Henry Island is one of the offbeat beach destinations in West Bengal. It is situated in the serene village of Bakkhali in the district of South 24 Parganas. Simplicity spreads across the island and the calm beauty of nature allures visitors towards itself.
It is a hidden gem known for its coastal beauty. The site is away from all the chaos of daily monotony of life; offering us a gust of freshness that is so much needed. In addition to the pristine beaches, several other natural elements are there that add to the charm of this retreat.
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The island is just 140 kilometers away from Kolkata. Therefore, escaping to this serene getaway will not be that difficult. Also, there are a ton of things to explore at the site.
In this article, you will get to know the following points about Henry Island in Bakkhali,
- How to reach
- History
- Natural ambiance
- Attractions
- Best time to visit
- Places to stay
- Nearby attractions
So let’s see the following points in detail.
How to reach Henry Island
| Kolkata to Henry Island distance | 126 kilometers |
| Bakkhali to Henry Island distance | 6 kilometers |
There are a number of ways through which you can reach Henry Island. Here I am telling you about the routes from Kolkata.
By Train:
The nearest railway station to Henry Island is the Namkhana Railway Station. You can get a lot of local trains from Sealdah Railway station to Namkhana via Lakshmikantapur and Kakdwip. From the station, you can take an Auto or Toto to reach Henry Island.
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By Road:
If you are traveling by car, take the road from Joka Terminus and travel through Diamond Harbour Road to Namkhana and then towards Bakkhali. From, Fraserganj take a left towards Henry Island.
If you are planning to travel by bus from Esplanade or Dharmatala, you can get regular transport buses from Dharmatala to Bakkhali. From there take an Auto or Toto to Henry Island.
History of Henry Island
The history of Henry Island goes back to the 19th century. A British explorer went to survey the area during that time and left his mark there. Since then, Henry Island bears his name.
The island served as a plantation to grow beetle nuts, coconuts, and various other crops during the era of British Colonialism. The lush greenery together with the soil fertility made it a perfect place for cultivation.
Henry’s Island went through a transformation after India’s independence. The place became an enchanting tourist destination. Now, it is a serene retreat and attracts tourists from all across the state.
The natural ambiance of Henry’s Island
Being by the sublime Bay of Bengal, the natural beauty of Henry Island often captivates visitors and tourists. White sandy beaches and a squeaky-clean environment stretch along the coastline. The appearance is simply stunning with an ambiance that is free from crowd. Soft waves roll on the silky sand creating a harmonious sound along with the tones of the cool oceanic salty breeze.
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Apart from the virgin beach, the area also houses mangrove forests. The beauty of nature is elevated due to the presence of mangroves. Luxurious shades of green dot the area and this is also the reason why various species of birds visit the place. The chirping of these birds gives the place its rhythmic music.
The terrain is absolutely gorgeous. The breathtaking view of the horizon during sunrise and sunset is another element that creates all the serenity. Fresh air tempts the nostrils thereby imparting a sense of liberation. Being under the blue polished sky with the vast sea as the vista is a whole other experience.
Attractions on Henry’s Island
Some of the attractions at the Henry’s Island are:
1. The Untouched Beach
While at Henry Island, be by the untainted beach. Take a stroll by the waters and feel the soft sand beneath your feet. The atmosphere around here is extremely pleasant. The best part will be noticing red crabs walking across and being in the sand.
For some fun, be in the waters and splash around. Swim if you want to and cherish the scenery that comes in front of the eyes. Sit by the shore while absorbing the freshness and tranquillity. Also, do not miss out on the yummy coconut waters.
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2. Lavish Mangrove Forests
The presence of Mangrove forests is due to the reason that the island is an extension of the Sundarbans. Exploring these is a real adventure. This region is ideal for the ones who love the flourishing wilderness.
A small bamboo bridge is made to cross the woodland region and will take you directly to the beach. Being surrounded by such verdant greenery is a liberating and thrilling feeling. You will also get to see some of the mangrove trees that have grown in such regions which are surrounded by ponds.
3. Birding
This is another exhilarating activity that attracts many visitors and bird watchers to Henry Island. Various species of birds flock to this area due to the presence of the mangroves. It has become a good breeding ground for them.
Among so many, some of the aves include Eurasian Wigeon, Black Rumped Flameback, Red Knot, Gadwall, etc. Watch these incredibly colorful creatures in the wilderness and behold each and every activity of theirs. Carry your binoculars; also take snaps of their candid moves.
4. Watchtower Vistas
The 360 panoramic vistas from the top of the watchtower are a must-watch. It is at the Sundari Complex and shows off one of the most remarkable views of Henry Island.
Be at the top; look at the bird’s eye view of the coastline with the clear sky and all the other elements that make the island so marvelous. From the top of the tower, the fishing boats in the sea look like they are floating.
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5. Bheris
Bheris are the sizable shallow waterbodies or ponds. These are formed when the water level diminishes and the mudflats are revealed.
29 of these are used for pisciculture and are under the Fisheries Department of the region. The fishermen catch the fish every morning from the Bheries. If you are interested, be there and watch them do the job flawlessly. Take a few pictures and buy some of the freshly caught fish to bring back home.
6. Twilight views
The twilight views from this island are simply magical. As the sun dips into the horizon, the sky takes up the most amazing hues of fiery golden, orange, and red. Slowly when the sun disappears, the hues transform into pastel purple and orange along with a few dark shades.
The vibrant changes of the vivid hues are surreal. When the darkness sets in, the looks of the region reshape itself together with its environment. Everything is truly spectacular.
Best time to visit Henry Island
The best time to visit Henry Island is during the autumn, winter, and departing spring (October to March).
This is the time when the weather is lovely and mild and a large number of exotic and migratory birds visit the island. The weather is also optimum for fishing and boating activities.
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Places to stay at Henry Island
Some of the best resorts to stay near Henry’s Island are Henry Island WB Fisheries Tourist Bungalow, Mangrove Complex, and Sundari Tourist Complex. These resorts offer classy amenities like breakfast, deluxe rooms, amicable staff, etc.
Many lodges and hotels are also there close to Henry’s Island and offer amazing views of the island sea from their balconies and windows.
Other attractions near Henry Island
| Attraction | Distance from Henry’s Island |
|---|---|
| Lalganj Sea Beach | 7 kilometers |
| Frazerganj Sea Beach | 6 kilometers |
| Mousuni Island | 21 kilometers |
Planning and traveling to Henry Island can give you an outstanding experience. The place is developing fast and is gaining immense popularity as a weekend destination near Kolkata.
The rivulets and small canals crossing the island have also been home to a variety of wildlife. Enjoy a glimpse of the ecological tapestry and replenish the mind with all the positivity.
The scenic beauty of beaches, mangroves, birds, and islands will make you fall in love with nature again and again
Other places to visit in West Bengal
- Bishnupur (West Bengal) – 5 Interesting Points To Know About
- Sarbamangala Temple (Bardhaman) – Timings, History, & More
- Murti (Dooars) West Bengal – Things To Do, Best Time To Visit
- Maithon Dam (West Bengal) – How To Reach, Things To Do
- Lamahatta (Darjeeling) – How To Reach, Attractions, Homestays
- Hollong Tourist Lodge – How To Book, Location, Things To Do
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