There’s something magical about women travelling together—laughing through the chaos, sipping tea with shared stories, and celebrating life in ways that only we know how. So on a spring weekend in March, to celebrate Women’s Day, I packed my bag, called my mom, held my daughter’s little hand, and we set off for a girls-only weekend getaway to Kolaghat.
A Glimpse into Kolaghat’s Past
Kolaghat isn’t just a pretty riverside escape—it has layers of history quietly tucked into its landscape. Once an important ferry and trade junction during British India, this riverside town got its name from the Kol tribes who originally inhabited the region. In the 1980s, Kolaghat entered the industrial map with the establishment of one of eastern India’s largest thermal power plants.
But beyond smokestacks and steam, there’s soul—and we found a piece of it at Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s ancestral home, tucked away in nearby Panitras village, just a short drive away. Walking through the home where the legendary Bengali author penned timeless tales like Devdas and Parineeta felt surreal. The red-roofed house, simple and steeped in nostalgia, echoed with stories of rural Bengal that still move readers today. It was like stepping into a sepia-toned postcard from the past—and a reminder that even quiet corners like Kolaghat can carry literary magic.
Why Kolaghat?
We were looking for something low-key, drivable, child-friendly, and relaxing. A place where my mom could sit by the river, I could read a book in peace, and my daughter could run around and get muddy. Kolaghat checked all the boxes. With the Rupnarayan river gently flowing by, a smattering of pretty resorts and homestays, and the sweet promise of fish fry and afternoon naps—it was exactly what we needed.
Plus, there’s something quite poetic about three generations of women celebrating themselves by the riverside, right?
Day 1: On the Road and Into Relaxation
We started from Kolkata around 9 AM on a Saturday. After stuffing our car with a week’s worth of snacks (for a 2-day trip, naturally) and enough toys to entertain a kindergarten class, we hit the road. If you need any tips for planning a kid-friendly itinerary, read up this blog of ours.
NH16 is in excellent condition, and we made it to Kolaghat in just over two hours, with a coffee stop midway. My daughter was thrilled with the open views outside the window—fields of green, brick kilns in the distance, and glimpses of the wide river.
We had booked the cozy riverside resort Hotel Sonar Bangla (there are quite a few options in Kolaghat now, from the well-known to newer boutique stays), and the moment we stepped in, we were greeted with soft river breeze, chirping birds, and that delicious silence you only find outside city limits.
Lunch was quintessential Bengali—steaming rice, ilish maach bhaja (fried hilsa), chhanar dalna (cottage cheese cakes in a rich sweet gravy), and a katla maach er alu jeere diye jhol (Katla fish curry with potatoes in a cumin-spiced broth). Little A, of course, loved the chhanar dalna—sweet, just like her! She wiped her plate clean.
While she napped and I relaxed in the spacious and aesthetic room with a beautiful and cozy lounger, my daughter was already eyeing the swimming pool. That’s when we knew the real fun was about to begin!
Splash, Giggles & Women’s Day Vibes
Forget fancy spas and candlelit dinners—our version of Women’s Day bliss was an afternoon in the pool. The water was just the right temperature, the sun warm but not burning, and the laughter—absolutely endless.
My daughter had a blast kicking around in her float, splashing water at everyone with dramatic flair. My mom, initially hesitant, eventually dipped her feet in and got pulled into our giggling chaos. I honestly don’t remember the last time the three of us just played together. No schedules, no screens, no agenda—just floaty time and full hearts.
At one point, my mom looked around and said, “This is what women need. Not always big things—just moments like this.” I couldn’t agree more.
We followed it up with songs and tea witnessing a gorgeous sunset, hair dripping, eyes sparkling. Later in the evening, we went for a stroll, Little A played at the resort’s park and made new friends, and my mum and I caught up on our friendship, nothing fancy, just a tender heart-to-heart. With busy schedules, this seems like a luxury nowadays… We called for some simple Chinese – Noodles, Soup, and Crispy Chilli Babycorn, and between chitchats and photographs, rolled back into our room and turned in for the night, sinking into the soft pillows, smiling into sweet dreams.
Day 2: Sunrise and A Slow Sunday
The next morning, we soaked in a peaceful sunrise and a slow breakfast from the buffet, and steaming tea in the quintessential bhaar (clay pot). The breeze had that quiet early-summer calm, and our little nook was the perfect setting for some mother-daughter bonding over second (okay, third) cups of tea.
While we thought we will venture out and visit Sarat Chandra’s ancestral home, we decided against it, and prioritized our quality time more than anything else. Yes, I am known to pack my day with to-do lists and itineraries, but this time, I chose to be slow, restful, and felt unusually happy! Sometimes, a pause is indeed the exact balm you need!
We dipped ourselves into a second round of pool fun before finally bidding the getaway a goodbye, and dressed up to head home. We were back on the road around 1 PM and reached Kolkata by mid-afternoon. Tired, tanned, but hearts full. Our Women’s Day celebration didn’t need hashtags or selfies (though we took plenty!). It needed love, laughter, and togetherness—and Kolaghat delivered.
Why This Trip Mattered
This wasn’t a luxurious retreat. There were no dramatic views or epic itineraries. But in many ways, this was the most meaningful trip we’ve taken in a while. Because this time, we travelled for each other.
I watched my mom smile more in two days than she had in weeks. I watched my daughter bond with her grandmother over bedtime stories. And I found time to breathe, to laugh, to connect—with them and with myself.
We may not have had a boat ride on the river, but we had ripples of joy in the pool. We didn’t chase touristy spots, but we discovered a literary legend’s home. And we returned richer—not in souvenirs, but in stories.
Quick Tips if You’re Planning a Kolaghat Trip
- Getting there: About 70–80 km from Kolkata. A smooth 2-hour drive. Trains to Mecheda are an option too.
- Stay: Choose a riverside resort with a swimming pool. Great for both grown-ups and kids!
- What to do: Relax by the river, swim, read, eat good food, visit Sarat Chandra’s house in Deulti, and enjoy some real family bonding time.
- Food to try: The legendary Rupnarayan’er ilish, alur dom-luchi, muri with pickle, nolen gur sweets, and crispy fish fry.
- Best for: A peaceful weekend with your near and dear ones, if that also means just you.
Wrapping it Up
So here’s to Women’s Day—not as a marketing moment but as a memory-making mission. One where you pause, play, and pour love into the women around you.
And maybe, just maybe, Kolaghat is exactly where you need to start. Happy Travels!
