Easy Tourist Guide

Henry’s island is an offbeat tourist destination hugging the western boundary of the greater Sunderban region, and dotting the south-end corner of the ‘Mouths of the Ganges’. Kilometers of empty beach, placid sea, clear sky and excellent food are some of the attractions of this island. In recent years the place has gained prominence and is slowly making its mark as a budget friendly sought after destination. This ideal weekend destination is fast becoming popular, thanks to the initiative taken by the Fisheries department of West Bengal.

Where is Henry’s island?

Henry Island is near Bakkhali in South 24-Parganas of West Bengal. It is around 130 Km from Kolkata.

About Henry’s island

In the mid-Eighties, the Government Fisheries Department took over and turned Henry’s Island into a successful eco-tourism project, establishing a strong bond between man and nature. Henry’s island has an area of 600 hectares habitating wide varieties of plant and animal life.
The wide and flat beach, adorned with silvery sands is of prime attraction for the tourists.. It is difficult to find a body in sight, whether of a man, a machine, or any other mammal. The solitude of this remote place has such a unique soporific quality that it cajoles one to remain alone with nature. The experience of remaining alone with nature is an experience of a lifetime which will be cherished by every tourist visiting the place. Spending time away from the humdrum of city life rejuvenates the body and soul.
A dip in the sea is pleasant. Lazing on the sprawling and deserted beach is even more enjoyable. The sun setting in the evening presents a lovely sight. The red crabs roll out a red carpet on the beach. The crabs, however, scurry away at the slightest sound of feet.

Simply breathtaking is the panorama, when seen from the ‘view tower’ of Sundari Tourist Complex. Standing at an elevation of fifty feet, the viewing pavilion provides an opportunity to plunge on a riot of colours.
There are many rarely observed species of birds which occur regularly at Henry’s island. These include Greater Thick-knee, Ruddy Turnstones, Great Knots, Sanderling, Caspian, Gull-billed and Common Terns, vagrant Heuglin’s Gull, Mangrove Whistler, Back-capped and Collared Kingfishers, Eurasian Hobby, a good selection of plovers and other shorebirds. Moreover, it is the sort of place where a Spoon-billed Sandpiper or a Nordmann’s Greenshank is not impossible!

Sightseeing in and around Henry’s island

A country boat trip to the ‘Mohona’ (a place where river meets the sea), takes two hours and just Rupees Four Hundred is a wonderful experience. The slow movement of the boat enables one to seek, and see the rich marine and birdlife. And there are a variety of mangrove trees, on creeks so narrow, that the foliage has to be removed with bare hands to make way.

Jambudwip Island – A visit to this nearby island is a must in the tour of Henry’s island. Apart from the thrilling the journey, the beauty of the island gives the feeling of how lonely we are in this world. The island is rich in bird species including migratory birds as well.
For more adventure, motorised launches are available on hire to visit Bhagabatpur Crocodile Sanctuary, where one will be amazed to see large crocodiles and how they are being taken care of.

How to Reach Henry’s island?

By Air – Kolkata is the nearest airport of international repute. From the airport one can hire a car to reach Henry’s Island.
By Rail - There’s also a train connection to Namkhana. Take Lakshmikantapur local from Sealdah. Get down at Namkhana station and hire a van to reach Henry’s Island.
By Road – Take a bus from Esplanade to Namkhana. Cross the Hatania-Doania creek on a ferry. From the Jetty ghat, hire a van to reach Henry’s Island, about two kilometers away. Direct buses are also available.

Where to stay at Henry’s island?

There are two rest houses in Henry Island. One is named Mangrove and another one Sundari which is very close to the sea beach. These lodges belong to the Fisheries Department of West Bengal.
For booking, contact – State Fisheries Development, Bikash Bhavan (Phone – 033-23376470)

About Food

‘Fresh from the garden’ vegetables, with prawns and fishes netted from the surrounding ponds, radically better the taste of all preparations. Varieties of fishes netted from more than 50 ponds of fisheries department, like carp, lobster, shrimp, trout, tilapia, bele, parse and tangra adds to the gourmet.
Add-ons are the hospitable countrymen, unknown and unsung, working relentlessly to make India an incredible destination.

Bishnupur is a wonderful historical town of Bankura and is very rich from archeological aspect having remnants of Malla Dynasty here and there. Moreover it is a unique place to see terracotta temples, a style very special and indigenous to this region of the subcontinent. This wonderful historical place has a rich culture and tradition of its own which is very unique in both style and legacy. This old city of Bengal has been a major tourist destination for years and the Bishnupur Elephant made here bears the unique stamp of terracotta artistry.

Where is Bishnupur?

Bishnupur is in the Bankura district of West Bengal. It is around 160 km from Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal.

About Bishnupur

Bishnupur, was once a flourishing town and served as the capital of the Mall rulers of Bengal from the seventeenth to eighteenth centuries. The most prosperous period of Malla dynasty began with Veer Hambir, a contemporary of Akbar. Veer was an ardent devotee of Vishnu and hence the name of his capital Bishnupur, meaning the city of Vishnu. It was in his reign that the first of the surviving temples was built at Bishnupur. Today there are as many as thirty brick and stone temples, each with a different design and scheme, scattered over a large area. The city was once known for its beautiful lakes and ponds, and its lush vegetation. A fortification wall once encircled the capital city. But very little of it remains today.
Since Bishnupur had no stone for construction, the Malla kings built terracotta temples to celebrate their love for Krishna. Terracotta tiles carve out stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Bishnupur is known for its pottery, especially the lovable terracotta horse called Bankura who is the mascot of Bankura handicraft. Baluchari (depicting scenes from mythology) and tussar silk sarees, is another speciality of Bishnupur.

Sightseeing in and around Bishnupur

Rass Mancha, built like a step-pyramid, is Bishnupur’s most famous temple and is dedicated to Vishnu. It is a peculiar structure with huge, stepped masonry pyramid-shaped roof. The vaulted, pillars, draws light into the dark interiors and casts deep shadows on the external façade.

Shyama Rai Temple due north is the built at around 1643. Growing out of the base, the square temple body is framed by an artistically curved roof. The interior and exterior of the temple is adorned with wonderful terracotta tile-work decorations. Near the entrance are huge medallions with Krishna, the divine cowherd, playing his flute, with the gopis, his cowherdess companions, forming a lively circle around him as they dance in celebration.
Keshta Rai Temple is near the Shyama Rai Temple and was built at around 1655. This brick temple imitates the indigenous double hut (jorbangla) design, in which two huts with sweeping curved façade are built, back to back, as one unit. The front of the temple has a triple-arched entrance and the entire wall is alive with miniature sculpture and decorative motifs with scenes from the Ramayana.
Madan Mohan Temple is further north and has been constructed at around 1694. It is less complex in design and consists of a square building. From the center a tall, many-sided tower is capped with a rounded roof. Rows of tiles line the wall surface of the temple, each portraying a theme. Most playful and original are the rows of (plump) ducks waddling around in single file imitating the life-like gestures of a noisy flock.

Shridhara Temple, a 19th century shrine in West Bengal, lies to the north-west of Madan-Mohan temple at Bishnupur. The temple features nine spires – known as navratna – and has beautiful carvings on the walls. The dancing image of Lord Shiva at the entrance of the temple is a fine example of Bengal”s rich sculptural heritage.
Radha-Shyam Temple is one of the famous terracotta temples at Bishnupur in Bankura District of West Bengal. The temple was built by King Chaitanya Singha in 1758 and is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple architecture consists of a square building with a curved roof and is crowned by a single tower.
Mrinmoyee Temple, dedicated to Goddess Durga, is located 3 km from city center. It was constructed in AD 997 and the idol of the temple is made of clay. The holy Nababriksha – nine trees growing as one tree, situated in the temple courtyard is a point of attraction.
Jogesh Chandra Archaeological Centre was established in 1951, exhibiting artifacts of the Malla kings and is located at Bishnupur. The center also features a unique collection of prehistoric implements, large assemblage of documents and manuscripts, stone and terracotta sculptures, epigraphs, bronzes, coins of early and medieval period, scroll paintings and painted manuscripts-covers, and over four thousand medieval manuscripts in Sanskrit, Prakrit and Bengali.
The Dalmadal Caman is one of the major attractions in Bishnupur, Dalmadol cannon was constructed in 1742 by Raja Gopal Singh to keep the Maratha troops at bay. This 3.8 m long cannon with exquisite engravings has a barrel with a diameter of 28.5 cm.

How to reach Bishnupur?

By Air – Calcutta is the nearest airport. From where one can avail either train or bus services to reach this town of tradition.
By Rail - Bishnupur has a railway station which is connected with Calcutta (Howrah). The trains from Howrah are: Asansol Passenger, Gomoh Passenger, Howrah-Purulia Passenger, Hatia-Kharagpur.
By Road - Bishnupur is well-connected by regular bus services to Calcutta 151 Km

Where to stay at Bishnupur?

Hotel Laxmi Park (Booking contact number – 03244-256353)
Bishnupur Lodge (Booking contact number 03244-252013, 253561, 9732100950)
Udayan Lodge (Booking contact number – 03244-252243).

Mandarmani is a beach vacation hot spot on the coast of Bay of Bengal. It has the longest (13 Km) motorable beach road in India and its beach is one of the widest sea beaches of the world. With sun and surf, pristine sea beach and golden sand, Mandarmani has become one of the most popular tourist destinations of Bengal in recent years. An ideal weekend gateway near Kolkata, Mandarmani is a place to relax and rejuvenate away from the hustle and bustle of the busy city life. Presence of a number of hotels and resorts on the beach is another major point of attraction for tourists.

Where is Mandarmani?

Beach resort of Mandarmani is in East Medinipur district of West Bengal. It is almost 18o Km from Kolkata on the Kolkata – Digha route. Just 20 Km away is another beautiful beach vacation destination, Digha.

About Mandarmani

This is literally a virgin beach. The loneliness of the beach makes one meet nature in various forms. On the beach one will undoubtedly get the chance to feel the divinity and tranquility. If that’s not enough to please your senses, then roll on the sand and listen to the waves crashing upon the shore, which will surely refresh your body and mind. Relax, swim and enjoy every moment of your stay at the beach. The moment you get tired you can cool down with green coconut water. You are not likely to have many visitors around and that’s the beauty of this beach. Just spend the days gazing around swooping birds and singing waves. Don’t forget to rejuvenate yourself by sunbathing here.

View of the sunrise and the sunset is something not to be missed out. The spectacular view of the rising and setting sun will definitely indulge you to fall in love with nature. The whole surroundings transforms into a reddish hued fairy tale like atmosphere which is a unique experience to cherish lifelong. Watching sunrise and sunset lying on the beach with your loved ones will transform you in an altogether different planet and will definitely bring back the lost romance in your life.

So what are you waiting for make out the most of the next weekend and plan a trip to this fairy tale like virgin beach with your loved ones. Mandarmani will definitely be one of your favourite weekend destination.

Sightseeing in and around Mandarmani

At the end of the beach there is the Mohana, which is actually the meeting point of River and Sea. Here one will find many crabs crawling on the ground. At times the entire beach becomes full of red Crabs.
There is a delta 5-6 Km away from the main part of the beach. The place will definitely make a mark on your heart with its scenic backdrop. There is a dense forest of Jhau trees on one side of the river. The most common visual is the fishermen standing or wading through knee deep water laying their nets or catching fish and crabs.

One can also visit Digha which is just 20 Km away. The beach of Digha presents another face of the sea which is more rough and violent. Digha has been the most popular sea beach resort of Bengal for many years and a popular tourist destination.

How to reach Mandarmani?

By Air – Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose airport at Dum Dum in Kolkata is the nearest airport. From here one can either hire a private vehicle or can opt for buses to reach Mandarmani at a distance of nearly 180 Km. from Kolkata.
By Train – Digha is the nearest railway station. It has regular trains from Kolkata’s Shalimar station (Shalimar-Digha express). From Digha railway station one can hire private vehicle to reach the pristine beach resort of Mandarmani.
By Road – Board a bus to Digha from Esplanade or Dharamtala in Kolkata. Get down at Chaulkhola. From here local vehicles are available to reach Mandarmani. Several state transport buses as well as private luxury buses are available to reach Mandarmani via Chaulkhola.
If one wants to move on his or her own vehicle from Kolkata then after crossing the VidyaSagar Setu, take the Kona Expressway. After driving a while, turn left to Mumbai Road. Drive till you reach Kolaghat, and turn left toward Digha. 2 Km before reaching Contai Town you will reach Contai Bypass Road, a shortcut that will again drop you on the Kolkata-Digha road. Drive another 10 Km to reach Chaulkhola. Take a left turn from Chaulkhola and follow the village road till it ends at a sea-side village called Dadanpatrabar, around 8km. From here it’s a 6 Km drive along the sand to reach Mandarmani. The total trip from Kolkata is around 4 hours. The road is just fine.

Where to stay at Mandarmani?

Though Mandarmani is relatively new tourist spot, yet a wide range of hotel and lodge are available and many new hotel and resort are coming up. All of these resorts serve good and tasty food. Do not miss to taste the sea fish. Some of the well known and quality resorts are -
Rose Valley Resort (Booking contact number – 9883477099)
Mascara Beach Resort (Booking contact number – 09331155548, 09331040310, 09051111216)
Debra Beach Resort (Booking contact number – 03322310909)
The Sana Beach Resort (Booking contact number – 9339424307)
Hotel Digante (Booking contact number – 9831043365)

Sabujban is a budding plant museum where people can stay amidst nature getting a taste of the village life. The concept of plant museum is indeed very unique and probably the first of its kind in Asia. It is a complete private endeavor to help people enjoy the beauty and serenity of nature.

The unique experience of staying so close to nature, breathing pure air and enjoying the greenery around has a rejuvenating effect on the mind. Though it is a museum to witness rare and exotic species of plant but facility of accommodation inside the boundary of the museum has made it a unique weekend holidaying option where one can relax in the company of plants. The place is fast gaining popularity and is developing into a perfect place to have a weekend amidst serene and picturesque surroundings. Being close to Kolkata and Durgapur, the two most happening cities of West Bengal (Paschimbanga) makes it an ideal place to be in within a short time.

Where is Sabujban?

Sabujban is 13 Km from Bolpur station in Birbhum district of West Bengal.

About Sabujban?

Presently this budding plant museum has 4200 species of plants. One will find various types of flowering and non-flowering plants here including some that are imported from other countries. The collection is huge, well maintained and informative as well. The care with which the plants are reared is something to watch out and learn as well.

The entire complex is well decorated without disturbing the natural beauty. Moreover there are ponds inside the Sabujban complex where one can take a dip to have a feel of the village life.
The place is ideal for weekend vacation. A stay amidst nature, getting the taste of pure air, eating organic food and a scope to come in touch with the village life is definitely a refreshing experience which revitalizes the body and mind. Accommodation facility within the complex of Sabujban has made it an ideal weekend destination away from the hustle and bustle of the busy city life.

Sightseeing in and around Sabujban

River Ajay is just 500 mt. from Sabujban. A stroll along the bank of this meandering river or taking a dip in its water is indeed a cherishable experience. One must not miss to visit the river bank and should plunge into its water if and only if  one knows swimming well.
Santiniketan, land of Gurudev Rabindra Nath Tagore is only 10 Km. away. A visit to this place of worldwide fame is a must. A day tour of this renowned place will make you feel why Santiniketan is the pride of Bengal and India.

How to reach Sabujban?

There are several trains from Howrah Station which reach Bolpur station within 3 hours. Some of the trains are Santiniketan Express (2337), Saraighat Express (2345), Howrah Malda Town Inter City Express (3011), and Ganadevata Express (3017).
From Bolpur station one can easily get Ambassador Car or Tata Sumo or Tata Indica to reach Sabujban which is just 13 Km away.
Pick-up and drop facility is also available from Bolpur station by Sabujban authority.

Where to Stay?

Cottages are available inside Sabujban, which needs to be booked beforehand as numbers of cottages are only 7. The rates are between Rs.500/- to Rs.1000/- depending upon the type of cottage.
Truly tasty foods are available within Sabujban. Most unique about the food available there is that most of the ingredients used for cooking is grown within Sabujban and the food is cooked on wood fire.
The fooding is on Meal system and so charges per meal per person are fixed.
For booking contact 034636450345, 9932589244, 9153193458.

Chandipur-on-Sea is one of the finest beaches on the eastern coastline of India and is often described as ‘the land of hidden treasures’. Studded with casuarinas trees and shining in gleaming waters, Chandipur-on-Sea is a popular sea-side resort and an ideal weekend gateway. Receding water of the sea during low tide makes the beach unique as it exposes long stretch of unspoiled sea bed, which will fascinate every tourists visiting Chandipur. This unique aspect of the beach has made it one of the most sought after destinations of not only Orissa but of the eastern coast as well.

Where is Chandipur?

The beautiful and panoramic sea side resort of Chandipur-on-sea is located in the Balasore district of Orissa.

About Chandipur

The uniqueness of the beach lies in the fact that during a low tide the waters recede up to five kilometers into the sea leaving behind wide stretch of sea bed, completely unspoiled and dotted with shells, star fishes and exposing the golden sands of the beach. This feature is a tourist’s delight and even jeep rides can be taken on the beach during this time. The beach due to its unique attribute supports huge bio diversity. Horse shoe crab is found on the beach towards Mirzapur. Adventure sports like parasailing and boating in the sea can be enjoyed

Apart from the scenic beaches and clear waters, it is the center of Indian Army’s Integrated Test range. The famous Agni, Akash and Prithvi missile were launched from here. However, it is a restricted area and tourists are not allowed near the launch site or the Army cantonment area.

Sightseeing in and around Chandipur

Panchalingeswar – Located 45 kilometers from Chandipur, it is famous for the temple of Lord Shiva. Panchalingeswar is enveloped by the Nilagiri Hills and offers panoramic views. One has to lie flat on the rock parallel to the stream to touch and worship the Shiva lingams inside the temple. If one is lucky, he can spot elephants moving in herds up and down the hill. The place is a must visit in the tour to Chandipur.

Remuna – Located 8 Km from Balasore lies Remuna, which houses the famous Khirachora Gopinath temple. This place has also been the seat of Vaishnavite culture for many centuries. A delicious offering called Khira (a special milk dish) is served inside the temple.
Nilagiri – Situated 40 Km from Chandipur, Nilgiri is known for the popular Jagannath Temple. Don’t miss out the 400 year old king’s palace that is set amidst green hills. Though mostly in ruins but the palace reminds of the glorious past of the region.

How to reach Chandipur?

By Air – Bhubaneswar is the nearest airport at a distance of 206 Km from Chandipur. Tourists can hire a car or travel by bus to reach Chandipur.
By Rail – Balasore is the nearest railway station and is located around 16 kilometers from Chandipur. Tourists can either rent a car (at Rs. 200 – 300) or travel by bus from Balasore to Chandipur.
By Road – Chandipur can be reached by own or hired vehicle from Kolkata (296 Km) or Bhubaneswar (206 Km). The road condition is quite well. Regular bus services are there from Bhubaneswar as well.

Where to stay at Chandipur?

Though it is a relatively newer beach resort, but is not short of good accommodation facilities. Some of the better hotels and resorts at Chandipur are :-
Panthanibas of Orissa Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) Telephone number – 06782 270 051, email: otdc@ortel.net.in,
Anandamayee Hotel (Booking Contact number – 06782 270012). For reservation (at Kolkata) call- 0343 23970427, E-mail: info@anandamayeehotel.com.
Hotel Subham (Booking contact number – 06785-72025)
Hotel Chandipur (Booking contact number – 6782 270 640)

Fooding at Chandipur

Generally one eats where he or she is staying. Prawns are very cheap. One can have a delicious prawn item at The Vyanjam (the best restaurant in Chandipur within the campus of Anandamayee Hotel) or Panthanibas or some outside eatery. Green coconuts are pocket friendly to quench thirst.

Covelong – a picture perfect combination of the sun, sand and sea is a dream holiday destination for tourists and travelers who want to enjoy their vacation in an ambience of peace and tranquility. The palm fringed sun soaked beaches of Covelong near Chennai has become one of the most popular beach resorts on the Coromandel Coast in recent years. This breathtakingly beautiful beach dotted with historical monuments like forts, churches, mosques is extremely popular among honeymooners and foreign tourists seeking privacy and solitude.

Where is Covelong?

Covelong is just 40 Km from Chennai, the capital of Tamilnadu. It lies on the East Coast Road that connects Chennai and Mahabalipuram.

About Covelong

Originally, a port strategically built by the Nawab of Carnatic, Saadat Ali is reminiscent of our glorious past. In the year 1746 Covelong was taken over by the troops of the French General Laboudonnais and in 1752 destroyed by English General Robert Clive during the Carnatic war.
The beautiful beach of Covelong lies in the lee of an ancient Dutch fort which today has been transformed by the Taj group into a five- star luxury beach resort and named Taj Fisherman’s Cove.
Covelong, a calm and serene village known for its fishing activities till early nineties emerged as a beautiful weekend getaway from Chennai, – thanks to the initiative taken by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation.

Covelong has something to offer for everyone, whether he is to relax or in a mood of some adventure. Taking a sunbath in the serene and pristine environment of this clean and unpolluted beach replenishes the energy and rejuvenates the soul in an incomparable manner. The beach also offers an incredible range of sports activities like windsurfing, swimming and other water sports for all those adventure lovers. It is the only beach in Coromondal coast having windsurfing facilities.

Sightseeing in and around Covelong

Besides enjoying the beauty of nature at Covelong beach, the ruins of the Old Dutch fort serves as a memoir of the past.
Presence of historical monuments like churches, mosques, and fort enriches the travel experience further. The ancient Catholic Church at Covelong is extremely popular among tourists. This beautiful church is not only popular among Christian community but is also favourite among tourists visiting Covelong or Chennai.

The shore temple of Mahabalipuram is just 19 Km away and is a must visit for tourists visiting Tamilnadu. This architectural masterpiece is one of the most visited temples of South India.
Then there is a Crocodile farm nearby which provides the unique option of viewing Crocodile from close quarter.

How to reach Covelong?

By Air – Chennai is the nearest airport at a distance of nearly 50 Km.
By Rail—Chennai is the nearest railhead at a distance of around 45 Km.
By Road – There are regular bus services from Chennai to Covelong.

Where to Stay at Covelong?

Taj Fisherman’s Cove, the five star beach resort of Taj group is the best option for staying in Covelong. For booking contact 044-67413333
One can also stay at Chennai or Mahabalipuram where there are a lot more staying options available.