If you love Sea, you will definitely love Bakkhali, chaotic but beautiful beach. Maybe half a day you will spend at the seashore. Being a very small place, you will have a few sightseeing options.

At a distance of approximately 130 kilometers, Bakkhali, the nearest beach of Kolkata, can be your next weekend destination. It is located in one of the deltaic islands of the Bay of Bengal. Being a part of the Sundarban forest, Bakkhali has unmatched beauty to offer, mostly during sunrise and sunset. Probably for the first time, you will see how the tide can change the sealine, during low tide the sealine move so far that you can literally walk for 30 minutes straight.

Henry Island

Henry island is half an hour far from Bakkhali. This place has some accommodation options too. Surrounding greeneries look very soothing from the watchtower. You can even walk for 15 minutes to reach Henry Island beach through the section of forests, as per local mangrove trees can be spotted during the walk. The beach feels abandoned and calm than the Bakkhali counterpart.

Jambu Dwip

If you love ferry ride and want to have some adrenalin rush in the middle of the bouncy ocean, visit Jambu Dwip.

Fraserganj

Fraserganj is famous for fishing, in the morning you can’t even stand long due to odd fish smell. This place has a major role in supplying fishes throughout the state. This locality also has few windmills which produce electricity.

Crocodile project

A part of the forest range is opened for the public to show few crocodiles.

Know more about Bakkhali here.

Accommodation:

There are plenty of options available for a comfortable and budget stay. Normally the hotel fare remains low than any other sea destination of Bengal, although you might have to bargain a lot in some cases. Our first recommendation will be WBTDC lodge, one of the best options in Bakkhali. Other good options can be Balaka lodge, Hotel Babylon, Hotel Amaravati, etc. You should check out our How a Hotel should be post to know must-have basic amenities and privacy checks.

Fooding

You will get Chinese, Mughlai and Bengali cuisine throughout the Bakkhali but the experience could be bitter. Few of the restaurants serve Bengali cuisine in the meal system, if you want to save more, you may try out there. Other and better option would be to dine in the Hotel you are staying, of course, few hotels serve good quality food but charge unreasonably sometimes. If you like crab don’t miss it here.

Transportation

Bakkhali is well connected by road and rail. Every hour or so you will get a train for Namkhana from Sealdah station which will take approx 3 hours then you can hire a local cab, motor van or bus to reach Bakkhali, another 30 to 40 minutes. By car, you can reach Bakkhali via Dimond Harbour and recently opened Hatania Doania Bridge. Even you have an option for bus services from Esplanade to reach Namkhana and then hire local transportation to reach Bakkhali. For local sightseeing, you may hire Toto (E-Rickshaw), Motor Van or small cab.

• Bus Timings – From Esplanade 06:30 AM, 7 AM, 07:30 AM (AC), 8 AM, 2 PM (Approx time 4:30 Hrs). From Bakkhali 1 PM, 2 PM, 06:30 PM. The fare is INR 93 for non-AC and INR 210 for AC.
• Train Timings – Train fare in INR 25.

Best time to Visit Bakkhali

You can visit the place whenever you want but during monsoon and winter, this place becomes so pleasant. Having a cup of tea/coffee in the rain and watching the sea is a fantastic combination, you will love it.

Nearby Places to Visit

You may like to add a few more days and visit nearby places like Mousuni Island and Ganga Sagar.

Suggested Itinerary

• Day 1 – Start around 5 Am from Kolkata and Reach Bakkhali by 10 to 11 AM. In the afternoon visit Henry Island.
• Day 2 – Visit Crocodile Project, Bonbibi Temple, Fraserganj & Jambu Dwip. Return to Kolkata.

Conclusion

Bakkhali is any day a good beach to refresh your mind in a low budget and short duration. We travel to places to get some peace or to find our inner soul. But here situations sometimes get chaotic which somehow defame this place. Spend some time on the beach out of all hustle.

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Puri is a popular city of Odisha state, famous for Sri Jagannath temple, and also as a beach destination of India. This is one of the most religious cities in the country and attracts a lot of crowd throughout the year. For a budget destination, puri is a good choice within all neighboring states. It has everything like lots of temples, some historical structures, beaches, Zoological gardens, lakes and many more.

I have been to Puri multiple times and gathered some information that may help you in your next trip.

Where to stay in Puri?

Accommodations in Puri is very affordable than most of the other cities in India. You will get your stay in almost any budget. Panthaniwas by OTDC, Puri Hotel, Victoria Club, Park resort are few of them known for good luxury and impressive sea view, whereas Hotel Sambit, Hotel Dolphin will be on a budget side with sea-facing rooms. There are other options like holiday homes and Bharat Sevashram. Holiday homes can be booked from different government organization’s employee recreation clubs.

I stayed at Netai Kunj a few years back, I must say the rooms were more luxurious than of Puri Hotel and the price was one-third. The only downside, it was 5 minutes’ walk to the seashore. We are in a process to collect enough Holiday Homes listed on our Recommended Hotel Details.

Sri Jagannath Temple

This is an important Hindu temple, dedicated to Sri Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu. A famous festival Ratha Yatra, every year took place here, where three gods (Jagannath, Balaram, and Subhadra) are pulled on Rath (decorated temple car), millions of people participate in the event. Unlike another god, these gods are made of wood and get replaced every twelve years with an exact replica. Other than the Hindu religion, no one is allowed inside the temple. But a small replica is built for those who cannot enter.

• Puja Timing: 6 AM to 1 PM and 4 PM to 9 PM.
• Bhog Timing: 12:30 PM and 8:30 PM.
• Flag down ceremony during Sunset.

The temple houses its own market to provide daily needs, wells to provide water, and the bhog (prasadam) preparation process is also different than any other temples. In a magical way, clay pots are placed in a special earthen oven, seven in numbers, one on top of another. Yet the one on the top is cooked first. This kitchen considered to be the world’s largest and biggest Kitchen. More than 5000 people get Bhog every day and in the festive season, the amounts get multiply many times.

There are a lot of believes exist,

1. You cannot hear sea roar from the very first step in the temple.
2. Nothing flies over the temple
3. Temple flag waves in the opposite direction of the wind. This flag gets replaced every day by a single boy (priest).
4. You cannot see the shadow of the temple.
5. The Chakra on top of the temple can be seen from any part of the city and always felt to face your side.

Konark Temple

Konark Sun Temple is famous for its architecture and history, located near Chandrabhaga Beach, approximately 35 KM from Puri. Although this temple was built to worship Surya god, due to the death of lead labor (who lead the other labor to built the temple) in this holy land even before the god established, worship never took place (as per local guide). Lots of men and women structure in the wall of the temple tells the story of that time. The Chakra works as a sundial and accurately tells time and other Chakras denotes the different phase of Life.

The temple was built in the shape of a temple car (Rath) and completely made of stones & metals (only in few joints). Locals say, there was a huge magnet on top of the temple which attracts other ships. The magnet got stolen by foreign bandits. Architect people will love this place and how the structure made is itself research. Archaeological Survey of India maintains this temple also UNESCO declared this as a world’s heritage site.

• Entry Fees: INR 40.
• Timing: 6 AM to 8 PM.

Dhaulagiri (Shanti Stupa)

This place symbolizes peace, even the name Shanti refers to peace. The main worship of god is Buddha here. It is located on an elevated hill, hence view from this place looks awesome.

• Entry Fees: Free.
• Timing: 6 AM to 6 PM.

There are lot more temples in Puri, even Sri Jagannath’s Masir Bari, Pisir Bari (Aunt’s House), Sri Gour Bihara, Lingaraj Temple, etc. You will needs at least two days to visit each popular temple in Puri.

Khandagiri and Udayagiri Caves

Udayagiri and Khandagiri are two adjacent hills, houses multiple caves, 18 and 15 respectively. Local says that Jain Sadhus used to live in these caves. Some believe these caves are partially made by human beings. In Udaya Giri, caves are pretty evident but in Khanda Giri those are rare. If you reach on top of both the places, the view will be great. Beware of monkeys, they run before foods especially peanuts and banana.

• Entry Fees: INR 15.
• Timing: 8 AM to 5 PM.

Chilka Lake

This is the largest coastal brackish water lagoon in India & Second in the World. Chilika lake spread over 1100 sq. kilometers. It hosts some rare species of birds, fauna and sea habitats. There are multiple entries points to the lake like Satapada, Rambha, Barkul, all have their own beauties. Who loves to explore more, can visit the islands. Mangalajodi is a place near Chilika is famous for bird lovers. Although out of all these places, a tourist coming from Puri in general enter from Satapada and take few hour-long boat ride to few islands and dolphin point. I had noticed a significant change in dolphin count a few years back.

• Entry Fees: Approx INR 200.
• Timing: 7:30 AM to 5 PM.
• Best Time to visit: 8 AM to 12 PM.
• Duration: Approx 2 to 3 hours.

Facts about Chilika Lake

1. Chilka is the largest brackish water lagoon of India, covers an area of 1165 sq.kms (rainy season) to 906 sq.kms (summer season).
2. About 1 million birds of 225 species come to Chilika in winter every year.
   The highest population of Irrawaddy dolphins (lagoon population) in the world, is seen in Chilika.
3. Chilika receives water from 52 rivers & rivulets and the Bay of Bengal.
4. This is a very shallow lagoon, the depth of water varies from 0.38 m to 6.2 m.
5. More than 267 species of fish, 29 species of shrimps & Prawns, and 35 species of crabs are seen in Chilika.

Nandankanan

Certainly, it is one of the biggest zoological parks in India, made inside a jungle. You have options for safari, botanical garden, boating, aquarium, rope-way, and whatnot. This zoo is also famous for its white tiger. If you want to explore, you may hire local guides as well for a nominal cost and yes, they are registered with a predefined fee. Below are a few useful links to collect info directly from the official website.

Oh! Importantly, you can buy tickets online @ https://www.nandankanan.org/tickets/

Other Important Links for Nandankanan

Tickets & Pricing: https://www.nandankanan.org/ticket.php
Zoo guide: https://www.nandankanan.org/zoo-guide.php
Zoo timings: https://www.nandankanan.org/visiting-hours.php
Nandakanan Special: https://www.nandankanan.org/nandankanan-special.php

Pro tips: Please don’t forget to capture beautiful animals and be disciplined with animals.

Raghurajpur, Pipli Village

This two village is popular for the artistic handicraft items, locals make. If you like anything to purchase from them as a gesture of kindness.

Fooding options in Puri

Food is something that should never be compromised on a trip. In Puri & Bhubaneswar, you will find good Chinese, Mughlai & Bengali foods. Although there are many good restaurants like Bhojohori Manna, Tandoori Bites, Made in China, etc to go for. But if you are on a tight budget try puri-sabji in breakfast and Bengali meal from local shops, they cost very less. In case you want to cook your own food, you have that provision too if you are staying at holiday homes.

Transportation for Local Sightseeing

Nearest railway station Puri will be in a 5-kilometer range from the furthest hotels and Biju Patnaik Airport is approx 50 kilometers away.

You have plenty of options for transit, Auto, cab, buses, etc. If you are alone or two, try OTDC bus day-tour which is budget-friendly and cover almost everything on the route. In case you are in a group of 4-8 people try cab rental but always remember to list all the spots you want to visit and finalize the rate.

Pro-tip, you can book an all-day-long tour at once to get a discount and finally do a bargain. Whatever you chose for day-long tours bus or cab, for half a day tour or temple visits book an auto to save some extra bucks.

Famous Things to buy in Puri

Orisha is famous for Sambalpuri & Kotki sarees, sticks, mats, Khaja, etc. There are many shops near the Swargodwar, do remember to check products thoroughly before purchase and bargaining is up to you. You may also visit government handicraft stalls to get something exclusive. If you love handicraft items, do visit artistic villages Pipli & Raghurajpur. Don’t forget to buy a small thing as a memento at least which will definitely help to rejoice old memories later on.

Suggested Itinerary (Cab/Auto):

• Day 1: Reach Puri in the morning, sea bath. Then visit local temples (preferably by Auto) except Jagannath Temple.
• Day 2: Visit the Sri Jagannath Temple early morning and later Chilka Lake.
• Day 3: Day-long tour (Dhaulagiri (Shanti Stupa)), Lingaraj Temple, Khandagiri, Udaygiri, Nandankanan and finally Konark Temple.
• Day 4: Visit Pipli & Raghurajpur village. Later local shopping.

Note: You can merge Day 4 with Day 3 in case you have less time in hand. But it will be a hectic day for sure. The above itinerary is not for Bus, cause they have their own package. Check below for more details.

Important Links for Official Sightseeing Packages

Orisha Tourism Dept. (OTDC): https://www.otdc.in/
OTDC Sightseeing Packages: https://www.panthanivas.com/tour/

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Visakhapatnam also know as Vizag always fascinates me by its dynamic offering, this place got almost everything, hills, caves, temples, sea beaches, and some finger-licking foods. Very few places in India could make someone experience sea and mountains on a single trip and Vizag is one of those rare places.

I have been to different places around Vizag at different times. First I heard about this place in my school life, we had an excursion there. Second during my Kolkata – Kanyakumari Ride, after that while returning back Kolkata from Bangalore last year (2017) and finally in 2019 during Durga Puja.

Although, I admit that I missed a couple of remarkable things there like Simhachalam Temple & Vizag – Araku train ride, but I am writing this to encourage everyone out there to have a visit at least once in a life.

Accommodation in Vizag

I would prefer to stay near/at RK Beach which ensures local sightseeing by walk and you can relax even on sea beaches. Balaji beach guest house and Beach lane holiday home will be my choice to stay in Vizag, first one is a budget accommodation @Rs. 1200/- approx and the second is more towards coziness & homely feeling @Rs. 2000/- (we had very good Bengali food here in 2016).

There are many budget hotels available near the railway station area but the beach will be a little far. Also, there are numerous holiday homes available from different banks or government offices.

Sightseeing

Visakhapatnam has numerous sightseeing spots and almost every place is either very scenic or informative. If you are planning to visit all the places minimum of three days will be needed to cover most of the places.

Kailashagiri

Probably, this one is the most famous point people consider visiting in Vizag. This park located at an elevated height of 173 meters, it also serves a magnificent view of Rishikonda Beach and part of Vizag city. The Shiva & Durga sculpture will definitely wonder everyone. For a 360 degree view, you can ride the toy train and ropeway at a very nominal cost. Even a few food stalls are available to have snacks or lunch.

• Entry Fees: INR 5, Ropeway INR 90, and Toy train INR 150.
• Timing: 6 AM to 7:30 PM.

Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha (Simhachalam) temple

Generally known as Simhachalam temple, is located 500 meters above the sea and approx. 20 Kilometers away from the main city. Don’t miss the bird’s eye view of the city from the top while visiting. Truly, despite my multiple visits to Vizag, I always missed this place due to some unavoidable reasons, but it will on top priority during my next visit.

As per local cab drivers, everyone needs to take a bus from downhill to reach the temple although not sure about reality.

• Special Darshan INR 100.

Ramakrishna Beach

Also popular as RK Beach, is one of the happening, clean and beautiful beaches in India. This place becomes the main attraction of the city in the evening. All the tourists enjoy seating here & soaking good vibes. Whatever a tourist need, this place gets everything food joints, souvenir shops, attraction points, etc. Few major attractions of Vizag like INS Kurusura, Matsyadarshini, Vishaka Aircraft museum, and memorials are located here, within a kilometer or so.

Please keep in mind sea-bathing in RK Beach is prohibited by local authorities so please abide by the rules.

Vuda Park

VUDA is something you will see at every corner of the city, it abbreviates as Visakhapatnam Urban Development Authority. This park, on the seashore, is a gift for all tourists and localities. Children can have their fun and others can see the sea waves, within 5-10 minutes’ walk, you can reach a lighthouse. Just climb it and amaze yourself, beware of local drinkers.

• Entry Fees: INR 20 (9 AM to 2 PM) & INR 60 (2 PM to 8:30PM).
• Timing: 9 AM to 8:30 PM.

Rishikonda Beach

This beach is for someone who loves sea bathing. There are stalls to have food, beverages, or even ornaments. Selfie lovers can click some cool pictures too. Within 10 Kilometers from RK. Beach, this beach feels good too in the evening, much less crowded, will make happy those who love to spend quality time. Even you can take shower for INR 5 after sea-bath.

INS Kurusura

If you want to watch real submarine and that too served nation for 31 years, also participated in India – Pakistan war (1971), visit this place. I believe our visit pays our gratitude towards Marine, especially this submarine. Separate tickets are available for entry, videography, etc. You will definitely leave this place with more knowledge.

• Entry Fees: Adult INR 40 & Child INR 20.
• Timing: Tuesday to Saturday 2 PM to 8:30 PM, Sunday 10 AM to 12:30 PM & 2 PM to 8:30 PM and Monday closed.
• Still camera INR 50 & Video camera INR 200.

Visakha Aircraft (TU 142) Museum

This museum is for Aircraft, the same as above, this is a must-visit point. An audio guide is available at the entrance and the whole museum is well marked to give knowledge of how aircraft ecosystem works. In addition to the knowledge, you can witness real TU 142 aircraft here.

• Entry Fees: Adult INR 70 & Child INR 40.
• Timing: Monday to Saturday 2 PM to 8:30 PM and Sunday 10 AM to 12:30 PM & 2 PM to 8:30 PM.

Matsyadarshini

If you love marine life, this place is for you. A lot of marine species are demonstrated here, all alive. Tickets needed for entry and photography.

• Entry Fees: Adult INR 30 & Child INR 20.
• Timing: 9 AM to 9 PM.
• Still camera INR 20 and Video camera INR 50.

You may check out the video below.

Play Video

Fish Harbour

I never visited this place, although some people said, it is a place for fish lovers. Fact is the majority of fish we see in any market, ships from Visakhapatnam, probably from this harbour.

Visakha Museum

This place showcases many Naval types of equipment for general knowledge, some kids may get inspired to join the Navy in the future.

• Entry Fees: Adult INR 10 & Child INR 5.
• Timing: Monday to Thursday 11 AM to 7 PM, Weekend 12 PM to 8 PM and Friday closed.

Yarada Beach

Yarada Beach is also a famous beach in Visakhapatnam, rather I should say this is the most beautiful beach there. Almost at a distance of 23 kilometers from the Vizag this place is one of the must-visit spot.

Dolphin Nose Light House

I personally missed this place numerous times but last year (2019) when I visited the place I understood the significance of this place in the Vizag tour. One the place where you can see the entire Vizag sea and the Bay of Bengal from an elevated platform. The seawater looks bluer and a lot beautiful.

• Entry Fees: Adult INR 10 & Child INR 3, Still Camera INR 20 & Video Camera INR 25.
• Timing: 3 pM to 5 PM.

Tribe Museum, Araku Valley

Araku is approx. 120 kilometers from Vizag at an average elevation of 1000 meters and on the way you can see a lot of places like Galikonda View Point, Katiki falls, Borra caves. I visited Araku more than a decade ago, still, I can rejoice those memories. This place is not for visiting tourist attractions although we got a tribal museum there which demonstrates tribal life, rather relaxing.

• Entry Fees: Adult INR 40 & Child INR 20.
• Timing: 9 AM to 7 PM.

I did not get a chance to visit Galikonda View Point & Katiki falls due to road construction but definitely will go on the next visit.

While Araku valley offers you relaxing weather, the other side Borra cave will feel you wonder.

Borra Cave

One of the largest caves in India and deepest too. It is made of Karstic Limestone and located at an average elevation of 700 meters. You have to pay for entry tickets as well as photography devices. You can check biological and geological environment details here. Peoples say there are approx 440 steps, you need to climb down to explore the cave. The inside temperature of the cave is always less than outside. The formations look more attractive with the RGB lighting, fitted by APTDC.

Try to explore the cave completely and witness one of the millions of wonders of nature. For heart patients, think before you move down because you have to climb while returning and the last piece of advice would be to watch before the rush, most of the surface may feel slippery.

• Entry Fees: Adult INR 60 & Child INR 45.
• Timing: 10 AM to 5 PM.
• Mobile camera INR 25, Still camera INR 100 & Video camera INR 100.

Also, don’t forget to visit Ramanaidu Studio, Bheemli Beach. There are few more places I never been to but others recommend visiting like Simhachalam, Ketaki Falls, and Indira Gandhi National Zoological Park, etc.

• Zoological Park Entry Fees: Adult INR 20 & Child INR 10. Tuesday to Sunday 9 AM to 5 PM and Monday closed.
• Ramanaidu Studio Entry Fees: Adult INR 50 and Child INR 25. Camera INR 60.

Fooding Option

Although you will get all types of cuisine here. I would recommend trying South Indian food, those are cheap and tastes good too. Try filter coffee, Dosa, and Idli. If you don’t like these, move out a little bit you will find Puri-Sabji, Momos or bread toasts, etc. Those who love Bengali food may taste at Sonar Bangla and other restaurants. If you love Mughlai or tandoori dish, try Hotel Kamat.

If you are non-vegetarian and love chicken, don’t forget to order Bamboo Chicken before entering Borra cave, they will take 50% as advance and serve you once back. I am damn sure, everyone will love it.

Best time to visit Visakhapatnam

Vizag remains pleasant to moderate throughout the year. But I would always recommend visiting after the monsoon, these time greenery will be more and the waterfall will have plenty of flow too. Generally, you will feel the heat in the daytime and a pleasant cold at night. December-January will be very cold at Araku and inside borra cave especially but overall feel better.

Transportation for sightseeing

If you are in the budget, reserve an auto for day sightseeing else hotel guys can help to book a cab for you. For Araku sightseeing, you can take a train which routes many tunnels and jungle. Visit Borra Cave and board into the reserved car to Araku and return the next day by car (few people find it more convenient due to the onwards journey schedule from Vizag). Always research before you book transport and justify the rates.

Suggested Itineraries

• Day 1: Reach Vizag, explore RK Beach, and visit Matsyadarshini, INS Kurusura, TU 142 Aircraft museum near the beach in the evening.
• Day 2: Reserve your cab/auto for the day, places to cover Simhachalam Temple,  Indira Gandhi National Zoological Park, Kailasagiri, Rishikonda Beach, Visakha museum.
• Day 3: Take train/cab to Araku, on the way Borra cave.
• Day 4: Visit Tribal museum, Araku. Start towards Vizag on the way visit Kataki falls, Galikonda View Point. If you reach early you may plan for Dolphin nose, Harbour, Yarada beach, few more places.
• Day 5: Leisure day.

You can modify according to your taste and requirement.

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Mandarmani is famous for calm surroundings and different water sports also. One of the pleasant beaches in West Bengal. Once upon a time, we were allowed to take our own vehicle to the beach itself but due to some stupid people who used to race on the beach, beachside drive/ride is completely banned now.

If you want to spend some quality time with your inner soul or with dearest ones, Mandarmani is certainly one of the best beaches in West Bengal. A small detour of approx 9 KM from Chawlkhola (public transport is easily available) will take you straight to Mandarmani beach. Many options are available for stay, almost in every budget. Check out our Digha post to get direction to reach Chawlkhola and public transport options from Kolkata are also discussed. 

Although we are working to get some hotel details in every budget, we will try to publish in our Recommended Hotel Details section. Also, Check our generic guide Hotel Booking Tips to get better rooms.

Fooding is completely individuals choice, in case you are fond of fish, there are lots of stalls selling different tastes of fish items, just check whether those are fresh. Few more nearby beaches:

• Digha
• Chandpur
• Shankarpur
• Tajpur
• Bankiput
• Junput

An update and more detailing to this post are due for our next Mandarmani visit.

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Digha is one of the most famous sea beaches in West Bengal. It is approximately 190 KM from Kolkata and very well connected by road and train also. By your own vehicle or public/government bus, you can easily be there in 4 Hours. This can be your next weekend trip if you not been to Digha else you can rejoice the old memories. In fact, some people consider Digha as “Goa of West Bengal”. But I doubt, every place has its own charm, we can not compare them at all.

How to Reach Digha?

FIrstly, Start early around 04:30 AM from Kolkata in your own vehicle or 11:45 PM (previous day) by Bus from Esplanade. In 1.5 hours you will reach Kolaghat, where everybody stops here for quick bite and rest. There are multiple restaurants, find a suitable one for you based on your companion. Trust me, they all almost taste the same, few exceptions like Sher-E-Punjab, etc but again they are quite expensive too.

Continue your journey towards Nandakumar, a good four-lane highway is a treat to ride or drive. Sadly, after Nandakumar, it is a single lane road to Digha and beyond. Be aware, people and local transports are quite careless on the road. You can stretch yourself and reach Digha, or take a 15 min tea break in Contai, depends on you.

Accommodation:

Nowadays, Digha is oversaturated with hotels of almost every budget, although few hotels restrict single person check-in. If you can walk a bit to the sea or have your own vehicle I will suggest staying in New Digha near Amravati park, quite a nice ambiance, hotels are decent & pocket-friendly too. Otherwise, Old Digha has Seahawk, Saikatabas, etc. Nowadays, New Digha got more tourists than the OLD Digha but spending an evening in OLD Digha Beach road feels always good, try to be there till late evening and refresh yourself.

We have listed a few good accommodations in our Recommended Hotel Details. Also, check out our Hotel Booking Tips to get better rooms.

Fooding:

Fooding is completely individuals choice, if you are fond of fish, there are lots of stalls selling fried & tandoori fish, just check whether those are fresh or not.

Sightseeing around Digha:

Chandaneswar Temple:

A temple of Lord Shiva. Keep leather items in the vehicle, those are not allowed inside the temple.

Talsari:

Talsari is also a very beautiful place for nature lovers, soak into the beauty for hours. In the afternoon, cool breezes will relax you. Lots of red crabs, you can run behind them.

Udaipur Beach:

Udaipur beach now looks like Goa, people drink beer and all. But just get aside and feel the nature. Sea is a bit calm here, not roaring like Digha. If you love nature and want to spend some time with yourself, walk the beach route towards Digha (Approx 1.5 KM). During sunset, this middle point looks divine, you can defenitely connect with yourself.

Note: Be careful, as this route will be empty and dark.

Mohona:

Passing through new Digha Gate, surrounding greeneries, you can reach Mohona in less than 30 minutes. A variety of fishes is available here at cheaper rates. Go straight to the end, spend some time to observe the beauty of the place. Lastly, Sunrise from this place looks awesome.

Also, you can enjoy the Rope-way ride, Marine Aquarium, Zoological Survey of India.

Also, there are multiple shops to buy souvenirs, key-rings, handicraft items, pearls jewelry and Saankh, you may get these items really cheap based on your bargaining skill.

Additionally, few more nearby beaches:

• Mandarmani
• Chandpur
• Shankarpur
• Tajpur
• Bankiput
• Junput

Transportation:

There are electric rickshaws, motor vans, Mahindra maximos and cars for local sightseeing, choose as per your budget above are few nearby places.

We have been in Digha a couple of times via different modes of transport (Car, Motorcycle, Bus, train). But I suggest taking your own vehicle to Digha else via Government bus (Bus fare: NON-AC: 145-155 & AC: 300-330). The train is also a very good option but you will reach almost around 10:30 – 11:00 AM which I personally don’t like.

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Similarly, You can check out about other Sea Beaches in India here.

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