Digha - A Complete Tour Guide
Digha is a great destination to enjoy a weekend if either Friday or Monday is a holiday or if a political party decides to go on vacation at the close of the week or the start of the week. Many Kolkatans consider Digha their "second home"; hence it's the destination of choice when taking a weekend trip.
For anyone in Kolkata and its environs looking for a fun weekend trip, the first destination that comes to their mind is Digha. In 2008, Digha has voted the best place to visit in the Eastern region. Thus, it has some of the best hotels in Digha. From Kolkata, the trip to Digha takes up to four hours. Digha is where you must go to give your family a perfect beach experience.
This beach in West Bengal, India, is one of the most popular in India. Due to its close vicinity to Old Digha, a new location known as "New Digha" has been increasingly popular with tourists in recent years (it is located only 2 kilometres away). You will find several well-known new Digha hotels here.
This beach has been present for quite some time; in fact, it was first discovered by then-Governor of Bengal Warren Hastings during the reign of British India. In the Bengal Gazette of 1780, a village named Beerkul was noted to exist in what is now Digha, which was then a part of the Medinipur District. After India's independence in 1947, Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy, then the chief minister of West Bengal, helped get development underway.
Digha's Attractions
The Center for the Rehabilitation and Study of Marine Mammals
One of the best places to visit is MARC, the Marine Aquarium and Research Center. Having opened to the public on February 4, 2003, it is the largest marine aquarium in the United States. The aquarium features twenty-four different-sized marine tanks and eight smaller freshwater tanks.
The Shiva Temples
Approximately 8 kilometres from Digha, you'll find a century-old temple. The border between the states of Bengal and Orissa runs right across the vicinity of this temple. It is the best place close to Digha to get some mental and spiritual energy back.
The Coast of Udaipur
If you're searching for a tranquil spot to soak up some rays and unwind, Udaypur beach is a great starting point for trips into the neighbouring Casuarina jungle. You can hail a taxi from the Old Digha Stand to Udaypur Beach to get the best feel of Digha Samudra.
Other Attractions in Digha
Shopping
Digha is well-known for its seashell jewellery and other adornments that you can easily buy on your stay in any Digha hotel near the sea beach. You can get something for next to nothing if you're good at haggling.
Several markets, like BatTola Market, Khanika Market, Nehru Market, etc., can be found in Old Digha, making it a fantastic site for shopping. Since the price of cashew nuts in this city is about the same as in Kolkata, it would not be wise to buy them here. Be aware of the fast-talking hawkers selling pearls on the Digha coast.
Aquatic Events
Water skiing, snorkelling, parasailing, and many other beach activities are available, although they can be costly. Volleyball, kabaddi, cricket, and football may all be played for free on Digha's 23-kilometre-long beach. Exciting times can be had by all when riding horses on the beach.
Others
After a long voyage at sea, your stomach is sure to be rumbling like a rat, and Digha is famous for its abundance of delectable seafood. It follows that there are many opportunities to indulge your Gastro Instinct. Local fishermen sell their catch of the day at bargain prices from stalls they set up on the beach first thing in the morning.
Alternatively, you can find cheap fish in the Mohona neighbourhood fish market. On the other hand, you should get all the things you need for the beach the moment you wake up. Morning beachgoers will also find vendors offering palm juice and date juice (Khejur Rosh). Take your loved ones on Digha's newest tourist attraction, a ride on the ropeway or a cable car.
Brief Overview of Digha Hotels
Except during peak travel times, booking a room at a Digha hotel is simple. There is a great variety of hotels to choose from in the city of Digha. If you're willing to be flexible with your travel dates and can go during the week, you can negotiate a new Digha hotel at a low price. If you are trying to save money, Old Digha is highly recommended over New Digha.
A typical 4-night, 5-day journey to Digha will set you back at least Rs.3000 (approximately $55). It is aligned with what one would expect to pay at a beach hotel. In this scenario, if three people stay in a hotel for one night, the per-person cost comes to about 1,000 INR.
How to Go
Via Bus
Digha is easily accessible by bus from Kolkata's Esplanade, departing at various times throughout the morning. The distance from Digha to Kolkata is about 190 kilometres. A trip to Digha via bus from Kolkata takes about four to five hours. Digha may be reached from Kolkata by the West Bengal State Road Transport Corporation (WBSRTC) and a few private travel options. The Old Digha market is located close to the Digha bus station.
Via Air
The closest major airport to Digha is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata.
Via Railways
Three trains depart daily from Howrah for Digha, with a fourth, special train leaving early on Saturday morning. Remember that the station is between New Digha and Old Digha.
DIGHA, on the Bay of Bengal, is famous for its stunning beaches. For those who seek out stunning scenery, this beach is a must-visit. It's great to be by the ocean, where life is calm. Digha, a city on India's eastern coast, known for its flat, hard beaches, is a favourite vacation spot. At seven kilometres in length, Digha is a playground par excellence. Digha beach is the perfect place to unwind amid the beach, surf, and sun. Swimmable conditions exist here.