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Falta
43 km downriver, was the site of a Dutch factory. The British Retreated
here in 1756 when Kolkata was captured by Siraj-ud-daula. It was
also from here
that Clive recaptured Kolkata. just below Falta the Damodar River
joins the Hooghly. The Rupnarain River also joins the Hooghly nearby
and a little up this river is Tamluk, which was an important Buddhist
centre over 1000 years ago. The James & Mary Shoal, the most
dangerous on the Hooghly, is just above the point where the Rupnarain
River enters. It takes its name from a ship which was wrecked here
in 169
Diamond
Harbour
A resort 51km south of Kolkata by road, Diamond Harbour is at the
point where the Hooghly turns south and flows into the open sea.
It can be reached by bus or train from Kolkata. Launches run from
here to Sagar island.
The Sagarika Tourist Lodge can be booked through West Bengal Tourism
in Kolkata.
Haldia
The new port of Haldia is 96km south of Kolkata, on the west bank
of the Hooghly. The port was constructed to try to regain the shipping
lost from Kolkata's silting problems. There are regular buses between
Kolkata and Haldia.
Sagar
Island (Sagardwip)
At the mouth of the Hooghly, this island is considered to be the
point where the Ganges joins the sea, and a great three day bathing
festival takes place here in mid-January. A lighthouse marks the
south-west tip of the island but navigation is still difficult for
a further 65km south.
Digha
Close to the border with Orissa, 185km south west of Kolkata on
the Bay of Bengal, Digha is another self-styled 'Brighton of the
East'. The beach is seven km long and very wide but if a beach holiday
is what you want, carry on south to Puri or Gapalpur-on-Sea.
There are daily buses between Kolkata and Digha. The Chandaneshwar
Siva Temple is just across the border in Orissa, eight km from Digha.
Places
to stay
The Tourist Lodge is run by West Bengal Tourism. Digha has a wide
range of other accommodation, including a youth hostel.
Travel
Information
Regular buses ply between kolkata and Digha. Tourist cabs and luxury
cars can also be hired from Kolkata.
Shankarpur
Beach
This pristine, lesser-known beach lying 10 km from Digha calls you
for a quiet vacation. Fringed by casuarina plantations, this fishing
village offers all the pleasures of a private beach. The best season
to visit is from July to March.
Regular buses ply between kolkata and Shankarpur. Tourist cabs and
luxury cars can also be hired from Kolkata.
Frazerganj
Head out for a soothing holiday in the unspoilt environs of
this unique white sand beach. 3 hours drive from kolkata, it is
also the summer destination for a variety of migratory birds. All
these beaches are best visited from July to March.
Travel
Information
Frazerganj is 3 hours drive from kolkata on very good roads. It
is accessible by buses or taxis and then on a vessel. |
