Take a break from all your troubles and enjoy a lazy holiday at some of the best beaches in West Bengal
Away from the din of city life, the crimson sun sets each evening, behind the vast ocean body, visited only by fleeting birds and the ineffable blue sky.
It is here where nature comes together to play out its charming symphony, while holidaymakers come and go, as audiences in the most spectacular open theatre known to man.
This holiday, travel to some of the best beaches in West Bengal, to seek the blessings of nature, and to witness the profound oceanic hues. The long stretches of sandy beaches around which are the thick forests and mangroves, and the light oceanic breeze, come together to conjure a therapeutic experience like never before.
MANDARMANI
Mandarmani, is located in East Midnapore district of West Bengal, and is the northern end of the Bay of Bengal. The sleepy seaside village which provides an opportunity to get a taste of nature is a rather obscure holiday destination.
The prime attraction of Mandarmani is of course its 15km stretch of serene beach, and most people choose to laze around this area, while fishermen go about their work regularly. Visitors often reach the end of the beach which has, what is known as, ‘mohana’ or river delta, a place where a river meets the sea.
Here on one side of the beach there are dense jhau trees, while on the other side lays the fishing village. Here at the beach tourists can enjoy riding ATV bikes, and experience Jet Ski. There is also Banana Boat, which is a ride on the sea with people sitting on a banana shaped boat, and Bungee Trampoline Jump on trampoline.
HOW TO REACH
- By Rail: There are regular train services available from Kolkata to, the nearest railway station to Mandarmani.
- By Road: Frequent bus services available from various parts of Kolkata to Chawlkhola. Take a taxi to Mandarmani from here.
- By Air: The nearest airport is at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport or Dum Dum in northern Kolkata.
DIGHA
One of the most popular sea beach destinations of West Bengal, it just takes 4-5 hours to reach there by road from Kolkata. Here in Digha, the Digha Boardwalk is the main boardwalk along the sea-face of the beach.
It is here at the boardwalk where holidaymakers swarm to spend carefree days, enjoying the sea breeze. The walk stretches a long way and comes to join with what is known as New Digha, a rather lonely stretch.
The New Digha water is also the best place to swim because the water here is flat. Here in Digha, you can also visit the Aquarium of Zoological Survey of India, widely considered to be the most well equipped marine aquarium in the country. Do not forget to buy the ornaments and curios made from sea shells.
HOW TO REACH
- By Rail: Regular train services are available from Howrah Railway Station to Digha
- By Road: There are frequent bus services available from various parts of Kolkata to Digha.
- By Air:The nearest airport is at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport or Dum-Dum Airport in northern Kolkata.
TAJPUR
Located between Mandarmani and Shankarpur, Tajpur is for those looking for a quiet time. An unspoiled beach town, Tajpur’s beautiful golden sand making its way into the blue sea is always mesmerising.
The best part about Tajpur is that the beach does not have hawkers coaxing you to buy their items; instead you are all by yourself in the lap of nature. For the adventurous types, there is the option for adventure sports, such as paragliding, rafting, etc.
HOW TO REACH
- By Rail: Regular train services are available from Howrah Railway Station to Digha.
- By Road: Regular bus services are available from Dharamtala/Esplanade/ Garia (6 No Bus Stand), to Tajpur
- By Air: The nearest airport is at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport or Dum Dum in northern Kolkata.
BAKKHALI
Located on one of the deltaic islands in southern Bengal, Bakkhali is a south facing crescent shaped beach which offers a splendid opportunity for holiday. The beach is 8km long, which stretches from Bakkhali to Frasergunj, and is mostly empty.
The watch tower here in Bakkhali presents stunning view of the Mangroves expanses on three sides, while on one side there is bird’s eye view of the sea beach and the sea. There is also a Bishhalakshmi temple at the end of the main beach.
Here at Bakkhali, you can visit the Crocodile Park and Mangrove forest, and also the small island Jammu Deep, which is located amidst the sea where you have to reach with a boat.
HOW TO REACH
- By Rail: There are regular trains leaving from Sealdah, to the nearest rail station, which is at Namkhana.
- By Road: There are regular bus services by WBSTC, which starts from Dharmatala and goes all the way to Bakkhali.
- By Air: The nearest airport is at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport or Dum Dum in northern Kolkata.
Read More: Discover Your India
