Discover 10 serene picnic spots near Kolkata for peaceful one-day escapes. Budget-friendly family getaways with rivers, villages & nature – perfect winter 2026 trips!
Right now, in the crisp January air of 2026, imagine ditching Kolkata’s traffic for a quiet spot where the only rush is the gentle wind through trees or the soft lap of a river. These picnic spots near Kolkata are the kind of places that feel like personal discoveries—less crowded, full of simple magic, and perfect for a one-day family escape. Load up some luchi-alur dom, a mat, frisbee, and head out. Most are super budget-friendly with low or no entry fees, just a bit for parking or boats if you fancy.
10 Hidden Picnic Spots Near Kolkata
1. Babur Haat: Where Village Life Feels Like a Warm Story
Nestled amid shimmering fishing lakes and endless green paddy fields, this quaint village pulls you into a slower, sweeter rhythm—think mango groves swaying and distant temple bells.
How to Reach
Hop on the Basanti Highway from Kolkata; it’s a smooth 48-50 km drive (about 2 hours) in your car, or catch a bus heading toward Malancha that passes right through.
Local Market
Village shops and small haats dot the area—grab fresh fish straight from the bheris, veggies, cold drinks, or quick snacks like muri and telebhaja for your picnic spread.
Permit Fee
No permit needed; completely free for casual picnics (only occasional ₹20-50 parking if you drive in).
What to Enjoy and See
Spread out by the natural ponds for fishing or just chilling, play cricket on the open village grounds, wander through orchards, or soak in the rural temples and homes. It’s pure, unhurried bliss.
2. Deulti: A Riverside Tale of Serenity and Old Charm
On the banks of the Rupnarayan, this little village is definitely a good option amongst the spots near Kolkata which whispers stories of author Sarat Chandra—clay paths, thatched roofs, and river views that make time slow down.
How to Reach
Take NH6 (now part of AH1) from Kolkata toward Uluberia and Bagnan; around 51-60 km (1.5 hours drive), or train from Howrah straight to Deulti station for an easy ride.
Local Market
Near the station or village crossings, small shops sell fresh produce, sweets, tea, and basics—pick up some seasonal fruits or bottled water en route.
Permit Fee
No permit or entry fee required; open and free for everyone.
What to Enjoy and See
Picnic beside ponds or the river, watch birds flit by, explore terracotta temples, or simply lie back listening to the water. It’s all about that peaceful, literary vibe, thus it becomes one of the best picnic spots near Kolkata.
3. Bawali: Green Escape with a Royal Whisper
Bawali_Rajbari by Rangan Datta Wiki, CC BY-SA 4.0 copy
Surrounded by lush farmlands and old rajbari echoes, Bawali feels like stepping into a green postcard—farmhouses, trees, and calm that recharge the soul.
How to Reach
Drive via Diamond Harbour Road (DH Road) then branch toward Budge Budge/Bibirhat route; just 35 km (about 1.5 hours), or train from Sealdah to Budge Budge followed by a short bus.
Local Market
Local markets in Bawali offer fresh fruits, snacks, and essentials—great for adding mangoes or village-made treats to your basket.
Permit Fee
Free for open areas; some private farmhouses charge ₹500–1500 for reserved picnic spot/day use (many free spots available outside).
What to Enjoy and See
Set up on farmhouse grounds, stroll through greenery, dip into fish farming vibes, or relax under shady trees. Family games here feel extra fun.
You can also read – Uncover Vibrant Khirai Flower Garden Delight
4. Falta: Riverside Magic at the River Meeting
FALTA_RIVER by IAMARITRA, CC BY-SA 4.0 copy
Where Hooghly, Damodar, and Rupnarayan join, Falta paints a picture of wide waters and open skies—a refreshing, breezy haven.
How to Reach
Follow Diamond Harbour Road (NH12) south from Kolkata; 50-52 km (around 2 hours drive), or bus from Esplanade/Taratolla, or train to Diamond Harbour then minibus.
Local Market
Shops near the ghat stock bottled water, snacks, fresh river catches, and quick bites—ideal for picnic extras.
Permit Fee
No permit fee; public riverside area is free (boat rides separate ₹100–300 per person/group).
What to Enjoy and See
Take short boat rides on the confluence, walk along the banks, or picnic on open grounds watching boats glide by. The views are endlessly soothing.
5. Taki: Border Whispers and River Adventures
Taki is definitely one of the best option amongst the great picnic spots near Kolkata. Along the Ichamati, with glimpses across to Bangladesh, Taki mixes heritage ruins, temples, and jungle trails into one exciting yet calm day.
How to Reach
Head via Taki Road from Barasat; 67-80 km (2.5 hours drive), or train from Sealdah to Taki Road Station.
Local Market
Taki town markets brim with fresh food, fruits, and supplies—stock up on snacks or local sweets before heading out.
Permit Fee
No permit for general areas; eco park/small entry spots ₹10–20, boat rides ₹300–1500 per hour (share to keep budget low).
What to Enjoy and See
Boat rides for border views, explore zamindar ruins and temples, walk Golpatar Jungle trails—it’s adventurous without being overwhelming.
6. Piyali Island: Forest Gateway Whispers
A bridge-linked island bursting with trails, birds, and that Sundarbans tease—green, wild, and wonderfully quiet.
How to Reach
Drive via Baruipur-Gocharan-Dhosa route; about 70-74 km, or train to South Barasat then local trekker/bus.
Local Market
Nearby villages have small shops for water, snacks, and basics—grab what you need before the island hop.
Permit Fee
No entry/permit fee for casual picnics; boat costs separate if taken (₹100–400).
What to Enjoy and See
Boat on the Matla, hike forest paths, spot migratory birds—nature feels alive and close here.
7. Gadiara: Calm Where Three Rivers Meet
Gadiara,Howrah by Avishekchatt, CC BY-SA 4.0 copy
At the gentle joining of Hooghly, Rupnarayan, and Damodar, Gadiara is all about peaceful waters and village charm.
How to Reach
Drive toward Uluberia then local roads; 86-90 km (2-3 hours), or train to Bagnan followed by bus/auto to the spot.
Local Market
Local eateries and shops serve fresh Bengali food and supplies—perfect for adding hot singara or mishti.
Permit Fee
No permit required; completely free public access (boating extra if chosen).
What to Enjoy and See
Boat rides at the confluence, village walks, savor local eats, catch stunning sunrises or sunsets and you will have the feeeling that you have arrived amongst one of best Picnic Spots Near Kolkata.
8. Machranga Dwip: Kingfisher Island Dreams
Tree-covered island in the Ichamati, named for darting kingfishers—serene fields and water all around.
How to Reach
Train/bus to Hasnabad, then motorboat from Taki or nearby; around 90-113 km total.
Local Market
Hasnabad market has everything—picnic essentials, fresh items, and more.
Permit Fee
No permit fee; only boat access charge (₹200–500 for group sharing).
What to Enjoy and See
Walk green fields, dip in calm waters, watch sunsets, observe life across the border—pure island tranquility.
9. Chinsurah: Hooghly Heritage and Riverside Ease
Colonial echoes in churches, mosques, and gardens along the river—history meets calm beauty.
How to Reach
Drive north via GT Road (NH19); 53 km (about 1.5 hours), or bus/train options.
Local Market
Plenty of street food stalls and markets—fruits, snacks, and supplies galore.
Permit Fee
No permit or entry fee; open riverside and public areas are free.
What to Enjoy and See
Picnic by the river, wander historic architecture, enjoy relaxed walks with Hooghly views. Thus it becomes one of the places amongst the picnic spots near Kolkata
10. Santragachi Jheel: Quiet Lake Bird Magic
Migratory Birds Santragachi Lake Howrah by Biswarup Ganguly, CC BY 3.0
A peaceful waterbody right nearby, alive with winter birds—simple, close-to-home serenity.
How to Reach
Short drive or local transport via Howrah; only 11-16 km (under 1 hour).
Local Market
Howrah markets nearby offer all picnic needs—easy to grab last-minute items.
Permit Fee
No permit needed; free public lakeside access (nominal parking if any).
What to Enjoy and See
Birdwatch migratory visitors, relax lakeside with your spread—perfect low-key end to a day.
These picnic spots near Kolkata are waiting like old friends—budget gems for families, easy one-day trips, many within 50 km. Pick one, pack your stories, and go make new ones. Which spot feels like your next adventure? 🌿🍞
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