Ghatshila—a pristine town nestled along the banks of the Subarnarekha River in Jharkhand—is exactly where you need to go if you want to truly experience nature’s vibrant colors away from the concrete jungle. Surrounded by dense forests and rolling hills just 240 km from Kolkata, it stands as the perfect refreshing escape for a two-day weekend holiday. Our journey to this beautiful destination was born out of a simple craving for the hills, the woods, and the melody of cascading waterfalls. Whether you are looking for an easy train ride or a scenic road trip like the one we took, here is how our weekend adventure began.
Can one truly appreciate the vibrant colors of nature without occasionally escaping to the hills, forests, and cascading waterfalls?
Seeking a quick respite from the daily grind, our destination for a two-day weekend getaway was Ghatshila—a serene town nestled along the banks of the Subarnarekha River in the eastern Indian state of Jharkhand. Located roughly 240 km from Kolkata, this forest-fringed hilly town is a delightful spot for a refreshing weekend trip.
How to Reach Ghatshila from Kolkata
The most convenient way to reach Ghatshila is to catch an early morning train from Howrah Station, arrive in Ghatshila, and then hire an auto or local transport to explore the area.
Here are the key morning trains running from Howrah to Ghatshila:
- 6:20 AM – Barbil JanShatabdi Express
- 6:35 AM – Kantabanji Ispat Express
- 6:35 AM – Titlagarh Ispat Express
Traveler’s Tip: Make sure to check the weekly schedules and operating days before booking your tickets. While there are trains available later in the day as well, starting as early as possible ensures you get the entire day to explore.
Our Choice: A Road Trip
Because my father has mobility issues, train travel wasn’t the best option for us. Instead, we opted for a self-drive car. We hit the road from Kolkata at 4:00 AM and reached Kolaghat in about three hours. After stopping there for a hearty breakfast, it took us another four hours of driving to finally enter Jharkhand.