Defiant waves colliding against the concrete steps; fishing boats sailing amidst the vast sea; crimson sun peeping out of the horizon--- these are some of the scenes that attract tourists to Digha in the East Midnapur district, West Bengal throughout the year. What distinguishes Digha from other Indian beaches is its unruly sea. There are two beaches in Digha: the Old Digha beach and the New Digha beach. Whilst the sea at Old Digha is always in a mischievous mood, the waves at New Digha are more suitable for bathing and, thus, is often more crowded. The township of Digha was earlier known as Beerkul. Warren Hastings, the Governor General of British India referred to this stunning place as the ‘Brighton of the East.’

PLACES IN DIGHA
Besides the sun kissed sea beach there are several places of interest located in and around the Digha beach. Within the town, the tourists can explore the Amravati Park in Old Digha. Besotted with various kinds of species of plants, it is also the perfect place for boating. The state run aquarium and science museum are also worth visiting. Another interesting place is the Digha Mohona (estuary). The fish market here is quite popular, especially, for its blue crabs, lobsters and other sea fish. The cashew nut farm, located at the Digha-Orissa border, is also a major attraction.

Playing volleyball, swimming, horse riding are some of the activities that the enthusiastic travellers can indulge into.

PLACES AROUND DIGHA A host of places are accessible from Digha. Lying on the border of West Bengal and Orissa, the tourists can explore Talsari, Udaypur Beach and Chandaneswar Temple. Amongst these Udaypur beach is perfect for a lazy barefooted stroll, enjoying the pleasant breeze accompanied by coconut water. The visit can be more pleasing if one visits this at sunrise or sunset. Talsari, at a distance of about 6 kilometers from Digha, is a confluence of Subarnarekha River and Bay of Bengal. Besides a serene beach, red crabs can be spotted here as well. Both these places, including the Chandaneswar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, lie in Orissa. This shrine is located in the Balasore district of Orissa and 6 kilometers away from Digha town.

Closer home tourists can explore the beaches of Shankarpur, Mandarmani and Junput. Shankarpur, a virgin beach is only 14 km. east of Digha, along the Digha-Contai Road. It is also a regular fishing harbour. Casuarina plantations are a common sight here. The best part of Manadarmani beach is that it is motorable. It is an experience of a lifetime to drive along the beach, enjoying the tranquil sea and the salty wind. To reach Mandarmani one has to travel via Chaulkhola, which is at a distance of 20 kilometers from the beach. Junput fish firm 40 kms from Digha by bus, also has a beautiful sea beach with a change at Contai. The place offers beautiful sea-view and lines of casuarina trees. The beach is unspoilt. Brackish water fish cultivation and research are done here by the State Government Fisheries Department.

Visiting Information on Digha

How to Reach
By Air: Kolkata is the nearest airport which is about 210 kms away from Digha.

By Rail: Though Contai Road (37 kms) is the nearest railway station for Digha but Kharagpur and Mechheda on the South-Eastern Railway are the most convenient railheads for Digha from where buses are available which takes 4 hours. Local trains from Kolkata halt at Digha station.

By Road: Buses are available from Kolkata to Digha. C.S.T.C. express buses and luxury buses regularly ply from Esplanade for Digha. One can also hire private cars for traveling. It takes about 5 hours to reach Digha by road.

Curios, stuffs made of shell, hand woven mats and cashew nuts are the popular buys at Digha. The handicrafts here are beautiful and cheap. Various qualities of cashew nuts are available at the shops at both old and new Digha.

As far as accommodation is concerned there are hotels to suit every pocket. From deluxe hotels like Dolphin, Palm Resort; comparatively priced Sea Hawk, Sea Coast to budget hotels and lodges, Digha offers all minds of accommodation units. Eating out is fun at Digha. While the sea side stalls are famous for their sea fish fries, puchkas and other fries stuffs, proper restaurants are also scattered throughout the town.

The beaches at Digha are dotted with Casuarina plantations. It is a visual treat to witness the advancing and receding waves whilst sauntering along the casuarinas on the sand.