Written by: Atreyee Chowdhury
Mandarmani
Mandarmani, a spectacular beach, is located in Purba Midnapur district of West Bengal. It’s just 20 Km away from another beautiful vacation destination Digha. Mandarmani is undoubtedly a wonderful virgin beach in the east coast of India. The presence of the resort here has just added on to the number of tourists here.
Orientation
Mandarmani has a beach and needless to say, is where the Bay of Bengal meets the sand. Its around 180 Km from Kolkata and along with being an upcoming tourist spot, it’s also a small fishing harbor.
Weather
The weather of Mandarmani just adds on the pleasant ambience of the natural beauty. Mornings are cool and you can very well spot few fishermen hopping out to their job. Summers are sunny and winters are cool as usual. The rainy season here can very well display the might of the rains to you. The rainy season lasts from late May to September and the summers may see the sunshine from March to the point when the rain gods takeover.
Best times to visit
The best time to visit should be the summers (beaches blooms elegantly during summers, don’t they?)
Getting there / Route information
Distance from Kolkata – 171 KM
Route: Esplanade – – (63KM) –> Kalaghat via Mechada –(83KM)–> Contai — (26KM) –> Madarmani.
By Bus
Board a bus to Digha from Esplanade or Dharamtal in Kolkata. You can then move on local vehicles or a long walk will make you reach Mandarmani. Several state transport buses beat the dust of the Kolkata-Digha route. Private luxury buses too are available at Rs.150 per head.
By Train
Digha is the nearest railway station. It has regular trains from Kolkata’s Shalimar station (Shalimar-Digha express). The rates are quite reasonable.
By Flight
Kolkata’s DumDum airport is where you’ll have to bid adieu to your plane rides!
Road Quality
The road is fine. Just fine!
Pictures of Mandarmani
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Major attractions
The beach
This is literally a virgin beach. The loneliness here is beautiful and makes you meet Mother Nature in various forms. Just spend the days gazing around swooping birds and singing waves. Don’t forget to rejuvenate yourself by sunbathing here. The swimmer in you will automatically come out. Do be friendly with the fishermen here and go on a fishing spree. You can very well try fishing all by yourself.
Shopping
Buy some raw fishes from the local fishermen. Few shopping arcades do mark their presence (Do shop some fresh air to your lungs for free!).
Vital Tourist Information
Things to carry
Some suncreams, mosquito repellants, emergency torches and other basic necessities would be enough to enjoy your short trip that you have been planning for so long.
Hotel availability
Good hotels are available and accommodation is not a problem. The resorts are however, the best of all.
Check out the following two:
Rose Valley. Tel: 091-98344 77099.
Digante. Tel: 091- 98310 43365.
Taxi availability
Digha has access to few taxis. Hiring a taxi from Kolkata can be expensive but you can be rest assured with it.
Contact details in case of contingency
| Hospital: | Tamluk district hospital. Tel: 03228 – 266059 |
| Police: | Sub inspector of Police, Purba Mednipur Tel: 03228-269580, 9434185228 (mobile) |
Why is Mandarmani listed under Wildlife Tourism?