During the Easters of 2018, we finally decided to go on a weekend trip. The seven of us decided on exploring islands across the southern parts of Bengal. The one we chose was Bakhali Beach.
All About Bakhali Island and Bakhali Beach
Bakhali, a small Island in South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal bulges out in the great Bay of Bengal. It is known for its mesmerizing views of both sunrises and sunsets and is also very less crowded, especially on off seasons.
We also visited another island called Henry Island. It takes about thirty to fourty minutes to reach the island from Bakhali beach on a Toto ( an auto sized car which runs on electricity). The road to Henry Island is an adventure in itself.
In order to reach the Island, we have to go through a village which offers a sight of very beautifully made mud huts, which otherwise can't be seen in a concrete jungle. The toto only goes upto a certain point to the Bakhali beach because of the dense mangrove forest which stretches from the main road to the beach, which is why a bridge, entirely made of bamboos runs through the forest.
On reaching the Bakhali beach, we are welcomed by a very strange yet scenic arcade of trees which kind of reminds me of the wardrobe that leads to Narnia.
On the whole, a short weekend trip to this mostly unexplored part of Southern Bengal is the best way to spend your weekend with your loved ones and to reboot yourself from the daily humdrum.
One more reason to visit Bakhali is that it is totally budget friendly. For three days and two nights, we only spent about 2,500 rupees each.
PS. Do not forget to try out the amazing sea food sold on the shore in the evening. Also, if you're looking for a fulfilling lunch/dinner, visit Maa Shardamayi Hotel near the bus stand for the best Fish Thali.
Here's our itinerary:
• Local train (Namkhana Local) from Jadavpur Railway Station ( or from Sealdah itself) to Namkhana Railway Station. [4 a.m]
• Loading Rickshaw to Hatania-Doania river.
• A boat to cross the river.
• Loading rickshaw to reach the Bus Stop.
• Bus to Bakhali beach. [11.30 a.m]
On reaching Bakhali, we had some light breakfast before looking for a cheap hotel.
Being an upcoming tourist destination, there are a lot of affordable hotels nearby so we checked into a hotel which was nearer to the beach.
We freshened up and went for a swim.
After getting enough tanned, we came back to the hotel and set out for lunch.
We walked around the beach for a while and hogged on some delicious sea food in the stalls which were put up on the shore in the evening.
•Reserved toto to Henry Island.
We spent only about 2 hours in the island.
•A quick stop at the watch tower on our way back which gives the stunning overview of the island.
•Spent the evening at the Bakhali beach.
•A morning stroll to the beach.
•A quick visit to the zoo after checking out from the hotel.
• Boarded the bus around 11 am.
