Digha is one of the most popular tourist spots in West Bengal. Placed on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, this resort town is a prominent weekend destination as the place is about a 4-hour drive from Kolkata. Trains and Buses between Kolkata and Digha are also available.
It is stunning, especially during the winter months when you can tour the sites comfortably without any obstacles. Basking in the sun during the afternoon, going around the town, and relishing the food all throughout the day is simply what is needed after a hectic schedule of daily life.
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Various places are there to explore during your visit to Digha.
In this article, you will know about the top places you can visit in or around Digha. This list also includes some new places that have opened in recent years.
Here are the top 10 places to visit near Digha,
- New Digha Sea Beach
- Old Digha Sea Beach
- Shankarpur Beach
- Marine Aquarium and Research Center (MARC)
- Digha Science Center
- Talsari Beach
- Amravati Park
- Mandarmani
- Udaipur Beach
- Bichitrapur Mangrove Sanctuary
Let’s see each of these in detail.
1. New Digha Sea Beach
New Digha Sea Beach is one of the main attractions in Digha. It is a man-made beach and is quite alluring.
The mood of the place is exceedingly vibrant. The sublimity of nature at this place can be felt through the soft golden sand, the ocean blue waters, the crystal clear sky, and the calm breeze. It is like stepping into a zone full of good vibes and happiness.
The oceanic scent fills the air with its freshness, along with the earthiness that rolls in from the sand. The New Digha Sea Beach stretches for about a mile or more, but the beauty is never-ending. The daytime has a different kind of appeal than the night.
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During the day, you can just get into the cool salty waters, swim, and splash around through the foamy waves. After that, sit by the shore, relax, collect shells, and sip some sweet coconut water. As the sun starts to set, the horizon turns pinkish red and then purple. The scene is incredible to behold.
When the evening falls, all the lights are turned on, and the entire beach gets studded with small shops selling various things. There are so many handmade items like shell jewelry, other shell items, handicraft stuff, etc. More is there to expect, to see, and to experience.
2. Old Digha Sea Beach
Old Digha Beach is the original sea beach that is located near the entrance of the city. This beach was the one in existence for a long time.
However, in recent times, a lot of improvements have been made on this beach. The place is well-decorated and attracts a lot of tourists.
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Renovating the Old Digha sea beach was one of the major projects of the West Bengal government.
You will definitely enjoy the view of the ocean from here, especially during the evening time. There is a small market right next to this beach in case you want to buy a souvenir from Digha.
3. Shankarpur Beach
The Shankarpur Sea Beach is also known as the twin beach of the New Digha Sea Beach. It is located at a distance of about 14 km from Digha through Contai road.
This makes this sea beach one of the best places to visit near Digha.
If you have gone to Digha by car, you can take your own car and go there. Parking is available at the beach. You can also go there by hiring an Auto or Toto from your Hotel at New Digha.
This beach is covered with Casuarina trees. Shankarpur beach is less crowded than Digha. You will get a lovely view of the beach surrounded by local fishing boats and rows of trees.
4. The Marine Aquarium and Research Center (MARC)
MARC, or Marine Aquarium and Regional Centre, is a compelling spot to visit when in Digha. It was established on July 1, 1989, and holds a lot of importance. It is a marine museum, aquarium and a research center; an out-and-out place for those who love the marine.
It is amongst the 16 regional centers of the Zoological Survey of India, housing a diversity of marine life. The center is packed with all the engrossing elements. The marine part has a capacity of 8000 liters and more. When you visit the freshwater section, you will find 16 varied sections of the exhibit.
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There are rescued species, ornamental species, and various other species. Walking through the aquarium, you will encounter sharks, Knob stars, lionfish, clownfish, sea anemones, rays, hermit crabs, and multiple others.
In addition to this, the marine museum is the habitat of the coral gallery, bony fish gallery, and Molluscan gallery. The galleries will surprise you with tons of exquisite creatures like corals, sea snakes, lobsters, crabs, mollusks, etc.
It is the best site to behold all the protected marine biological diversity and the immensely fascinating aquatic fauna of the region. Also, MARC is just 1 kilometer away from the Digha Railway Station, hence it is easy to reach.
Marine Aquarium and Research Center Timings: Monday to Saturday between 09:30 A.M and 06:00 P.M.
5. Digha Science Center
Located on the Fore Shore Road in New Digha, the Digha Science Centre is an amusing place to drop by. It was opened in 1997, and since then it is one of the most visited places in the town. Under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, the Science Centre is a satellite unit of the Birla Industrial and Technological Museum.
The place has now become a hub for tourists, students, and explorers who love science and such kinds of things. The center covers quite a portion of the land and houses all sorts of fascinating things. With a nice atmosphere, the center invites everyone to go around the place and learn things.
There are galleries on Life Science, reflections, and Taramandal. Wandering around, you will catch sight of 3D Theatre, Science Park, and National Science, together with Jurassic Park (with light and sound show). For the elders, it is like visiting their childhood days again, however, it comes with some learning.
So many fun activities await you there. Some of them include Yoga Day, Science Quiz, Nature Study Camp on Butterfly, ECG cum Heart Checkup Camp, and the list goes on. Special events are also organized on special days, like Astronomy Day, World Environment Day, etc. It is absolutely enthralling and refreshing.
Digha Science Center Timings: 9 AM-6:30 PM.
Digha Science Center Entry fee: Rs. 25 (The entry Fee is as of July 2019 and may vary).
6. Talsari Beach
The Talsari beach is a very charming and delightful beach located in the state of Orissa. The distance from Digha to this place is only about 10 km.
The famous Subarnarekha River meets the Bay of Bengal at this point. The main attraction of Talsari Beach is the red crabs.
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During high tides, the water gets to the shore and creates a small sand island in the middle. Boat rides are available at this place.
7. Amravati Park
It is a garden and park that is adored for its tranquillity in the coastal town of Digha. This is a place brimming with greenery and quaintness. Placed very close to the new Digha Beach, Amaravati Park is like a nice getaway for a few hours.
The park is a well-groomed space that showcases lush green lawns, a calm lake surrounded by all kinds of seasonal flowers at the heart of the garden, and lofty trees. Every element in the park brings in the essence of joy and rejuvenation.
The beautiful atmosphere amplifies the place’s beauty. Trails are there inside that will take you throughout the area. After venturing through the entire park, sit back and chill in the sitting areas, enjoying the vibe of the garden.
Another thing is, do not miss out on the ropeway ride. Being on top and getting a view of the region is an extraordinary feeling. Following this, try boating for some merriment. The park is ideal for both kids and adults, so visit the park and have a really nice time.
8. Mandarmani
Mandarmani is a perfect beach for those who don’t like crowded places.
You can say that Mandarmani is a solitary beach. But this place is gaining popularity day by day among tourists.
Located only at a distance of 23 km from Digha, this is one of the best places to visit near Digha. Local transport services are available to reach Mandarmani.
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This place has some of the best resorts with swimming pools for you to enjoy.
Mandarmani Beach here is flatter and wider than New Digha Beach.
It is also a motorable beach which is approx 13 km long. You can also enjoy driving on this beach.
9. Udaipur Beach
The Udaipur beach in Digha is one of the most pristine and exquisite sea beaches in India.
This lovely beach is dotted with towering casuarina trees and the makeshift stalls of the fishermen who sell fish here.
The place is especially famous for its scenic beauty, and people from all parts of the world visit the beach to capture these wonderful views in their sight forever.
You can choose from a number of exciting options for activities at Udaipur Beach and enjoy yourself with friends and family.
These include swimming, taking a long walk along the seashore, enjoying adventure sports such as Speed Boat or Banana Boat, riding bikes, or tasting the local delicacies.
The local shops at the beach serve lip-smacking traditional delicacies, which primarily comprise seafood such as prawns and fish curry. Coconuts are also widely available here at super cheap prices.
10. Bichitrapur Mangrove Sanctuary
Bichitrapur is a small hamlet in the Baleswar (Balasore) district of Odisha and around 15 km from Digha in West Bengal.
It is developed by the Odisha Forest Sector Development Programme for the regeneration, conservation, and protection of mangrove forests. A boat ride is the best option to explore the forest for a 1hr tour.
This new spot has recently opened to the public and has already become one of the best places to visit near Digha.
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Bichitrapur is at the border of the Baleshwar District and Purba Medinipur District. The boat ride will take you to the deep forest of mangroves & the meeting point of the Subarnarekha river & the Bay of Bengal Sea.
You can find Red Crabs, rare Tortoises, and mangrove trees during your ride.
So if you are planning to visit Digha soon, then do visit all these places. The vacation you are going for will be filled with happiness and good experiences.
The sites are also not too far from each other, consequently, it will be easier for you to trace the location and visit them.
They are family-friendly, so if you are traveling with your kids and family, it will be a real treat to them.
Other places to visit in West Bengal
- Ramdhura (Kalimpong) – 5 Points You Must Know About
- Daragaon, Burmaik (Kalimpong) – 5 Points You Must Know About
- Ghurni – Exploring Krishnanagar’s Hidden Gem And Its Clay Dolls
- Mim Tea Garden (Darjeeling) – 5 Points You Must Know About
- Bandel Church (Hooghly) | The Basilica of the Holy Rosary
- Bethuadahari Wildlife Sanctuary (West Bengal) – 5 Things To Know
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