The small-town Taki is rich in heritage and natural reserves one of the most popular places to visit near Kolkata especially during the weekend. Taki is located on the India – Bangladesh Border on the banks of the Ichamati River. It falls under the Hasnabad police station of Basirhat subdivision in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal distance of 75 kms from Kolkata. If you are looking for an offbeat Destination near Kolkata visit the place for picnic during winters this is one of the best places you can visit.
How far is Taki from Kolkata?
Taki is located at a distance of 75 kms just 2 hours from Kolkata. You can reach Taki via Car, Bus or Train. Taki travelers can rent a car from Kolkata or catch a local train from Sealdah Railway Station and get down at Taki Road Station from where, vans are available to take you to the main city. Bus services to the town are also available from Esplanade.
How to Reach and stay in Taki?
By Train:
The best route to reach Taki by Train is by getting on the Hasnabad Local from Sealdah Railway station and get down on the Taki Road Railway station. and it takes 10-15 minutes to get from the station to the riverfront and guest houses by rickshaw.
By Bus:
There are a lot of buses that will take you from Kolkata to Taki. You can get Kolkata bus route #252 runs from Esplanade in Kolkata to Hasnabad. Another bus, #79C, from Shyambazar to Barasat. It may take about 2-3 hours by Bus.
By Privet car :
If you starting from Kolkata, then take the Malancha – Basirhat Highway. Then take the road opposite to the Science city and near Parama police station. From Science City Taki is about 75km via Ghatakpukur. By road it takes around two hours.
If you are visiting from the northern or central part of Kolkata then taking the Taki Road to reach Taki is via Barasat Chapadali. You have to take the turn towards Taki Road from Barasat and will reach Taki by crossing Berachampa and Basirhat on the way and then you can reach Taki.
Where to Stay in Taki?
There are a lot of guesthouses and hotels are also located along the banks of the Ichamati River. You can sit in your hotel balcony in the evening and enjoy the cool breeze.
Nripendra Atithisala which is the Taki Municipal Guesthouse.
Suhasini guest house (Taki Uttar Bari,) Private and dorm rooms in a guest house across the street from the river. Rooms have air conditioning and there is parking and a restaurant.
Taki Sunrise Guest House Rajbari Ghat, Taki, West Bengal.
Hotel Sonar Bangla, Mansingho Road, Hasnabad .
Rupasi bangla lodge, Taki, North 24 Parganas, West Bengal.
Shantiniketan Guest House, Taki, North 24 Parganas, West Bengal (Near PHE Garden). The best place to stay in Taki is a Bagan bari (Garden house) away from the picnicking crowd.
Website like Makemytrip and Yatra offers hotel booking in Taki online.
Places to Visit in Taki
Taki once had a number of zamindar families living here, and even to this day, you can see these palatial buildings. Though all of them are in a dilapidated state, it is quite something to see these old buildings. Taki also has a Ramakrishna Mission, which is one of the oldest.
Here, at Taki, tourists can book what is popularly known as bagan bari, or farmhouse. These have open ponds and beautiful old rooms with all modern amenities. Some are very close to the Ichamati river.
Ichamati River (Ichamoti Nodi):
Ichamati River is the main attraction of Taki. A boat ride in the Ichamati river is an experience you cannot miss. The India – Bangladesh Border runs through the middle of this river here in Taki.
The Golpata forest:
Golpatar Jungle is famous for its canopy jungle path walk. The forest is also popularly known as Mini Sundarban. The trail in the forest will take you to the banks of the river from where you can see the lands of Bangladesh up close.
Kuleshwari Kali Bari:
Kuleshwari Kali Bari is one of the most famous religious places in Taki. It is said that Devi Kali in this temple is very active and fulfills the wish of her disciples.
The Roy Chowdhury Zamindar Bari:
The Roy Chowdhury Zamindar Bari is former Army General Shankar Roychowdhury’s ancestral home. The Roy Chowdurys was the first Zamindars of this area. This place also has a historical significance and is thus one of the best places to visit in Taki. There are a number of temples and a Nat Mancha located beside the house. The place is now in ruins.
Machranga Island:
Machranga Island was another amazing place to visit in Taki. But in the recent Cyclone “Amphan”, the island was destroyed and it went underwater.
What is Taki Famous for?
Taki is famous for Taki Raj Bari, Machranga Dip island – (really awesome views of island and rivers all around), boating in river Ichamoti , Hoglapata forest etc.
Durga Puja is celebrated by Bengalis all across the world. However, Taki is famous for a unique and interesting scene that can be seen during the day of the immersion of the idol of Maa Durga.
People from both India and Bangladesh come to the banks of the Ichamati river on their respective sides for the immersions of the idols.
There are a lot of spots where the shooting of popular and vintage films like “Bishorjon” has taken place.
Taki Picnic Spot :
Taki is famous for best picnic spot along the Ichamoti river close Bangladesh Border with a view of another country. People from all around West Bengal especially from places in South Bengal, visit the place for picnic during winters.
Taki Rajbari a beautiful picnic spot. You will be getting all facility here. Also, this place is the border of India & Bangladesh.
This is the best place for family picnic. You can enjoy a lovely view of the nature while enjoying the picnic with your friends and family.
Best Time to Visit Taki :
You can visit Taki at any time of the year. Winter is considered the best time to visit Taki. especially due to the original jaggery or Patali Gur available here during this time and is quite good.
Another time to visit, Durga Puja is also considered as a good time to visit. you can see the splendid view of the immersions of the idols of Maa Durga. This is a spectacular event in Taki as idols of Maa Durga of two different countries are immersed in the waters of Ichamati river together.
Climate of Taki :
Taki has a moderate climate. There is a lot of rainfall in the summer, and in the winter, it is quite dry again. The average annual temperature for Taki is 30° degrees and there is about 370 mm of rain in a year. It is dry for 232 days a year with an average humidity of 37% and an UV-index of 6.
you must try these food items in Taki :
The nearby river freshwater fishes are one of the most popular local favourite things to try out here in Taki. There is a local fish market that you can visit and buy the freshly caught fishes of the Ichamati River. you can savor the various delicacies of the freshly cooked fishes like Hilsa (Ilish), Rohu, Prawn (Chingri), Parshe and Pabda.
Taki is also famous for its sweets, especially mouth-watering “Malpoa” is also quite famous in the area. Apart from this, there are also a number of staple Bengali dishes that you can try out. Some of the popular fast-food items are noodles, pizzas, burgers, rolls, sandwiches, etc. delivered by food joints. And The guest houses often have a restaurant that serves meals at a reasonable price.
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