Digha, West Bengal: The Ultimate Guide To This Coastal Resort Town

Digha, once known as Beerkul during the period of Lord Hastings, was under British regime in the late 18th century. It is referred to as the "Brighton of the East" in one of Lord Hastings' (1780 AD) letters to his wife.

Also in 1923, an English traveller, John Frank Smith, was enchanted by Digha's beauty and decided to reside here. His works about Digha progressively brought attention to this location. Following independence, he encouraged West Bengal's chief minister then, Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, to expand Digha as a coastal resort.

This seaside resort town also offers panoramic view of sunrise and twilight, enough to calm your nerves and give you Instaworthy pictures and cherish worthy memories. Off an artist's easel, the sunrises and sunsets that shimmer off the Bay of Bengal's salty waters are breathtaking. At Digha, the water is calm and shallow for a mile or more off the coast, making it ideal for swimming.

The sea at Digha begins around one mile away from the beach institute. The wonderful attractiveness of this setting is both charming and alluring. The seashore is lined with casuarina plantations, which add to the appeal of the area. These plants help to lower the attrition on the dunes in addition to making the sands more beautiful.

The distance between the beach and Digha Station is roughly 3 kilometres. The beach is a little tough to get to but is really large and enjoyable. Numerous shacks are available for rent, where you may sit and take in the view of the ocean. They will even put chairs and tables right next to the surf. With cold beer and fried seafood platters, you may take in the views of the ocean.

Take part in activities such as banana boat rides and speed boat rides. Children can ride horses, toy vehicles, and make sandcastles. Even better, you may rent two-wheelers and ride them around the beach or to a location called Mohona. 

LBB Tip: It is advised not to visit the beach after sunset as it is closed after.

Shankarpur has a great concrete beach with beautiful tamarisk trees. There are magnificent sea creatures dotting the beach—including shankar fish, dolphins, whales, and sharks. Here, the Bay of Bengal has the appearance of a beachside film. The weather is romantic. 

A hidden gem for anyone looking for a peaceful beach experience away from the bustle of more well-known locations. Not many people are aware of it because it's quite a distance from the main town. There’s also one lovely watch tower with props to look over the sharks and dolphins on the beach. 

LBB Tip: Shankarpur beach has somewhat higher tides, making it unsuitable for swimming and bathing.

It is known for its natural beauty and is one of India's least-explored beaches, making it ideal for people seeking peace and quiet. The beach's golden sands, interspersed with tall palm trees and unusual sand dunes, add to its picturesque beauty. The name "Talasari" is derived from "Tala" (palm) and "Sari" (row), referring to the palm-lined seashore that runs along the coastline. The beach is flanked by the Subarnarekha River, which accentuates its natural beauty as it flows into the Bay of Bengal.

It has quiet, shallow waters that are perfect for a leisurely dip. Visitors frequently enjoy seeing red crabs scuttling down the shore. One can get an idea of the traditional way of life of the coastal residents by visiting the adjacent fishing village. In the area, fresh seafood—especially crabs and prawns—is a must try. 

Pro Tip: If you are looking to laze around at the beach with a few books, here's a guide that can help you pick your next best read! 

One of the lesser-known spots along the Bay of Bengal's shore is Chandipur Beach. Since the beach offers both a breathtaking view of the sea and emerald-coloured water, it is frequently considered the ideal place to dignify your chill. Due to some erosion on the banks and a recession caused by the sea's water, the beach is completely different from other beaches in the region. It is home to the Indian Army's Integrated Test Range. The ITR has launched a variety of missiles here, including ballistic Akash, Shaurya, Agni, and Prithvi missiles. It is also known as the "Magic Hide And Seek Beach" due to its low tides. 

LBB Tip: The fishing market and village of Mirzapur, which is situated at the confluence of the Budhabalanga River, is home to horseshoe crabs.

The marine aquarium and regional centre are must-see attractions for all Digha tourists. The aquarium has three types of animals: species with high conservation significance, species that are regarded as "local and fascinating," and freshwater animals. You'll need at least two hours to explore MARC, which contains eight freshwater tanks in addition to 24 enormous marine tanks. Among the more common marine life species that can be observed here are the horseshoe crab, rays, sea snakes, butterflyfish, and sea anemones.

Featuring galleries, 3D theatres, sound and light shows, and more. If you're travelling with kids, this is a terrific vacation that the entire family can enjoy together. The scientific centre offers a variety of fun activities, including workshops on coastal water pollution, a scientific quiz, a science fair, a nature study on butterflies, a yoga day, and much more. 

Timing: 8 AM - 8 PM

Price: INR 20 - INR 25

With its lush green meadows, picturesque lake, and flowering plants, Amarabati Park provides a peaceful retreat from the bustle and activity of the coastal neighbourhood. One of the elements that draws the most interest and attention here is the lake. Paddling a boat is an option for exploring the park. You may also get a bird's-eye perspective of the entire area by riding the ropeway inside the park.

Timing: 7 AM - 5:30 PM

Price: Entry fee is INR 5 for children, cable car is INR 40 for adults and INR 25 for children, while boating will cost you INR 60 for 25 minutes (4 people per boat).

The rich vegetation and soothing creeks provide a serene respite from the everyday grind, and the natural beauty is just spectacular. With spotless walkways and well-planned boat tours that take you far into the mangroves, the refuge is kept up nicely. It is being developed by the Odisha Forest Sector Development Programme to help with mangrove forest regeneration, conservation, and preservation. Inside the Bichitrapur Mangrove Sanctuary is a nature camp and resort.

The Digha gate will be the first thing that catches your eye when you arrive in Digha by car. The Digha gate is distinct from all other city entrances. From the exterior, the gate seems like a fishing boat because of its shape. It was created as a tribute to the town's fishermen, who are the most important part of its economy.

LBB tip: October to March is the best time to explore Bichitrapur Mangrove Sanctuary.

The mouthwatering scents emanating from neighbourhood restaurants invite you to savour the deep flavours of Bengali food as you meander along the shore. Digha provides a fantastic variety of dining experiences to suit every taste, from busy coastal cafes to intimate family-run restaurants. 

LBB Tip: Savour meals like kosha mangsho and machher malaikari to experience the true cuisine of Bengal. For foodies, Digha's seafood, which includes freshly caught fish, prawns, crabs, and lobster, is indispensable. Don't pass up the delicious fish fries and shrimp cocktails offered by the neighbourhood street food vendors. Bengali dishes like mishti doi, sandesh, and roshogolla are a great way to finish your meals.

The location is close to Amrabati Park and next to the Bhorpet Resort. We ordered their famous Maharaja Thali, which they mention as a special thali, along with katla kalia and crab masala. The food representation and taste were both extraordinary. The atmosphere is lovely, and if you’re looking for some fresh fish to devour, this is your place. The cost of each pomfret was INR 350. The katla kalia weighed 180 pounds and contained two enormous pieces of fish. They serve the food on traditional brass plates or kashar thala, and banana leaf. For more information, you can check the website.

Timing:  11 AM - 11 PM

Price:  INR 200 onwards

The value for money is what we love about this place. The taste and portions served are excellent. Don't use the atmosphere to evaluate the meal. Above all, the food and service are excellent. Mochar ghonto, bhetki paturi, prawn malaikari, and khichuri (khichdi) are must-try dishes. And if you want to keep your taste buds simple, try aloo posto, jhurjhure aloo bhaja, rice, and daal.

Timing: 8 AM - 11 PM

Price:  INR 200 onwards

Situated in the winding streets of Barrister Colony, old Digha, this location is frequently hidden from view. It is clean and properly air-conditioned. As a prawn enthusiast, I personally suggest that you try prawn malaikari and rui macher kalia to satisfy your need. I also like the chicken cutlet and fish fingers. Given the quantity and calibre of the food, even the pricing is fair.

Timing: 8 AM - 10 PM

Price: INR 400 onwards

Digha has a wonderful amount of options for a comfortable stay in this beachside town. We have curated a few well-liked choices that you should definitely consider on your trip to Digha!

This is a cosy lodging with amenities including a multi-cuisine restaurant and a swimming pool. Everything will exceed your expectations. From the excellent room service to the high-quality meals and a simple booking process. They even accommodate your requests if you have any, which is a thoughtful touch. This is an excellent spot for a family vacation. 

Check out the official website for more.

Contact:  9051139666, 9051178444 or booking@hotelcoraldigha.com

Another seaside establishment that is well-known for its tidy accommodations and welcoming personnel is Hotel Dolphin. They are a budget-friendly hotel and are known for their reasonably priced, tasty dinner. The sea is only a short walk away from the hotel. Cottages provide separate air-conditioned bedrooms with their own bathrooms, as well as an air-conditioned living and eating space. The room service is complimentary. 

Contact: 090512 11000

LBB Tip: You can make reservations and know more here. 

The Hotel Seagull provides reasonably priced accommodations close to Digha Beach with basic amenities. With 60 sea-facing rooms, both air-conditioned and not, another highlight of the hotel is its rooftop swimming pool and seating space in its own garden. The hotel includes its own restaurant and parking space. Hotel Seagull's dynamic workforce constantly provides excellent hospitality to its valued guests.

Contact: 083369 16860

The tranquil atmosphere and its close proximity to New Digha Beach are well known. A wonderful option for tourists looking for a star hotel in Digha. The hotel's regular check-in and check-out times are 2:00 PM and 12:00 PM, respectively. It is a residence that is ideal for couples.

Contact:  +919230517366 or bookingreservation@avrhotels.in

The property is located near the beach and features a rooftop swimming pool with a bar. The staff is friendly and courteous. The breakfast buffet offers a diverse selection of items. It's a gorgeous building with exquisite details and architecture. 

Contact: +91-8595450450, +91-8595192192 or visit www.cygnetthotels.com

By train: In only four to five hours, you can take an express train from Howrah railway station to Digha station. Local trains leave from the Santragachi railway station.

By bus: You can arrive at the bus stop on Esplanade. Digha has a large number of WBSTC/SBSTC/private AC/non-AC buses available on a daily basis. Duration is approximately 5-6 hours.

By car: You can choose a private or hired car as a road trip is always fun!

By bike: A bike excursion from Howrah to Digha can be really thrilling.