Cycling around Shonar Bangla!
Cycling is a delightful way of discovering new places. It not only gives you a healthy way to explore a destination but also helps you enjoy the essence of the city. West Bengal is one such beautiful state with amazing cycling routes in all its cities. This state has a different energy, and so do the people.
Not only is Kolkata city the ‘City of Joy’ where you can visit some of the country’s finest attractions in the country, but it is also a city from where you can go on memorable road trips in India.
West Bengal and its surrounding states are laden with several outstanding getaways that you can explore according to your moods and fancies, be it pilgrimage spots or nature trails.
You can begin pedalling at dawn, watch a fascinating sunrise, treat yourself some momos and continue till dusk. So if you wish to go on a solo trip or explore our country with a new perspective, West Bengal is the right place to begin with! Here are 5 best routes.
- Raichak
The shortest road trip to a small riverside town. Just get in your car or bike and head on out to Raichak to visit its top delights, including the Diamond Harbour and Chingrikhali Fort. The Harbour is where the Hooghly river meets into the Bay of Bengal and is a popular picnic spot for the locals.
The Fort is close to the harbour and was once a Portuguese stronghold, now in ruins. By the fort there is a lighthouse that you can climb atop to enjoy great views of the harbour and its surroundings.
Distance from Kolkata: 55 kilometres
2. Bishnupur
A short road trip that will take you to a historic terracotta temple city with spectacular architecture and old world charm. Rasmancha is a hut-shaped temple with an array of brick pillars, exquisite carvings and awesome cannons to admire. The Jorbangla temple is a great example of terracotta architecture as well as Shyam Rai Temple, also greatly carved in red terracotta stone.
Distance from Kolkata: 180 kilometres
3. Sundarbans
An essential road trip from Kolkata. The Sundarban National Park is a UNESCO heritage site is home to the largest littoral mangrove belt in the world. You’d especially love taking a road trip during the monsoons. Spot the Royal Bengal tigers here and also check out saltwater crocodiles and other species. You can visit the nearby village on a biking tour and go fishing too.
This getaway into the quietude of nature has been described as a heavenly experience by tourists and visitors.
Distance from Kolkata: 102 kilometres
4. Shantiniketan
The university founded by Tagore that produced some of India’s greatest intellectual minds. Shantiniketan road trip is a cultural trip that will be thoroughly enriching. Take a guided tour to Visva Bharati University, visit the Tagore Ashram to see the legendary master’s memorabilia, and visit Amar Kutir to shop for some rare and unique handicraft items. Also do visit Chhatimtala, a peaceful place where Rabindranath Tagore used to teach his students.
Distance from Kolkata: 162 kilometres
5. Digha & Mandarmani
Popular beach destinations, a road trip to Mandarmani and Digha is called for when you’re in the mood for coastal lounging. Its four famous beaches are New Digha Beach, Mandarmani Beach, Talsari Beach, Udaipur Beach and Shankarpur Beach. Adventure beach activities to indulge in here are parasailing, snorkelling, water zorbing and water skiing. Enjoy jet skiing and ATV Bike rides in Mandarmani.
Distance from Kolkata: 184 kilometres
Cyclist Insurance by Toffee is also a very cool companion for your cycles. It saves them from accidental damage costs and covers them from theft.
To build a strong culture of cycling in India, we need to focus on safety first.
Just as much as you value your safety, you should give a thought to the safety of your cycle as well!
