The Ultimate Bakkhali Guide: Top Places You Need To Visit For A Quick Getaway

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Enveloped in the chaos of West Bengal and yet a world in itself, Bakkhali is a small, serene beach town located on the West Bengal coast. If you wish to have the perfect beach weekend getaway that doesn't include ear-throbbing music or alcohol-heavy evenings, Bakkhali is the place to be. Beach walks, wind farms, boat rides, islands, and cycle rides are to be found around town. 

How to Reach: Bakkhali is 125 kilometres away by road from the Joka tram terminus at the south-western edge of Kolkata. The 130 km stretch from Kona expressway to Bakkhali has been marked as National Highway (NH) 12. Alternatively, Bakkhali-bound buses are available at Esplanade. If you wish to travel by train, the nearest rail station is at Namkhana. There are regular trains from Sealdah via Lakshmikantapur and Kakdwip to Namkhana. The journey takes around 3 hours.

Best Time to Visit: Between the months of October and March.

Henry’s Island

Henry's Island is a serene island near the village of Bakkhali. This place is particularly known for its tranquillity, its virgin beach, and the crabs that thrive on it, which attract many tourists. You can opt to stay in the cottages, resorts or one of the three guest houses, all of which are comfortable and offer local food items. Water babies can take a dip in the sea with striking golden sand. You can also enjoy bird watching and find a variety of birds like Gadwall, Eurasian Wigeon, Kingfisher and Red Knot. To enter Henry Island, one has to pay INR 10 for each ticket. You may notice that fish and prawns are being farmed on both sides of the road. If you don’t feel like walking, then take a toto from the toto stand and easily move around.

Jambu Dweep

Another very tranquil spot in Bakkhali is Jambu Dweep. It is an independent island, 8 km off the main coast of Bakhhali Beach. It is uninhabitable and shockingly submerges in water for some months of the year. The beach is a famous fishing spot and is known for the pure drinking water found there. From Bakkhali, you can take a trip to Jambu Dweep by a fishermen's boat.

Frasergunj Wind Park

Frasergunj Wind Park and its nearby area are famous because of its rich history. It was home to Lord Fraser, a British official who resided in this area. He was mesmerised by the natural beauty of the place and decided to build it up. However, the construction was never completed, owing to the sea. One can still find the ruins of his home here, with many wind mines erected in the area, making the place look surreal during windy evenings, particularly during monsoon. Ideally, you should take the road from Bakkhali to directly reach Frasergunj Wind Park.

Bakkhali Sea Beach

Perhaps known as the highlight of the entirety of Bakkhali, the Bakkhali Sea beach is located on the most deltaic island of southern Bengal. It is a crescent-shaped beach, stretching 8 kilometres starting from Bakkhali to Frasergunj. It makes up for one of the most beautiful sunset spots in all of Bengal and is a go-to spot for picnics and leisure walks. The Bishhalakshmi temple is located at the end of the Bakkhali beach. Nearby hotels include Tapama Resort and Hotel Amarnath.

Bishhalakshmi Temple

Bishhalakshmi Temple is an immensely loved Hindu temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Bishalakshmi, an incarnation of the Hindu goddess Lakshmi. Known for its spiritual vibes, serene atmosphere, and beautiful architecture, it is definitely a must-visit. A quiet walk on the beach, followed by prayer services at the temple, can make for a perfectly well-spent evening.