A popular tourist destination in West Bengal, Diamond Harbour is located on the Hooghly River’s eastern banks. I recently visited this town of the South 24 Parganas district to attend a programme but managed to squeeze in time to see the ruins of Diamond Harbour Fort.
Diamond Harbour Fort
Diamond Harbour Fort is another name for the Chingrikhali Fort. It is more popular as Purano Kella, though. Locals simply refer to it as “Kella.” The fort was reportedly built by Portuguese pirates during 1600s.
The uncomfortable path that took us to the Purano Kella or Diamond Harbour Fort ruins
However, getting there was no less of a journey of adventure. There isn’t really a road per se. From our hotel, Sagarika Tourist Lodge, we took a Toto E Rickshaw, which dropped us in front of a field, popular as a picnic spot. After purchasing our tickets (price: ten rupees), we continued on to look for the fort. We passed the last shop in the area and the field, but we were unable to locate a path that would take us to the fort’s ruins. The shopkeeper led the way by saying, “This is the road only.”
After crossing a muddy, dusty trail, bent and twisted trees, and other obstacles, we finally arrived at our destination.
Wrong footwear
We were thrilled when we eventually arrived in front of the ruins, but I had problems because I was wearing improper footwear. Muddy water separated the fort’s ruins from the dry land. While others who were wearing shoes braved the muddy path and ascended the fort’s ruins with ease, I had to take off my sandals to do the same.
Other Attractions
There is a field where you can enjoy and have fun with your family and friends, as was already described. The field, known as “Kellar Maath,” is a popular picnic area. For your picnic, you can reserve a Deluxe Bungalow (Rs 3,000), VIP Tent (Rs 1000), Semi VIP Tent (Rs 500), or a Regular Tent (Rs 250).
Another attraction is Nolen Gur. Nolen Gur means ‘new jaggery’. There are quite a few shops selling the same.
How we reached Diamond Harbour
We boarded the Diamond Harbour Local train from Sealdah station. It took around one and a half hours to reach Diamond Harbour station.