Digha Travel Guide – A Peaceful Getaway by the Bay of Bengal
Digha is chilled-out little beach town sitting in East Midnapore, West Bengal. If you’re from Kolkata or anywhere nearby, you’ve probably either been there or heard someone rave about it. They even call it the “Brighton of the East,” which, honestly, is a bit much, but hey—people love a good nickname. If you’re looking to escape the city’s madness, Digha’s got your back with its slow pace, sandy shores, and—oh man—the seafood.
How to Reach
By train: You will get a train from Howrah (the Tamralipta and Kandari Express are your best bets). You’ll be at Digha station, barely 2 km from the main action.
By road: If you’re up for a drive, you’ll hit Digha in 5-6 hours from Kolkata. Buses? Loads of them. Public, private, whatever you want.
By air: Don’t even bother looking for an airport in Digha. You’ll fly into Kolkata (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport) and then it’s a cab or train ride. About 190 km—so pack snacks.
When’s Digha Actually Nice?
Trust me, October to March is the sweet spot. Cool breeze, less sweat, and you can actually enjoy your food without feeling like you’re melting. Monsoons? Skip it unless you’re into soggy walks and moody clouds. Summer gets sticky and hot—unless you’re a lizard, just wait for winter.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Purba Medinipur district, West Bengal |
| Famous For | Beaches, seafood, marine aquarium, and water sports |
| Best Time to Visit | October to February |
| Nearest Railway Station | Digha Railway Station (1 km from beach) |
| Nearest Airport | Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata (approx. 190 km) |
| Distance from Kolkata | Around 185 km |
| Popular Attractions | New Digha Beach, Old Digha Beach, Marine Aquarium, Amarabati Park, Udaipur Beach |
| Activities | Swimming, boating, beach walks, seafood tasting |
| Ideal Trip Duration | 2–3 days |
| Entry Fee | No entry fee for beaches; attractions may have minimal charges |
What’s There to Do?
1. Old Digha Beach: This is where everyone ends up. It’s busy, loud, and full of life—food stalls, random street performers, and that classic rocky sea wall everyone loves to sit on. Feels a bit like the town’s living room.
2. New Digha Beach: Walk a couple of km and you’ll hit this spot. Way cleaner, less people, more sand, and you can actually swim without bumping into someone’s uncle.
3. Marine Aquarium: Not gonna lie, it’s massive. Fish, turtles, lobsters—good place to cool off and nerd out over marine life.
4. Amarabati Park: Small, green, and perfect for lazy evenings. There’s a lake, you can rent a boat, or just sprawl out on the grass.
5. Chandaneswar Temple: If you’re into temples, drive 8 km into Odisha. Big Shiva vibes, especially during Maha Shivaratri.
6. Shankarpur/Talsari Beaches: Want more quiet? Head 10-15 km out and you’ll find these gems. Fewer people, more peace, and you might spot some fishermen doing their thing.
Stuff To Do (Besides Just Sitting Around):
– Laze on the sand, watch the sunrise, get a tan, or just people-watch.
– Seafood. Did I mention the seafood? Grab fried pomfret, crab curry, or prawn malai curry at roadside joints. It’s cheap and stupidly good.
– Shop for funky seashell souvenirs. Sure, they’re kitschy, but who cares?
– Take day trips to nearby beaches if you’re getting bored.
– Rent a boat at Amarabati Park. It’s relaxing, unless you’re afraid of ducks.
– Snap a million photos. Sunsets, fishermen, weird beach dogs—Digha’s got a vibe.
Where to Stay?
Tons of options, honestly. Fancy hotels, budget places, beach resorts, and those “homestays” you find on OYO or Airbnb. Big names like Hotel Sea Hawk, Le Roi Dighaa, and Hotel Dolphin are always packed on weekends—so book ahead if you don’t want to sleep on the beach (unless that’s your thing).
Local food and Cuisines
If you’re into Bengali food or seafood, you’ll be in heaven. Fish everywhere—hilsa, pomfret, crab, prawns. Even vegetarians can find local favorites like shukto or aloo posto. Street food is solid—don’t skip the fresh coconut water or those random fried snacks you’ll find on the shore.
First off, if you’re not a fan of human stampedes, drag yourself out of bed and hit the beach at sunrise. Trust me, the early morning vibe is unbeatable—no screaming kids, barely any vendors, just you, the ocean, and maybe a handful of fellow sleep-deprived souls.
Oh, and don’t get cocky with the waves, especially around Old Dighaa. The sea there? Not exactly gentle. Unless you’re auditioning for Baywatch, keep to the shallow end
Digha’s not exactly Silicon Valley. Bring cash, because that cute beach shack selling fried fish probably doesn’t know what UPI is. Speaking of the sun, it’s relentless. You’ll want sunscreen, shades, and a hat unless you’re aiming for the “boiled lobster” look.
And for the love of feet, watch out for jellyfish and those sneaky sharp shells. Barefoot walks sound romantic, until you’re limping back to your hotel.
Travel Tips
Digha’s pretty chill. The locals Super helpful, usually. Just keep an eye out if you’ve got kids with you—sea’s unpredictable, and tide warnings aren’t just for decoration. Listen to the lifeguards, don’t try to outswim the tides.
Wondering how long to stay? Two, maybe three days is plenty if you’re just in it for Dighaa and the nearby spots like Shankarpur and Talsari. But if you’re the “let’s soak it all in and do nothing” kind, stretch it to four days. You won’t regret it.
On the eco front, people are finally starting to care. Don’t trash the place—seriously, bin your stuff or take it with you. Plastic bottles and bags are so last decade. If you love the beach, act like it.
Conclusion
Digha’s got more going on than just sand and sea. It’s where you slow down, eat way too much seafood, and make those “remember that time…” memories with your crew. It’s easy to get to, won’t kill your wallet, and the vibe? Pure coastal chill. So what are you waiting for? Grab your camera, pack that bag (don’t forget your SPF), and just go. Digha’s calling.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Dighaa Beach located?
Dighaa Beach is located in the Purba Medinipur district of West Bengal, India.
What is Dighaa Beach famous for?
It is famous for its wide sandy shore, shallow waters, beautiful sunrise and sunset views, and fresh seafood.
How to reach Dighaa Beach?
Digha can be reached by train, bus, or car from Kolkata and other nearby cities. The nearest railway station is Digha Railway Station.
What are the popular things to do in Digha Beach?
You can enjoy beach walks, photography, local seafood, and visit nearby attractions like New Digha Beach, Marine Aquarium, and Amarabati Park.
