Best Beaches Near Kolkata for a Weekend Trip

The best beaches near Kolkata for a weekend trip are Digha (185 km, about 4 hours), Mandarmani (180 km), Tajpur, Shankarpur and Bakkhali, all reachable by road in 3.5 to 5 hours. For a quick two-day escape from the city heat, Mandarmani and Tajpur on the Bay of Bengal coast are the easiest drive-and-relax options, while Bakkhali offers a quieter, less crowded stretch of sand.

Kolkata sits inland on the Hooghly, but the Bay of Bengal coastline of East Midnapore (Purba Medinipur) is close enough that you can leave on a Saturday morning and be dipping your feet in the sea by lunch. Below is a local’s breakdown of each beach, how to get there, what it costs, and which one suits your kind of weekend.

Quick comparison: distance, drive time and fares

All these beaches lie south-west of Kolkata along NH16 (the old NH6 Mumbai Road) and the coastal roads off it. Here is how they stack up for a road trip.

Fares are indicative 2026 ranges and vary by season, traffic, fuel rates and car type. SUVs (Innova/Ertiga) typically cost 25-35% more than a sedan.

Digha: the classic Kolkata beach weekend

Digha is the beach most Bengalis grew up visiting, and it remains the default weekend escape. At roughly 185 km, the drive along NH16 toward Kharagpur and then the Digha branch road takes about 4 hours with one tea break at a roadside dhaba. Old Digha has a casuarina-lined promenade and a calmer beach, while New Digha is livelier with hotels, the Marine Aquarium and the new Jagannath Temple that opened recently and now draws big pilgrim crowds.

The sea here is gentle near the shore, which makes Digha good for families with children. Don’t expect crystal-clear water, the Bay of Bengal off Bengal is muddy-grey, but the wide open beach, fresh fried fish and the sunrise are the real draws. Try the prawn and pomfret at the beachfront stalls, and walk down to the Amaravati Park lake.

• Best time: October to March; avoid the monsoon (June-September) when the sea is rough and warnings are common.
• Stay: New Digha has everything from Rs 1,200 budget rooms to Rs 4,000+ sea-view hotels.
• Tip: Sunrise around 5:30-6 am is the highlight; the beach is also least crowded then.

Mandarmani: drive your car onto the sand

Mandarmani is the longest motorable beach in India, and that is its signature: you can drive a vehicle right along the hard, flat sand at low tide. About 180 km from Kolkata, the turn-off is near Chaulkhola off NH16, after which a 7-8 km approach road takes you to the resorts. This is the most resort-heavy of the lot, with dozens of beachfront properties offering pools, bonfires and seafood barbecues, making it the top pick for a comfortable two-night stay.

Low tide reveals huge stretches of sand dotted with tiny red crabs scurrying into their holes. The beach is less commercial than Digha, more about lazing at your resort and watching the tide. Check tide timings before driving on the sand, as the safe window changes daily.

Planning the logistics in advance saves headaches. You can book a round-trip cab with a waiting driver so you have the car for beach drives and local hopping rather than being stranded at one resort.

Tajpur: the quiet one for couples

Tajpur sits between Mandarmani and Shankarpur, about 170 km away, and is the pick if you want fewer crowds and a more intimate beach. The approach winds through cashew and casuarina groves, and the beach itself is famous for its red crabs that carpet the sand at dawn. There is a small creek and a fishing point nearby. Tajpur has grown a cluster of mid-range resorts but still feels far calmer than Digha.

• Best for: couples, photographers, people who want to read a book by the sea.
• Don’t miss: early-morning red-crab walk and the fish auction at the nearby fishing jetty.

Shankarpur: a working fishing harbour by the sea

Shankarpur is just a few kilometres from Digha (about 177 km from Kolkata) and is one of Bengal’s largest fishing harbours. The beach is broad, clean and peaceful, with rows of colourful fishing trawlers anchored offshore. It pairs well with Digha, you can stay in quieter Shankarpur and drive 15-20 minutes into Digha for the buzz. The seafood here is as fresh as it gets, straight off the boats.

Bakkhali: off-beat and closest to the city

Bakkhali is the closest of these beaches at around 125 km, but the journey is the most interesting because it includes a vehicle ferry crossing at Namkhana over the Hatania-Doania river. Tucked at the edge of the Sundarbans delta on the island of Bakkhali-Frasergunj, this beach has a wilder, mangrove-fringed character. It is far less commercial, the sand is firm enough to walk for kilometres, and Henry’s Island nearby has watchtowers and quiet stretches.

Because of the ferry, factor in a little extra buffer time, and confirm the last ferry timing with your driver for the return. Bakkhali suits travellers who want to escape the resort crowds entirely.

How to plan your beach weekend from Kolkata

For a two-day trip, leave Kolkata by 7-8 am Saturday to beat traffic on the EM Bypass and Kona Expressway, reach by lunch, spend the afternoon and sunset on the sand, and drive back Sunday afternoon. A round-trip outstation cab from Kolkata is the most flexible option for these coastal towns since public transport drops you at a bus stand and not at your resort.

If you are flying into the city first, our Kolkata airport taxi can connect directly to your outstation booking. Prefer a planned itinerary with stays sorted? Look at our Kolkata tour packages that bundle coastal getaways.

• Carry cash for ferry and toll on the Bakkhali route.
• Book hotels ahead on long weekends, Digha and Mandarmani fill up fast.
• Respect sea warnings; the Bay of Bengal has strong undercurrents.
• For SUV comfort on a family trip, choose an Innova; a sedan is fine for 2-3 people.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the closest beach to Kolkata?

Bakkhali is the closest sea beach to Kolkata at around 125 km, roughly a 3.5 to 4 hour drive that includes a short vehicle ferry crossing at Namkhana.

What is the cab fare from Kolkata to Digha?

An indicative one-way cab fare from Kolkata to Digha is about Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,000 for a sedan in 2026. Round trips and SUVs cost more, and rates vary with season, traffic and fuel prices.

Which beach near Kolkata is best for families?

Digha is the most family-friendly because the sea is gentle near the shore, there are plenty of hotels, an aquarium and easy access. Mandarmani is also good for families who want resort comfort.

What is the best time to visit beaches near Kolkata?

October to March is the best window, with pleasant weather and calm seas. Avoid the monsoon months of June to September when the sea is rough and swimming warnings are frequent.

Can I drive my car on Mandarmani beach?

Yes, Mandarmani is the longest motorable beach in India and you can drive on the hard sand during low tide. Always check the day’s tide timings before driving onto the beach.

Ready to hit the coast? Book your Kolkata-to-beach cab now and let a local driver handle the highway while you plan the seafood.