Your wait for travel ends! Here are the perfect places near Kolkata for your first post-lockdown trip!

Ever since we cut ties with the world around us, our urge to step out has only become stronger. On any day travel gave us something to look forward to, whether it’s the planning, or the wondering or the journey itself—and we still do it. We still look forward to the day when we’ll be able to travel again, and wonder how travel will look like once this is over. 

If this is you, stop wondering. If all you yearn for is but a short break from self-isolating yourself, your routine and days that simply won’t end, search no further. You can travel today—in the form of short getaways or staycations close to your city. In this article, check out the best travel destinations from Kolkata you can visit right now — Book a staycation to end your lockdown blues, to celebrate a family get-together or perhaps to escape for a workcation.

Why Staycations?

A staycation is a short getaway involving local destinations, weekend trips or quick escapes within or close to one’s city. In a world halted by the pandemic where international travel continues to look bleak, staycations are the best shot at travel for those who could really, really use a break—which is all of us.

Why are staycations safe?

Do we know it’s safe? Yes. Did we arrive at this possibility overnight? No. We at Pickyourtrail spent the past few months contemplating what concerns we need addressing before being able to head out. After talking to our customers, stakeholders and fellow travel lovers day in and day out, we learnt that safety and hygiene are the foremost concerns we need reassurance about. Understandably.

In this regard, we’ve deliberately hand-picked nothing but the best from the current travel eco-system—easy travel options that are perfect for revamping our new bucket list with. Driven by extreme commitment to assure travellers a safe and hassle-free stay, these properties have stepped up their standards to cater to the “new normal” in every touchpoint of the customer journey. Check out the best places near Kolkata for kickstarting your post-lockdown trip, their unique safety measures, and the documents required for travelling.

Top places for your first post-lockdown trip near Kolkata

1. Bari Kothi, Azimganj

Speaking of best quick travel destinations from Kolkata, Murshidabad is a definitive choice. Murshidabad is a historical West Bengal district that has its own personality and allure when it comes to culture. Bari Kothi, a palatial Bengali-Corinthian property in Murshidabad is your key to exploring the same from “inside out”. Explore ancient West Bengal’s culture from the comfort of your throne and to head 300 years back in time. The heritage resort is situated 213 km from Kolkata, and you need to apply for an ePass for interstate travel in Kolkata. Then what, spend a royal holiday in a palace with 15 ornate suites, a sheesh mahal, darbar hall, and more.

Bari Kothi has currently enforced deliberate safety protocols to assure guests a hassle-free stay. They have launched a programme called SafetyFirst involving self check-in online portals, contactless transactions, and hygiene protocols. The hotel continues to offer curated outdoor experiences but with extremely conscious measures such as safety screens in cars to separate the guest and the driver. Read more about their COVID safety measures here.

2. Country Roads Resort, Howrah

Country Roads Resort is a 3-star nature resort that transports to your roots at first glance. Slow down in life, savour farm-to-table food, dine amidst verdant gardens, and sleep under the stars. This place is the closest you can get to nature’s lap now. Country Roads Resort also features a play area with enough play activities to keep your children entertained.

The resort is focussed on promoting wellness, and naturally, they leave no stones unturned when it comes to safeguarding the wellness of the guests. Everything from check-in to room service avoids physical touch as much as possible, and low-contact surfaces are thoroughly disinfected at regular intervals. Read more about their COVID safety measures here.

3. ITC Royal Bengal, Kolkata

Standing tall at the heart of Kolkata city, ITC Royal Bengal is a seamless mix of traditional Bengali heritage and contemporary urban elegance. Here you get to immerse yourself in world-class hospitality across finest presidential suites, deluxe rooms with views to East Kolkata’s rolling meadows, and award-winning dining experiences that blend international, regional and indigenous cuisine. The hotel is located at just 14 km from Kolkata airport and the property offers pickup service on request.

ITC group of hotels is on a league of its own as a player of responsible luxury. ITC continues to prioritise the well-being of its guests by the launch of WeAssure, a programme that brings together industry health and hygiene experts to ensure people’s safety in the best possible way.

4. Ibiza The Fern Resort & Spa, Kolkata

Ibiza The Fern Resort & Spa is a quiet escape amidst a refreshing natural setting that helps you break free from the hustle and bustle of the city life for a while. Your search for a comfy resort with adventure activities on offer ends with this resort. Location is their main asset, claims this nature resort lying at the heart of its 1800-acre forest area which is also India’s first private forest reserve. From kids’ play area and private dens to forest spas, prepare yourself for a secluded getaway in a luxury resort. Read the property’s COVID safety measures here.

The Ferns hotel is staying vigil at educating their hospitality facilitators to conform to strict safety measures. The common areas are operated in a low-contact or totally contactless manner to shun any infection inside the hotel premises. Read more about their COVID safety measures here.

Documents required for interstate travel in West Bengal:

As of Jun 29, 2020 update – West Bengal’s lockdown ends on 31st July and you need an ePass for interstate travel if your travel date falls before that. You can drive to the resort in your own vehicle, just make sure to carry the following documents with you—your personal ID proof and vehicle RC book.

You need not wait and wonder if something big will open up, for you can travel today. Seize the day. Refresh your bucket list with these short trips from Kolkata, book staycations now and enjoy flexible travel dates, or leave a Whatsapp inquiry to explore more options.

Check out the rest of the list —

Best Places to Visit Near Bengaluru
Best Places to Visit Near Delhi