In a state filled with natural beauty - from mangrove forests in the South to the Himalayas in the North, West Bengal offers truly scenic destinations for tourists. Needless to say, the beaches of Bengal are absolutely stunning!
All the things that make a beach amazing are dependent on the type of traveler. Some prefer calm shorelines, others prefer to indulge in water activities. You could spend the weekend walking on the beach or involved in some water sports activities, there’s something special for every type of traveler.
In this article, you will look at the best beaches around Kolkata.
Sounds exciting? Well, we’ve also picked out some of the best things to do and see near the beaches.
So, let’s hit the sand, dude!
Here’s a list of the most serene beaches near Kolkata for all your water babies.
Mandarmani Beach
Pick your perfect paradise on one of the best beaches near Kolkata, Mandarmani! Not only is the spectacular coastline an incredibly photogenic spot, but it also offers water sports activities to add to your beach day itinerary. This spacious beach features fine sand and gentle waves, pretty resorts, and a spectrum of water sports to satisfy the adrenaline junkie in you. Thrilling water sports like jet skiing, banana boat rides, and parasailing, have made this beach a favorite among the local crowd.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss a Sunrise here!
Best Time to Visit: October- March
Major attractions: Beach walk, parasailing
Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 days
How To Reach:
Air: One can take a flight to Kolkata and then cover the rest of the journey in a cab.
Railway: The nearest railway station is Digha from there you will get local transport to reach the beach.
Road: From Kolkata, one can reach Mandarmani beach by road in 5-6 hours. One can take a direct bus from the Esplanade bus Terminus (Kolkata) to Digha and then cover the rest of the distance in local transport.
Distance: 172 Km from Kolkata
Stay Options: Viceroy Beach and Spa Resort, The Candlewood Park Beach Resort & Spa, Grand Beach Resort
Sagar Beach
Gangasagar (Sagar beach) is amongst the most visited beaches near Kolkata. This island has something for each type of traveler, be it a nature lover or any person. Thousands of religious people visit the famous Gangasagar mela every year. It boasts of silver un-spoilt beaches under clear blue skies, located on an island in Sundarbans.
Best Time to Visit: October-January
Major Attractions: Attend Gangasagar Mela, Beach walking
How To Reach:
Air: One can take a flight to Kolkata and then reach Kakdwip in a cab. From there, take a ferry to reach the place.
Train: The nearest railway station is Howrah. From there, you can take a cab to Kakdwip, then a ferry to reach the beach.
Road: From Kolkata, one can reach Sagar Beach by road in 3-4 hours. You can also take a bus from the Esplanade Bus terminus (Kolkata) and reach Kakdwip and cover the rest of the journey on a ferry.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 days
Distance: 124 Km from Kolkata
Stay Options: Tasher Ghor, The Tent House
Tajpur Beach
Tajpur beach is amongst the most fascinating beaches near Kolkata for one day picnic. It boasts of white-sand shores and picturesque sea views. It features less populated shores, calm sea water, and the best sea view. Ideal for day trips, one can choose to take leisurely strolls, indulge in local excursions, and relish scenic sunsets. Dare I say it’s one of the most romantic beaches in the state?
Best Time To Visit Tajpur beach: October-February
Major Attractions: Beach walk
Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 days
How To Reach:
Air: One can take a flight to Kolkata and then cover the rest of the journey in a cab.
Train: The nearest railway station is Digha or Kanthi PH. You can then take any local transport to reach the beach.
Road: Tajpur beach can be reached from Kolkata by road in 5-6 hours. One can take a bus from Esplanade bus terminus (Kolkata) to Digha bus stand and then cover the rest of the journey in local transport.
Distance: 175 km from Kolkata
Stay Options: Tajpur Residency, Palki Beach Resort, Hotel Nest Shankarpur
Digha
A local favorite beach that offers a picturesque sea view with beautiful homestays, hotels, and beach-front rented villas – Digha Beach is the most popular beach in close vicinity to Kolkata. The white sand of this beloved shore evokes old-world charm. You’ll find every amenity imaginable here, so take advantage of the plethora of activities and spend an awesome day by the ocean. This famous “crab masala” in the nearby shacks on this Beach is one you should absolutely check out.
Best Time to Visit Digha Beach: October-February
Major Attractions: Beach walk, Marine life explorations
Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 days
How To Reach:
Air: One can take a flight to Kolkata and then cover the rest of the journey in a cab.
Train: One can reach Howrah railway station and then take a train to Digha railway station.
Road: Digha beach can be reached from Kolkata by road in 5-6 hours. One can also take the bus from the esplanade bus stand (Kolkata) to the Digha bus stop.
Distance: 183 km from Kolkata
Stay Options: Abhyagama Hotel, Cygnett Inn Sea View, Hotel Ridley International.
Bakkhali Beach
If you are planning a tranquil holiday with your loved ones, then Bakkhali Beach is a must-stopover. This is amongst the most crowded beaches along the coastline of West Bengal. Against the beautiful backdrop of stunning waters and gushing sounds of waves along the coast, one can enjoy a chill day by the beach and spend the afternoon walking, swimming, and sunbathing. You’re bound to have a good time here, whether you’re visiting with friends or family.
Best Time To Visit Bakkhali Beach: October-March.
Things To Do In Bakkhali Beach: Island hopping, eating at nearby shacks, Beach walking.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 days
How To Reach:
Air: One can take a flight to Kolkata and then cover the rest of the journey in a cab.
Train: There are no direct trains to Bakkhali. You can take a train to Namkhana station from Sealdah, then take a ferry to get to the beach.
Road: One can reach Bakkhali beach from Kolkata by road in 4-5 hours. There are also direct buses from the esplanade bus stand (Kolkata) to the Bakkhali bus stand.
Distance: 130 Km from Kolkata
Stay Options: The Dolphin Camp, Sea Horse.
There are some places that excite you, and others that inspire you- So, add these amazing beaches to your list, and spend a splendid holiday experiencing the magic of these stunning destinations.
We hope to see you soon on these sandy shores, enjoying your perfect weekend getaway.
You may also like to read: miramar beach, best restaurants in Kolkata
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