Located on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, Digha is a charming seaside town in the Purba Medinipur district of West Bengal, India. Often referred to as the “Brighton of the East” тАФ a title given by Warren Hastings, the first Governor-General of India тАФ Digha has earned its place as one of IndiaтАЩs most visited beach destinations. With its golden sands, swaying casuarina trees, warm tropical sun, and peaceful ambiance, it continues to be a favorite weekend retreat, especially for residents of Kolkata and nearby areas.
Historical Overview
The journey of Digha as a tourist destination began in the early 20th century when an Englishman named John Frank Snaith, who settled in the area, was captivated by its serene beauty. He promoted Digha as a holiday spot and wrote extensively about it. However, it wasnтАЩt until after independence that Digha started developing as a tourist hub, thanks to the efforts of Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, the then Chief Minister of West Bengal, who took initiatives to transform it into a beach resort.
Geography and Location
Digha is situated near the border of Odisha, approximately 187 km from Kolkata and 51 km from Contai, the sub-divisional town. The town lies along the southern coast of West Bengal and stretches over 7 km of gently sloping beaches. The location makes it an ideal drive-by destination for weekenders.
How to Reach Digha
ЁЯЪЖ By Train:
Digha is well-connected by train. The Duronto Express, Tamralipta Express, and Kandari Express are popular options from Kolkata. The Digha Flag Station (DGHA) serves as the townтАЩs main railway station.
ЁЯЪЧ By Road:
The journey from Kolkata to Digha takes about 4тАУ5 hours by car or bus via NH-116B (formerly NH-41). State-run and private buses run frequently from Esplanade and Howrah.
тЬИя╕П By Air:
The nearest airport is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata. From there, tourists must travel by road or train.
Major Attractions in Digha
ЁЯПЦя╕П 1. Old Digha Beach
Old Digha is the original stretch of the town and the most visited part of the beach. It offers stunning views of sunrise and sunset. The beachfront is lined with rocky barricades (to control erosion) and has a promenade filled with shops, street food stalls, and souvenir vendors.
ЁЯПЦя╕П 2. New Digha Beach
Developed to reduce the congestion at Old Digha, New Digha is a broader and cleaner beach ideal for swimming, beach sports, and long strolls. ItтАЩs less rocky and more tourist-friendly, with modern hotels and better infrastructure.
ЁЯРа 3. Marine Aquarium and Regional Centre (MARC)
Run by the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, MARC houses a variety of marine life including exotic fishes, sea turtles, lobsters, and crabs. It is both educational and entertaining for kids and adults.
ЁЯПЭя╕П 4. Talsari Beach
Located around 10 km from Digha, near the Odisha border, Talsari is famous for its calm backwaters, red crabs, and tranquil environment. The view of the Subarnarekha River meeting the Bay of Bengal is a visual treat.
ЁЯжА 5. Udaipur Beach
Situated between Digha and Talsari, Udaipur Beach is lesser-known but perfect for solitude seekers. ItтАЩs popular for water sports like speed boating and all-terrain bike rides along the coast.
ЁЯПЮя╕П 6. Amarabati Park
A small, well-maintained park in New Digha with boating facilities and childrenтАЩs play areas. ItтАЩs a great spot for families to relax away from the beach crowds.
ЁЯХН 7. Chandaneshwar Temple
About 8 km from Digha, this ancient Shiva temple in Odisha attracts thousands of devotees, especially during Maha Shivaratri.
Climate and Best Time to Visit
Digha has a tropical maritime climate:
- Summers (March to June): Hot and humid, temperatures can go up to 37┬░C.
- Monsoon (July to September): Frequent rains and rough sea conditions.
- Winters (October to February): Pleasant and ideal for beach activities (20тАУ25┬░C).
Best time to visit: October to February, when the weather is cool and ideal for beach outings.
Local Culture and People
Digha is home to a mix of Bengali and Odia cultures. The locals are warm and welcoming, and tourism is a significant source of livelihood. Festivals like Durga Puja, Kali Puja, and Rath Yatra are celebrated with great enthusiasm. The townтАЩs markets come alive during these periods.
Food and Cuisine
Digha offers a delightful culinary experience, especially for seafood lovers:
- Fish Fry (Pomfret, Bhetki, Hilsa)
- Prawn and Crab Curry
- Chingri Malai Curry
- Traditional Bengali Thali
Street food like egg rolls, chowmein, and phuchka are widely available along the beach promenade.
Accommodation in Digha
From budget lodges to luxury resorts, Digha has options for every traveler:
Popular Hotels and Resorts:
- Hotel Sea Hawk
- Hotel Coral
- Cygnett Inn
- Le Roi Digha
- Anandlok Hotel
- State-run West Bengal Tourism Lodges (WBTDC)
Shopping and Souvenirs
Local handicrafts and items to buy:
- Shell jewelry and decorative items
- Handwoven mats and bags
- Local sweets like Langcha and Nolen Gur Sandesh
- Dried fish and pickles
Most of these can be found at Beach Market and New Digha Market.
Safety and Travel Tips
- Wear sunscreen and stay hydrated, especially in summer.
- Avoid swimming in rough sea conditions (check red flag alerts).
- Bargain when shopping at beachside stalls.
- Book hotels in advance during festive seasons.
- Keep cash handy; some areas may have limited card acceptance.
Future Developments
The West Bengal government has been investing in Digha’s infrastructure to make it more attractive to domestic and international tourists. Projects include:
- Expansion of Digha Convention Centre
- Improved beach beautification and lighting
- Better waste management and eco-tourism initiatives
Conclusion
Digha is more than just a beach тАФ it is a blend of nature, culture, tradition, and modern leisure. Whether you’re looking for family fun, romantic sunsets, spiritual peace, or just a quick break from city life, Digha welcomes you with open arms and salty breezes.
With continued development and its natural beauty, Digha is poised to remain one of the top coastal destinations in India for years to come.
ЁЯзн Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Digha
тЭУ1. Where is Digha located?
Digha is a coastal town in the Purba Medinipur district of West Bengal, situated on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, around 187 km from Kolkata.
тЭУ2. What is the best time to visit Digha?
The best time to visit Digha is from October to February, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for beach activities.
тЭУ3. How can I reach Digha from Kolkata?
You can reach Digha via:
- Train: Direct trains like Duronto, Kandari, and Tamralipta Express from Howrah.
- Bus: Frequent buses from Esplanade and Howrah.
- Car: Around 4тАУ5 hours via NH-116B.
тЭУ4. Which are the top attractions in Digha?
- Old Digha Beach
- New Digha Beach
- Marine Aquarium (MARC)
- Talsari Beach
- Udaipur Beach
- Amarabati Park
- Chandaneshwar Temple
тЭУ5. Is Digha suitable for family trips?
Yes, Digha is a family-friendly destination with clean beaches, parks, aquariums, and affordable accommodations.
тЭУ6. Are there water sports available in Digha?
Yes, New Digha and Udaipur Beach offer boating, jet skiing, and ATV rides, especially during the tourist season.
тЭУ7. Is it safe to swim in the sea at Digha?
Generally yes, especially at New Digha Beach where the waves are gentler. However, always follow local warnings and avoid swimming during high tide or red flag alerts.
тЭУ8. What food is famous in Digha?
Seafood is a major attraction in Digha. DonтАЩt miss:
- Fish fry
- Prawn curry
- Crab dishes
- Traditional Bengali sweets like rosogolla and sandesh
тЭУ9. What are the best things to buy in Digha?
- Shell crafts and souvenirs
- Handwoven mats
- Local sweets
- Dried fish and seafood pickles
тЭУ10. Are budget hotels available in Digha?
Yes, Digha offers a wide range of budget to luxury accommodations, including government guest houses (WBTDC), family lodges, and private resorts.
