Mandarmani Travel Blog – A Perfect Beach Getaway in West Bengal
If you’re dreaming of sun-kissed beaches, the sound of gentle waves, and a peaceful escape from the urban rush, Mandarmani is your perfect getaway. Nestled along the northern coastline of the Bay of Bengal in West Bengal, this tranquil seaside resort town is known for its longest drivable beach and laid-back vibe.
Why Visit Mandarmani?
Mandarmani (also spelled Mandarmoni) offers a quieter alternative to more crowded beaches like Digha or Puri. It’s ideal for a romantic weekend, a family retreat, or even a solo trip to rejuvenate your soul. Here, you can walk for miles on the soft, golden sands, watch red crabs scuttle across the shore, and bask in the peaceful aura of the sea.
Places to Visit in and Around Mandarmani
Though Mandarmani is mainly known for its peaceful beach and relaxing ambiance, there are several attractions nearby that can make your trip even more memorable.
1. Mandarmani Beach – The main attraction, and for good reason. Stretching for nearly 13 km, this beach is ideal for long walks, beach drives, and enjoying sunrise or sunset. The wide, flat shoreline allows for some of the best beach driving experiences in India.
2. Mohana (The Estuary) – Located at the northern end of the beach, Mohana is a beautiful spot where the river meets the sea. It’s quieter and more scenic, perfect for photography, boat rides, and birdwatching—especially during sunrise or sunset.
3. Red Crab Beach – One of the unique highlights of Mandarmani is its population of red crabs. The sight of thousands of them scuttling along the beach, especially near the estuary, is both fascinating and photogenic.
4. Digha (Approx. 30 km) – If you’re up for a short trip, Digha is a nearby beach town with a more vibrant atmosphere. You can explore:
- New Digha Beach
- Science Centre
- Marine Aquarium & Regional Centre (MARC) – India’s largest in terms of aquatic species diversity.
Can visit our Digha blog : Digha
5. Tajpur Beach (Approx. 15 km) – A quiet, lesser-known beach ideal for those seeking solitude. Lined with casuarina trees, Tajpur is also great for picnics, camping, and adventure sports like paragliding and kayaking (seasonal).
6. Chandpur Beach – A serene and relatively unexplored beach located between Mandarmani and Tajpur. It’s ideal for a private day out by the sea, away from the usual crowds.
7. Shankarpur Fishing Harbour – Just 15–20 minutes from Mandarmani, Shankarpur is a peaceful beach with a working fishing harbor. It offers a unique glimpse into the coastal lifestyle and is a great place to enjoy freshly caught seafood.
8. Amarabati Park (Digha) – A small but beautifully maintained garden in New Digha with a boating facility and a ropeway ride that offers panoramic views of the surrounding areas.
9. Local Beach Markets – Explore Mandarmani’s beachside stalls for handmade shell jewelry, local handicrafts, and fresh coconut water. It’s a great way to take home a slice of the beach life.
10. Chandaneswar Temple (Near Digha) – A famous Shiva temple located just across the West Bengal-Odisha border. It draws pilgrims and tourists alike, especially during the Charak festival.
What to Eat – A Foodie’s Paradise by the Bay
Mandarmani is a haven for seafood lovers, offering fresh, local catches cooked with traditional Bengali flavors. Whether you’re a hardcore non-vegetarian or someone who enjoys simple comfort food, there’s something for everyone.
Seafood Delights– We went all in and feasted on:
- Crab Curry – Succulent crab simmered in a rich, spicy masala gravy with a hint of mustard. Best enjoyed with steamed rice!
- Pomfret Fry – Lightly marinated with turmeric and spices, then fried to crispy perfection. The coastal freshness was evident in every bite.
- Prawn Malai Curry – Creamy, mildly spiced coconut-based curry with juicy prawns that melt in your mouth.
🔥 Tip: Ask your resort or beach shack for freshly caught fish – it doesn’t get better than that!
Traditional Bengali Thalis – We made sure to indulge in hearty Bengali meals that typically included:
- Steamed rice
- Masoor dal or Moong dal
- Aloo posto (potatoes in poppy seed paste)
- Shukto (a lightly bitter mixed veg curry)
- Fish curry or egg curry
- A sweet ending with rosogolla or mishti doi
These thalis are flavourful, wholesome, and perfect after a day out on the beach.
Beach Shack Vibes – The beach shacks are an absolute must-experience:
- Grab a plate of fried fish – often Bhetki or small local varieties served hot with onions and lemon
- Sip on fresh coconut water while watching the waves crash
- And of course, indulge in the beach staple – a hot plate of Maggi noodles with a sea breeze twist!
Must-Try Dishes – Don’t leave Mandarmani without trying:
- Bhetki Fish Fry – A thick fillet coated in breadcrumbs, fried till golden and served with kasundi (mustard sauce) and salad
- Tiger Prawns – Grilled or curried, they’re large, juicy, and packed with coastal flavor
- Chingri Cutlet – A prawn patty coated in crumbs and fried crisp – perfect as a tea-time snack
Hotels and Accommodation
Luxury Stays (₹4,000 and above per night)
1. Sher Bengal Beach Resort – Address: Mandarmani Coastal, Silampur, Purba Medinipur, West Bengal 721455 Phone: +91 97358 41584 Email: mandarmani@sherbengal.com Website: sherbengal.com Google Maps: View Location
2. Viceroy Beach & Spa Resort – Address: 8, Kalindi Gram Panchayat, Silampur, Mandarmani, West Bengal 721455 Phone: +91 98316 00482 / +91 98307 44222 / +91 99034 76162 Email: viceroymandarmani@gmail.com Website: viceroyhoteldrj.com Google Maps: View Location
3. The Sana Beach Resort – Address: Mandarmani, Purba Medinipur, West Bengal 721455 Phone: +91 93306 33111 / +91 98319 25066 / +91 90077 25066 / +91 98314 73785 Email: booking@mandarmonihotels.com Website: mandarmonihotels.com Google Maps: View Location
Mid-Range Stays (₹2,500–₹4,000 per night)
1. Anutri Beach Resort – Address: Mandarmani, Purba Medinipur, West Bengal 721455 Phone: +91 93314 28687 / +91 90070 97558 / +91 74395 38872 Email: anutribeachresort@gmail.com Website: anutribeach.com Google Maps: View Location
2. Sunview Resort – Address: Sonamui, Mandarmani, West Bengal 721455 Phone: +91 85828 40555 Email: sunviewresort2017@gmail.com Website: sunviewresort.com Google Maps: View Location
3. Kings Crown Beach Resort – Address: Mandarmani, West Bengal 721455 Phone: +91 98302 03066 / +91 90736 73670 Email: mandermoni@kingscrownhotel.com Website: kingscrownhotel.com Google Maps: View Location
Budget Stays (Under ₹2,500 per night)
1. Hotel Sea Horse at 129, Dadanpatrabar, Mandarmani, West Bengal 721455. Offering rooms starting from ₹1,800 per night (including food and lodging), it’s an affordable option for travellers seeking proximity to the sea. For reservations, you can call or WhatsApp at +91 87777 93031. More details are available on their Facebook page. You can view the location on Google Maps here.
2. Resort Garden Retreat is situated in the village of Dadanpatrabar, Mandarmani, West Bengal 721455. This resort offers a serene environment with garden views and is approximately 4 km from Mandarmani Sea Beach. For inquiries, contact +91 98833 54640 or email sghosh103@gmail.com. Additional information can be found on their Facebook page. The resort’s location is available on Google Maps here
3. Indismart Mandarmani is located along Mandarmani Beach, West Bengal 721455. This beachfront resort offers comfortable accommodations with amenities suitable for a relaxing stay. For reservations, you can call +91 84202 00579 or +91 84202 00578, or email reservation@indismart.in. More details are available on their official website. You can view the resort’s location on Google Maps here
How to Reach Mandarmani from Kolkata
- By Road: Mandarmani is approximately 180 km from Kolkata. You can drive via NH16 and NH116B, which takes about 4-5 hours. State and private buses also operate daily from Kolkata’s Esplanade to Mandarmani.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Contai (Kanthi), about 17 km away. From there, local transport can take you to Mandarmani.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata. From the airport, you can hire a taxi to Mandarmani.
2-day itinerary for Mandarmani
Day 1: Arrival & Beach Exploration
Morning:
- Arrive in Mandarmani by car or train via Digha/Contai.
- Check-in to your hotel/resort (e.g., Anutri Beach Resort or your chosen stay).
- Freshen up and enjoy a welcome drink or coconut water by the beach.
Late Morning:
- Walk along the driveable stretch of Mandarmani Beach (one of the few beaches in India where cars are allowed).
- Enjoy beach activities: ATV rides, beach volleyball, or just relax on the sand.
Lunch:
- Head to a beach shack or resort restaurant for a seafood platter — try prawn malai curry, pomfret fry, and crab curry.
Afternoon:
- Relax at your resort or take a nap.
- Visit the Delta (Mohona) – where the river meets the sea (best around sunset).
Evening:
- Enjoy the sunset at the beach.
- Indulge in local snacks like Bhetki fish fry or hot Maggi by the shore.
- Optional: bonfire/dj night if your resort hosts it.
Dinner:
- Have a traditional Bengali thali — rice, dal, aloo posto, and fish curry.
Day 2: Nature & Nearby Sights
Morning:
- Start early with a peaceful beach walk or sunrise view.
- Breakfast at your hotel — poha, toast, or local Bengali dishes.
Mid-Morning:
- Head to Tajpur Beach (about 15–20 mins away) — less crowded, known for red crabs and calm surroundings.
- Optional: Short visit to Shankarpur Fishing Harbour if you’re interested in local life and boats.
Lunch:
- Enjoy a meal at a seaside eatery in Tajpur or return to Mandarmani for lunch.
Afternoon:
- Visit local shops for shells, souvenirs, and handicrafts.
- Pack and check-out from the resort.
Evening:
- Begin your return journey with a relaxed heart and sandy toes.
Estimated Budget (2 People – 2 Days, 1 Night)
| Category | Cost (INR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Travel (Round-trip) | ₹1,500 – ₹2,000 | Train to Contai/Digha + local auto or private cab |
| Stay (1 Night) | ₹1,500 – ₹2,500 | Budget hotel like Hotel Sea Horse or Garden Retreat |
| Food (4 meals + snacks) | ₹1,200 – ₹1,800 | Local seafood, thalis, beach snacks |
| Local Transport | ₹300 – ₹500 | Auto or shared cabs to visit Delta, Tajpur, etc. |
| Activities & Entry | ₹200 – ₹500 | Beach rides, ATV, optional boating |
| Shopping/Souvenirs | ₹200 – ₹400 | Shells, trinkets, handmade items |
| Miscellaneous | ₹300 – ₹500 | Tips, emergency cash, water, etc. |
Total Estimated Cost for 2 People
5,200 – 8,200 (for 2 people)
2,600 – 4,100 per person
Travel Tips
- Avoid monsoon season (July–Sept) – beach activities are limited
- Book accommodations early during weekends or holidays
- Carry sunscreen, hats, and slippers for the beach
- Some parts of the beach are restricted for vehicles now – follow local rules
- ATMs are available but carry some cash for small purchases
Mandarmani is a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Whether you’re looking to unwind by the sea, indulge in delicious food, or explore local culture, Mandarmani offers something for everyone. Plan your trip today for a rejuvenating experience!
TRAVEL AND HEAL 