Tourist places around Kolkata is another significant part of Kolkata tourism which include a number of places like Atpur, Bakkhali, Bandel, Bansberia, Belur Math, Chandanagore, Dakhineshwar, Diamond Harbour, Kalyani, Kamarpukur and Tribeni. These are popular tourist sites of the state. As such these places describe the culture and history of West Bengal.
Tourist places around Kolkata include some historical sights like Atpur, Bandel, Belur Math, Chandanagore, Dakhineshwar, Kamarpukur and Jairambati. Most of these places are also known for having temples of goddess Chandi, Radhagobinda and Mahakali. These temples are decorated with Terracotta carvings that have been an integral part of Terracotta art in West Bengal. Among these Atpur is 64 kms away from Kolkata which is famous for the terracotta walls of Radhagobinda temple and the temple of Goddess Chandi. This place is also known for the house of Swami Premananda where Swami Vivekananda and eight devotees of Sri Ramkrishna Paramahansa took a vow to become monks for ever. Among other temples Dakhineshwar is one of the famous Kali Temples that reflects the art of Bengal. This temple is also famous among millions of devotees who assemble at the courtyard to make offerings to the deity. Similarly there are places like Kamarpukur and Jairambati which are popular for being the birthplace of Sri Ramkrishna Paramahansa and Sarada Devi. These places are well maintained by Government of West Bengal along with Ramkrishna Mission. There are other places like the Vasudev Temple of Bansberia and Belur Math which is the headquarters of Ramakrishna mission which is atleast 16.5 kms away from Kolkata that functions as a Hindu monastery. The Vasudeva Temple and Hemeshwari Temple of Bansberia are also famous for fine terracotta art of Bengal that decorates the walls and roof of the temple.
Tourist places around Kolkata further include other sites like the seashores of Bakkhali which has a charming beach located at a distance of 132 km from Kolkata. It is shaded with grooves and coconut trees near Sunderban. As one of the closest places near Sunderban, this area often provides an opportunity to trace some wildlife like spotted Deers, wild bores, numerous species of monkeys and many more wild animals. Among other tourist spots Diamond Harbour was developed at the bank of Hooghly River. It is 51 kms away from Kolkata. This quite spot is also known for its scenic beauty. Among other prominent places are the agricultural university of Kalyani and Tribeni which is situated near the confluence of Ganga River that is 48 kms away from Kolkata. Tribeni had been historically popular as well as it was one of the important learning centres of ancient times. Historically two more places are important namely Chandanagore and Bandel. These have exclusive churches which reflect the influence of French and Portugese respetively. Chandanagore also includes the beautiful temples of Goddess Bhuwaneshwari and Nandadulal Temple.
