Diamond Harbour is in the southern suburbs of Kolkata is an exciting day out or a weekend tour. It is located on the eastern banks of the Hooghly River quite near where the river meets the Bay of Bengal. The site is located close to the deltaic region of Kolkata. This small town is a popular weekend tourist spot located in South 24 Parganas district, West Bengal. It is situated on the banks of the river Hoogly, 51km south of Kolkata. It is located at the point where the Ganges River turns south toward the Bay of Bengal. On the other side is the industrial town of Haldia and the road skirting its way keeping the mighty Ganges on its side is just awesome. In the olden days, this place was known by the name of Hajipur, which was later transformed into Diamond Harbour by the British.

The diamond harbour is gives a feel of serene calm atmosphere amidst the wilderness far away from the city`s crowd. It has become a choice for the city people and outsiders who can also get back from it within a day even.

History of Diamond Harbour
Earlier known as Hajipur, this charming place was named Diamond Harbour by the British although currently there are no piers or jetties at this location, except for the ruins of a fort. It used to be considered a safe resting spot for oceangoing ships and offered a spectacular view of the river. After the Rupnarayan River joins the Hooghly, the river bends south and widens out to a form a huge expanse of water. A little further down, the Haldi River joins it.

In earlier days Diamond Harbour used to be a stronghold of Portuguese pirates. The ruins of the "Fort of Chingrikhali"; locally known as "Purano Kella" can still be seen. The link ups with the pirates become a bit more real when we see the remains of the "Fort of Chingrikhali". Though there are some beliefs that the fort was built by the British East India Company, in order to establish them in Kolkata. Among the relics of the olden days, the old lighthouse is situated very close to it.

Demographics in Diamond Harbour
The Diamond Harbour, according to the 2001 census, had a population 37,238, out of which 51% is the male population, females comprises 49%. The literacy rate is 72%, where the male average is 77%, and 67% is the female rate. In Diamond Harbour, 10% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Nearby Places at Diamond Harbour
The diamond Harbour serves as a kind of link with many of the places like Kakdwip, Namkhana, Ganga Sagar and Bakkhali. These places are also important tourist destinations along with the scenic beauty of Diamond Harbour. The Harbour provides excellent opportunities for river cruises, which is the special attraction that everyone looks ahead for. The Sharisha Ramakrishna Mission Ashram is another place that pulls the crowd as a pilgrimage and a visiting place. Diamond Harbour is a reason which attracts people to its nearby places like Ganga Sagar, a popular pilgrimage center which is linked with Hinduism, and a fair is held here which marks the entry of numerous pilgrims. Joynagar is another place where we find the stone images of Lord Buddha, Lord Mahavira and Lord Vishnu, along with the manuscripts.

Visitor attractions in Diamond Harbour
Therefore this place, not very far away from the city is definitely an enchanting place with the beaches and the rich view. This place can help people unwind themselves and get a taste of the sea in our very own West Bengal.


•Chingrikhali Fort (Purano Kella)
•Lighthouse
•South Bengal Museum at Noongola nearby Diamond Harbour Girls` High School.
•Famous Fish Market ( Nagendra Bazar)
•Naval Camp.
•Swiss Gate.
•River side near hotels

Things to do in Diamond Harbour
Diamond Harbour admired with the serene riverside is an ideal picnic spot. Shrouded with tranquility the place is also ideal for rejuvenation, away from the hustle and bustle of the city life. Visitors can enjoy a leisure walk along the riverside, savoring the panoramic view offered by the small boats and large vessels passing by. The unpolluted pleasant breeze will enchant the mind and soul. However, the best activity offered by Diamond Harbour is the exquisite boat tours by locals, which are truly memorable. One can also take a ferry ride to Haldia. Visitors also enjoy the local dances of the nearby villages like the Rava Dance, Baishar Bidhan, Larsi Lunji and Noila Broto Dance.

How to reach Diamond Harbour
It hardly takes two hours to reach Diamond Harbor from Kolkata by car or bus. One can also board train, running to Diamond Harbour from Sealdah Railway Station.