Bankiput, Contai – 160 kms from Kolkata...
Bankiput is an unexplored beach bordered by a dense forest of Casuarina trees located very near to Kolkata. You would hardly find any mortal soul on the beach excepting the millions of red crabs popping their heads from their burrows. At Bankiput, it’s only the sea – the sand – and the silence for you. No speeding cars on the beach and no picnicking crowds would spoil your day at Bankiput. But, the “horizon-kissing” beach is not the only attraction in Bankiput – there is a fully operational Lighthouse in nearby Dariapur and an age-old temple of Kapalkundala (as mentioned in Bankim Chandra’s novel) too. If you have always dreamt of spending a day in a completely deserted beach lending your ears to the chirping birds and the crashing waves then Bankiput is the place to be this weekend. BOOKING DETAILS OF BANKIPUT Places to see in Bankiput: The lonely beach and casuarina groves stretching for miles. Other attractions at Bankiput include the Dariapur Lighthouse, Deshapran Fishing Harbour at Petuaghat and the Temple of Kapalkundala (as referred in Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s novel) all within 7 kilometers of Bankiput. For more photos of Bankiput click here The Deshapran Fishing Harbour at Petuaghat is located where Rasulpur River meets the Bay of Bengal. It is one of the most picturesque fishing harbours in coastal Bay of Bengal. The 96 feet high Dariapur Lighthouse is another attraction here. It is a beautifully restored fully functional lighthouse and tourists are allowed to the top of the lighthouse too. You can catch an excellent panoramic view of the entire region and the sea from the top of this lighthouse. There is also a temple, which is said to have been referred by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in his famous novel Kapalkundala. Nearby attractions of Bankiput: Bankiput is located quite near to Junput and Contai (Kanthi) so you can reach most of the popular sea beach destinations of coastal Bengal from here within an hour. Starting from the popular beach destinations like Digha, Mandarmani and Shankarpur to lesser known sea beaches of Talsari, Udaypur and Tajpur – all can be reached within an hour or so from Bankiput. The newfound eco-village of Monchasa is also nearby and can be reached via Kalinagar. Things to do in Bankiput: The sunrise and sunset from Bankiput is something to cherish and so are the long walks along the deserted beach. In the moonlight nights, the beach and the sea turns into pure silver and you can witness the changing colour of the sea during the day. A visit to the Dariapur Lighthouse would be a rewarding experience. You can catch a great view of the whole area from this 96 feet high lighthouse. The Dariapur Lighthouse opens to visitors from 3:00 pm everyday. How to reach Bankiput: If you are travelling by car then drive to Contai (Kanthi) and then take the road to Junput. After reaching Junput stand, you have to take the road connecting Baghaput. Just halfway towards Baghaput, you would find a bifurcation towards Bankiput. If you are taking public transport, then you can take shared trekkers to Junput from Contai (Kanthi) and then shared trekkers heading towards Baghaput and get down at Bankiput. You can also reach Contai (Kanthi) by train. Best time to visit Bakiput: You can visit Bakiput anytime of the year. In the monsoons, you can see the dark clouds rolling into the horizon and in the winters you can take long...
Paradip – 125 kilometers from Bhuvaneshwar...
Located in the confluence of mighty Mahanadi River and the Bay of Bengal, Paradip or Paradeep is a gem of a place somehow neglected by the tourist rush. At Paradip you can enjoy mesmerizing sunsets and sunrises, pristine beaches, age-old temples, thousands of Olive Ridley turtles, a magnificent lighthouse and one of the largest ports in India. Paradip is located some 125 km towards the east of Bhuvaneshwar and 94 km towards the east of Cuttack. Fishing is a very important activity of the people of Paradip and the best part – it is not crowded. BOOKING DETAILS OF PARADIP Places to see in Paradip: One of the biggest attractions is the confluence of the Mahanadi River and the sea. Beautiful scenes of sunrise and sunset make the spot a really exciting one. There is the Hukitola Building, which showcases the rain harvesting system of the earlier days. Among the ‘must visit’ destinations of Paradip, there is the Tulasi Kshetra, which is very famous for the Baladeva Temple, the Gahirmatha beach, which has now been converted into a breeding center for Oliver Ridley turtles. Also, you must never miss a trip to the Light House, Paradeep Port, Marine Aquarium, Jagganath Temple, Smurti Udyan and Hanuman Temple. [AFG_gallery id=’66’] Nearby attractions of Paradeep: The most popular attraction near Paradeep is the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary that is spread over 672 square kilometers and is home to a wide variety of animal life like sea turtles, crocodiles and water monitor lizards apart from the wide variety of birds. The famous Gahirmatha Wildlife Sanctuary located on the fringes of Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary is also a great place to see the nesting of Olive Ridley Turtles. The caves of Udayagiri and Ratnagiri are also located nearby. Things to do in Paradip: Enjoy long walks along the beach, visit temples, take camel rides on the beach and watch the mesmerizing sunsets. You can visit the local temples or go for a boat safari through the mangrove forests. How to reach Paradeep: Cuttack station is the nearest railhead of Paradip. You have to hire taxis from Cuttack to reach Paradip. You would also get hired cars to Paradip from Bhuvaneshwar. Paradip is only 125 kilometers from Bhuvaneshwar. National Highway 5A passes through Paradeep, connecting the sea side with Lalitgiri, Udayagiri and Ratnagiri. Best time to visit Paradip: The best time to visit Paradip is during the months of November to March. Lodging and dining facilities at Paradip: The Tourism Department accommodation at Paradeep is facilitated with AC Double Bedrooms, Dining Hall, Lawns and all other modern facilities. We arrange Tourism Department bookings for this Tourist Complex at Paradip directly from Kolkata through our affiliated authorised Travel Agent. Paradip is famous for its seafood – lobsters, prawns and crabs form a very common item of the local cuisine. You can also taste a lot of sweet dishes, which are quite popular here like ‘pithas’ or small cakes and Chanapora. Apart from all these, tasting the ‘Mahaprasad’ or the ‘Bhog’ offered to Lord Jagannath is a must try during a visit in Paradip. Photographs by Amit Chandra, Kshitij Kapoor, Sanjeev K, Amar Panigrahi and Aditi Pany. BOOKING DETAILS OF...
Rambha, Chilka – 40 kms from Berhampur...
Chilka is one of the largest brackish water lagoons in the world, offering shelter to a huge variety of birds and aquatic plants. Rambha is located at the southern coast of the Chilka lagoon, at a distance of 40 km from Berhampur on National Highway 5. The lake also serves as a safe haven of around 150 species of migratory birds during winter. Dotted with numerous islands, Rambha boasts of its enchanting picturesque beauty overlooking the Chilka Lake and the hills. From here, you can go for Dolphin watching and bird watching to different islands like the Breakfast Island, Becon Island and Birds Island. BOOKING DETAILS OF RAMBHA Places to see in Rambha: You can make trip to the Honeymoon Island, nestled in the Rambha bay, adjacent to the Sankuda Island. The Breakfast Island, which has been formed between Badakuda Island and Somolo Island in the Rambha Bay is truly the most beautiful place to have your packed breakfast. The Somolo Island has the remnants of a dilapidated bungalow, built by the King of Kalikote. Some of the other major islands are Honeymoon Island, Birds Island, Parikud Island, Island of Nalabana, Rajhans Island and New Mouth. Among all these islands, the island of Nalbana deserves a special mention, as it is a sanctuary and a prime refuge point of the migratory birds. You can also savor the view of dolphins at the mouth of Chilka near Satpada. For more photos of Rambha click here The Beacon Island is also an impressive sightseeing location. The Khalikote range is also admirable, forming a wonderful backdrop of the Somolo and Dumkudi islands. Many tourists also visit the Bird’s Island, found in the southern sector of Chilka. Tourists with religious bent of mind can make a trip to the Kalijai Temple, devoted to Goddess Kalijai. Trips can also be made to the small island of Barunkuda, near Magarmukh, which houses a shrine of Lord Varuna. The Bhabakundeswar temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva is also worth visiting. Nearby attractions of Rambha: The destination is admired with a number of nearby attractions. At a distance of around 22 km from Rambha, the temple of Goddess Narayani adorns the valley hilltop. This scenic site is also a preferred picnic spot. You can also make a trip to Nirmaljhara, located 11 km from Rambha. The place has gained popularity as both a picnic spot and a pilgrimage site. Many tourists also make tour to Banpur, which is a famous Shakti-pitha of Goddess Bhagabati. The place also houses a number of Buddhist images. You will also truly treasure your visit to the nesting of Olive Ridley Turtles in Rusikulya Beach near Rambha in Chilka. However, no accommodation facility is available at Rusikulya Beach. So, the tourists need to stay at Rambha, from where hired cars are available early in the morning to the Rusikulya beach. The temple towns of Puri and Bhubaneshwar are the popular getaways from here. Things to do in Rambha: You will never have a single dull moment during your stay here, with so many activities around. Cruising on Chilka Lake is truly an unforgettable experience. Speed boat and motorized yacht are available at fixed price from Orissa Tourism Development Corporation. Many tourists also hire a sea kayak from Orissa Tourism’s Water Sports Complex (WSC) to move around the Nalabana Island. Rambha is also considered a great spot for bird watching. The place being a home of around 150 species of migratory birds is...
Konark Sun Temple – 35 kms from Puri...
At Konark, you can truly enjoy the roar of the waves and the splendid view of the 800 year old Sun Temple. Picturesquely situated on the shores of Bay of Bengal, Konark is admired with the exquisitely carved stone temple offering majestic charm. Most tourists visit Konark from Puri or Bhubaneswhar in a daytrip without staying overnight and they miss all the charms of this little temple town and its glorious Sun temple. The sight of the Sun God glowing with the first rays of the rising sun and the ruins of the majestic temple with the roar of the sea is an experience of a lifetime. The pristine beach admiring the temple town enhances the appeal of the location to the tourists. The temple reflecting the essence of Oriya art and architecture is a short stroll from the sea beach. Staying at Konark and visiting the beautiful crescent shaped Chandrabhaga Beach and Chandipur, the handicraft town of Pipli and the nearby temple towns of Puri and Bhubaneshwar would complete one of the most incredible itineraries of Orissa. BOOKING DETAILS OF KONARK Places to see in Konark: The chief attraction of Konark is the Konark Sun Temple, which is also the most popular tourist spot in Orissa. It has been declared as World Heritage Site since 1984. The temple has been structured in the form of a giant chariot, featuring 12 pairs of wheels. The wheels are 10 feet in diameter, each signifying a single month. The chariot is pulled by seven horses. Two stone curved lions have been built near the entrance of the temple. You need to ascend a flight of steps to approach the main entrance. The temple features a three-tiered pyramidal roof admired by a nice looking spire. The temple is renowned for some exquisite stone carvings that admire the entire structure. For more photos of Konark click here The Chandrabhaga Sea Beach, located 3 km east of the Konark Sun temple is a hot spot for tourists visiting Konark. There is also a lighthouse near Chandrabhaga, which enhances the splendor of the place. View from the top of the lighthouse will make you feel out of the world. The latest addition is a natural deer park, which boosts the tourist potential of Chandrabhaga. The sight is aesthetically appealing. Pay a visit to the Archaeological Museum near the temple complex, which displays sculptures and carvings from the remnants of the Sun Temple. Nearby attractions of Konarak: If you want to explore further afield in Konarak, you will not be disappointed. Along the Puri Road, the unexplored and serene Konarak Beach is a major attraction of tourists, where you can watch the local fishing fleet at work. The spectacular sunrise at this beach offer visual ecstasy. The Ramachandi Temple is picturesquely located on the confluence of River Khusabhadra, 8 km from Konark. The temple is a popular place of worship and a sought-after picnic spot. If you move further, you can locate an image of Bhddha seated in Bhumisparsa Mudra along with the image of Heruka, at Kuruma. The village of Pipli famous for its handicrafts is located at a distance of 23 km from Konark. The village is famous for a wide range of distinctive selection of handicrafts and appliqué work products. There is also the temple of Goddess Barahi at Chaurasi, 35 km from Konarak, which can be traced back to the 9th century AD. You can also make a trip to Prachi valley,...
Puri, Orissa – 540 kms from Kolkata
Puri is considered one of the major Char Dham pilgrimages, which if not visited, means your pilgrimage tour of India is not complete. Located on the eastern coast of Bay of Bengal in Orissa, Puri is home to the Lord of the Universe, Lord Jagannath. So spend this weekend amidst the splendor of the golden beaches and the religious sites in Puri. On your way to Puri, you can also see the appliqué handicraft work at Pipili village. Overall, to spend an exciting weekend, you should decide on going eastward. BOOKING DETAILS OF PURI Places to see in Puri: The major attraction here is the Jagannath Temple. Built in 11th century, this temple is considered one of the 4 major dhams of pilgrimage for Hindus. This temple only allows Hindus to enter and offer puja. You can offer pujas, in the Jagannath Temple and the Shani Temple, and enjoy the prasad and bhog of this place. Other places to see are Shankaracharya’s Gobardhan Pitha, which is a Hindu math. The cremation site of Swargadwar, means the Gateway to Heaven, Sunara Gaurang Temple, Chakra Tirtha Temple, Bedi Hanuman Temple, Mausima Temple, Shree Gundicha Temple, where Rath Yatra ends and Shree Lokenath Temple, where the half submerged Linga of Lord Shiva is present, signifying his hiding from Shani are the places you can visit. The golden beach is another attraction that drives people to come to this place again and again. For more photos of Puri click here. Nearby attractions of Puri: There are many places to visit that are close – like the Chilka Lake, Sun Temple of Konarak, Alarnath Temple, Chandrabhaga Sea Beach, Satapada Dolphin Sanctuary, Raghurajpur that is known for Patta Chitra and Pipili renowned for appliqué work. Other places of interest are Lingaraja Temple and Bhubaneshwar’s other temples, caves of Khandagiri and Udayagiri, Ashoka’s Dhauli rock edicts, Atri sulphur spring, Chandaka elephant reserve, Balihar Chandi Temple, Yogini shrine of Hirapur and Nandankanan sanctuary. Things to do in Puri: The main thing to be done in Puri is sightseeing. The place has a wide range of touring spots, which invites people to spend an eventful weekend. The golden beach of Puri is an ideal spot for swimming and surfing. You can even choose to relax on the Puri beach, which is also a popular choice among travelers. The Ramchandi Temple is a popular picnic spot for tourists as well. You can also take a long drive on the Puri Konark Marine Drive that goes through many isolated beaches. How to reach Puri: Puri can be reached via roadways by covering a distance of 540 km from Kolkata through Bhubaneshwar. From Kolkata Bhubaneshwar can be reached by taking on the National Highway No.5 and from there taking the State Highway No. 8 you can reach Puri. It takes 2 hours to reach Puri from Bhubaneshwar on car. You can also ride any of the fast and super fast trains that connect Kolkata to Puri, like the Howrah-Puri Sri Jagannath Express or the Howrah- Puri Express and others. Both the trains cover a distance of 502 km and takes about 9 hours. You can also reach Bhubaneshwar by air. The airport of the State capital at Bhubaneshwar is something 60 km from Puri and is connected by regular flights. Best time to visit Puri: Tourists can visit the place all throughout the year, as the temperature remains moderate in this coastal region. There is a huge festival of Rath Yatra...
Talsharee, Orissa – 191 kms from Kolkata...
Talsharee or Talsari is located at the border of Orissa and West Bengal where River Subarnarekha meets the Bay of Bengal. Many people do not feel comfortable amidst the crowd in the sea beaches of Digha and Mandarmani and seek for isolation. For them Talsharee, shrouded in the envelope of tranquility will be an ideal destination. The Chandaneshwar Temple and Udaipur Beach is just a few minutes from Talsharee. You can walk along the Mohona (Confluence) and enjoy the kilometer long beach all to yourself. BOOKING DETAILS OF TALSHAREE Places to see in Talsharee: Talsharee is a sea beach where River Subarnarekha meets the Bay of Bengal. This long and deserted sea beach stretching for miles is a treat to the eyes. The famous Chandaneshwar temple is just a few minutes from Talsharee. There is also a Wholesale Fish Market in Talsharee, from where you can buy fresh fish at bargain rates. Images of Talsari For more photos of Talsari click here. Nearby attractions of Talsharee: You can easily travel to Digha, bustling with tourists, hotels and local shops, the nearest destination from Talsharee. Other new found beaches like Mandarmuni, Tajpur and Shankarpur is also near to Talsharee. You can also walk down to the sea beach of Udaypur or take sometime to visit Bakiput near Junput via Contai to enjoy a climb to the top of a lighthouse in Dariapur. Things to do in Talsari: Enjoy the unexploited ambiance of Talshari with all your senses. Explore the lifestyle of the fisherman dwelling in the area. Bargain for some fresh fish in the mornings and take it to the hotel’s cook. The expansive beach looks great during moonlight nights with the snaking River Subarnarekha crisscrossing the beach. You can also hire a boat and cross the knee-deep river to reach the other side of the beach, which is a huge sand island with Casuarina groves. How to reach Talsari: You can reach Talsari by car taking the route to Digha. You can also travel direct to Digha by train and rent a car or local trekkers to reach Talsharee. Best time to visit Talsharee: Talsharee welcomes tourists throughout the year. The dark clouds roll over the horizons during monsoons and the sparkling weather of the winter is just right to spend the day on the beach. Lodging and Dining facilities in Talsharee: Our private hotel in Talsharee has four-bedded AC rooms and non AC Double bedded rooms with attached western bathrooms, televisions, hot water geysers and a fabulous terrace overlooking the sea and the golden beach. The beach is just a minute from this hotel and the temple of Chandaneshwar is also located nearby. Essentially Bengali cuisine is served in the hotel and the prices are very moderate. Photographs by Debkinkar Baidya, Pratyush Sengupta. BOOKING DETAILS OF...
Gopalpur on Sea, Orissa – 565 kms from Kolkata...
If your soul is craving for a break from the hustle and bustle of the city life, then just pack our bags and head to Gopalpur-on-sea. This serene beach nestled in the Ganjam district of Orissa will offer you the ultimate seclusion, to help you in gaining the peace of mind. The pristine beach of Gopalpur, the returning fishermen, the lighthouse and the ruins of a lighthouse gives Gopalpur a long lost charm. Nearby attractions like Taptapani hot spring, Lake Chilka and the fabulous weather of Gopalpur will rejuvenate your senses. BOOKING DETAILS OF GOPALPUR Places to see in Gopalpur on sea: The pristine beach of Gopalpur is the major attraction of the tourists. The beach is never crowded and sometime, especially in the afternoon you will not find another soul near the seaside, only a fisherman hauling his net out of the seawater. The beach is also admired by a Light House, which offers a panoramic 360-degree view of the entire Gopalpur including the sea and part of the Chilika Lake. You can enter the Light House, from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm. A visit to the ruins of the ancient port of Gopalpur, upholding the lost glory of this pulsating port town is also an experience treasure. For more photos of Gopalpur click here Nearby attractions around Gopalpur on sea: There are some amazing attractions nearby Gopalpur, beckoning the tourists. One of the most famous spot of tourist interest is the Taptapani hot spring. You can make trip to this enthralling location, famed for hot spring gushing from the earth surface. Bathing in the hot spring is truly an enduring experience. Taptapani is located 67 km from Gopalpur and takes an hour to reach by road. You can also organize a day tour to the Tibetan refugee village of Chandragiri, located 36 km. south of Taptapani. Another major destination is the Chilka Lake, the backwater of Orissa, located at a distance of 68 km. from Gopalpur. You can also visit the nearby beach of Dhabaleshwar. Things to do in Gopalpur on sea: Take a stroll along the quaint beach of Gopalpur and the expansive stretch of cashew nut groves, enjoying the sight of the rolling waves kissing the beach. Savor the spectacular sunrise on the azure seawater. The sight of the truant crabs running to and fro is also enchanting. You can also buy some handicrafts and hand-woven saris from the destination. How to reach Gopalpur on sea: There are a number of options to reach Gopalpur. You can drive to the destination along the National Highway 5 from Berhampur or Brahmapur, which is located 16 km from Gopalpur. You can also board a train from Berhampur. The Bhubaneswar airport, located at a distance of 180 km. from Gopalpur-on-sea is the closest airport from Gopalpur. It takes one hour to reach Bhubaneswar from Kolkata by flight. Best time to visit Gopalpur on sea: The ideal time of visiting the location is monsoon, which initiates from mid-June to late August. Gopalpur buzz with tourists during this time. Lodging and dining facilities in Gopalpur on sea: There is an array of accommodation facilities in Gopalpur. Prior booking of hotels is required only during the high tourist season of November-January. However, the town remains idle for the rest of the year. Photographs by Debkinkar Baidya, Avik Chatterjee. BOOKING DETAILS OF...
Chandipur, Orissa – 265 kms from Kolkata...
Chandipur is an exquisite, secluded seaside retreat featuring a unique beach. This quaint sea resort is located in the Baleswar District of Orissa. You can experience a great weekend at this seaside resort on Bay of Bengal. BOOKING DETAILS OF CHANDIPUR Places to see in Chandipur: The major attraction of Chandipur is the beach itself. The beach is one of it kind for at the time of the ebb tide, the seawater recedes from 1 km. to 5 km. and it again returns during the high tide. This phenomenon takes place twice a day, which forms wide stretch of silvery sandy beach. This rare sight is truly an unforgettable experience, which you will treasure. You can also visit Balaramgadi to view the majestic sight of the confluence of river Budhabalang or Buribalam with the sea. At this place, the famous freedom fighter Bagha Jatin was martyred by the British. For more photos of Chandipur click here. Nearby attractions around Chandipur: You can enrich your trip to Chandipur further by making trips to some exotic nearby locations. A trip to Panchalingeswar (45 km. from Chandipur) is quite noteworthy. The place is known for its un-parallel scenic beauty and the shrine of lord Shiva. The religious tourists can make a tour to Remuna (25 km.), renowned for housing the temple of Khirachora Gopinath. A day trip to Nilagiri (40 km.), housing the Jagannath Temple is also quite rewarding. The place is also known for the Kuldiha Sanctuary. Travelling a distance of 5 km. from Nilagiri, you will reach Sajanagarh, famous for the shrine of Bhudara Chandi. Spanning an area of around 2750 sq. km., the wildlife sanctuary of Similipal is also worth visiting. Covered with emerald green forest the place is the haven of a number of wild animals and 230 species of birds. You can also pay a visit to Deokund to experience the enchanting sight of waterfalls and a Sakti shrine. The serene beach of Talsari, located 90 km. from Chandipur is also a hotspot of the tourists. Another major location is Bhitarkanika, the second largest Mangrove Forest Sanctuary across the country. Things to do in Chandipur: You can enjoy a stroll along the extensive sea beach, when the seawater recedes and vanishes beyond your eyesight. You can also hire a jeep and go for a ride on this wide beach. You can also enjoy a prolong sunbath on the sea beach. Drink plenty of green coconut water available at the sea beach. You will also find some shack in the area catering some best sweets of the region. Relish the different items of prawns at the seaside eateries. How to reach Chandipur: In order to reach Chandipur, first you need to travel up to Balasore or Baleswar, either by rail route or by roadway. Buses are available from Balasore running to Chandipur. The nearest railhead of Chandipur is Balasore, located 17 km away. Best time to visit Chandipur: Chandipur beckons tourists all round the year. Lodging and dining facilities in Chandipur: Chandipur offers an array of lodging facilities, ranging from expensive accommodation to budget hotels. Decent dining facilities are also available at the destination. Photographs by Debkinkar Baidya, Dipanjan Mitra. BOOKING DETAILS OF...
Digha, Midnapore – 185 kms from Kolkata...
Digha is the most sought after seaside weekend destination of West Bengal. Popular as a sea resort, it is located in the East Midnapur district at the border with Orissa. Digha has its own charm of being a seaside town for the last 50 or more years. It is dotted with hotels and resorts of every budget, restaurants and bars serving all sorts of cuisine and shacks along the beach selling everything that can be created from sea shells. BOOKING DETAILS OF DIGHA Places to see in Digha: The town of Digha is divided into Old Digha and New Digha. The beaches of Old Digha have all been submerged in the sea and the Govt. has protected the sea with boulders and concrete constructions. However, Old Digha offers a unique look, admired with huge stones and concrete steps. The beach of the recently developed area of New Digha just 2 km away has nice golden beaches. The beach of the New Digha is quite extensive and is still not exploited and maintained properly. The entire region of Digha is dotted with Casuarina groves. [AFG_gallery id=’72’] Nearby attractions around Digha: You can easily make a number of trips to the nearby destinations of Digha. Only 2 km. west of Digha is the pristine beach of Udaipur, along the border of Orissa and Bengal. Admired with Casuarina trees, the sight of the beach has some unique appeal to the tourists. You can also locate a delta nearby, which marks the confluence of the Subarnarekha River and Bay of Bengal. You can also make a trip to the famous temple of Lord Shiva in Chandaneswar, which is visited by millions of devotees during the Maha Vishuva Sankranti. Junput, Shankarpur, Mandarmuni and Tajpur are tourist hotspots, located near Digha. Another major tourist spot is Talsari, a delta on the Bay of Bengal, located at a distance of 6 km. from Digha. Things to do in Digha: Nothing can be more refreshing than enjoying a stroll along the scenic sea beach of this beach resort. You can also walk around the Casuarina plantation, stretching from Old Digha to New Digha. How to reach Digha: Digha is well connected by both roadway and railway with Kolkata. You can avail trains from both Howrah station and Satragachi railway station to reach Digha directly. Regular bus services to Digha are also available from Esplanade in central Kolkata and Howrah bus terminus. It takes about five hours to reach Digha by bus. Best time to visit Digha: Digha is suitable for visiting round the year. Lodging and dining facilities in Digha: There are plenty of hotels and tourist lodges in Digha. You can choose your accommodation according to your budget, as the place houses both cheaper and budget hotels and luxury lodging. You will also find a number of affordable eateries, locally called ‘’rice hotels’’ at Digha. Some decent restaurants are also found at the site. You can get vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian meals at the restaurant. Digha is the hub for fresh fishes. So you can relish some fresh catches like pomfret, prawn, parshe, hilsha etc. Photographs by Pratyush Sengupta. BOOKING DETAILS OF...
Shankarpur, Midnapore – 185 kms from Kolkata...
Aptly known as the Miami of Bengal, Shankarpur, shrouded with sheer tranquility is an ideal romantic escape from the bustling city life. It is a prominent beach town of West Bengal, where you can savor the spectacular sight of the pristine sea beach. You just cannot take your eyes away from the captivating scenic surrounding of the place. The beach of Shankarpur is also not very crowded and you can enjoy the view in seclusion. The beach is inhabited by a huge number of red crabs that run around the feet. The view of the beach on a moon lit night is truly mesmerizing. BOOK YOUR TRIP TO SHANKARPUR Places to see in Shankarpur: There are not many places to see in Shankarpur, hence, the sea is the prime attraction of the tourists visiting the place. The endless stretch of the sea beach with some muddy patches here and there offers a visual splendor. If you want to explore further, walk for around 45 minutes along the left side of the beach to reach another serene sea beach, popularly known as Mandarmuni. This beach is also quite deserted and is great for the honeymooners. There is also a fish breeding ground in Shankarpur managed by West Bengal Fisheries. Nearby attractions around Shankarpur: If you have some excess time, you can make a trip to Digha, located at a distance of only 14 km. from Shankarpur. Though, Digha has now become crowded, but the beach life is still exciting. You can also visit beach destinations like Mandarmuni, Tajpur, Udaipur and Talsharee within half an hour. Things to do in Shankarpur: You can enjoy a stroll along the sea beach of Shankarpur. If you are enough adventurous, take a dip in the sea, enjoying the rolling waves. You will also find some shops at the sea beach selling ornaments made from conch shells. Walk around the casuarinas groves admiring the sea beach. Enjoy drinking plenty of green coconut water sold in the small shacks near the seaside. How to reach Shankarpur: Shankarpur is located at a distance of around 185 km from Kolkata. There are plenty of options to reach the destination from Kolkata. You can avail buses to Digha from Esplanade bus stop of Kolkata. After reaching Choddomile by bus, you need to take a car or van rickshaw to reach Shankarpur. You can also get down at Rampur from where you will get local shared trekkers to Shankarpur. You can also ask your hotel to provide a pick up. However, instead of dropping anywhere in the niddle, you can travel straight to Digha Bus Stop, where cabs are available to Shankarpur. You can also board trains to Digha from Howrah station. There are a number of trains, including Kandari express, Tamralipta Express and Pahria express. From Digha bus stop you can hire a car to Shankarpur. Best time to visit Sankarpur: You can travel to Sankarpur any time of the year. Lodging and dining facilities in Shankarpur: You will find a number of tourist lodges, budget hotels and standard hotels at Shankarpur. There are also plans of developing resorts at the site. Shankarpur is a great place for having Bengali cuisines and seafood. Fresh catches like pomfret and prawns are found in plenty. BOOK YOUR TRIP TO...
Frazergunj, Sunderbans – 127 kms from Kolkata...
If you are looking for a serene holiday location to enjoy your lazy weekend, Frazergunj will be the ideal destination for you. Frazergunj is a part of a pristine white beach, stretching for 7 km located on one of the Ganges deltaic island admiring the south of Bengal. It is a pulsating fishing village adorned with muddy and undulating beach. Morover, Frazergunj is a prime hub of Pisiculture in the country. However, the scenic beauty of the region, situated at one corner of Sunderban is truly admirable. Frazergunj is also considered an ideal site for the avid bird watchers. BOOK YOUR TRIP TO FRAZERGUNJ Places to see in Frazergunj: The unexploited pristine beach of Frazergunj, renowned for its whitish silver sand is the major attraction of the tourists. The truant red crabs running to and fro, offer a grand sight at the beach. Beside this, you will find a number of windmills bodering the beach. Nearby attractions like Bakklhali, Jambudeep, Henry’s Island and temple of Banabibi, is located within a radius of about 5 km from Frazergunj. You can hire a cycle-van to Bakkhali, located around 3 km from Frazergunj. The crocodile-breeding centre of Bakkhali is worth visiting, which provides shelter to six crocodiles and a number of deer. The place is also inhabited by some stray groups of monkeys. If you move a little further along the coastline, you can locate a colossal deserted buoy. The beach of Bakkhali is bordered by casuarina groves, leading to the temple of Banabibi, a locally worshiped idol. Nearby attractions around Frazerganj: You can also enjoy a boatride to Jambudeep, a serene island, which is the refuge of the local fishermen. A trip to this place during monsoon is truly adventurous. Do not miss the spectacular sunrise behind the windmills. Henry’s Island which is around 20 mins from Frazerganj by Cycle Van Rickshaws is a newly developed tourist spot with a pristine beach bordered by mangroves. It has earned fame due to its good bird watching possibilities. Things to do in Frazergunj: Frazergunj is an ideal site for the avid bird watchers. You can see an array of colorful migratory birds, which include, gulls, terns, Chestnut-winged Cuckoo, Sea Eagles, Black-capped and Collared Kingfishers and Hobby. Take a stroll along the beach to the embankment, where you can pass quality time by sitting for hours, savoring the view of the fishing boats passing by. How to reach Frazergunj: You can avail the direct buses to Bakkhali that are available from Esplanade in Kolkata. From Bakkhali, you can reach Frazergunj by hiring a cycle van. Some tourists also hire cars directly from Kolkata to reach Frazergunj. If you prefer trains, then catch a train to Namkhana from Sealdah and cross the Hatania Doania River on a boat and take a bus from the other side of the river to reach Bakkhali. Best time to visit Frazergunj: The ideal time of visiting the destination is the period between July and March. Lodging and dining facilities in Frazergunj: The numbers of hotels are limited at Frazergunj. However, decent accommodation and dining facilities are offered by these hotels. You can also stay at nearby Bakkhali which has more accommodation options. BOOK YOUR TRIP TO...
Junput, Midnapore – 145 kms from Kolkata...
Shrouded with tranquility, Junput is an ideal holiday location for those who are looking for enjoying their holiday in isolation. The rhythmic sound of the sea waves along with the gentle blowing breeze will take away all your exhaustion within few seconds. The sea beach admired with casuarina groves offer a visual splendor to the tourists. BOOK YOUR TRIP TO JUNPUT Places to see in Junput: You will be amazed to see the converging point of Rasulpur and Ganga, where many tourist flock to savor the natural beauty of the place. The lighthouse is also worth watching. The place is also admired by a Kapalkundala temple and the museum of the fishery department. Nearby attractions in Junput: You can visit Digha, Mandarmuni, Tajpur and Talsharee within an hour’s drive from Junput. Things to do in Junput: Explore the serene sea beach of Junput. The sea of the region is quite and clam. How to reach Junput: The distance of Kolkata from Junput is 145 km. Drive along the route heading to Digha. From Kathi, Junput is just 9 km away. You can also opt for the railway route. Best time to visit Junput: There is no definite season of visiting Junput as tourists are found visiting the sea beach of Junput all through the year. Lodging and dining facilities in Junput: Nice accommodation facilities are offered by the resorts and hotels found in the area. The accommodation in Junput also provides decent dining facilities. BOOK YOUR TRIP TO...
Gahirmatha, Orissa – 305 kms from Kolkata...
Visit Gahirmatha also known as Gaharimatha if you want to see Olive Ridley Sea Turtles during your next weekend holiday. The Gahirmatha coast nestled in the Kendrapara district of Orissa will be your ideal destination because it is the world’s largest nesting beach of Olive Ridley Sea Turtles. Declared as a wildlife sanctuary of Orissa in 1979 and a world heritage site, Gahirmatha bears considerable significance on turtle conservation. BOOKING DETAILS OF GAHIRMATHA Places to see in Gahirmatha: The breathtaking view of the Gahirmatha Marine Wildlife Sanctuary, located on the converging point of the River Dharma and Bay of Bengal attracts nature loving tourists to see millions of turtle nesting here. You will become amazed to see the extensive area covered by the sanctuary, which comes near 1435 square kilometer. Watch the Olive Ridley Sea Turtles thriving at the marine sanctuary of Gaharimatha, a rare sight that you will treasure for years. You can also visit two other turtle nesting beaches located at the river mouth of Devi and Rushikulya. For more photos of Gahirmatha click here. Nearby attractions around Gahirmatha: While making a trip to Gahirmatha Turtle Sanctuary, you can also visit some notable spots of tourist interests, located nearby. The Temple of Lord Shiva built in the early 9th century in Dangmol is truly worth visiting. The Temple of Nahak Babu built with sandstone is also a prime attraction of the tourist. Some other spots of tourist attractions are Lailtgiri, Ratnagiri and Udaygiri Buddhist complex. You can also visit the Chandipur Beach located nearby. Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park is also located in near the Gaharimatha Turtle Sanctuary. It is recognized as the second largest Mangrove ecosystem across India, spanning an area of 672 sq. km. This mangrove forest offers shelter to more than 215 species of birds. The Bhitarkanika National Park has achieved the status of a “Crocodile Sanctuary,” as it houses the biggest population of salt-water crocodile in the country. This National Park is encircled by the Gahirmatha Beach in the eastward side. Things to do in Gahirmatha: Organize a tour to the marine turtle sanctuary at Gaharimata and watch the nesting beach of the turtles, without disturbing the creatures. Also visit the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, which offers true pleasure to the avid bird watchers. You will also be thrilled by the very sight of the mass of gigantic crocodiles at the location. How to reach Gahirmatha: The nearest airports of Gahirmatha are Bhubaneswar and Kolkata airports. The location is also accessible by waterways (Chandabali, Ragnagar and Gupti). You can also take trains from Howrah and reach Bhadrak, Balasore, Cuttack or Bhubaneswar, from where Gahirmatha is easily accessible. Gaharimatha is just 4 kms from Dangmol. The nearest railhead to Gahirmatha is Bhadrak, which is just 77 kms away. From Bhadrak, one can reserve a taxi or a jeep to Bhitarkanika Forest Reserve and hire a boat to reach Gahirmatha. Best time to visit Gahirmatha: The ideal time of visiting the Gahirmatha Sanctuary is the period between the months of October to February, when the turtle come to nest. Lodging and dining facilities in Gahirmatha: There are no such accommodation options at Gahirmatha but you have Govt. resthouses and private hotels in nearby towns. Photographs by Debkinkar Baidya. BOOKING DETAILS OF...
