengali sweet. For an interesting note, the road also passes through Barjora-Beliatore forest range and the surrounding area including the broad road is just stunning! The total distance from Kolkata to Mukutmanipur is 209 km and takes around 5-6 hours to reach. This journey is undoubtedly a must one for those who love wandering on wheels!
Kolkata to Mayapur, Nabadwip
When the hectic routine life needs a break, when the urban life needs a refreshing touch of mystique charm; take your car out and head for Mayapur. Mayapu is a small and beautiful town at Nabadwip district; a district synonymous with Shri Chaitanya Dev. Mayapur is called Sri Dham Mayapur and is the headquarters of ISKCON.
It is also considered the Spiritual Capital of the World. The 130 km journey from the heart of Kolkata is another fantastic road trip that the enthusiastic travelers should take. The green paddy fields, lush mango orchards, serene ponds and the smooth Shantipur bypass road and the State Highway-6 would make your trip a memorable one. The total journey takes around 3-4 hours.
Kolkata to Shantiniketan, Birbhum
A road trip to Shantiniketan is a must not only for those curious about Rabindranath Tagore, the greatest poet, writer and philosopher of India, but also for those who always in search for exploring the rural beauty India holds behind its urban embellishment. The 3-4 hours journey covering around 166 km of distance would make you really going on and on.
The highway goes straight through Singur, Burdwan, Goda and Bolpur to finally reach Shantiniketan. The total range consists of numerous beautiful little villages especially the tribal ones. The green paddy fields, rows of coconut trees and calm water-bodies are what make the journey so refreshing. The road is mostly smooth and broad and the ATMs, fuelling stations and food stalls are available at regular intervals.
Mandarmani, Midnapur
Mandarmani is comparatively newly discovered therefore unspoiled pearl on the shore of Bay of Bengal. Located very near to Digha, this four-hour road trip to Manadarmani would make a very good experience for your wandering soul. The journey especially the one hour drive on the Mumbai National Highway is certainly a memorable one.
The smooth road, the picturesque sights at both the sides, a delectable halt at the famous roadside dhaba Sher-e-Punjab near Kolaghat, watching Ganges flowing along with your way-the Mandarmani trip is one of the best road trip to take while in West Bengal. The distance between Kolkata and Mandarmani is around 155 km.
