🐚 Digha Travel Guide: Your Perfect Coastal Getaway in West Bengal
Meta Title: Explore Digha – Beaches, Travel Tips, Attractions, and More
Meta Description: Explore Digha, West Bengal’s beloved beach town. Discover top beaches, seafood delights, tourist spots, and travel tips in this detailed travel guide to Digha.
🌊 Introduction: Why Visit Digha?
Located in the East Midnapore district of West Bengal, Digha is more than just a beach town. It’s where urban stress meets coastal calm. Known as the “Brighton of the East” since British times, Digha blends sun, sea, spirituality, and science in one scenic package.
What makes Digha special is its versatility—ideal for a romantic couple’s getaway, a fun group trip, or a quiet family vacation.
🗺️ Historical Background of Digha
Digha’s history as a tourist spot began during British rule, originally named Beerkul. In the 18th century, an Englishman named John Frank Snaith promoted it as a seaside resort. Post-independence, West Bengal’s first Chief Minister, Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, developed it into a tourist destination.
🚗 How to Reach Digha (Updated Info)
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Train: Daily trains from Kolkata (Howrah & Santragachi) like Duronto Express, Kandari Express, Tamluk Digha Local, and Paharia Express.
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Bus: Regular AC/non-AC buses from Esplanade (Kolkata). Takes about 5-6 hours.
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Car/Taxi: A scenic road trip of approx. 4.5 hours from Kolkata via Kolaghat, Mecheda, and Contai.
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Nearest Airport: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata (approx. 190 km).
🏖️ Top Attractions in and around Digha
🏝️ 1. New Digha Beach
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Family-friendly, cleaner than Old Digha
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Water sports like speed boats, banana rides
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Food stalls, shopping kiosks, and benches
🪨 2. Old Digha Beach
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Rocky shoreline; great for sunrise/sunset
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Fish markets, souvenir stalls, and photography
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Recently renovated with wide promenades
🦑 3. Marine Aquarium and Regional Centre (MARC)
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Largest in India with over 100 marine species
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Free entry, educational for kids
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Open: 9 AM to 6 PM, Closed on Mondays
🧘♀️ 4. Chandaneswar Temple
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8 km from Digha, on Odisha border
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500-year-old Shiva temple
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Major attraction during the Charak Mela (March-April)
🌴 5. Udaipur Beach
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Calm, less commercialized
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Surrounded by casuarina trees and sand dunes
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Horse rides, ATV rides available
🦀 6. Talsari Beach
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Unique red crabs on sand
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Shallow backwaters, perfect for a tranquil walk
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Boats available to cross backwaters during high tide
🥘 Food Guide: What & Where to Eat in Digha
Must-Try Dishes:
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Fish Fry (Bhetki, Pomfret)
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Prawn Malai Curry
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Crab Masala
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Egg/Chicken Roll (Kolkata style)
Recommended Restaurants:
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Hotel Sea Hawk Restaurant (Bengali cuisine)
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Purbasha Restaurant (local thalis)
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Wow! Momo & Domino’s in New Digha (for fast food lovers)
🛍️ Local Shopping Spots
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Old Digha Market – Seashell crafts, handwoven mats, coconut products
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New Digha Market Complex – Toys, wooden handicrafts, beachwear
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Dried Fish Market – Authentic for spice-lovers, good as souvenirs (well packed)
🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Recommendations
| Category | Hotels & Resorts |
|---|---|
| Luxury | Cygnett Inn, Hotel Coral, Park Prime |
| Mid-Budget | Sea Hawk, Hotel Sneha Clarks Inn |
| Budget | Hotel Dolphin, Priyadarshini Guest House |
Tips: Choose New Digha if you want cleaner beaches and newer hotels. Old Digha is more lively and budget-friendly.
🎉 Festivals & Events
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Charak Mela (April) – Held near Chandaneswar temple; a mix of spiritual and folk celebrations
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Beach Festival (December-January) – Cultural programs, art stalls, folk dances organized by local tourism
🧭 Nearby Attractions (1–2 Hour Drives)
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Mandarmani – 30 km; known for its long motorable beach and luxury resorts
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Shankarpur – Quiet beach village with fishing harbor
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Junput – Perfect for a day trip; lighthouse, casuarina forests, and marine farms
📌 Practical Tips
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Avoid peak summer (April–June) due to extreme heat.
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Carry mosquito repellents and basic medicines.
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Respect local customs around temples and coastal conservation.
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Nightlife is limited – it’s a place for relaxation, not party scenes.
🧳 What to Pack
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Cotton clothes, swimwear, hat, and flip-flops
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Power bank and flashlight (frequent power cuts during monsoon)
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Raincoat or umbrella (June to September)
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Camera/binoculars for beach birdwatching
📅 Best Time to Visit
| Season | Weather | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| October–March | Cool & Pleasant | Best for beach walks, festivals |
| April–June | Hot & Humid | Avoid unless staying in AC resort |
| July–Sept | Rainy | Greenery, rough seas, low crowds |
🌞 Final Thoughts
Digha is where the salty sea breeze calms your soul, and the sound of waves becomes a lullaby. With its laid-back charm, family-friendly vibes, and scenic beauty, Digha continues to be Bengal’s favorite beach escape.
Whether you’re sipping on coconut water while watching the waves or exploring hidden shores nearby, a trip to Digha always promises refreshment and nostalgia.
So next time you feel like escaping the city chaos—head towards Digha. The beach is calling, and you must go!