This is a travel newsletter where every week I help you discover two offbeat weekend getaways across India. So, you can escape the crowds and create unforgettable experiences.

Whenever we think about spending a lovely weekend, our minds usually go straight to places like Manali, Kasol, Gokarna, or Ooty.

But how about I show you some crowd-free alternatives instead, so you can truly relax and enjoy? 🙂

Are you tired of your office and want a peaceful weekend escape?

Mousuni Island is a tranquil and picturesque destination located in the South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, India, approximately 120 kilometres from Kolkata. It lies near the confluence of the Bay of Bengal and the Chinai River, which makes it a unique spot where the river meets the sea, and offers you stunning views of sandy beaches.

The island was once developed by the British for salt trade and fish-drying operations.

N.B. There’s the Ilish Utsav (Hilsa Fish Festival) celebrated around June to August, where local Hilsa dishes, folk performances, and beachside culture come together.

Mousuni Island is offbeat because it is still untouched by heavy tourism. The island does not have big hotels, clubs or commercial activities. Most of the stays are small beach camps and homestays run by local families. The roads are simple, the shops are limited, and the island moves at a slow pace.

The island is less promoted compared to popular beaches near Kolkata. Many people do not know about it or how to reach it, so it stays quiet even on weekends.

As usual, pack your bags the day before Friday, and once you’re done with your work on Friday, take an overnight train or late-night bus from your city to Kota Junction.

Mousuni Island can be reached from Kolkata in about 3-4 hours by a combination of road travel and a short boat ride from the Patibunia ghat after crossing the Namkhana bridge.

Reach Namkhana and take the short ferry ride to reach Bagdanga Ghat. After the ferry, take a toto or a small van to your beach camp. The whole process will give you an amazing feeling. Because you move through small villages, narrow roads and open fields.

Check in to your beach camp. Most stays are simple tents or bamboo huts run by local families. Have breakfast made by the camp, such as luchi sabzi, khichuri or chai with biscuits. The vibe is amazing.

Walk to the Mousuni beach. It is long, quiet and almost empty during the day. Sit near the water and relax. There is no rush here. You can watch fishermen return with fresh catch and see how the village depends on the sea for daily life.

Eat a fresh seafood meal at your camp. Most places serve fish curry, rice, vegetables and sometimes prawns or crabs depending on the day’s catch. If you want vegetarian meals, you will get simple homely options.

Take a slow walk inside the village. You will see mud houses, coconut trees, small ponds and children playing in open fields. This part of the island shows the real local life that makes Mousuni special. You can also sit near the riverbank where the river meets the sea and watch the calm water.

Return to the beach for sunset. This is the best time on the island. The sky becomes orange and pink, the air gets cooler, and you can sit quietly with your friends or partner without any noise around you.

After sunset, most camps arrange a bonfire. You can have a simple dinner with fish fry, rice, dal or chicken curry. Sit beside the fire, listen to the waves and enjoy the night sky. On clear nights, you will see many stars because the island has almost no light pollution.

Sit near Nawal Sagar Lake. The lake reflects the town, and the sunset looks beautiful from here. This is a calm place to rest after a full day of sightseeing.

Have dinner in a rooftop cafe near the old city. Try paneer curry, roti, vegetable pulao or simple north Indian meals. Most rooftops have a view of the fort lit up at night.

Wake up early and take a morning beach walk. This is the most peaceful time of the day. Have breakfast at your camp, such as roti sabzi, omelette or poha.

After breakfast, visit the other side of the island near Baliara. This part is less crowded and gives you a more raw look at the coastline. You can sit here, take photos or just enjoy the breeze.

Have a simple lunch at your camp before you pack up. Most camps serve rice, fish curry, mixed vegetables and chutney. If you prefer vegetarian meals, let them know in advance.

Start your journey back to Namkhana. Take the van or toto to the ghat, cross by ferry and then return by bus or train. The route is easy, and most people reach Kolkata by evening or night. From there, you can travel to your respective place.

Travel – 1500 to 4000 by bus or train to Kolkata, 8000 to 18000 by intercity flight to Kolkata, and 800 to 1500 to reach Namkhana from Kolkata (this covers peak prices and last-minute booking situations)

Local travel – 400 to 800 (this covers ferry rides, return trips and multiple toto or van rides on the island)

Stay – 1800 to 3000 (this reflects weekend pricing for better beach camps, private huts and peak day variations)

Food – 800 to 1500 (this covers all meals for two days, including extra snacks or tea rounds at the camp)

Entry and activities – 200 to 400 (this includes bonfire, guided village walks and beach activities)

Miscellaneous – 500 to 1000 (this covers water, tips, emergency buys and small local purchases)

Total estimate – 5500 to 9000 per person by bus or train, 12000 to 25000 per person by flight, depending on season, booking time and camp quality.

Check this video by sonali_sarkar98 → Link

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I hope I sorted out your plan for this weekend.

Thanks for reading.

Well, do let me know if you'd like me to find any particular state’s offbeat weekend travel spots.

I’ll see you on Sunday with another great spot.

See ya till then,

Anirban ‘helping you to enjoy in Mousuni’ Das.