Beaches in West Bengal offer the most tempting of sunsets and seashores. Bengal is endowed with some of the most famous beaches. Most of the beaches of Bengal are exotic and presents a spectacular effect. The sun kissed beaches of Digha, Sankarpur, Junput, Bakkhali and a lot many lures the travellers to take a break in the lap of nature. These mostly offer wide, flat, hard beaches, a gently rolling sea, rows of casuarina forests and a pleasant, warm weather round the year. Although one can visit these beaches throughout the year but the best time to visit is July to April. October to March are probably the best time to visit these beaches. Here in West Bengal, only one beach has a religious significance- Gangasagar Beach, which is also known as Sagardwip Beach. This beach in West Bengal offers lakhs of pilgrims of Hindu religion the famous Gangasagar Mela, that holds every year during the month of January.
Digha
Digha is positioned on the southern tilt of West Bengal. Digha, originally known as Beerkul, is one of the most popular destinations in the state and is among the top tourism destinations. The shallow waters make it a safe haven for swimmers. The old Shiva temple at Chandaneshwar is just 9 kilometers from Digha. The beauty of this place was discovered as early as the days of Warren Hastings. Digha is well connected by good roads and rail heads. The nearest station is Digha.
Sankarpur
Sankarpur Beach is an identical twin beach of Digha. This beach is refreshingly devoid of the commotion of its more popular sibling. It is girdled with casuarina plantations. A major project for development of Shankarpur as a high-class beach resort is in the pipeline. Shankarpur is among the newer discoveries in the beach circuit of West Bengal. Shankarpur is well connected with the rails, roads, and the airways. The nearest station is Ramnagar and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Airport is the nearest airport.
Bakkhali
Bakkhali Beach is the second popular sea resort of West Bengal. It is located on one of the many deltaic islands, which spread across southern Bengal. Despite being isolated and having limited accommodation, it is very popular among the citizens of Kolkata. It is quiet and charming. Bakkhali is situated only 132 kilometres away from Kolkata and there is a 7 kilometres long beach stretching from Bakkhali to Frazerganj with gently rolling waves. The beach is not crowded, except on an occasional holiday. It is a hard beach suitable for cycling or even driving. The road journey from the fringe of Kolkata to Bakkhali takes about three hours. West Bengal Surface Transport Corporation and many other private bus organizations run a direct bus service from Kolkata to Bakkhali via Namkhana.
Junput
Junput Beach offers beautiful sea view and lines of caesarean trees. Junput is placid and is strikingly beautiful. Half a kilometer from Junput, there are the Dariapur lighthouse and the Kapalkundala Mandir. The beach is unspoilt and is sandy. The Salty water fish cultivation and research are done here by the department of the State Government Fisheries. Now Junput and Bankiput are the twin beaches here.
Sagardwip Beach
Situated on the Sunderban Island, Sagardip sea provides a quite, grey expanse of beach and perfect setting for a weekend. Sagardip mela is the largest fair in West Bengal. From all over Kolkata millions of pilgrims come for a holy dip on Makar Sankranti. After the holy dip, they offer "Puja" at the close by ashram associated with the famous sage Kapil Muni. West Bengal Surface Transport Corporation runs direct buses between Kolkata and Sagardip. It is one and only sea beach in West Bengal that has a religious significance.
Mandarmoni
Mandarmoni is another beautiful beach of West Bengal. Low and serine sea waves and red crabs dotting the sea beach make Mandarmoni an exotic place. It is believed to be the longest drivable sea beach of the country. Deposition of neo dunes can also be observed at several places. Chowlkhola is the nearest bus stop here, while Contai is the nearest station.
Tajpur
Tajpur is another magnificent beach located in the state of West Bengal. It lies on the shore of Bay of Bengal. It is situated in between Shankarpur and Mandarmoni. A major area of Tajpur is dedicated to pisiculture and the place houses a number of bheris or fish-ponds. The beautiful beach is also the home of numerous red crabs.
Frazerganj
Frazerganj beach is famous for its pristine white sand and beautiful series of casuarina along the coastline. It also serves as a significant centre for pisiculture. The 8 Kilometers long beach attracts any solo traveler. The beach is said to be one of the most beautiful beaches of the state adorned with splendid views of nature.
Henry`s Island
Henry Island in West Bengal is famous for its mesmerizing natural beauty. The thick mangrove forest adorns the place. Red fiddler crabs dot the sea shore of Henry`s Island. This beach is located very near to Bakkhali and Frazergaunj. The buses from Esplanade run to Namkhana, which is the nearest destination reach here by any private car or cabs.
Talsari Beach
Talsari beach is famous for the boat ride. The beach lies about 7 km ahead of the Digha beach and basically a part of the delta of Subarnarekha River that is lined up with the conifers all around. The beach is calm and minimalistic commercialization has been done. The beach is usually greeted with low tides and stretches for about 3 km.
Udaipur Beach
Udaipur Beach is an uncultivated virgin sea beach located in the border of Odisha and West Bengal. It is three kilometers from Digha Station. This solitary beach in West Bengal is away from the crowd and busy city life.
