Digha is a seaside resort town in Purba Medinipur, West Bengal, India, about 185 km south-west of Kolkata on the Bay of Bengal, near the Odisha border. It is the closest sizeable beach destination for Kolkata residents and is split into Old Digha, with its wide, gently sloping sea beach and promenade, and New Digha, which has newer hotels and a quieter shoreline. The sea beach on Sea Beach Road is the main attraction, with a long promenade, horse-drawn carts, stalls selling fried fish and snacks, and sunrise and sunset views over the water. Nearby points include Udayapur beach, a quieter stretch, and the marine aquarium and research centre. Because the journey takes 4-5.5 hours each way, a same-day return is a very long day and an overnight stay is advised. The Howrah-Digha train takes about 4-4.5 hours and costs ₹150-500, and the Esplanade bus takes 5-6 hours for ₹250-600. A car with a driver costs ₹5,500-8,000 one way. The sea beach is within 2 km of the station, so an auto or cycle-rickshaw is enough. A workable plan is to leave Howrah on the earliest train, reach the beach by late morning, take a sea-facing walk and a seafood lunch of fried fish, prawns and crab, then rest in the afternoon before a sunset walk on the promenade. Hotels cost ₹1,500-6,000 per night. The sea is rough in some seasons and swimmers should observe warnings and stay in the marked zones. November to February is the best window, with pleasant weather and calm seas, while summer is hot and the monsoon brings rough water and many closures. Weekends and holidays are very crowded and prices rise.
| Distance | About 185 km south-west of Kolkata |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 4-5.5 hours each way (a very long day; an overnight stay is advised) |
| Getting there | Train: Howrah to Digha (about 4-4.5 hours, ₹150-500 or approx $1.6-5.2 USD); Bus: Esplanade to Digha (5-6 hours, ₹250-600 or approx $2.6-6.3 USD) |
| Cost | Train ₹150-500 (approx $1.6-5.2 USD) each way; an overnight stay at a Digha hotel costs ₹1,500-6,000 (approx $16-63 USD) |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Address | Sea Beach Road, Old Digha, Purba Medinipur, West Bengal 721428, India |
How to get there
- Train from Howrah: 4-4.5 hours, ₹150-500 (approx $1.6-5.2 USD)
- Bus from Esplanade: 5-6 hours, ₹250-600 (approx $2.6-6.3 USD)
- Car with driver: ₹5,500-8,000 (approx $57-83 USD) one way
Location
Sea Beach Road, Old Digha, Purba Medinipur, West Bengal 721428, India
21.6227, 87.5248 View on map
Highlights
- Walk the Old Digha sea beach and promenade
- Watch sunrise or sunset over the Bay of Bengal
- Eat fried fish, prawns and crab at beachside stalls
- Visit the quieter Udayapur beach
- See the marine aquarium and research centre
Tips for visiting
- Take the earliest Howrah-Digha train and plan an overnight stay.
- Book hotels ahead for weekends and holidays when prices rise.
- Swim only in marked zones and heed lifeguard warnings.
- Avoid the monsoon when the sea is rough.
- Use autos or cycle-rickshaws to cover the 2 km from the station.
When to visit
November to February, arriving by late morning on the earliest train. Avoid the monsoon and crowded holiday weekends.
Accessibility
The promenade is mostly level, but sand, long transfers and station stairs make beach access difficult for wheelchair users.
Frequently asked questions
Is Digha doable as a day trip?
It is possible but very long at 4-5.5 hours each way, so an overnight stay is advised.
How does one get there?
The Howrah-Digha train takes 4-4.5 hours, and buses from Esplanade take 5-6 hours. A car is faster but costs more.
When is the best time to visit?
November to February offers pleasant weather and calmer seas.
What is there to do?
Visitors walk the promenade, swim in marked zones, eat seafood and visit nearby beaches and the aquarium.