The Durga Puja has just ended. The expenses have been enormous, too. After this, you cannot even mention going out for a trip. But the mind doesn't agree. You have returned to work after Durga Puja, that's true.
However, the fatigue refuses to go away. Traveling doesn't necessarily mean you have to take loads of baggage and journey to distant lands by train or plane. Instead of sitting at home on a weekend holiday, take your car and head out to Vhalki Machan.
Leave Kolkata early in the morning and take the Durgapur Expressway. You will reach ‘Jougram’ via Dankuni and Gurap. Then take the road to Abhirampur. You won't mind driving through the tree-shaded path under big trees. Pleasant views will keep popping up right before your eyes.
When you reach near Yamunadighi, you will see the government eco-resort. Right beside it is the West Bengal government's fisheries department project. You can visit and see it if you want. There are arrangements here to catch fresh fish, cook, and eat them.
After the lunch or brunch, head towards Vhalki Machan. This place used to be the hunting ground of the Burdwan Raja. A forest surrounded by Shal and Piyal trees. Walking leisurely through it doesn't feel bad either. There is a raised place like a machan here for hunting bears.
According to popular belief, this place was named after that. There is a government guest house in the middle of the forest. If you want to stay, booking is essential. Right next to it is Dokragram. You can walk and visit there. Everyone in the village is associated with the Dokra art. You can do some small shopping here.
If you want to stay, there are accommodation arrangements at both places—Vhalkimachan and Yamunadighi. However, you may face problems getting a place if you don't connect to them in advance.
