11 Top-Rated Weekend Getaways from Asansol For a Fantastic Short Vacation (2024)
Being the second-largest metropolis in West Bengal, Asansol is reasonably populated. It is the place of employment for many people not only from West Bengal but also from all over India. As it is the district headquarter of Paschim Bardhaman, it is even more critical to the administration and governance of West Bengal.
Apart from the political and administrative importance, Asansol has tremendous significance in Bengal’s tourism sector. The topology of this city is pretty different from the other metropolitans in West Bengal. As this site is located in the Chota Nagpur plateau, it belongs to the state’s Rarh region. By the Rarh region, we mean that the entire area is composed of laterite soil red in color.
Moreover, Asansol is located by the bank of the Damodar river that makes it even more beautiful. One of the significant sources of employment in the city is the presence of coal mines. Due to its proximity to Jharkhand, this site is full of different coal mines. The Steel Authority of India is located in this area due to the number of coal mines present over there. Some of the best places to see in Asansol include Kalyaneshwari temple, Chandrachur temple, Chandi temple, Panchet, Maithon dams, etc.
Although Asansol itself is the right tourist spot, we are not going to discuss the city in this blog. Here, we will provide you with all the details regarding the best weekend destinations from Asansol. This city’s position is in such a location in India that many popular sites from other states can also be visited from there in a day. States like Bihar and Jharkhand are located right beside this town. Reaching Asansol is pretty straightforward. It not only has a large railway station, but it also has an airport. You will have no problems getting Asansol by availing of trains or flights from different parts of India.
11 Top-Rated Weekend Getaways from Asansol For a Fantastic Short Vacation
The weekend destinations from Asansol mentioned in the following part of this blog are quite popular in India. Some of these regions are located in West Bengal, while others are situated in other states.
1. Shankarpur
Located only 14 km from Digha, Shankarpur is one of the lesser-known beaches in West Bengal. Although it is relatively less crowded, it is lovely. With swaying palm trees, cold breeze, glistening Bay of Bengal, and fantastic seafood, Shankarpur is a paradise for people who are seeking solitude. Many people say it is the twin beach of Digha, but it is way more beautiful and peaceful than Digha. It might not have the vibrant livelihood of Digha, but it provides a few days of solace to tourists pretty well.
As the beach is way bigger than Digha, you will have the chance to take strolls by the sea on the white sand quite easily. Passing hours only by sitting by the sea will be comfortable in Shankarpur. If you want, you can swim in the ocean as the waves are comparatively low on this beach. Reaching this town from Asansol for a weekend getaway is pretty straightforward. Moreover, the scenic view you will witness while driving from Shankarpur to Asansol is also quite beautiful.
Distance from Asansol: 284 km.
Time to reach: By car, it would take you around seven hours to get Shankarpur from Asansol.
Places to see: Tajpur, Digha, Mandarmani, and others.
Best time to visit: Throughout the year.
2. Patna
As we have mentioned earlier, Asansol is located in such a geographical position that Jharkhand and Bihar can be accessed pretty smoothly. Patna, the capital of Bihar, is near Asansol that can be reached in less than a day from the city. With rich cultural, historical, and political aspects, Patna is a fantastic option for a weekend getaway from Asansol. Even though it would not offer you solace, it would allow you to explore India’s history. Known as Pataliputra in the ancient days, Patna has rich historical importance in the world. From 500 BC to 400 AD, this city served as the headquarter for various tremendously powerful rulers.
From the Maurya rulers to the Gupta reign, Patna has encountered changes in dynamics between the people and their rulers quite often. This town is also quite crucial to the Buddhist and Jain people of India. Both Gautam Buddha and Mahaveera spent a significant amount of time of their lives over there.
Distance from Asansol: 340 km.
Time to reach: It would not take you more than nine hours to get Patna from Asansol.
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Places to see: Golghar, Kumhrar, Patna museum, Patna Zoo, Padriki Haveli, Mahavir mandir, Har Mandir Saheb.
Best time to visit: October to February.
3. Ranchi
Located at an altitude of 2,140 feet, Ranchi is one of the best weekend destinations from Asansol that you can visit. By driving for a few hours, you will reach Ranchi from the city. You can easily cover the entire city in a day or two and have a great weekend. Covered by red soil, the capital of Jharkhand is an exciting tourist spot. Like Patna, Ranchi also played an important role in the history of India for several centuries. It was one of the central headquarters for the Magadhan rulers. During the later periods also, Ranchi played an important role in India’s history.
If you visit Ranchi, you will notice shreds of evidence from the last glory days pretty well. That is why there are so many important monuments located in the region that hold significance to India’s culture and traditions. As Ranchi is located on a hillock, it offers great scenic views as well.
Distance from Asansol: 212 km.
Time to reach: By car, it would take you approximately five and a half hours to get Ranchi from Asansol.
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Places to see: Rock Garden, Kanke Dam, Tagore Hill, Deer Park, Pahari Mandir, and others.
Best time to visit: October to March.
4. Rajgir
One of India’s most historically and spiritually significant places, Rajgir is located at an accessible distance from Asansol. With a 3000-year-old history, this town had witnessed many changes in dynasties and rules in its lifetime. For both Buddhist and Jain communities, this town holds tremendous significance. There are so many religious sites in the city that you will feel overwhelmed while exploring them. Even before the birth of Lord Buddha, this town had great historical importance in the world. A mighty ruler like Ajatshatru, Bimbisara, and others have successfully ruled the region from Rajgir.
Rajgir is a great place to spend your weekend. If you have kids, you will find this site even more eventful. There are so many things you will get to learn while staying there. Apart from the monuments and temples, the natural beauty of the city is also not underwhelming. Surrounded by hills and green forests, this town is pretty relaxing as well.
Distance from Asansol: 260 km.
Time to reach: It would not take you more than six and a half hours to get Rajgir from Asansol.
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Places to see: Venuvana, Bimbisara’s Jail, Gridhakuta, Saptaparni caves, and others.
Best time to visit: October to February.
5. Malda
Commonly known as the gateway to North Bengal, Malda is a great site to spend a weekend. As this site is located not that far away from Asansol, reaching there will not be a problem for you. Situated by the Mahananda riverbank, the historical significance of Malda in India is quite remarkable. Its proximity to Gour and Pandua makes it even more famous among tourists. Both Gour and Pandua were once the capitals of Bengal. With a powerful Mughal impact, the monuments in the said areas are quite grand. There are so many spots in Malda that are historically significant that you will be stunned.
Apart from the said monuments, the Farakka barrage in Malda is a great sightseeing spot. When you reach there, you will be bewildered by its beauty. The entire town is filled with surprises that make it so great for a short trip.
Distance from Asansol: 240 km.
Time to reach: By car, it would take you approximately six and a half hours to get Malda from Asansol.
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Places to see: Adina Mosque, Eklakhi Mosque, Qutwali gate, Chika Masjid, Deer Park, and others.
Best time to visit: September to April.
6. Haldia
Located in the Southwestern part of West Bengal, Haldia is one of India’s most important port towns. Situated by the bank of the Haldi River, this town is quite beautiful. It is a great site to spend a short vacation for tourists. The tourism department of West Bengal is providing additional effort to make this town popular among tourists worldwide. Apart from natural beauty, Haldia has a lot of gorgeous monuments as well. As this site is located close to Tamluk, many sightseeing spots can be visited quite easily from Haldia.
If you go there, do not forget to taste the delicious dishes found over there. As the town is located right by the Haldi River, freshwater fishes are found in abundance.
Usually, most of the fishes sold in the markets in Kolkata are transported from Haldia.
Distance from Asansol: 303 km.
Time to reach: By car, it would not take you more than five and a half hours to get Haldia from Asansol.
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Places to see: Marine drive, MahishadalRajbari, Haldia dock, TamlukRajbari, and others.
Best time to visit: October to May.
7. Nalanda
One of the vital learning centers during the Magadhan rule, Nalanda, is an important historical site in India. Due to its proximity to Asansol, this town can be explored over the weekend from there. This town in Bihar is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites due to its rich history. You will be surprised to know that many famous Asian monks, namely, Yijing and Xuan Zang went there to gain wisdom and knowledge. From the Mauryan empire to the Gupta dynasty, Nalanda has been the center of attention for several centuries. Xuanzang or Hiuen Tsang spent more than two years in Nalanda.
Its relevance can be found in the books written by renowned scholars even now. The Pala dynasty was responsible for helping Nalanda reach the summit of its popularity. If you go there, you will notice that this sacred region is vital for both the Buddhist and Jain communities in the world.
Distance from Asansol: 270 km.
Time to reach: It would take you around seven hours to get Nalanda from Asansol by car.
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Places to see: SwarnBhandar, Ajatshatru Fort, Viswa Shanti Stupa, Venu Van, and others.
Best time to visit: October to February.
8. Madhupur
Located pretty close to Asansol, Madhupur is one of the best weekend destinations from Asansol. This sleepy town is Jharkhand is quite different than the other destinations on this list. Unlike the other sites, this region’s beauty does not lie in its scenery or its historical value; rather, this area’s popularity lies in its solitude. In the early days, people used to visit Madhupur and stay there for months to improve their health. Even now, the town’s climate helps people in rejuvenating themselves. Moreover, the proximity of Madhupur to Giridih makes it even more famous among tourists.
One of the best ways to explore this region by going on a Tonga ride. You will once again return to your childhood by taking this horse-carriage ride in Madhupur.
Distance from Asansol: 91 km.
Time to reach: By car, it would take you only two and a half hours to get Madhupur from Asansol.
Places to see: Kapil Math, Lal Kuthi, Baba Nayak Dham, Sett Kuthi, and others.
Best time to visit: November to March.
9. Bodhgaya
Located in Bihar, Bodh Gaya is one of the most spiritual places in the world. Many consider this site to be the birthplace of Buddhism because it is where Lord Buddha achieved Nirvana. From across the globe, Buddhist people arrive at Bodh Gaya to explore the sacred site and receive enlightenment themselves. When you go there, you will see Buddhist monks in Saffron robes residing. The history behind Lord Buddha’s enlightenment in Bodh Gaya is pretty fascinating. It is believed that Lord Buddha once sat under a Bodhi tree in the region and attained Nirvana. He had all the answers to life.
You will see Buddhist statues, monasteries, and other things that will make the trip worthwhile for you throughout the site. As Bodh Gaya is located not that far away from Asansol, you will have no problem exploring the entire region over the weekend.
Distance from Asansol: 263 km.
Time to reach: It would not take you more than five and a half hours to get Bodh Gaya from Asansol.
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Places to see: Mahabodhi temple, Dungeshwari, Metta Buddharam Temple, Muchalinda Lake, and others.
Best time to visit: October to February.
10. Dhanbad
Located in Jharkhand, Dhanbad is a great weekend destination to visit from Asansol. Most famous for being the “Coal Capital of India,” this city offers tourists the combination of natural beauty, urbanization, and spiritual aesthetics. You will see the usual rush amid white-collar workers throughout the city like in any other town, but if you travel a few km from there, you will find yourself amid breathtakingly beautiful views. As this city is located pretty close to Panchet and Maithon dams, the scenic views surrounding them are breathtakingly stunning.
The Topchachi lake in Dhanbad is also one of the most beautiful places in India. With turquoise blue water, lush greenery of surrounding forests, and beautiful mountains, Dhanbad has some of India’s most remarkable sightseeing spots. The city itself is also full of life. A weekend in Dhanbad will genuinely make you happy.
Distance from Asansol: 64 km.
Time to reach: It would take you only an hour and a half to get Dhanbad from Asansol.
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Places to see: Panchet Dam, Shakti Mandir, Topchachi Lake, Bhatinda falls, and others.
Best time to visit: October to February.
11. Simultala
One of the most beautiful places in Bihar, Simultala is a great weekend destination to visit from Asansol. This tiny hamlet is one of the most picturesque places in India. Even though it is not as popular as the other hill stations in India, staying in Simultala for a few days will significantly rejuvenate you. If you are hoping for an intense trip with many sightseeing spots, then Simultala is not the right place for you. Over there, you will be able to relax and forget your hectic life for a few days successfully. Strolling in the countryside of Simultala will take you to another world.
Even reading a book at your hotel balcony in Simultala will make you happy. The surrounding hills, dense forests, and excellent climate make people visit there over and over.
Distance from Asansol: 195 km.
Time to reach: It would take you four and a half hours to get Simultala from Asansol.
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Places to see: LattuPahar, Soikitia, HaldiJharna, Raja Bari, and others.
Best time to visit: October to February.
The places mentioned in this blog are all fantastic in their ways. They are all pretty different from one another. As they are located at an accessible distance from Asansol, we have included them in this list. The time taken to reach these locations from Asansol is relatively less. You could easily explore them over the weekend and return to Asansol. By reading this blog, we hope you get excited enough to go on a weekend trip yourself.
