Digha Beach

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Digha beach located in Southern West Bengal is inarguably the most picturesque and famous beach of India’s eastern coastal line. A flat, hard beach stretching miles and discovered several years ago, Digha is famous for its panoramic sunrise & sunset views.

Although Digha lay secluded for ages, it was not until the British explored and realized its beauty and suitability as an ideal beach resort that its popularity reached its zenith. Earlier known as ‘Beercool’ or ‘Beerkul’, it finds mention as the “Brighton of the East” in one of Warren Hastings’s letters -the then Governor General of Bengal written to his wife in 1780 AD. More than a century later in 1923, it was the writings of another Englishman John Frank that resulted in Digha becoming famous in other parts of the world as well. John Frank while on one of his travel trips was so charmed by the naturally endowed beauty of this place that h started living here for a considerable period of time. Post India’s independence, it was him who convinced the then Chief Minister of Bengal Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy to develop this as a beach resort.

A flat and hard beach, the sea for about a mile from the beach is calm and shallow making it quite safe for swimming. The coast is girdled with casuarinas plantations & trees and the sunrise & sunset views are a sight to behold. One may also enjoy a scenic drive here whereas bathing is advisable in low tides. Owing to its close proximity with Kolkata, Digha welcomes a large number of tourists who are looking for a breather away from the fast paced city life. This has resulted in several hotels & beach resorts coming up in the region ideally serving for the accommodation requirements. A part of the region has been extended and named as New Digha which also houses several hotels apart from a small park. Overall, Digha is an ideal getaway for city dwellers, a perfect place to soak in the sun as well as a suitable nature retreat.