Have you ever heard the name of Mousuni Island? We guess, many of you don't. in a tropical paradise like India, we often tend to overlook islands and are attracted more to the inland or the beaches along the coastline and often rush for the already popular destinations. But do you think about the less travelled paths and find the hidden gems of the world? The pollution is increasing so we need to find for the offbeat places to stay away from the polluted world.
Mousuni Island is one such example of Virgin Islands that is unknown to most people. This unexplored piece of land of the Sundarban Delta lies hidden in Namkhana district of West Bengal can be one of your favorite weekend destinations. Mousuni island would be the perfect mix of peace and solitude, sunsets and sand beaches with the confluence of the Bay of Bengal and the river.
Origin of the name Mousuni
Mousuni island got its name since the days of the British rule when it was used for transportation of dry fish and salt. 'Mousuni' takes its name after the Bengali terms "mosh ani" that means bringing the buffaloes. While the British came to this land for inspection, they didn't find anybody inhabiting there except a group of people who came there daily. When they were asked the reason of going there every day, they replied, 'mosh ani', that is, they bring buffaloes there every day to feed them. Hence goes the name "Mousuni". Agriculture and fishing lie as the mainstay of the people here.
Location
Mousuni Island is located at the confluence (mohana) near Sagardeep towards the bottom of the state of west Bengal. The land here seems to be ending and gradually crawling into the deeper sea waters. The island is open on three sides ajar to the sea. You feel the essence of the silent river Ganga as well as the turbulence of the Bay of Bengal.
The sufferings of Mousuni
Mousuni is as beautiful as other serene islands of India, but climate has hit hard on it several times. Climatic changes have shaken the lives of the people living here. But the region has fought back and has developed with a rapid growth in population. Tourism is flourishing here but there are no luxury hotels or resorts, the people here have strived to make your stay comfortable in mud huts and tents. Energy services lack here and they depend on solar electricity. On top of that, the global climatic changes have brought unpredictable rainfall, rising sea levels, extreme weather conditions and coastal erosions that has increased the difficulties of the people there more and more.
Where should you stay
Faraway form the urban sophisticated lifestyle, Mousuni Island is closer to nature so you can lead a simple holiday in a tent or a cottage without television, ACs and geysers. Alifiia tents are clean and have four clean common toilets; we provide you fresh bed sheets, clean pillows and warm blankets, to give you an overall feel of coming back to your home. With a comfortable bedding, you get the essence of forest aura, rural life surrounding you, seashores and the music of the waves coming to and fro. You can fulfil your dream of sleeping under the moonlit sky and watching the stars which seems next to impossible in the urban cities.
Alifiia owns property in Mousuni Island and have their wide bunch of tents, an amalgamation of purity and solace. We try to blend an enjoyable stay with the pure natural environment in three categories of tent bookings:
Things to do in Mousuni island
There is a lot to do in Mousuni island besides beholding nature's beauty at the shores. You can explore much by roaming through the villages there and meet the local people for a heart to heart conversation. Kakramarir Chor is the ideal abode for the bird watchers where you can watch several colourful bird species, you must carry a pair of binoculars.
You can enjoy the boat rides and enjoy the view of the confluence of the river and the sea. You can also please yourselves by the heavenly views of the magical sunrise or sunset at the beach for a mesmerizing experience while strolling around the beach.
You can also relax in a hammock on the beach and simply enjoy the riverine landscape with a cup of tea or coffee or read a novel, with calmness and peace of mind. Or you can simply walk along the beach early morning or an evening walk to feel the cool breezes and the smooth waves stroking and soothing your feet.
You can explore the simple life of the villagers, listen to the folklores of the fishermen colonies, make new friends and listen to the wonderful stories and experiences shared by them about the life in Mousuni. You can also go for fishing or play games with the local children.
Beach cycling and volleyball can be a real treat to your tired souls jammed in the materialistic trap of the city life. Campfires and barbeques are an essential part to fulfil your Wishlist in the things-to-do in Mousuni Island.
All these and a lot of others to do, Alifiia brings to you the perfect outing with friends, family or your loved ones in Mousuni Island- the magical weekend getaway for tranquillity.
A helping hand to Mousuni island
Want to help these people and save Mousuni Island to survive as one of the exotic islands in India?
You don't have to donate money or arrange for a relief fund, just give the island a visit. Spend a day or two there and it would help them a lot and the indigenous people would get immense help from your small trip on Mousuni island. This simple but sweet tourism spot needs your helping hand.
Alifiia forms an integral part of tourism in Mousuni island and always focuses on helping the inhabitants there and in the development of this beautiful island. We employ only the local people there for all areas of service for manpower and we also look into the fact for women empowerment. Your little step can bring a hell lot of difference in the livelihood of the people there and improve their lives.
You can also join in the initiative with us to educate the local kids and sponsor their education. You can also donate your books to the local schools. There are very less schools in this area so we have an upcoming project to set up a school for the local children and help them grow.
Best season to visit Mousuni Island
The best time to visit Mousuni Island is during November-March. Winters and spring are the ideal time to enjoy the shores and experience a peace of mind, much away from the chaos of city life.
You can visit at any time of the year but hot and humid summers might be more of a burning session than holidaying because of its proximity to the beach. Monsoons are a bit risky due to the high alert near the sea and the thunderstorms.
Easy reach to Mousuni Island from Kolkata
You need to reach Namkhana by local train or bus, take a toto for Namkhana Bus stand. Then you need to take a Toto for Baghdanga Ghat or Hujjat Ferry Ghat. The Hujjat Ferry Ghat is itself a beautiful place to visit, surrounded by mangrove forests so you can walk around the place and meet the local people there, get to know their lifestyle.
You need to cross the Chinai River by boat and reach Mousuni Island, the much awaited destination.
