Relaxing weekend gateways from Kolkata for families are my most searched topic on travel sites. With hospital duties and other dozen engagements, going for long trips, are often difficult. That’s why I make it a point to unwind, with mini, refreshing breaks.
Rest and relaxation are important for a productive life. That’s why just like diet and exercise, you need some therapy, for your soul.The weekend trip options have been chosen based on the following factors:
- Ease of traveling,
- Family friendly, hotel options
- Shouldn’t involve cooking or housework in any form
Your picks, for short gateways, from Kolkata can be varied depending on budget, time in hand and personal taste. You can either go to the mountains, the seas or maybe a spa resort! I have often come back rejuvenated, after a trip to these weekend dream spots!
I do the labor-intensive work of dreaming about the trip. The easy work of planning is delegated to my hubby! Yes, that’s the work division …strictly.
Epic Relaxing weekend gateways from Kolkata, for families
The Queen of hills Darjeeling: Bong’s favorite hill station
Set up as the summer headquarters of the British Raj, it has a unique charm. Darjeeling’s gorgeous nature beckons, to all true blue Calcuttans. Children love the toy train rides and horse rides. Adults can enjoy the natural beauty, window -shop at the interesting curio outlets. You can enjoy the delicious hot momo’s or tuck into the melts in the mouth baked goodies at Glenarys. For me, Darjeeling is the perfect relaxing comfort, a gateway for a long weekend.
How to reach Darjeeling quickest?
It’s best if you have Friday off! Then you can take an early morning flight to Bagdogra from Kolkata.From Bagdogra airport a short drive, to the Queen of hills
Where to stay in Darjeeling proper?
There are quaint home stays, luxury resorts, out-of-the-way hotels to suit all budgets. My pick for a family-friendly hotel is Shangri La Regency, Cedar Inn, and Chota Mangwa.
About Shangri La Regency
Shangri La Regency is only 10 minutes from the mall. Great service, great view from attic rooms but not on cloudy days. But they don’t have an in-house restaurant. They give basic room service and only breakfast served in the common dining room. If you want to have lunch or dinner at the hotel you need to tell well in advance, so that they can source it from their sister concern.
The area around this place is a tad squalid and is a little out of sorts with the pretty boutique hotel. There is no children’s play area or any outdoor area for you to walk around. It’s like a standalone building right on the street.
Must visit: Glenarys It’s a bakery and totally out of the world (yes I am a tad obsessed! I love their Kiwi cheesecake tart.
The best views of Darjeeling was at Chota Mangwa an eco-tourist village with basic amenities but Cedar Inn was the most comfortable stay till date.
2) Favorite weekend spa resort: Sinclair’s Retreat Doars – Chalsa wins hands down!
Chalsa is a small quaint town in the foothills of the Himalayas. It’s a popular part of the Doars region with green tea gardens, beautiful streams, rivers, and trees dotting the area.
How to reach Chalsa?
Located in the Jalpaiguri district the closest airport is Bagdogra. Take an Indigo Airlines flight to Bagdogra and drive to Chalsa.It takes about 2 hours from the airport to the resort.
They have acres of green, well cared for grounds. Beautiful flowers dot the hedges. Tall trees, their branches gently swinging in the wind. Sparkling blue swimming pool, well-equipped gym and relaxing spa facilities.
They have indoor and outdoor game options including tyre swings, bicycle tracks, and tree-lined walks.
Bicycle is available for hire, for roaming around the grounds. Playground for children with, their favorite rides. They also have a fully equipped gym, an adult swimming pool and a splash pool for kids.
The best part: The service. Smiling helpful staff. They are always ready to go out of their way, to do that extra bit, to make your time there special. Traveling with children means you end up, making requests to total strangers for special favors. The team at Sinclair’s are sympathetic and do their best to make your stay there outstanding.
What could be better?
The food is average and is not up to expected standards. Breakfast and dinner often compulsorily buffet with no other option. Even that would be okay if the taste was better!
What you shouldn’t miss: Gorumara National Park and Chapramari Wildlife sanctuary.Back to nature but with loads of comfort!
*3 Favorite family weekend destination:Mandarmoni
A sea beach town 180Km from Kolkata airport .It has grown up over the years as the go to place for sea lovers.
It’s a small town in East Midnapore very popular with beach lovers.
I have visited 5 times with family and each time I gave come back totally tanned and with a smile .
The sea is really beautiful and the beaches are much less crowded than the nearby Digha .
How to get there ?
By Road :Kolkata -Digha route by car.
By Rail :Howrah to Kanthi and then to your resort of choice by car.
My favourite Resort:
Aquamarine Drive in.
The resort is comfortable with great Bengali cuisine. Somewhat limited in their variety.But tasty .
Helpful child friendly staff.
They have a swings for children and a few rabbits which they breed.
They have their own gated access to the beach.
They also have an outdoor shower area which is useful to wash the sand out of your clothes after bathing in the sea.
What do you do to relax on weekends ?Let me know in the comments below.
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The above information was very useful to me,thanks for updating this..
thoughtful interesting idea
Hi Amrita very nicely elaborated. I am afraid, I would consider only Mandarmoni as a decent weekend getaway. You really can’t do much in Darjeeling or Doars untill you have atleast 4 days in hand. My view 🙂 But yes, Mandarmoni is excellent. I have already been there twice and want to go back at the first opportunity possible !
I agree about Mandarmoni but I will share some tips for havi g fun in Darjeeling and Doars too!
What a lovely post Amrita- you have such great options nearby and in a variety too- sea side, hillside and a spa!
Good info and beautiful images. This is indeed an awesome post. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks Chandu. I am so glad you liked it.
These sound like lovely travel destinations! I would love to travel to India some day!
Yes they are lovely.
Goodness I would love the relaxing weekend away somewhere different! I agree, it’s the key to having a productive lifestyle! Jalpaiguri sounds intriguing, I#d love to hire a bicycle and enjoy all the greenery Jalpaiguri has to offer.
Yes its a nice gateway to relax and rejuvenate