Mousuni Island is comparatively a newer and slightly offbeat weekend destination from Kolkata, although it is gaining popularity quite rapidly. The nature of the Bay of Bengal at Mousuni Island is different than even its closest destination, Bakkhali, more calm and narrow. On a full moon, the sea looks very beautiful.

In this Mousuni Island Tour Guide, we will discuss Mousuni Island Hotels, Transportation options, the best time to visit the place, etc, so that you can easily plan a weekend trip from Kolkata. Also, there are a few tips at the end to make your experience better.

Being a remote island, this place offers a lot of greenery, less pollution, and a different flavor altogether. If you are tired of your regular hustle-bustle and want a very quick relaxation before joining work on Monday, just visit Mousuni Island on a Saturday, spend a night, and gather much-needed power rest to fuel another month or so.

How to Reach Mousuni Island

Mousuni Island is not that far from Kolkata, just 120 km. But there is no direct transport available from Kolkata, you have to break your journey several times before reaching Mousuni Island, and due to that fact, the traveling time is comparatively much longer, approx 5-6 hours. You have two options to start from Kolkata, either by Bus or Train.

• By Bus: You can board Kolkata to Bakkhali Govt. Bus and get down at 10 Mile Bazaar. From there, take an e-rickshaw (Toto) to Putibunia Ghat. Then take a ferry to cross the river, and after that take another e-rickshaw (Toto) to reach Baliara (main spot).
• By Train: Take Sealdah – Namkhana Local and from Namkhana Station, you can reserve an e-rickshaw, Maruti van, motor van, or Maximo (depending upon your group size) for either Putibunia Ghat or Hujjuter Ghat. Then take a ferry to cross the river and take another e-rickshaw (Toto) to reach Baliara (main spot).

Namkhana Station

Hatania-Doania Bridge

Hujjuter Ferry Ghat

Ferry at Hujjuter Ghat

General Transportation Fare

• Kolkata to Namkhana train fare is Rs. 25/- per head.
• Kolkata to Bakkhali Bus Fare Rs. 105/- (non-AC) and Rs. 240/- (AC) per head.
• Namkhana Station to Patibunia/Hujjuter Ghat Rs. 40 to 60 per head, depending on your bargaining skill and season.
• 10-mile bazaar to Putibunia Ghat costs Rs. 15/- in an e-rickshaw or motor van.
• Hujjuter Ghat and Putibunia Ghat ferry costs Rs. 3/- and Rs. 5/- respectively. The ferry service will be available from 6 AM to 8:30 PM every 45 minutes. The express ferry is also available for Rs 10/-; it won’t wait that long.
• The E-rickshaw fare from Kusumtala Ghat (opposite of Hujjeter Ghat) and Saltlake Ghat (opposite of Patibuni Ghat) costs Rs. 35/- and 25/- respectively.

You can also visit Mousuni Island directly via motorcycle; you need to pay Rs. 60 to cross the river along with the motorcycle. Don’t worry the ferry guy will help you to transfer the motorcycle. I am planning to go there again on my motorcycle very soon.

In case you are planning a road trip to Mousuni Island by car, you have the option to safely park the car near Hujjuter Ghat, although I have no idea how much you need to pay for parking.

Accommodation in Mousuni Island

Due to government restrictions, building hotels is not allowed on Mosuni Island; hence, you can stay in either tents or mud houses. Any adventure seekers would love to stay in these seaside camps. Approximately, double stay tents, four-bedded tents, and Mud-house Rs. 900, Rs. 1000, and Rs. 1200 respectively (per head cost including food). But during peak season (December to February), they charge higher.

I have personally stayed at the Prantik Camp, as one of my relatives suggested. But that place was okayish, especially compared with other camps in terms of decoration and service. Although they told us, recent Amphan Cyclone did heavy damage to their camp, and before the season starts, they will decorate their camp too. But I must say the toilets and kitchen were very clean.

Apparently, Baliara Beach Tent, Backpacker’s Camp, Nil Nirjone, Jolphoring Beach Camp, and Baluka Bela are better, as I have seen many good reviews in multiple Facebook groups.

As per the COVID guidelines are concerned camp guys sanitized our tents and used masks all the time. As per them government has instructed to have a maximum of 30 guests at a time.

Family and Duo Camp

Inside Mudhouse, Prantik Camp

Toilet at Prantik Camp

Fooding in Mousuni Island

Food is included within accommodation, so don’t worry about paying extra. Generally, they serve food four times as follows

• Welcome Drinks: Coconut Water/lemon water
• Lunch: Rice, Dal, Alu Bhaja, Sabji, Fish/Egg curry
• Evening Snacks: Tea and Pakoda (Onion/Cauliflower)
• Dinner: Roti/Rice, Chicken Curry
• Breakfast: Tea, Puri, Sabji, and Boiled Egg

You can also have a barbecue in the evening for an additional cost. Generally, they will charge you Rs. 250-350 per kg of chicken, including salad.

Things to do in Mousuni Island

Frankly, Mousuni Island does not have any places to roam around except the seashore. This place is solely known for relaxation, spending time with oneself, friends, or family. You can watch the sunset from the camp or walk the beach, take a boat ride, or plan a Bar-B-Que evening with music. The night sky and full moon look great here. 

While returning from Mousing Island, you may consider visiting Bakkhali (approx 25 km) or Gangasagar (approx 72 km).

Sunset in Mousuni Island Beach

Mousuni Island Beach

Best Time to Visit

Mousuni Island is best visited in winter, but being very close to Kolkata, people now visit the place throughout the year. As I always said, if you love greenery and want to witness a different sea, you must visit in the monsoon too.

This place is just to get relaxation from the regular busy life, so you can visit any time whenever you feel saturated.

Tips

• Being a remote place, local tends to charge you extra for everything like packaged drinking water, snacks, cigarettes, liquor, etc. If possible, carry as much as possible.
• Always bargain in e-rickshaws and camps to get better rates.
• If you are not visiting  Mousuni Island during peak season, deciding your stay on spot will be a better idea, as you can choose as per your need. But if you are late and have not booked any camp, you may miss lunch.
• Airtel and Jio performed good, but still, every camp has Wi-Fi. You just need to ask for it.
• I have not noticed any ATM there, so carrying cash could be a good idea. Although most of the camps accept online payments through GPay, Phonepe, etc.
• There is no attached toilet available for the obvious reasons, but the shared toilets are clean enough. Generally, they allow large groups to have a separate toilet, just ask for it.

Conclusion

Mousuni Island is definitely a worth visiting weekend destination from Kolkata, provided you are ready for an approx 5 hours long journey (one side). If you like city life or a little bit congested places, then you may feel a little bored. Otherwise, someone who loves nature or spending time with him/herself will revisit again and again.

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Tell me

Have you ever visited Mousuni Island yet? If yes, how was your experience? What did you like the most?

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