Are you craving to take your beast off the busy Kolkata roads to some place serene and close to nature? Then, it is time to plan a short biking excursion to both known and unknown places not too far away from the City of Joy. Read on to find out the top seven scenic bike routes that will refresh your mind and give your steed a good run.
1. Falta — a scenic river town
Sunset at the Falta riverside Shutterstock
A retreat first developed by the British in 1875, the quaint town of Falta is situated at the confluence of Damodar and Hooghly rivers. An excellent weekend attraction, the drive from Kolkata is replete with lush green vistas and boundless horizons. You can choose to spend the day here or make it more relaxing with an overnight halt, for which there are several options to suit almost any budget. Whilst here, you must also take a ferry along the river to soak in the essence of this picturesque town.
Route: Reach Esplanade. Now, take the Nandan Road to get onto NH12 . Take NH12 to Thakurpur - Bibrihat - Bakrahat to Raipur Road. Continue on Bakrahat Road to Srirampur. Take a sharp right at Bhatheria Bazar. Turn right at Siddhartha Bhandar on to Fatepur-Falta Road to reach your destination.
- Restaurants along the way: Lathi Fast Food, Cheesy Food Station, Public Fast food Center, Arsalan Restaurant, Apnar Kitchen
- Distance: Approximately 55kms
- Time Taken: Approximately two hours
- Best time to travel: Throughout the year
2. Raichak — revel in the historic architecture of this town
A must-visit near Raichak is Diamond Harbour, which offers an enchanting view of the sparkling river Shutterstock
Take your bike out for a historic ride as you cruise to the town of Diamond Harbour, Raichak. Touted as one of the best picnic spots around Kolkata, this makes for an ideal getaway. If you have the josh, scale up the ancient Raichak fort to admire the intricate architecture of a bygone era. An added incentive is the spectacular view of the Ganges from the fort. Raichak is the perfect destination for picnics and short boat rides. A must-visit from Raichak is Diamond Harbour, which offers an enchanting view of the sparkling river.
- Route: From Esplanade, take Indira Gandhi Sarani, Pranabananda Sarani, Hospital Road and Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Road to NH12 in Bhowanipore. Now, take NH12 and follow Eastern Metropolitan Bypass to Baruipur-Amtala Road in Jogibattala, Khasmallik. Continue on NH12 to Noorpur Road in Sarisha. Follow Nurpur Road to reach Raichak
- Restaurants along the way: VIP Dhaba, Dominos Pizza, Maa Kali Restaurant
- Distance: Approximately 55kms
- Time Taken: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes
- Best time to travel: Between September and April
3. Piyali Island — enter the land of the Royal Bengal tigers
A beautiful black-headed cuckooshrike on Piyali Island — a bird-watching haven Shutterstock
Often called the ‘Gateway to the majestic Sunderbans’, Piyali Island makes for a great biking ride from Kolkata. A bird-watching haven, it is home to many exotic bird species. Nestled in the dense mangrove forests and adjoining paddy fields, it is an idyllic picnic spot, where you can take leisurely walks amidst nature or relish a boat ride on the Malta river.
For those interested in wildlife, the Sunderbans can give you a glimpse of the elusive and the ever-so-majestic Royal Bengal Tiger. With many affordable staying options, you can spend a night here before returning to Kolkata.
- Route: From Esplanade, you take a turn to Rashmoni Avenue, Indira Gandhi Sarani, Pranabananda Sarani onto Circus Avenue. Now, take Maa Flyover to get on Basanta Highway. Drive on Biswa Bangla Sarani and Kamalgazi Flyover to get onto Eastern Metropolitan Bypass. Head towards Bangaon - Kulpi Rd, Baruipur - Kulpi Road/Kulpi Rd/Rudranagar - Jibantala Rd, Dakshin Barasat Dhosa Rd and Jayanagar - Jamtala Rd to Alitakhali. Take a left on to the highway and continue straight to Kella Bridge to reach Piyali Island.
- Restaurants along the way: Kolkata 46, Sanjha Chullah, Asma Dhabha, Broccoli Hotel & Restaurant, Tara Maa Restaurant
- Distance: Approximately 70kms
- Time Taken: Approximately 3 hours
- Best time to travel: Between October and March
4. Digha — satiate those seafood cravings
The street sea food market in Digha Shutterstock
Situated in Purba Medinipur district, Digha is a seaside town in West Bengal. Known for its beautiful beaches, the town is a short drive away from Kolkata. The route comes alive during spring and monsoon, with a verdant countryside pleasing to the eye. If you have only one day to spend here, it is best to start at dawn and reach Digha before noon to explore and enjoy the beach and the azure blue waters of the ocean. Dotted with small shacks and hotels, you can be rest assured of getting delectable seafood delicacies.
Route: Take Bidhan Sarani Road from Esplanade towards Barrackpore Trunk Rd to PWD Road in Bonhoogly, Baranagar. Turn right at Digha Bound Bus Stop onto Digha - Contai Road/NH 116B. At Suncity Rose Valley Rosewaters, continue onto SH 57 and turn left at Essd Digha onto New Digha Sea Beach Market Rd to reach your destination
- Restaurants along the way: Narmada Cafe & Restaurant, R. K. Hotel & Restaurant, Manjushri Hotel
- Distance: Approximately 180kms
- Time Taken: Approximately 4 hours
- Best time to travel: July to March
5. Mukutmanipur — a historic jewel
A section of the road to Mukutmanipur Shutterstock
A trip to Mukutmanipur is one of the most scenic places for bike rides from Kolkata. Located at the confluence of the Kumari and Kangsabati rivers, it has a fine blend of the serenity of water and the lush greenery of nature. Famous for its beautiful reservoir lake, plentiful wildlife, and historical significance, it is an excellent getaway from Kolkata.
While you are here, you can visit the Bangopalpur Reserve Forest to see the flora and fauna of the region. There are some Jain pilgrimage centers close to Mukutmanipur that are worth a visit too. Ambikanagar is one such ancient town. You can buy beautiful bamboo and grass handicrafts here. The sunset at the Kangsabati dam is another must-do while here.
- Route: From Esplanade, take Netaji Subhas Road, Strand Road, Howrah Bridge/New Howrah Bridge Approach Road, Upper Foreshore Road, and then Grand Trunk Road to NH12 in Shibpur, Howrah. Thereafter, take NH 16 to Goaltore - Tepra Road in Lakshamandihi - Balrampur Road - Karbhanga - Sarenga - Kuldiha - Raipur to Bhalkdungri to reach Mukutmanipur
- Restaurants along the way: Zaika Bar & Restaurant, Moghal Empire, Lokma Restaurant.
- Distance: Approximately 260 kms
- Time Taken: Approx 5 hours 30 minutes
- Best time to travel: Between October and March
6. Mandarmani — a pristine beach retreat
It's a quiet retreat for those who enjoy spending time amidst nature Shutterstock
Mandarmani is an excellent escape for those looking to unwind by the beach over a weekend. The unfamiliarity and exclusivity of this place are fast making it into a honeymoon destination and a quiet retreat for those who enjoy spending time amidst nature.
You can spend time relaxing by the beach with some mouth-watering seafood or indulge in adventurous water sports like jet skiing, and ATV biking, to name just a few. While you are here, shop for handmade shell items and jewellery, intricate handicrafts, and souvenirs from the local store.
The best way to travel to this quaint village is on a bike. The ride from Kolkata to Mandarmani is picturesque, with good roads and many eateries along the way. During your ride, you will cross the old industrial and trading towns of Nandakumar, Bagnan and Contai, with the Hoogly river flowing alongside. Winter is the ideal time to visit this beach town.
- Route: From Esplanade, take Netaji Subhas Road, Strand Road, Howrah Bridge/New Howrah Bridge Approach Road, Upper Foreshore Road, and Grand Trunk Road to NH12 in Shibpur, Howrah. Follow NH12, NH16, and NH116 to NH 116B in Nandakumar and Continue on NH 116B to reach Mandarmani
- Restaurants along the way: Bikers Point, Suchitra Hotel & Restaurant, Mayuri The Cake Shop & Restaurant, Sananda Hotel and Restaurant, The Hot Lips, Hotel Asha Tripti Hotel & Restaurant
- Distance: Approximately 170 kms
- Time Taken: Approximately 4 hours 30 minutes
- Best time to travel: Between October and May
7. Chinsurah — a colonial paradise
Ghorir More, Chinsurah Wikipedia
Located in the Hooghly district, Chinsurah was once a part of the Dutch settlement in Bengal. This colonial retreat will give you a glimpse into the bygone era with its old military barracks, Fort Gustavus and churches. Besides these, a visit to the silk factory at Cassimbazar and a unique factory for salting pork at Baranagar are a must.
As it’s a short drive from Kolkata, it is ideal for new biking enthusiasts. You can plan a day visit to this historic town and explore all its delights.
- Route: From Esplanade, take Chittaranjan Avenue to Barrackpore Trunk Road in Bidhan Sarani and then Bidhan Sarani Road. Now, take NH12 and Delhi Road to Shankar Road in Sugandha. Continue on Shankar Road to Chinsurah R S, Chinsurah. At the roundabout, take the first exit onto Grand Trunk Road. Continue on Pearabagan Road. Drive to Kaberi Para Road to reach Chinsurah.
- Restaurants along the way: Khai Khai Food Bistro, Sai Baba Hotel, NH2 Dhabha, Kitchen Sutra, Intercity Dhabha
- Distance: Approximately 53 kms
- Time Taken: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
- Best time to travel: Between December and February
So, get set to witness an adrenaline rush as you embark on a journey on your motorbike to these enchanting places to experience the wonders around Kolkata. But always remember to wear a helmet and follow the rules for your own safety.