Digha Uncovered: Your 2025 Guide to West Bengal's Favourite Seaside Town

Picture the sun rising over the Bay of Bengal, casting a golden glow on sandy shores. The rhythmic sound of waves blends with the lively chatter of vendors, while the sea breeze carries the promise of adventure. This isn't just a daydream; it's the experience that awaits you in Digha, West Bengal's most cherished coastal destination. 

For decades, Digha has been the quintessential weekend getaway for the people of West Bengal, but it's so much more than just a beach. It’s a perfect blend of serene shores, bustling markets, thrilling water sports, and rich cultural encounters.

This comprehensive Digha travel guide will show you all the incredible things to do in Digha. Get ready to explore a town where excitement and serenity coexist in perfect harmony.

In this blog, you will Know About

• Your Digha Trip
• The Ultimate List of Things to Do in Digha
• Exploring Beyond Digha: Unforgettable Day Trips and Excursions

Your Digha Trip: A Quick Planning Overview

• Location: Purba Medinipur district in the southern part of West Bengal.
• Best Time to Visit Digha: While Digha is a year-round destination, the best time to visit Digha is between October and March. 

How to Reach Digha:

• By Train: The easiest way to reach Digha is by train. The Digha Railway Station (DGHA) is well-connected with regular trains from Kolkata's Howrah station, making the journey comfortable and scenic.
• By Road: The distance from Kolkata to Digha is about 180 km and takes approximately 4-5 hours. You can hire a private taxi or take one of the many state-run and private buses that ply the route daily.
• By Air: The nearest airport is the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) in Kolkata. From there, you can proceed to Digha by road or rail.

The Ultimate List of Things to Do in Digha

Unwind at New Digha Beach: The Heartbeat of the Town

New Digha Beach is the vibrant pulse of the town, where energy fills the air with the sound of waves and chatter. Step onto the soft sands and feel the warmth of the sun on your skin while the cool breeze sweeps through your hair. The wide, flat beach is perfect for various activities, making it ideal for family visits.

Things to Do:

• Catch a Glorious Sunrise: Wake up early and witness the magical sunrise over the Bay of Bengal, as the sky transforms into vibrant colours.
• Engage in Beach Activities: Try a horse ride along the shore, enjoy a camel ride, or build sandcastles with your kids.
• Take a Refreshing Dip: The calm waters are perfect for swimming and relaxing under the sun. In the evening, the beach comes alive with dazzling lights and makeshift stalls.

Explore the Serenity of Old Digha Beach

Old Digha Beach offers a tranquil escape from the bustling New Digha. Surrounded by stone embankments and tall casuarina trees, this serene spot is perfect for those seeking peace. The beach is more secluded, offering a quiet respite from the crowds.

Things to Do:

• Enjoy a Peaceful Stroll: Walk along the paved promenade, feeling the spray of the waves as they crash gently against the rocks.
• Find a Quiet Corner: Bring a book and relax on one of the stone benches, with the soothing sounds of the ocean as your background.
• Capture a Timeless Photograph: The view of the sea meeting the shore is perfect for stunning sunset photography.

Dive into the Deep at the Marine Aquarium and Research Centre (MARC)

The Marine Aquarium and Research Centre (MARC) is a fascinating educational stop in Digha. Enter the cool, dimly lit world of aquatic wonders, where you can explore various marine life from the Bay of Bengal.

Things to Do:

• Discover Marine Biodiversity: Wander through the exhibits and see everything from vibrant coral reefs to exotic sea creatures like lobsters and sharks.
• An Educational Trip for All Ages: Ideal for families, especially kids, the large tanks provide informative details about the species, making it a fun and interactive learning experience.
• Timings: 10:00 AM- 06:00 PM; closed on Tuesdays

Embark on a Spiritual Journey to the Lord Shiva Temple at Chandaneswar

Located across the border in Odisha, the Lord Shiva Temple at Chandaneswar offers a serene spiritual experience. Surrounded by lush greenery, the temple is a significant pilgrimage site. The journey itself is picturesque, taking you through rustic villages and green landscapes.

Things to Do:

• Soak in the Divine Atmosphere: The air is filled with the scent of incense and the sound of temple bells, creating a peaceful, spiritual aura.
• Admire the Architecture: Appreciate the intricate carvings and the calming environment of the temple grounds. It’s a perfect cultural stop during your Digha sightseeing tour.
• Temple Timings: 06:00 AM- 06:00 PM

Unleash Your Inner Adventurer at Udaypur Beach

For adventure lovers, Udaypur Beach is the place to be. Located on the border of West Bengal and Odisha, this semi-virgin beach offers a perfect mix of serenity and thrill. The beach is less crowded, allowing for a more immersive experience.

Things to Do:

• Indulge in Thrilling Water Sports: Try parasailing, speed boating, jet skiing, or enjoy a thrilling ride on a banana boat. The charges for adventure activities vary.
• Relax in Seclusion: After the adventure, unwind on the pristine shores, shaded by the casuarina trees, perfect for a picnic or a quiet break.

Discover Serenity at Shankarpur Beach: A Fishing Paradise

Shankarpur Beach, located about 14 km from Digha, offers an offbeat experience with its untouched beauty. This fishing harbour is quieter than the other beaches and provides a glimpse into the local lifestyle.

Things to Do:

• Witness the Fishermen at Work: Watch the fishermen head out to sea at dawn and return with their fresh catch in the evening.
• Go for Long Nature Walks: The beach is perfect for long walks, with the sound of waves and the chirping of birds accompanying your journey.
• Engage in Local Fishing: Try your hand at fishing with the help of local fishermen for a unique experience.

Indulge Your Taste Buds: A Guide to Seafood in Digha

No trip to Digha is complete without savouring its seafood. The coastal town offers an array of fresh catches from the Bay of Bengal, cooked in authentic Bengali style.

What to Try:

• Fresh Fish Fries: Relish the taste of freshly fried fish like pomfret, bhetki, or mackerel, seasoned perfectly with spices.
• Iconic Bengali Curries: Don’t miss the Prawn Malai Curry or Bhetki Paturi, both rich in flavour and true to Bengali cuisine.
• Crab Masala: For a truly indulgent experience, try the crab masala, a flavourful dish cooked in rich, spicy gravy.

Ignite Your Curiosity at the Digha Science Centre & National Science Camp

The Digha Science Centre & National Science Camp is a fun and educational stop, perfect for families and curious minds. The centre offers interactive exhibits and a planetarium that takes you on a cosmic journey.

Things to Do:

• Explore Interactive Exhibits: Engage with hands-on exhibits covering topics from electricity to marine life, making science fun for all ages.
• Journey Through Space: The inflatable dome planetarium hosts fascinating shows about the stars and planets, offering an awe-inspiring experience.
• Walk with Dinosaurs: Explore the Jurassic Park-themed garden with life-sized models of dinosaurs, which is sure to captivate younger visitors.
• Timings: 08:00 AM- 08:00 PM
• Entry Fee: INR 25 per person

Relax and Recharge at Amarabati Park

Located just a short distance from New Digha Beach, Amarabati Park offers a serene escape with its lush greenery and peaceful atmosphere. It’s a perfect spot for families to unwind and enjoy a leisurely day.

What to Do:

• Enjoy a Boat Ride: Paddle boating on the park's tranquil lake is a fun and relaxing way to spend time with your loved ones.
• Experience the Ropeway: For a unique view of the park, hop on the ropeway and enjoy a bird's-eye perspective of the surrounding beauty.
• Stroll Through the Gardens: Walk through manicured lawns and vibrant flower beds, making it an ideal place for a peaceful stroll or simply relaxing in nature.
• Timings: 07:30 AM- 07:30 PM
• Entry Fee: INR 5 per person (free for children under 3 years.)

Shop, Stroll, and Snack at the Digha Beach Market

The Digha Beach Market is a must-visit for souvenirs and local treats. Located near Old Digha, the market is a vibrant, bustling lane with a variety of interesting shops and street food vendors.

Things to Do:

• Shop for Souvenirs: From seashell jewellery to handwoven textiles, the market offers unique gifts to take home.
• Buy Local Delicacies: Digha is known for its cashews, so buy salted or masala-flavoured cashews as a perfect souvenir.
• Indulge in Street Food: Try jhalmuri (spicy puffed rice) or phuchkas (pani puri) for a true taste of Bengal.

Exploring Beyond Digha: Unforgettable Day Trips and Excursions

Talsari Beach: Where the River Meets the Sea

Just 20 km from Digha, Talsari Beach offers a peaceful retreat with the unique experience of walking across the sandy riverbed during low tide when the sea recedes. It’s a great spot to enjoy a quiet stroll, watch the thousands of red crabs scuttling along the shore, and take in the natural beauty of the river meeting the ocean.

Tajpur: The Land of Red Crabs and Tamarisk Groves

Located 25 km from Digha, Tajpur is a secluded paradise surrounded by Tamarisk and Casuarina trees. Stroll through the enchanting green groves to reach the beach, where you can watch red crabs emerge from their burrows. It’s an ideal place for quiet walks, birdwatching, and experiencing the untouched beauty of nature.

Mandarmani: The Thrill of the Drive-In Beach

Only 30 km from Digha, Mandarmani offers an exciting drive along one of India's longest motorable beaches. You can drive your car or hire an ATV to cruise along the hard-packed sand. The beach also offers water sports like parasailing, jet skiing, and speed boating, making it a perfect spot for adventure enthusiasts.

Conclusion

From parasailing at Udaypur Beach to tranquil moments at Shankarpur, Digha offers the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. You can thrill yourself in the morning and unwind by the afternoon, all while exploring marine wonders and savouring delicious seafood. A blend of natural beauty, culture, and family fun, Digha is a top West Bengal destination. Pack your bags, book your stay at one of the many resorts, and get ready for an unforgettable coastal adventure!