Independence Day weekend is a good excuse to step away from Kolkata without turning the trip into a logistical exercise. You do not need a packed itinerary or a long holiday to find a change of scenery. Within a few hours of the city, West Bengal opens up into forested hills, red-soil landscapes, old ruins and stretches of coastline that feel worlds away from urban life.
Skip the familiar routes to Darjeeling and Digha this time and head towards places where the journey is as rewarding as the destination.
From sleeping beside the sea at Mousuni Island to exploring the forests of Jhargram, these lesser-known getaways offer plenty to do over a long weekend. Pack light, leave some room for spontaneity and pick the landscape that suits your idea of a break.