Exploring Digha: A Comprehensive Travel Guide
Nestled along the eastern coastline of India, Digha is West Bengal’s most popular beach town — a classic getaway destination that blends sea, serenity, and soul-refreshing simplicity. Whether you’re craving a quick weekend escape from Kolkata or planning a budget-friendly coastal retreat, Digha promises sun-kissed memories.
Top Attractions in Digha
1. Old Digha Beach – The original charm of Digha lies here. While the beach is now rocky due to erosion-control steps, it remains a favorite spot for morning walks, seafood stalls, and photogenic sunsets.
2. New Digha Beach – A more tourist-friendly beach with a wide stretch of golden sand. Ideal for swimming, playing beach volleyball, or just lounging under the sun with coconut water in hand.
3. Marine Aquarium and Regional Centre (MARC) – Asia’s largest in terms of species variety, this government-run aquarium is perfect for a quick educational yet fun visit. Entry is free, and it showcases exotic marine life, corals, and fishes.
4. Amarabati Park – A calm park with paddle boating, flower gardens, and a toy train — great for families or couples wanting a laid-back afternoon.
5. Talsari Beach – Located about 10 km away in Odisha, Talsari offers peaceful sands, gentle waves, and rows of palm trees. A must-visit if you love offbeat beach experiences.
6. Udaipur Beach – Close to the Bengal-Odisha border, this unspoiled beach offers peaceful views and local seafood stalls. You can even rent bikes or try speed boating here.
Food in Digha: What to Eat
Digha is a culinary haven for seafood enthusiasts, blending the rustic charm of a beach town with the richness of authentic Bengali coastal cuisine. Whether you prefer freshly fried snacks by the shore or traditional meals in local eateries, Digha won’t disappoint your taste buds.
1. Fried Pomfret, Bhetki, and Prawns – You’ll find small beachside stalls and shacks frying up crispy, golden seafood on the spot. Marinated in mustard, turmeric, and a hint of chili, the Pomfret, Bhetki (barramundi), and tiger prawns are a must-try. Served with a wedge of lime and spicy onion salad, these fried delights are perfect for a midday snack or a sunset munch by the waves.
2. Crab Curry with Steamed Rice – Digha’s crab curry is rich, aromatic, and cooked in a traditional Bengali style using mustard paste, garlic, and fresh ground spices. It pairs wonderfully with hot, fluffy rice and is often the highlight of seafood platters in local dhabas. Don’t shy away from getting your hands messy — that’s the only way to enjoy it properly!
3. Bengali Thalis to Dive Into – Most eateries offer traditional Bengali seafood thalis that give you a taste of home-cooked goodness. Look out for:
- Shorshe Ilish: Hilsa fish cooked in a pungent mustard gravy
- Chingri Malai Curry: Jumbo prawns in a creamy coconut milk curry — rich and mildly spiced
- Begun Bhaja: Fried eggplant slices, crispy on the outside and soft inside, often served as a side dish
Pair these with steamed rice, daal, and papad for a hearty coastal meal.
4. Fresh Coconut Water & Aam Pora Sharbat – Quench your thirst with ice-cold coconut water right from the source — you’ll find vendors all along the beach. Another must-try is Aam Pora Sharbat, a smoky, tangy mango drink made from roasted raw mangoes, mixed with black salt and mint — a refreshing antidote to the coastal heat.
Hotels and Accommodation
Budget Stays
1. Hotel Coral Digha – Address: Plot No. 373 & 373/534, N-2 Sector, P.S. Digha, District Purba Medinipur, West Bengal – 721428 Phone: +91 9775192545 / +91 9775182545 Email: booking@hotelcoraldigha.com Website: hotelcoraldigha.com Map: View on Google Maps
2. Hotel Green Gate – Address: Manisha Road, In front of Amarabati Park, N2 Sector, New Digha, Digha, West Bengal 721463 Map: View on Google Maps
Mid-Range Comfort
1. Hotel Sea Hawk – Address: Barrister Colony, Gobindabasan, Digha, Purba Medinipur, West Bengal 721428 Phone: +91 033 2522 2834 / 7500 Email: info@seahawkdigha.com Website: hotelseahawkdigha.com Map: View on Google Maps
2. Hotel Dolphin – Address: Barrister Colony, Old Digha, West Bengal 721428 Phone: +91 9051211000 Email: ba@yashodainternational.com Website: hoteldolphindigha.com Map: View on Google Maps
Luxury Retreats
1. Cygnett Inn Sea View – Address: Plot No-06, Block B, Sector B-1, New Digha, Digha, West Bengal 721463 Phone: +91 8595450450 / +91 8595192192 Email: reservations@cygnetthotels.com Website: cygnetthotels.com Map: View on Google Maps
2. The Palm Resort – Address: Shibalaya Road, Old Digha, Purba Medinipur, Digha, West Bengal 721441 Phone: +91 9830937570 / +91 9830052736 / +91 7738240147 Map: View on Google Maps
Travel from Kolkata to Digha
By Road: Digha is around 180 km from Kolkata. It takes about 4-5 hours by car or bus. Regular state transport (WBSTC) and private AC/non-AC buses run from Esplanade and Howrah.
By Train: The Digha Flag Station (DGHA) is well-connected with daily trains like Tamralipta Express and Duronto Express from Kolkata.
By Air: The nearest airport is Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (Kolkata). From there, hire a cab or take a train/bus to Digha.
2-days Digha itinerary
Here’s a 2-day Digha itinerary designed for a quick weekend getaway — perfect if you’re traveling from Kolkata or nearby. It balances beach time, sightseeing, local food, and a little relaxation:
Day 0: Travel to Digha (Evening Departure)
Option 1: Take the Tamralipta Express or Duronto Express from Kolkata (Santragachi/Howrah) to Digha
Option 2: Board a private AC/Non-AC bus from Esplanade in the evening (~5–6 PM)
Travel Time: 4–5 hours
Reach Digha by 10 PM, check into your hotel, and rest.
Day 1: Explore Beaches & Local Attractions
7:00 AM – Sunrise at New Digha Beach
- Walk barefoot on the cool sand
- Watch fishermen at work
- Sip fresh coconut water
8:30 AM – Breakfast
- Try local Bengali breakfast: Luchi, Aloo Tarkari, or South Indian fare at hotel cafés
10:00 AM – Marine Aquarium & Regional Centre
- Explore exotic fishes, sea creatures, and corals
- Entry: Free
- Time Needed: 30–45 mins
11:00 AM – Amarabati Park
- Enjoy paddle boating or a peaceful stroll
- Toy train ride for kids or the young at heart
12:30 PM – Lunch
- Head to a popular restaurant or beach shack
- Recommended: Fried Pomfret, Crab Curry, Rice, and Chingri Malai Curry
2:00 PM – Rest or Hotel Nap
4:00 PM – Udaipur Beach (Optional Talsari Beach)
- Take a bike or auto to Udaipur (around 3–4 km from New Digha)
- Enjoy a peaceful sunset or try beach biking
- Try fried fish from the beachside stalls
6:30 PM – Evening at Old Digha Sea Front
- Shop for shell crafts and souvenirs
- Relax on the promenade with sea breeze and snacks
8:30 PM – Dinner
- Eat at Hotel Dolphin, Sea Hawk, or your stay’s in-house restaurant
- Try Bengali Thali or Chinese if you’re in the mood for variety
Day 2: Nature, Shopping & Return
7:30 AM – Early Beach Walk
- Revisit New Digha beach or check out nearby spots for sunrise photography
9:00 AM – Breakfast
10:00 AM – Check Out & Local Shopping
- Visit New Digha Market
- Pick up cashew nuts, jute bags, shell souvenirs, and handmade mats
11:00 AM – Visit Talsari Beach (if not done on Day 1)
- Located about 10–12 km away, just across the Bengal-Odisha border
- Peaceful, scenic, and great for offbeat explorers
- Return to Digha by 1 PM
1:30 PM – Lunch & Departure
- Light meal at a beachside café
- Catch your return train/bus by 2:30–3:00 PM
Budget Breakdown (Per Day for 2 People)
| Expense | Approximate Cost (INR) |
|---|---|
| Travel (Train/Bus) | ₹300 – ₹500 |
| Hotel Stay | ₹1,000 – ₹3,000 |
| Food | ₹500 – ₹1,000 |
| Sightseeing/Activities | ₹200 – ₹400 |
| Shopping & Extras | ₹300 – ₹600 |
| Total | ₹2,300 – ₹5,500 |
Travel Tips
- Wake up early for peaceful sunrise views at New Digha.
- Carry sunscreen, hats, and flip-flops.
- Negotiate prices at local markets and bike rentals.
- Prefer government-run lodges for budget-friendly, decent stays.
- Respect beach cleanliness — avoid littering plastic or food waste.
- Best Time to Visit Digha – October to March: Pleasant weather for beach outings and sightseeing. Monsoon (July–September): Fewer tourists, dramatic sea views, but be cautious of high tides. Avoid May–June: It gets extremely hot and humid
Digha offers a mix of relaxation and adventure, making it a must-visit for beach lovers. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or with friends, Digha promises a refreshing and delightful experience.
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