DighaWhat Brighton is to England – Digha is to Bengal

Digha – The Brighton of the East

Once upon a time, Digha was called ‘Brighton of the East’. Some websites still flaunts that tag. There was a time when the hard & flat beach at Digha stretched for miles & the salt wind soughed among the casuarinas. About 200 kms from Kolkata, on the shores of Bay of Bengal. Miles & miles of secluded Sea & rolling Beach’s, it’s fringed by casuarinas & eucalyptus trees. Lovers & Honeymooner’s playground. Far away from the madding crowd. Virgin & uncluttered.

On the long walk to the mohona, one would come across beached boats, fishing nets & occasional giant turtles. Over 200 yards of the water-front are now encased in concrete & tone, to prevent further erosion by the sea. Lining the stone embankments are rows of food stalls & sovereign shops.

Once upon a time, it was derigueur to shoot almost all romantic Bengali films in this grove. There are now two beaches at Digha, Old & New. The waters at these beaches can be very choppy at times, specially during the rainy season. Every second house in Digha is a hotel or a lodge, catering to the budget as well as the fussy travellers.

Mandarmani is one of Bengal’s recently developed tourist destination that lies close to ever-popular Digha and Shankarpur. With sun and surf, pristine sea beach and untrammelled silt coloured sand, this beach is slowly becoming popular among the tourists.

Mandarmani boasts of a 13 km long motorable beach, probably the longest motorable beach road in India. On the beach you will undoubtedly get the chance to feel the divinity and tranquility. If that is not enough to please your senses, then try to loll on the sand and listen to the waves crashing upon the shore, which will surely drive away your bustling pressure.

As an added attraction; this is the only place in eastern India where one can enjoy many beach adventure activities like ATV Rides, Water Scooter, Para Gliding, Speed Boats & local motorised Cycle Van cruise on the beach. Also try the freshly caught shrimps & crabs, fried to perfection with a glass of beer on the many make-shift shacks that dot the beach while the waves laps at your feet & the breeze plays with your hair. A perfect destination for some sun-bathing.

Then there is the secrets of the sea in Shankarpur. There is something about the silence of the seclude shore that revives memories of innocence lost, or of a secret that one was privileged to learn & cherish as a giggly child.

Tajpur – The Hidden Beach Gem of West Bengal

Tajpur is one of the most peaceful and offbeat beach destinations in West Bengal, located between Mandarmoni and Shankarpur along the Bay of Bengal. Known for its red crab beaches, tranquil surroundings and casuarina tree-lined coastline, Tajpur offers a perfect weekend getaway for couples, families and nature lovers.

Unlike crowded commercial beaches, Tajpur retains its untouched charm and serene ambiance. Visitors can enjoy long beach walks, sunrise views over the Bay of Bengal, and various water sports activities such as ATV rides, speed boating and beach adventure games.

Nearby attractions include Mandarmoni Beach, Shankarpur fishing harbour, Mohona (where rivers meet the sea), Gadiara (confluence of three rivers), Marine Aquarium & Research Centre in Digha and the Science Centre. The calm environment, fresh seafood and eco-friendly resorts make Tajpur an emerging favorite coastal destination in East India.

Near by coastal town of Digha, Mandarmoni, and Tajpur

At a Short Distance

Puri (abode of the Lord of the Universe) • Konark (Sun temple & Erotic sculptures) • Simlipal (Tiger Reserve) • Bhubaneswar, Udaigiri, Khandagiri & Ratnagiri • Nandan Kanan (Animal kingdom) • Chandipur • Gopalpur (a sea to walk on) • Chilika Lagoon (River dolphins & Migratory birds) • Gahirmatha (UNESCO World Heritage Site) • Bhitarkanika (Crocodiles) & more…