Life Breezy

Have you ever secretly wished to picnic in the real ‘Bon Bhojan’ style. Well, to get your wish, you don’t have to do a lot of brainstorming. Just make sure to reach Banstala near Jhargram in the Paschim Medinipur District and your wish could be fulfilled. Read on, to find out how.

Attractions

As a matter of fact, this is an ideal picnic spot for the people of Midnapore and Kharagpur cities. The Banstala Station lies before the Jhargram Station. The striking sight of the isolated station surrounded by the green trees and shrubs would lure you to get down to the station from the train wasting no time. Further, the tranquility and the calm nature displays its inherited glory irrespective of the direction you move from the station. The uneven wavy ways is blessed with the eternal greenery from all around.

The dense shades of the Sal forest unfold the smell of mystery. Besides, the narrow lanes running through the open wide fields lead to the distant natural water bodies before vanishing into the horizon. Even though you may feel an alone group, but you are not a loner in the true sense because the tribal people reside in the nearby surrounding localities.

So, it would be prudent on your part to settle down for the picnic activity in a spot nearby these inhabited localities. You would get the required water for your picnic needs from the localities. Once you choose a suitable spot, you are all set to experience an exciting activity ever. The falling leaves from the trees would welcome you to the region and become your natural carpet. Next, make sure to start your day by collecting the dry woods from the surroundings for cooking fuel needs. It’s a very exciting activity firstly because whatever you would be doing is a group activity and secondly, you would be doing everything in a natural way without depending much on artificial or ready-made means. Finally, you would notice for sure the taste of your lunch prepared by the natural means has the aroma of the natural surroundings, a sensory delight altogether. This is the real ‘Bon Bhojan’ style we spoke about a little while ago. Sometimes, the ancient becomes the new modern style, isn’t it?

And yes, make no mistake, you won’t find the materials required for the picnic at Banstala. You have to carry everything along with you from the home. However, the nearest big market is located at seven kilometers away at Jhargram.

To get there

The Kharagpur Tatanagar Passenger Train is available from the Kharagpur Station for the Banstala Station. The distance from the Kharagpur Station to Banstala Station is 39 kilometers and the train journey would take around forty-five to fifty minutes.

In today’s day and age, there’s pressure and there will be pressure in life for sure but everybody needs to cope up with it in style. Now style is what you are comfortable doing. Cashing in on the trend, scheduling a day for an outing is a way to release pressure as well. So you see how you can change pressure into a privilege and pleasure. The Jubilee Park and Resort near Kalyani at Gayeshpur in the Nadia district is an ideal spot for a picnic.

In life, there are times when we wish to be young and there are so many places that make you feel younger by heart. What we need to do is to step out for some time from our comfort zone and the rest would follow automatically.

Attractions

The park is quirky and beautifully kept by the joint initiative of the Kalyani Municipality and a private institution. Even though the park turns out to be one of the choicest zones for family outings during the winter, but there are even more good reasons to visit the park throughout the year as well. You may visit the park to spend some quality time sitting on the benches in peace or taking a leisure walk in a clean and green environment. Plus, you may plan to spend a wonderful evening on any given day of your choice in the park along with you family and kids. Given the reputation of the park, your children will have a lot of fun, entertainment and would insist you come here again.

The variety of greenery across various regions of the park, the blooming seasonal flowers, and the amusement stuff for children including different types of rides make it a favorite spot for all the age groups. If you want to get yourself involved with some lively activity there is also the boating facility for the visitors of the park. The entry fee of the park is RS 20 only.

Booking

Several tents are available here for picnic booking ranging from RS 500 to RS 1000. Besides, guestrooms are available for booking as well. For picnic, and any other relevant information you may contact the number in advance: 98310-53750

To get there

Several local trains are available from the Sealdah Station to reach the spot from Kolkata. You need to board any of the local trains like the Krishnanagar Local, Ranaghat Local, Shantipur Local, Gede Local, and Kalyani Simanta Local leaving at regular intervals from the Sealdah Station to reach the Kanchrapara Station. As a matter of fact, the Kanchrapara Station is before the Kalyani Station. The distance between Sealdah Station and Kanchrapara Station is 45.2 kilometers and the journey would take around one hour and ten minutes. Auto-rickshaws are available from the Station for Jubilee Park.

Alternatively, you may reach the park by the roadway through the Kalyani Expressway.

The chilled air is giving a nippy feel. Now, it’s the right time to move out for a day or two’s outing. Won’t it be a welcome idea to settle for a spot that is popular for its historical and heritage relevance? While thinking about such a spot Gopegarh situated about a little more than 255 kilometers away from Kolkata metropolis comes first to the mind. The grace about the place is that it befits with the requirement of everyone as one may visit the spot for as little as a day’s time to even as long as a week’s time.

Attractions

Gopegarh comprising of several small to big sized hillocks, riverbank, and jungle. it’s an ideal neighborhood of Kolkata for picnics. Located a few kilometers away from the Midnapore Station, at the banks of the Kangsabati Riverbanks, it was once the treasury of the Gope zamindars. Today, the region is far better known for popular picnic spots. The prime attraction of the place is an ancient palace situated at the top of a hillock. According to the locals, the palace is closely knitted with the epic Mahabharata for some of the great characters of the epic like the five Pandava brothers are somehow related with it. Moreover, History reveals that once the palace was the fort of the Maratha army. There is a watch tower at one corner of the palace. A bird’s view from the top of the tower exposes the banks of the Kangsabati River at one side. The river with glittering waters is a captivating sight from the tower top.

The muddy ways inside the jungle lead to the village. The thick green growths of the Sal, Mahua, Acacia, Cashew nut, etc., and the uneven slopes of the land are the another natural characteristics of the place. The view from the higher regions would unfold the treasure of greenery all around and the small cottages of the locals located at the remote distance. Though rare but sometimes when elephants, unfortunately, lose their way and get isolated from the herd, they are seen lazing in the jungle as well. Besides, countless monkeys are seen on the fields during the time of cashew nut irrigation. Ascending the inclined slope ways render one with the exciting experience of mountain trekking.

Besides, the Gopegarh Heritage and Nature Eco-Tourism Centre of the Midnapore East Forest Department is spread over forty hectares in the Gopegarh jungle at the Kangsabati Riverbanks. It unfolds the natural kingdom where Sal, Palash, Arjuna, Daisy, Durante and countless other plant and flower species reign.

It has everything for a wonderful day out in Picnic. However, for picnic one needs to take permission from the Midnapore East Forest Department. Apart from the picnic, one may enjoy wonderful sightseeing here. That is the reason why the region is equally popular as a wonderful weekend destination during the winter. Several historical and religious structures reflect the artistic beauty of the place. Some of the popular tourist attractions include the Rajbari, Jagannath Temple, Durga Mandir at Bibigunge, Sitala Mandir, Ras Mandir.

If one have time from the picnic one may visit Habibpur located four kilometers away. It is the birthplace of the youngest freedom fighter of Bengal, Khudiram Bose.

Booking and charges

There is a nominal entry fee at the Gopegarh Eco-Tourism Park of the Gopegarh Heritage and Nature Eco-Tourism Centre. However, the entry fee for the small and larger vehicles is RS 30 and RS 60 respectively. Booking charges for the picnic in the open is RS 200, and for the shed-spot is RS 300. Tourist Lodge is available for accommodation as well. The booking charges depending on non-AC room and AC room is RS 600 and RS 750 respectively. Besides, the charge for eight bedded dormitory is RS 640. For further information and booking, the contact number is 03222-275869.

To get there

Local trains and express trains are available from the Howrah Station to the Midnapore Station. The journey by road and local trains takes around three hours. From the Midnapore Station motor cars and Maruti vans are available for Gopegarh. There are two ways to reach Gopegarh from the Midnapore Station – one through the jungle via the Vidyasagar University (Raja Narendra Lal Khan Women’s College) and the other through the Gate Bazar way via the slope ways towards the lap of the hill.

Alternatively, hired cars are available from the L. I. C Chowk (center of the city) or the Aurobindo Sishu Uddyan. Buses are available from the Central Bus Stand as well. It would take around fifteen to twenty minutes time on buses going towards Dherua.

Any place that presents a perfect picnic spot is considered good, but a place that showcases a better picnic experience together with the option of visiting wonderful places around is considered the best. Yes, you got it right! Today, we are going to discuss the Bandel Town located at the Hooghly District in the Bengal State. It becomes an excellent spot for the picnic activity during the winter as the visitors crowd here not only to watch and witness the popular attractions but to frame those cherished moments digitally in the cameras or in their mobile phones forever. Writing about conveyance, apart from being a major station of the Eastern Railways network, it’s well connected with the neighborhoods by the road, rail, and waterways.

Attractions

Bandel was once popular as the Portuguese colony and the port city. Today, it’s popular as the most sought after weekend destination and picnic spot for the travelers or trippers in the Bengal State. Some of the age old dwelling units and building structures still carry the magical touches of the then era. The Grand Trunk Road runs through the center of the city while the Hooghly River flows beside it. It’s not easy to pen down the History and attractions of the city in a few paragraphs. The four hundred years old long history reveals the names of numerous great souls who prospered in the region and did such noble deeds that are appreciated by people even today.

Until today people talk about these great personalities and love to hear the numerous folk tales associated the place. Nevertheless, it’s the Basilica of the Holy Rosary or the Bandel Church that rules the countless heart. This Roman Catholic Church is popularly known as the Bandel Church and it’s one of the main attractions of the city. It’s also one of the oldest churches in the Bengal State. The church was built by the Portuguese in the seventeenth century and understandably, the yesteryear's Portuguese settlement is today’s popular destination and picnic spot in the Hooghly district. It provides the unique opportunity for the picnic activity at the Hooghly Riverbank in a green surrounding. However, before coming here for the picnic activity, one must make sure to carry along all the materials required for the activity.

Apart from enjoying the picnic activity at the Hooghly River bank and visiting the Bandel Church, visitors may trip to the Hooghly Imambara as well located two kilometers away. The religious structure built by the great humanitarian, Hazi Muhammad Mohsin in the mid-eighteenth century is a pleasure to the eyes. Distinctly, this marble structure is another big attraction in the region.

To get there

Bandel is almost forty kilometers away from the Howrah Station. Local trains like the Bandel Local, Bardhaman Local, and Memari Local are available from the Howrah Station for the Bandel Station. It takes around an hour and five minutes to cover the distance by a local train. Bus and auto-rickshaw services are available from outside the station to reach Bandel Church.

Bandel could be reached by the Sealdah Station as well. First, one needs to board a local train like the Naihati Local to get down at the Naihati Station. From here, one needs to board another local train to reach the Bandel Station.

Spending some quality time nearby holy spots bring in a lot of peace to the mind, soul, and heart. It draws us close to the pureness and thus releases the heart from sins. To get our mind relaxed and free from the worldly worries we should take the opportunity of being in a holy place whenever it is possible for us. Today, we are writing about the outing options available at Ghutiari Sharif, a sacred spot located in a close proximity of the Kolkata metropolis in the South 24 Parganas.

Attractions

Ghutiari Sharif is a pilgrim and religious spot in the South 24 Parganas. People belonging to various castes, community and creed come to the Dargah of Pir Ghazi Mubarak Ali to offer prayers or to get their wishes fulfilled round the year. The holy Mazar (shrine) lies within a few minutes of walking distance from the Ghutiari Sharif Station.

Besides the religious spot, there are a couple of picnic spots located at a close proximity from the station. Notably, the Hospital Math (Ground) is on the west side at a three minutes walking distance from the station. The ground is big enough to accommodate a number of picnic groups. It’s one of a kind experience to picnic under the cool shades of trees. Moreover, there is a water- body beside this picnic spot as well.

The other spot there for picnickers is the Bansra Kishore Sangha Math (Ground). This picnic spot is within a one-minute walking distance on the east side of the station. There is a ground spread over an area of twenty bighas. Moreover, there is a pond inside it as well that adds to the overall beauty of the spot. However, for organizing a picnic activity here one must take the permission from the beforehand from the Club. For your information, the Bansra Kishore Sangha Club is very helpful to the visitors as they extend their kind helping hands to the visitors in every possible way.

If you wish you may carry the picnic materials from home or purchase those from the local decorators shop nearby the station. Moreover, you may purchase other necessary items or raw foods from the regular local morning market.

Moreover, a grand fair is organized here in the month of August every year. Visitors turn out here in large numbers during the event from far and wide. The fair lasts for a month and the region gets set into the brim of activities.

To get there

The distance between Sealdah South Section Station and Ghutiari Sharif Station is 31.4 kilometers and it takes around fifty-two minutes to cover the rail journey. The Ghutiari Sharif Station comes after the Gourdaha Halt Station. Board Canning Local from the Sealdah South Section Station and get down at the Ghutiari Sharif Station. From outside of the station you may hire a rickshaw or cover the remaining journey of a few minutes on foot.

Winter in Kolkata comes with the message of festivals and celebrations. Not to mention the more than three hundred years old Kolkata City gets decked up with colorful lightings several times during this period. Among the various festivals, Christmas has earned a special corner in the heart of the Kolkatans since the bygone times. Time flies away quickly, beginning from the preparations of the festival to practically celebrating it and before we realize anything in between we get elevated to the New Year Celebration party.

Park Street Kolkata

In the City of Joy, days before the actual event, people get painted in the festive mood. The New Market, the Chowringhee Road, and the Park Street regions of the city turn out to be the busiest zones during this time of the year signifying that Christmas is round the corner. However, it’s the decoration of Park Street and the excitement among the people that catch the headlines. People begin to gather in the region days before the actual Christmas Eve because the entire region gets all decked up in lights to spread the festive fervor.

People in the celebration mood

The decoration begins from the Park Street-Mullick Bazar Crossing at one end and extends straight towards the Park Street-Chowringhee Crossing the other end. Either side of the road is illuminated with flickering lights, glittering Christmas Trees and Santa models. Besides, most of the important buildings and structures display a mixture of pomp and spirituality.

Christmas tableau at Archbishop's House

Christmas decoration at St. Xavier's College

The Archbishop’s House displaying wonderful lighting and there is a beautifully decorated tableau, and the statues of Jesus Christ, Mother Mary, St. Teresa, St. John Paul 11, inside. Besides, the St. Xavier’s College building relishing on a band of green and blue lights and the overall decoration inside the campus is pleasing to the eyes. Further, the Apeejay House is successfully casting its Christmas spell on the passers-by. A huge model of Santa wearing a cheerful smile, raising one hand in the air and drawn by one horse open carriage pulling everyone’s attention for sure.

Allen Park Entrance

Yet, like any other year, this year the entire attention of the crowd and the media is focused on the Allen Park as well. The opulently decorated entrance with the flickering lights displaying the words ‘Kolkata Christmas Festival’ is stealing away everyone’s heart. The inside of the park is as appealing as the entrance. The tableau of the birth of Christ is elaborate and beautiful. Besides, the other displays and settings inside the park rhyme exactly with the Christmas flair. There are so much crowd near the park that the traffic movement is getting choked for a few hours in the evening every day.

St. Nicholas lighting at Allen park

Soaking in the festive mood, the crowd is spilling over from the pavement to the main road near the Park Hotel. There is a huge canopy of colorful lighting above and the people, especially the youths wearing on the festive caps, masks of various shapes and sizes are found to be adding the real charm in the festive celebration. And all these fun and excitements are not over yet because the festive celebration would continue until the first couple of days of the New Year. If you want to be a part of all these excitements, make sure to head way to the Park Street for a wonderful evening outing and lively celebration of the Christmas on a Kolkata Street.

We are leaving you with a few more special moments from the celebration.

Tableau on birth of Jesus, Allen Park

Santa Claus at Apeejay House

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to everyone

Staying with the festive mood, you may plan a fun team outing for a day nearby Kolkata. This, of course, would be an act that would stick like a fact in the memory of your loved ones for a while. Besides, it’s widely believed that often such deeds over the weekend keep you as cheerful and attractive as the glittering Christmas Trees.

Attractions

R C Garden is fifty kilometers away from Kolkata at Bansberia in the Hooghly District. Most of us know Bansberia is popular for Hangseshwari Temple as well. It’s one of the best spots for group outings nearby Kolkata. Here, you may spend a leisure day with the Damodar River waters and explore the soft feelings of the soil under your feet. Besides, the thrill of sensing the strong and soft sun rays on a cool or not so cool winter day is a feeling beyond any description. Moreover, if you are sportive by nature and looking for a team building outing then the spot would suit your preference. The spot ensures that you could play any of the popular outdoor games of your choice.

Usually a journey, long or short, often takes a lot out of visitors and you may feel somewhat sluggish after reaching the spot. To counter with this, there is a stage as well. If you wish, you may get engaged here with a team bonding event like any of the special programs that would set the tempo of the entire group for a remarkable outing. All these, and of course the entire first floor along with the restroom is accessible to the picnickers.

Writing about the food you may carry the eateries from home or simply cook those here in the separate cooking space allotted for the activity on the spot. However, if you are planning for a catered picnic then catering option is available here as well. For catering help, you have to contact the authorities. Plus, everything you need for your outing like picnic tables, chairs and umbrellas are available here on rent basis. Moreover, if you feel the need, you may hire a music system here as well.

Booking & contact

The contract of the spot for picnic activity depends on the number of people in your group. For instance, the rent for a group of fifty people is RS 700 and for one hundred people group is RS 1000. During weekends (Saturday & Sunday) and national holidays, the spot is allocated to a number of picnic groups. While booking, fifty percent of booking charge has to be paid in advance. For further information and booking, you may contact 94336-09004

To get there

You may board on a CTC bus of Bagnan route from the Esplanade Bus Terminus and get down at the Kulgachia-Tulsiberia More (Crossing). The bus journey takes around an hour time to complete the fifty kilometers journey.

Alternatively, you may board a local train like the Midnapore Local, Panskura Local, Mecheda Local, Kolaghat Local, Haldia Local, etc., from the Howrah Station (South Eastern Zone) and get down at the Kulgachia Station. It would take sixty-four minutes to cover the distance of 39.7 kilometers by a local train. For your knowledge, the Kulgachia Station comes before the Bagnan Station while traveling from the Howrah Station. Next, board an auto-rickshaw from outside the station to reach R C Garden. To be specific, it’s a ten minutes journey in an auto-rickshaw from the station.

We wish the New Year helps you put your best foot forward to realize your goals and dreams. Either to welcome the New Year or to make a great beginning you may take a break from the daily schedules, and plan for an outing nearby Kolkata with friends and family. Mahishrekha at Kulgachia, located around fifty kilometers away from Kolkata near the Damodar Riverbank with the lodging option, is an ideal spot for picnickers

Attractions

Winter favors the green meadows of the Damodar Riverbank with an eternal natural appeal. To experience it in the real time you may plan to come here for a day’s outing along with the near and dear ones. Interestingly, you don't have to pay any spot fee here. All you need to do is to choose a spot of your choice for the picnic event. However, as a precaution, you need to take care of the youngsters in the group to prevent them getting too close the river waters.

Several local boatmen come to the riverbank with their sailboats for the visitors. They help the visitors cruise the river against a nominal fee. So, on a cool morning, under the warmth of the sun rays, you may enjoy a boat ride on the river water after completing the breakfast. Or, you may plan to have the breakfast while enjoying the thrill of a boat ride on the Damodar River waters. Another attraction of the spot is the railway bridge across the river waters. The trains crossing the bridge at the lighting speed in tandem attract everyone's attention. This routine occurrence brings a lot of cheers and emotions on the faces of the youngsters out of amazement.

Everything you need for the picnic activity would be available at the Kulgachia Bazar (market). However, you may also plan to carry the necessary materials for the picnic from home to avoid any last minute trouble or to save some precious minutes for the actual event.

Staying and booking

Spending a day/night in a cool and serene setting, far away from the chaos of metropolis is something that most of us desire. The Mahishrekha forest bungalow or to be precise, the Mahishrekha Irrigation Bungalow stationed in the shades of greenery for a comfy stay of the visitors is around four kilometers away from the Kulgachia Station. However, for an overnight stay, you need to book or reserve it in advance. For booking and permission, you need to contact: 10, Biplabi Harendranath Ghosh Sarani, Second Floor, Howrah.

To get there

Board a local train like the Kharagpur Local, Panskura Local, Mecheda Local, etc., from the Howrah South-Eastern Railway Section and get down at the Kulgachia Station. The distance between Howrah Station and Kulgachia Station is around forty kilometers and it takes around an hour and five minutes to cover the journey. From the Station, hire a cycle rickshaw or a van rickshaw to reach the Damodar Riverbank.

On the other hand, if you are coming by the roadway, then you have to follow the (National Highway) NH-6 to reach Kulgachia. From Kulgachia, turn left to reach Mahishrekha.

Ever thought why the winter season comes? Let’s forget the Geographical reasons for a while and try to answer it from the core of heart. For Life Breezy, the winter comes to see you jolly especially through the week of festivities from the Christmas to the New Year. The Kolkata weather is getting cooler and right now, it’s that much challenging to get out of bed in the morning. All these ensure that it’s the perfect time to get out for a fun outing nearby Kolkata. Therefore, we are coming up with an outing idea at the Kamala Picnic Garden on the Bakrahat Road in the South 24 Parganas.

Attractions

To be precise, the spot is near Thakurpukur in the South 24 Parganas. It treats an area of seven and a half bighas on the Bakrahat Road. The chief attractions of the garden include green lawns, seasonal flower bushes, and a pond. What’s more, you’re getting the opportunity of free boating here on the pond waters. There is no denying that all these striking features of the garden make it an ideal venue for winter picnics. Beginning from a group outing with friends to a corporate outing with colleagues the spot would suffice with your demands and impress you on both the regards.

Moreover, there is a separate cooking space for the visitors. All the stuff required for an ideal picnic is available at the spot. As far as the raw food materials are concerned, you may bring those from home or purchase those from the Bakrahat Road.

From here, you may plan a trip to Boro Kachari Shiva Temple as well. It locates a few kilometers away from the Kamala Picnic Garden. Auto-rickshaws and buses are available to reach the sacred spot.

Booking

Only a group is allowed for a picnic here on a day. The booking charge for Sunday is RS 15000. Booking charges for Saturday and on any other holidays is RS 12000. The booking charges on weekdays (Monday to Friday) is RS 7000. For further information and booking, you may contact 9830086556.

To get there

You have to reach the Saltighat Bus Stop on the Bakrahat Road as because the spot is on the Baktrahat Main road. If you are traveling by your own conveyance from Kolkata, then you have to journey through Behala to reach Thakurpukur. From Thakurpukur, turn right to get onto the Thakurpukur-Bakrahat Road. From here, another eight kilometers journey on the Bakrahat road would take you to the Saltighat Bus Stop.

Alternatively, you may board the public bus number 75 from the Babu Ghat Bus Terminus and get down at the Saltighat Bus Stop. The bus trip would take around two hours.

A new year brings with it new hopes and aspirations. It provides us with the opportunity to start things afresh. Let’s consider the past, good or bad, as an experience to sail along smoothly in the future. Now, it’s the time to work upon the present to shape the future. Besides, New Year is the perfect occasion for a short outing nearby along with family and friends.

So, keeping this in mind today, we are writing about the Raja Rammohan Paryatan Kendra Picnic Spot located at the Radhanagar Village under the Jangipara Block in the Hooghly District.

Attractions

Radhanagar Village in the Hooghly District is popular because it’s the birthplace of Raja Rammohan Roy. We remember and respect him even today because he was the great social reformer and the founder of the Brahmo Samaj in the eighteenth century. Interestingly, the Raja Rammohan Paryatan Kendra Picnic Spot has been set up in the Radhanagar Village keeping in view the interests of the common people. It spreads over a vast area of twelve acres and ensures a wonderful day’s outing for the visitors.

Apart from enjoying the picnic activity, people may visit the remains of the ancestral home of the Raja Rammohan Roy, the ancient pond and the natural appeal of the ancient village of the Bengal State. Moreover, people may visit Rammohan Upasana Griha, Radhakanta Jew-Gopinath Jew-Ghatneshwar Mandir, Rammohan Library, and several other historical temples in the vicinity. It provides everyone with the opportunity to explore and experience the beauty of a Bengal village that connects the past so cordially with the present.

From here, one may plan a trip to other popular spots of Bengal like the Garmandaran and Kamarpukur in the Hooghly District itself or Jairambati in the Bankura District as well.

Booking

Even though the entry fee of the Raja Rammohan Paryatan Kendra is RS 5 the booking charge for a picnic group of twenty-five people is RS 25. For further information and booking, the contact number is 9434566893

To get there

Board a local train from the Howrah Station to get down at the Tarakeswar Station. It’s a fifty-eight kilometers journey by the railways. From Tarakeshwar board the route number twenty Bus to get down at Ramnagar. From here, board another bus to Langulpada and cover the remaining journey either by foot or on a rickshaw.

Alternatively, board a direct bus from Tarakeswar to Ramnagar. Ramnagar is forty-five kilometers away from Tarakeswar. From Tarakeswar the bus would travel through Arambagh, Kamarpukur, and Mayapur to reach Ramnagar. From Ramnagar, board an auto-rickshaw to cover the final three kilometers to reach Radhanagar.

Through CTC Buses are available from Dharmatala (Sahid Minar) bus Terminus at 6:30 in the morning. The bus journey takes around four and half hours.

We admire free thinking in our life. While free thinking is good, but right thinking is what matters. It’s because right thinking often leads us to deep thinking which often opens up the world of possibilities before us. However, deep thinking is not easy without the combination or coordination of the healthy mind and inner soul. To keep these two important components of life in a stable condition we need to connect and try to reunite with Mother Nature whenever we get the time.

Today, we are trying to take you close to nature by writing about the Kanai Natshal Picnic Spot located near Bardhaman (or Burdwan).

Attractions and activities

The Kanai Natsal Forest Bungalow of the Lower Damodar Irrigation Division is beside the Damodar Dam. The charm about the spot is it provides an ideal space for a picnic on the lap of green nature. It’s a place to relax and rewind with family and friends far away from the hustle and bustle of the regular city life. Getting there means unlocking the bolts of the main door to welcome all the funs and excitements to peep into your life.

You may engage into long non-stopping gossips with the near and dear ones or compete against your friends in awesome winter sports like badminton, etc. Besides, you may enjoy a leisure walk while rolling your eyes on the surrounding beauty. Moreover, the twittering, chirping and sights of different birds would keep you on your heels. In between these activities if you have some time make sure to visit the Kankali Kali Temple nearby.

You have the options either to purchase the necessary items for the picnic from Kolkata or from Bardhaman. And don’t forget to roll over your tongue on the especially prepared popular sweets of the region like Sitabhog, and Mihidana.

Booking

For further information and booking, you need to contact the address below.

Executive Engineer,

Lower Damodar Irrigation Division,

Bardhaman.

To get there

Board a local train like Bardhaman Local from the Howrah Station to get down at the Barddhaman Junction Railway Station. It’s a 107 kilometers railway journey that takes around two hours and ten minutes from the Howrah Station. Notably, the Barddhaman Railway Station comes after the Gangur Railway Station while travelling from the Howrah Station towards Barddhaman. Next, get transferred to a local transit like a jeep from outside of the station to reach Kanai Natshal which is around 4.5 kilometres away from the station.

Each one of us dreams to picnic in a clean and green surrounding. Besides, if the spot has a surrounding water body to contemplate with the setting it seems that our dream has the pair of wings for the perfect plight. Well, there are many picnic spots in the surroundings that have these perfect settings for a wonderful day’s outing. However, there are some that leaves an everlasting impression in the mind. So, while thinking for such a spot the one that first struck our mind is the Ghandhi Ghat at Barrackpore.

Even though we are referring it as a picnic spot here, but to be specific it’s a spot that is visited by people throughout the year. However, no doubt, during the winters it turns out to be an exciting picnic spot for picnic lovers.

Attractions

Gandhi Ghat Entrance

Gandhi Ghat is a heritage site of Barrackpore located in the North 24 Parganas at the River Ganga banks. It’s a quirky and beautifully maintained park that suits the travelers and tripper’s temperament to the brink. The Park is dedicated to the ‘Father of the Nation’, Mahatma Gandhi. We all know the story of his life, the role played by him in the freedom struggle of our country and we respect him from the core of our heart.

Gandhi Ghat inside greenery

Now, writing about the park, it’s a lush and densely green spot as far as the eye can see. Besides, the captivating atmosphere of the Ganga Riverbank welcomes the visitors from every nook and corner of the Kolkata City and its suburbs. It’s becoming the most sought after spot for the weekend outings and picnic activities. Further, the surrounding locality has all the facilities like that of the cities. Various types of trees and flowers decorate the park in a way that it turns out to be an ideal spot for tripping round the year. The entry fee of the park is RS 25 and there are nominal picnic charges for picnic activities. For further information and booking one may contact 033-25929958

Staying: The Malancha Tourist Lodge of the WBTDC is near the spot. It provides everyone with the comfortable staying option.

Barrackpore Railway Station

To get there

Barrackpore is accessible by almost all the means of communication like the roadways, railways and waterways. Gandhi Ghat is located close to the Barrackpore Station. A few minutes of journey on an auto-rickshaw from the Barrackpore Station would take you to the spot. After getting down from the auto, you need to walk for five minutes more to reach the spot.

From Sealdah, local trains like the Barrackpore, Kalyani Simanto, Naihati, Ranaghat, Krishnanagar, Shantipur locals are available for the Barrackpore Station. The distance between Sealdah and Barrrackpore Stations is 23 km and it takes around 42 minutes to cover the distance.

Alternatively, one may come to the spot through the Srirampore Station (Hooghly) by crossing the Hooghly River on a launch steamer.

The increasing number of different types of vehicles in cities has been turning the cities into a gas chamber. The air we breathe now is four times more contaminated than it used to be in the past. Even if this fact is leaving you worried, but then there is a solution as well. You may plan out a day’s outing in the suburbs along with your family or friends for company. At least, it will provide you with the option to breathe in some fresh oxygen and thus reserve your energy for the future.

So, today keeping the health aspects in mind we are writing about the Malancha Nature Park located at Rasulpur in the Howrah-Bardhaman Main Line. To be precise, it’s situated on the Delhi Road between Memari and Rasulpur.

Attractions

If you have woken up to a nip in the air then believe it or not it’s the right time to head way to this nature park. Spreading over a vast area of forty-five acres it has the magic comfort of garden, lush green trees and lakes. You may count the number of lakes on your fingers, one…two…until all your seven fingers open up. Besides, there is a separate space for the entertainment of children. Of course, the young and the younger could make the most of the bright and sunny day. Writing about its capacity, it could accommodate and entertain around one hundred picnic groups at the same time.

So what’s stopping you? Get wrapped in the woolens for the blue sky is greeting you and prompting you to venture outdoors to enjoy the cool, but sunny conditions outdoors. If your concern is night stay then you could avail this facility here as well. Yes, night stay is possible here if you wish so. All the rooms are equipped with modern facilities along with AC and nonAC options. The rent starts from RS 2000 onwards. Moreover, for picnic cottages and tents are available at RS 1000 and RS 800 respectively. In a nutshell, there are lakes, cottages, multi-cuisine restaurant, AC banquets, Children Park, zoo and much more. Moreover, there is boating and fishing facility as well.

Booking

For further information and booking, you need to contact below.

Malancha Nature Park,

Rasulpur,

District: Burdwan

State: West Bengal

Phone: 9836731183

To get there

Board the Bardhaman Main Line Local from the Howrah Station and get down at the Rasulpur Station. The Rasulpur Station comes before the Palsit Station while traveling from Howrah to Rasulpur. It takes around one hour and forty minutes to cover a distance of 88 kilometers by the local train. Next, board a rickshaw from the station to cover a distance of five minutes to reach the park.

Alternatively, if you are traveling by the roadway you need to come by the Durgapur Expressway crossing the Palsit Toll Plaza. Next, you need to turn right and cover another ten minutes journey to reach the nature park.

Maheswarpur situated nearby the Madyamgram Station at Badu in the South 24 Parganas is a perfect spot that provides a fascinating experience of a picnic in a phenomenal atmosphere. Actually, the entire locality is like a heaven for the picnic lovers in the winter. To pen down a few words about Maheswarpur, it’s a locality hiding in the kingdom of greenery. It’s proud of some well-known temples and garden resorts in its vicinity as well. Out of these garden resorts, Aichder Bagan Bari is a prominent one in the locality. To be precise, it’s situated adjacent to the ancient Shivkali Temple.

So, plan out a day to visit here along with the friends or family to make the most of this cool and pleasant condition.

Attractions

The kingdom of the Bagan Bari expands over an area of four bighas. Green lawns, cool tree shades, seasonal flower garden, separate entertainment space for children, fountains, etc., simply transform the spot into a favorable place to be in the cool winters. Besides, the tree house in the middle of the garden lends a certain degree of extra vanity to the spot. Furthermore, there is a pond with a bridge over it deserving a glimpse for sure. If anyone wants to be involved with certain a creative activity, then it worthwhile to mention here that one may enjoy fishing on the pond waters as well.

There is a circular house resembling like a hut in the garden. While its roof is made of hay, the floor is that of mud. Here, one may spend time relaxing and gossiping with friends and family. Besides, there is another house for relaxation and rest. If required, the garden authorities make the arrangement for the raw materials, utensils, cooks, etc. One may play music, but playing any sports is not allowed inside the flower garden. However, one may play sportive games at the school ground beside the spot.

In between the picnic activity, one may visit the more than three hundred years old Shivkali Temple, Tara Ma Temple and the Snake Park of Badu.

Booking

Booking needs to be done in advance and only a group is allowed to picnic here every day. The strength of the group should not be more than two hundred. The booking charge is around RS 5000 to RS 6000. One may have to pay RS 300 extra for cleanliness and maintenance. For further information and booking, one may contact 98300 65045

To get there

One may reach there both by the road and railways. Local trains like the Barasat, Duttapukur, Gobardanga, Habra, Bonga, Hasnabad, Basirhat, etc., are available from the Sealdah Station for the Madhyamgram Station. From the station, van rickshaws ply through the Madhyamgram Chowrasta (crossing) are available for the spot.

Alternatively through the roadway, one may go through the VIP Road, Jessore Road, 34, National Highway to reach the Madhyamgram Chowrasta. From here, one needs to turn right to travel through the Badu Road, Itkhola to Maheswarpur Shivkali Temple. The spot is adjacent to the temple. Here, parking facility is available for the visitors.

You may have been to a popular spot or a populous spot for a picnic before and the outing still lingers in your mind. However, planning a day’s outing at a legendary spot nearby makes a difference as well. A spot that summons back the yesteryear, and revokes your senses to make you realize that you are in a special place altogether.

Yes, this time we are coming up with the information of picnic at the legendary village Bahiri located around ten kilometers away from Kanthi or Contai.

Attractions

Lord Jagannath Temple is one of the prime attractions of the village. The architecture of the temple resembles with the architecture of the popular Puri Temple. Research reveals that it was built by King Vibhisan in 1584 AD.

The ancient temple is enveloped by the lakes and water bodies. The prominent ones are the Hemsagar Lake, Lohitsagar Lake and the Bhimsagar Lake. After crossing the two Vaishnava Mathas (cloisters) you would reach the Ramala river bank. It’s believed that once the river was big and wide enough to connect with the seas smoothly and huge vessel ships used to anchor at the Bahiri Ghat (river bank). However, today most of these stats appear as impressive stories to the common people.

Notably, there are wonderful spots for the picnics at the riverbank or beside the water bodies. However, while choosing a suitable spot and enjoying the picnic activity care should be taken not to disturb the peace of the village or the villagers living nearby. If you wish you may collect all the raw materials required for the picnic from Kanthi.

Apart from enjoying the picnic activity at the river bank of an ancient village, you may plan to explore the other attractions of the village as well. If you have time make sure to see the ruins of four religious stupas, the Kali Temple and the divine age-old ashram of Lord Rama.

To get there

Countless public and government buses depart for Digha from the Esplanade, Garia, and Ultadanga regions of the Kolkata metropolis. Buses are available for transit from Howrah as well. All these buses leave for the destination at the early hours of the morning every day. You may board any of these buses and get down at Kanthi or Contai.

From here, Marishda and Bahiri locate seven and ten kilometers away respectively. So, before hiring a vehicle for Bahiri make sure to collect the raw materials for the picnic from Contai. However, you need to be careful during the final journey because the condition of roads towards the end of the journey is not favorable for smooth transit.

At times, life appears to be dejected even after having all the advantages or conveniences around us. You may say we feel like we have it all and yet, we feel like missing something in life. However, we can deal with it calmly if only we recognize or accept our problem. Notably, the first step of dealing with it is taking care of ourselves and the second step is embracing stress bursting habits like workouts and moving out for outings during the weekends or holidays.

During this winter, planning an outing near the River Ganga bank is a stress bursting activity altogether. The Batanagar Riverbank locating an hour away from the Kolkata metropolis in the South 24 Parganas district is an ideal spot that suits everyone’s preference.

Attractions

The Batanagar Recreation Club Ground at the River Ganga bank is where you could be in for some fun times. Actually, the Club Ground spreading over an area of one bigha has all the amusement stuff for all the age groups. During these cooler months, the spot gets adorned with a variety of green trees, herbs, and shrubs. Moreover, the playground, swings, slippers, etc., all add value to the spot. There are numerous small cottages with cooking facilities for people on the outing.

Normally, the spot is let out for a picnic over the weekends on Saturdays and Sundays. However, keeping in mind the requirements of people the spot is let out now even during the government holidays. While the booking charges may appear to be a bit more tilted on the expensive side, but considering the overall appeal and charm of the spot, it’s worth a booking during the winter.

However, you need to book the spot in advance as because the spot remains in demand for booking throughout the season.

To get there

Public buses numbers 77A and 77B are available from the Dharmatala Bus Terminus. Moreover, Howrah-Batanagar Mini Buses are available from the Howrah Station as well for the spot. Irrespective of the routes you choose make sure to get down at the Bata More (Crossing) only to board an auto-rickshaw to reach the spot.

Alternatively, if you are relying on the railways, then you need to board the Budge Budge Local from the Sealdah South Section to get down at the Nangi Station. It’s worthwhile to mention here that the Nangi Station comes after the Akra Station and before the Budge Budge Station. It takes around 50 minutes to cover a distance of 23 kilometers by the rail route. Finally, board an auto-rickshaw from outside the station to reach your destination at the Batnagar Recreation Club Ground.

Our stats reveal that this season you have shown a keen interest in the outings located in the neighborhoods of Kolkata. On our part, we tried our best to come up with write-ups regularly covering some of the best picnic spots that suit your needs better. Be it the South 24 Parganas, North 24 Parganas or Howrah, Hooghly, Bardhamman, etc., we tried to bring all in our coverage at Life Breezy. Like any other year, this time as well you have been the motivational factor that kept us going along, thanks!☺We like to assure you, this is not the end of our journey, but another beginning. Going forward, we would be coming up with more interesting stuff on our blog.

Today, we would walk through with another picnic spot located by the neighborhoods of the Kolkata Metropolitan City in a peaceful surrounding. A calm environment ties the human beings and nature in a much closer proximity to each other than in the rural environment. The Panchamukhi Bagan Bari is located at Madhyamgram, Badu in the South 24 Parganas district.

Attractions

The bagan bari or the garden house surrounded by greenery all around is spread over an area of two bighas. The Panchamukhi Fruit trees and the flower garden not only add visual appeal but also lend an absolute degree of freshness and purity to the venue. We believe, probably because of these trees the venue is named as the Panchamukhi Bagan Bari. The sight of butterflies spreading their wings and touching the flowers in the air with caution, but care make us realize that if we have the right will or desire in heart, then nothing is impossible to achieve. Moreover, the songs of the birds reaching the ears sailing through the breeze would make you realize that the world is free from all the evils and if anything exists, it’s only the good, the better and the best. In such a spiritually free atmosphere, if you wish you may pray at the Shiva Temple located inside the garden house.

The spot fits the requirement of everyone in an outing as because it has everything beginning from the entertainment stuff for children to the relaxation space for the grown-ups. If you could take out some time from the picnic activity, then you may plan to visit the Lord Buddha Temple near the Makarsha Pukur. It’s a popular Buddhist Temple in the region with paddy fields on either side of it and the artistic architectural work of the holy structure successfully draws everyone’ attention. However, for your information, it is open from 2 pm to 5 pm every day.

Booking

Since only a group is allowed for the picnic activity here you need to contact in advance for booking. The spot can accommodate a group of any size and the booking Charge is RS 4000. For further information or booking, you may contact +91 9432503580

To get there

Board a local train going towards Barasat from the Sealdah Station and get down at the Madhyamgram Station. Local trains like the Madhyamgram local, Barasat local, Duttapukur local, Bongaon local, Habra local, Hasnabad local or Basirhat local depart regularly from the Sealdah Station throughout the day. The distance between Sealdah Station and Madhyamgram Station is around 18 kilometers and it takes around thirty-six minutes to cover the journey by a local train. The Madhyamgram Station comes after the New Barrackpore Station and before the Hridaypur Station while traveling in a local from the Sealdah Station.

Alternatively, if you transit by the roadway from Kolkata, then you have to reach Madhyamgram Chowmatha (crossing) through the VIP Road and Jessore Road. From the Madhyamgram Chowmatha, take the road going towards Badu to reach the destination.

Any place under the sun that makes us feel somewhat different from the regular days, suits our temperament the most. Chances are that we visit those places only for some time, but the reality is that those make us feel happy, special and different. Positive influence is a factor that has its effect in lives.

Today, we are writing about a place located more than fifty kilometers away from the Kolkata metropolis at the South 24 Parganas district. The River Hooghly divides the Midnapore, Howrah, and South 24 Parganas districts at a place. The point of the South 24 Parganas over there is known as the Nurpur. Writing about Nurpur, it’s a popular picnic spot of the South 24 Parganas district.

Attractions

It’s entirely a different feeling to spend a day in the cool breeze of the river. The bank of the river and the surrounding environment would encourage you to take a leisure walk to the far away distance. Besides, you may enjoy a boat ride on the river waters in a cool and serene atmosphere. If you wish you may visit Geonkhali, another riverside attraction of Midnapore situated on the other side of the river.

The top rated attractions of Nurpur include the ancient Lighthouse and the orphanage (ashram) of the missionaries. The age-old lighthouse now in its ruins may unfold the story of its prime before you in silence. You only need to have patience and spend some time there to understand what it’s trying to convey. The rows of coconut trees of the ashram would draw your attention for sure. These are of course the key elements or ingredients that we believe would turn your outing into a remarkable one.

You may carry all the necessary materials required for the picnic or purchase those from the local morning market at the Nurpur Bus Stand.

To get there

Nurpur is around 52 kilometers away from the Kolkata metropolis by the roadways. Drive through the Diamond Harbour Road to reach Sarisa and then, turn right to reach your destination. Alternatively, CSTC Express buses are available from the Esplanade, Dharmatala as well.

The place is accessible by the railways as well. Board a local train from the Sealdah South Section Station and get down at the Diamond Harbour Station. Next, board a bus or a trekker from the Station to reach Nurpur.

People staying in the urban localities like Kolkata often ask themselves a question like why they feel weary and tired at the end of the day. Well, some of you may reason it’s because of their regular hectic schedule. However, the problem persists with even those who have hardly done anything the whole day. Contrary to this when they visit a hill station or a countryside they find the tiredness disappearing. Also, they get full of energy and do things which they never thought of doing before. Why is this so?

One main reason for this is the high level of various types of pollution in cities. So, it becomes that much necessary to take breaks at regular intervals and moving outskirts of cities to spend some quality time with friends or family.

Today, we are having a mention of a place located not too far away from Kolkata. It’s suitable for those who want to spend some quality time in a quiet and peaceful environment.

Attractions

It’s true that Arambagh located in the Hooghly district of the Bengal State provides everyone with the opportunity to picnic far away from the madding crowd of cities. The special forest area founded and maintained by the Forest Division is an ideal place for a picnic with a difference that can be felt by everyone. A small bungalow is available the picnickers to unwind, sleep, bath, and rest. Besides, there is a balcony, and a courtyard as well for sitting or long gossips with friends or family.

You may carry all the raw materials required for the outing from home or purchase those from the local market of Arambagh. The market is quite popular in the region because it has everything for the customer’s need.

Booking

If you are planning an outing here, then first you need to book the bungalow in advance. The bookings charge is pocket-friendly and for the sake of convenience, the booking address is given below.

Divisional Forest Officer,

Howrah Social Forestry Complex,

Dalmia Park,

Howrah – 1.

To get there

Arambagh is two hours journey from Kolkata on an express bus. Several buses depart from the Dharmatala, Esplanade region of Kolkata for Bishnupur, Jairambati, Bankura, etc., every day. After getting down from the bus, you need to hire a rickshaw to reach the place.

Alternatively, if you are traveling on a four-wheeler, then also, you need to follow the bus route and travel through Gojar More (crossing), Chapdanga to reach the final destination at Arambagh.

What are your plans for this weekend? Are you going to a movie, shopping or on a date? Come on, you may do all these any time or on any weekend. With no new big banners movies releasing this week, I would rather settle for something else. I would have preferred to go out for shopping, but then again it’s a tiring business altogether hopping from one shop to another. A good alternative would be to finally settle for an outing. At least, this would rejuvenate you and would supply some fresh oxygen to your heart.

This week we are writing about Naupala for it’s a wonderful place for a picnic. It’s not that far away from the Kolkata metropolis and within an hour and a half, you could be at a place that pacifies your inner being. Take your friends and family along with you as well to make out the most of the holiday.

Attractions

Naupala comfortably rests on the lap of the Rupnarayan River at the Bagnan, Howrah. Kolaghat is another excellent place for picnic situated at the adjacent side. The PWD Bungalow is at the riverbank of the Naupala. Besides, there is a water body at the center of the bungalow as well. The bungalow is also popular as the Kalsapa Bungalow in the neighborhoods. The wide green outstretches beside the bungalow is an ideal place to put the mats for a wonderful day’s outing. While at one side the Rajpur Channel water mixes with the river waters the Swiss Gate stands on the other side. The area between these two is the precise location of the picnic spot.

If required everything beginning from a tap, water to the bathroom would be available from the Bungalow. However, for an entry, a minimal fee needs to be paid. The fee would depend on the size or volume of the picnic group. Cooks, decorators, oven, and utensils are available here as well. However, you need to pay some extra money to avail these services.

You may carry all the necessary raw materials for the picnic or purchase those from the small market at Phuleswar. Alternatively, you may purchase those from the Kalsapa Bazar located near the picnic spot.

To get there

Local trains like Mecheda, Panskkura, Kharagpur, Midnapore, etc., are available from the Howrah South East Railway Section. All these trains halt for a few seconds at the Phuleswar Station. It’s important to mention here that the distance between Howrah Station and Phuleswar Station is 29.7 kilometers and it takes around forty-eight minutes to cover the same by a local train. The picnic spot is not too far from the Station. One may cover the few minutes of the remaining journey on foot or board a rickshaw from the station.

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