DIGHA - A WEEKEND RETREAT
DIGHA, a popular weekend getaway located 185 km from Kolkata, is one of the oldest developed sea beach tourist destinations of West Bengal.
A large ‘Digha Gate’ or ‘Gateway of Digha’ welcomes visitors as they are about to enter the town on National Highway 116B. Sea beach is the primary attraction of visitors here, where they spend time strolling across the beaches, admiring the gentle of waves of the sea, taking sun bath or venturing into the sea for a dip. Casuarina plantations all along the beach add artistic beauty to the surroundings. Watching sunrise and sunset are also pleasant experiences here.
Other than the sea, there are several things to see – from temples, marine life, fishing harbor, science centre, Odisha border, kaju garden to nearby beaches. Fish lovers can enjoy their favourite variety as also take home sea fish from the harbor market at much lower costs.
This town has extended to new Digha over the years as a result of higher tourist influx, thus making the destination too crowded. While this has taken away the charm of holidaying in seclusion and calmness, too much of commercialization denies you of virgin nature. Thus those looking for a desolate and tranquil environment should avoid Digha in favour of other beaches within an hour’s drive from here like Junput, Mandarmani, Shankarpur or Talasari.
HOW TO REACH
Digha can be easily reached from Kolkata by train and road. There are express and local trains from Howrah that reach this beach town. Superfast expresses take about 3.5 hours to complete the journey.
On the other hand, there are several long distance bus services from different areas of Kolkata, which would cover the distance in 4 hours. Alternatively, people can also travel this 185 km in their own vehicles.
Number of Days - Two Nights Best Time - September To March
PLACES TO VISIT