Places to See in Digha — West Bengal’s Resort Town

Digha, located in the Purba Medinipur district of West Bengal, is a small yet extremely popular seaside resort of the state. Situated on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, Digha has gained a lot of popularity among tourists who wish to spend some time in tranquility. Digha was home to an English businessman John Frank Snaith in 1923. The letters he wrote described the place in detail and intrigued the curiosity of people. He convinced the then-West Bengal chief minister Bidhan Chandra Roy to turn Digha into a beach resort.

 

In addition to the pristine and untouched beaches, Digha is home to several interesting places that are definitely worth a visit. In fact, the diversity of these tourist attractions is one of the features that sets Digha aside from other beach destinations. Digha has an amalgamation of beaches, museums, temples, and research centers which means that this small resort town offers something for every age group. Book hotels in Digha before finalising your trip.

 

So, here are some places to see in Digha which you won’t regret having on your itinerary.

1. Marin Station

The marine aquarium cum regional center or MARC in Digha is the largest inbuilt aquarium in the country. One of the most popular tourist destinations in the town, the aquarium is home to three types of creatures – species that are conserved, species found locally, and species found in freshwater. Tourists can spot lobsters, butterflyfishes, sea snakes, sea anemones, shore crabs, and some other not-so-common marine life at the aquarium. The center was established in 1989 and it has two wings – the aquarium and a research center. The center has been set up with the aim to spread awareness about the creatures among people. Also, the marine station provides the infrastructure to professionals for conducting training courses related to coastal and marine ecosystems.

Timings: The aquarium is open for tourists between 9.30 am and 6 pm. Hotels in Digha near Marine Station are available with ease. 

2. New Digha Beach

Only 2 kilometers from the old Digha beach, this beach is one of the most sought-after tourist places in the town because of its easy accessibility and low crowd density. The soft sand on the beach allows the tourists to spend hours here simply gazing at the waves crashing on the shore. The sea is at least a mile away from the shore, which is adorned by the casuarina trees as far as the eye can travel. Also, the new Digha beach is popular for its magnificent sunrise and sunset. When the golden rays of the sun bounce off the clear water of the sea, it is a sight to behold. Some aquatic sports have also been introduced on the beach recently. So, if you are looking for some adventure on your holiday, the new Digha beach is an ideal destination for you. Book budget hotels in Digha right away. 

Timings: Any time of the day.

3. Udaipur Beach

Since Digha is a sea resort town, it is not too difficult to find a beach here. However, if you are looking for an untouched and less crowded beach, head for the Udaipur beach. This place is so tranquil that it is one of the most pristine and exquisite beaches in the country. Located on the border of Orissa, Udaipur beach lies between two towns—Digha and Talsari. This secluded beach saves the tourists from the hustle and bustle of the suffocating city life. The beach is adorned by tall casuarina trees and temporary stalls set up by fishermen who sell fish for a living here. The beach is popular for its calm and tranquil beauty and people from all over the world visit this place to rejuvenate their senses. If you are looking for some activities to enjoy with your friends and family, Udaipur beach will not disappoint. Hotels in Digha are there to be booked with ease. 

 

You can swim in the clear water, take a speed boat ride or a banana boat ride, or just a casual still along the beach, the options are endless. You can satiate your hunger pangs at the beach with some mouthwatering traditional delicacies served here. The food available on the beach primarily includes seafood like prawns and fish curry. You can also enjoy coconut water while taking a stroll at the beach at super cheap prices. If you are visiting the beach early in the morning, head towards the mouth of the river. Here, you can buy fresh fish and some stalls even cook them for you at very cheap prices. You will find authentic Bengali delicacies such as jumbo prawns and Bhetki and make sure that you don’t miss out on the crabs. Vegetarians need not fret since there are plenty of options available for them too. North Indian, Chinese, and South Indian delicacies can be found at every eatery on the beach. Getting a chilled beer with some wafers is a great way to enjoy your time at Udaipur beach. Go for budget hotels in Digha near Udaipur beach. 

 

Adrenaline junkies can find their thrills at the Udaipur beach. Beach sports such as all-terrain bilking and speed boat rides can be enjoyed here. Hire a bike to Talsari beach and it will cost you around Rs. 50-70 per bike for 3 km.

Udaipur beach is only 3 km from the Digha bus stand and the best way to reach the beach is on a Bhatbhati—a local motor transport. You can also take a rickshaw from the bus stand. Also, it is one of the places of top sightseeing in Digha.

4. Amarabati Park

Digha town is not just home to some of the most exquisite beaches of the country, it also boasts of its pristine lawns which are nothing short of a natural wonderland. Amarabati park is one such place where tourists become one with nature while. The amount of work out into the park is admirable. The park is less than a kilometer away from the New Digha beach and is home to a rich variety of seasonal flowers. The park also has a mini lake in the center which adds to its beauty. Tourists are offered a ropeway ride across the park, giving them a suspended aerial view of the New Digha area and the beautiful park below. Offering beautifully carved out pathways, comfortable seating arrangements, and boat rides in the lake, Amarabati park is an ideal destination for tourists traveling with their families. The boating charges are Rs. 60 per head for a 25-minute ride. The boats have a maximum capacity of four people.

Timings: The park is open between 7.30 am and 5.30 pm

Charges: The entry fee for adults is Rs. 5 and for children below 3 years, no entry fee is charged

Best Time to Visit Digha

Digha is mostly preferred as a weekend getaway destination by people living in Kolkata. The tourists from Kolkata usually like to visit the resort town during winters. According to the weather conditions of the place, October to February is the best time to visit Digha. Since there are open areas like beaches and gardens to be covered in the town, the winter season is the most comfortable time to spend time out under the sun. Also, it is during the winter season, when the town, like the rest of West Bengal, gears up for the biggest celebration of the year – Durga Pujo. All those wondering how to travel to Digha from Delhi can go online and conduct a small search. 

Winter in Digha

In Digha, the winter season lasts from October to February. This is the most pleasant time to visit the town as the temperature varies between 3 and 28 degrees. Water adventures such as skiing and scuba diving can be enjoyed the best during this season. During these months, Diga sees a surge in tourist footfall. Therefore, it is advisable to book your accommodation in advance. Although some beaches might be crowded during this time, the tranquility of the place remains intact. If you go around Durga Puja, you will see the entire town decked up for celebrations. The town and the beaches become more vibrant around this time. If you are a party animal, visit Digha around Christmas or New Year’s Eve and witness some of the best beach parties in the country. The best hotels in Digha are found in this area. 

Summer in Digha

The summer season starts in March and lasts till June. The place is hot and humid during these months and the temperature can go up to 38 degrees. Spending time on the beaches is not very pleasant. Spending time outdoors can cause a great amount of sweat and discomfort. There are not many tourists during this season. Thus, it is a great time to visit for all budget travelers. The beaches are minimally crowded and hotels offer great discounts during this season.

Monsoon in Digha

The monsoon season starts in July and lasts till the end of September in Digha. After the scorching summer heat, the monsoon showers bring a lot of respites. However, this season is still not considered to be a good time to visit the beaches in Digha since there is always the risk of high tides. The humidity levels are high which decreases the likelihood of outdoorsy activities.