Talsari - An Ideal Budget Weekend Destination

On the north-eastern coast of India, with the combination of green paddy fields, numerous rivers, blue hills and extensive beaches, it provides an ideal weekend destination.

Talsari Beach

The spectacular view of long palm trees all around this beach in Odisha has given Talsari its very own status. It is an ideal destination for a relaxed vacation that is frequently visited by national and international tourists. This deserted, long and unexploited sea beach extending for miles is an ultimate treat for the eyes. The word Tal also means rhythm, which is reflected in the sea waves lapping against the shore. The tranquil and serene environment of Talsari Beach makes it a chosen destination for nature lovers and tourists seeking for isolation. Tourists from the state of Orissa and Bengal frequently visit the Talsari Beach to get a break from the hectic lifestyle of the cities. 

Talsari Beach

Witnessing sunrise and sunset from the gleaming stretch of white sand is a rewarding experience. Talsari even fascinates its tourists with its backwaters, which one needs to cross to reach the sea.

The stream plays hide and seek with people. When the stream is brimming, one can only reach the main beach with the help of a boat. But at other times, one can walk across the dry riverbed. The place is fairly windy.

Places to Visit

Talsari is the beach where the Subarnarekha River meets the Bay of Bengal. This long and deserted sea beach stretching for miles is a treat to the eyes. The famous Chandaneshwar temple is just a few minutes from Talsari. There is also a Wholesale Fish Market in Talsari, from where you can buy fresh fish at bargain rates.

Chandaneshwar Temple

Chandaneshwar Temple is a spot worth seeing that is located in the Balasore district. This famous temple is located at a few minutes’ walk from the Talsari Beach. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is an important pilgrim destination that is crowded by devotees all year round.

Udaipur Beach

Udaipur Beach is also a virgin and unexplored beach of Orissa that is located at close proximity from the Talsari Beach. The beach side is dotted with tall casuarinas trees and there are few fishermen huts present there. Udaipur Beach with its tranquil environment makes a very romantic destination.

Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary

Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary is a spectacular wildlife destination that is a must visit for animal and nature lovers. The sanctuary was created to preserve the flourishing bio-diversity of Orissa in the year 1975. The sanctuary is particularly popular for spotting giant saltwater crocodiles. The Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary has been proposed to find a place among the list of World Heritage Sites.

The New Digha Beach in the state of West Bengal is another favourite destination for tourists visiting the Talsari Beach. The beach is very clean is located at just 2kms from the old beach at Digha. The New Digha Beach looks beautiful and offers magnificent views of the sea.

Things to do in Talsari

Enjoy the unexploited ambiance of Talsari with all your senses. Explore the lifestyle of the fisherman dwelling in the area. Bargain for some fresh fish in the mornings and take it to the hotel’s cook. The expansive beach looks great during moonlight nights with the snaking River Subarnarekha crisscrossing the beach. You can also hire a boat and cross the knee-deep river to reach the other side of the beach, which is a huge sand island with Casuarinas groves.

How to reach Talsari

Road Map

Mumbai Road - Salap Crossing

You can reach Talsari by car taking the route to Digha from Kolkata. The direction from Kolkata to Talsari is as here.

You can also travel direct to Digha by train and rent a car or local trekkers to reach Talsari. Click here to see the list of trains between Howrah and Digha.

You can also travel by bus from Kolkata to Digha thereafter reach Talsari by a rented car or local trekkers. Bus services are provided by Calcutta Tramways Company, South Bengal State Transport Corporation, and others.

Where to Stay

• Panthasala (Odisha Tourism Development Corporation), Talsari, PO Chandaneshwar, Telephone +91 6781 232 528. Click here to book online.

• Hotel Sagar Saikat, Talsari, P.O. Chandaneshwar, Odisha. This Budget Hotel is nearest to the sea beach. Telephone: +91 8961837326, +91 9231544915. Click here to book enquiry.

• Hotel Sita, Talsari, PO Chandaneshwar, Telephone +91 6781 232 530.

• Hotel Shree Inn, Talsari, P.O. Chandaneshwar, Odisha. Telephone: +919614666666, +919933119000. Click here to book online.

Gadiara - Where Mornington Fort was build to guard Calcutta

In the 18th century, the British build a fort at this place to guard the entrance of British Colony, Calcutta against river pirates. However the Mornington Fort got ruined in the devastating flood of 1942. It is situated at the confluence of the Hooghly and Rupnarayan Rivers. You can still see some ruins of the old fort built during the rule of Lord Clive mostly submerged in the river. A good place for a day’s outing.

Gadiara River Banks

This small town in Howrah District of West Bengal, India.

Gadiara. 

It is hardly 80–90 km from Calcutta and there are frequent bus services both private and state-owned (CSTC), from Esplanade, Kolkata.

Savor the spectacular sunrise and sunset over the vast expanse of water. Take a walk along the riverside and spend some quality time taking a boat ride on the river. Idling along the river bank and taking lazy village walks are the best things to do here. You can even take a ferry ride and visit another beautiful tourist attraction known as “Geonkhali" located across the river. Geonkhali Water Treatment Plant is worth mentioning at Geonkhali.

There is a small lighthouse installed in Gadiara.

Lighthouse in Gadiara

How To Reach

You can drive to Bagnan and then take left. Cross the rail over bridge and head towards Shyampur to reach the destination. Gadiara is 8 kms from Shyampur and 33 kms from Bagnan. If you are driving along the Durgapur Expressway from Kolkata, then it will take around 1 hr to reach Bagnan from Kolkata. 

Kolkata - Gadiara Road Map

Salap More NH6

Mumbai Road

If you want to avail train services, then board a local train from Howrah heading to Kolaghat, Mecheda, Panskura or Kharagpur that will drop you at Bagnan Station. You can catch a bus from Bagnan to Shyampur. You would get auto rickshaws from Shyampur to Gadiara.

Click here to get the train time table from Howrah to Bagnan.

Bagnan Railway Station

Bagnan Bus Stand

Bagnan Rail Over Bridge

There are also direct buses leaving Kolkata from Dalhousie (Esplanade) – opposite to KC Das Sweet shop for Gadiara.

Esplanade, Kolkata

There is another way of reaching Gadiara through ferry services from Nurpur. There are direct buses from Esplanade to Nurpur too.

Noorpur - Gadiara Ferry Route

Gadiara River Banks

Gadiara Ferry Ghat

Accommodation at Gadiara

Gariara offers various guest houses and hotels where tourists can enjoy their stay with all the latest amenities available. Majority of hotels stand in front of the river and a few are positioned close to the bus stop. There are also some other hotels that are located in isolation in the midst of nature next to the river. As per the budget and preference of rooms one can choose from simple rooms to deluxe air-conditioned rooms. Gadiara has 2 nice hotels- New Chalantika tourist lodge and the Rupnarayan Tourist lodge. 

It has 2 good hotels, the government owned Rupnarayan Tourist Lodge and the New Chalantika Tourist Lodge:

New Chalantika Tourist Lodge:

This hotel offers lip-smacking meals and AC rooms. The rooms offer magnificent views. One can savor in good Indian delicacies at quite affordable prices. One can also enjoy the local fast food by visiting the stalls located close to the bus stop. 

Facilities:

• Friendly staff

• Vast complex   

• Located at the river side bus stop

• A big garden which is well-maintained

• A private pond which is available for fishing

Contact Details:

Address: Gadiara, Howrah, Pin code: 711314

Phone number: (03214) 26 3108 and 09732583213(mobile)

Rupnarayan Tourist Lodge:

Here basic accommodation can be available at reasonable rates. This lodge is owned by the West Bengal Government and hence it offers top-quality services to the tourists. Some of the facilities offered at this lodge are:

• Situated adjacent to the river

• Multicuisine restaurant

• Bar

• Picnic spaces (Both open and shed)

• Spacious rooms

• Cordial staff

• Popular Bengali cuisines like- Topse Macher Bora, Alu bhaja and Pona Macher jhol are one of the top Bengali dishes that one can savor at this lodge. 

• Situated near the railway station

Contact Details:

Address: P.O. Dakshin Shibpur, Gadiara, Howrah, Pin code: 711314

Phone number: (03214) 26 3125

Click here to book Rupnarayan Tourist Lodge.

Rupnarayan Tourist Lodge - Main Gate

Rupnarayan Tourist Lodge

Rupnarayan Tourist Lodge - Dining Hall

Rupnarayan Tourist Lodge - Garden

Rupnarayan Tourist Lodge - Garden

There are also a few guest houses in Gadiara which have gardens full of fresh vegetables. Tourists are permitted to choose their preferred vegetable from these gardens and get them cooked.

A video from a recent bike trip :

Video Channel Courtesy : One Living Life 

Bankiput, The Virgin Sea Beach

If you want to explore new places, then this Puja your destintion must be Bankiput Beach.

Bankiput Beach

This beach is just 160 kilometers away from Kolkata near Junput full of Red Crabs. So, during the low tide in the sea beach, it seems like someone has spread the red carpet. Like the Chandipur, during the low tide, the sea stays a lot behind. So, if you want to swim in the sea, do it during the high tide, else if you want to see the sea water, you will to walk around one kilometer. Bankiput's Sea Beach was largely unpopulated a year ago. But now there is increasing number of tourists like Tajpur, Mandarmani, Udaipur, Talsari etc. Of course, there is not enough things to enjoy without sea and solitude in the Bankiput Beach. However, at sunrise and sunset, the place becomes heaven. In addition to walking on the beach, you can walk around to find some more spots. The abandoned Dariyapur Lighthouse of the British period has been re-opened for tourists. Around 96 feet high, this lighthouse will get a great gateway to view the entire space. Visit Deshapran Fishing Harbour at Petuaghat. Here the Rasulpur River falls into the Bay of Bengal. If you want, you can buy fresh fish here. The hotel will cook it on request. Another must visit spot is the ancient Kapalkundala Temple. Because this is the famous temple, about which Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay mentioned in his story 'Kapalkundala'. From Bankiput, you can visit the nearby beaches like Mandarmani, Tajpur, Shankarpur in a toto or an auto. Bankiput is becoming very famous as a low cost honeymoon destination.

Bankiput Beach

Bankiput Beach

Bankiput Beach

Bankiput Beach

Bankiput Beach

Bankiput Beach

Bankiput Beach

Bankiput Beach

Bankiput Beach

Dariyapur Light House

Dariyapur Light House

Dariyapur Light House

Dariyapur Light House

Dariyapur Light House

Deshapran Fishing Harbour, Petuaghat

Deshapran Fishing Harbour, Petuaghat

Deshapran Fishing Harbour, Petuaghat

Red Crab in Bankiput Sea Beach

Prawn Pisciculture in Bankiput 

Bankiput

Kapalkundala Temple

How to go: 

When you get in the car, go to Kanthi and take the road towards Junput. Travelling towards Baghaput from Junput, leave the main road to take the alternate road to reach Bankiput. 

Kolkata - Bankiput Road Map

If you leave Esplanade in a bus, you can surely take a trekker or motor van from Kanthi.

SBSTC Bus from Kolkata to Digha

When traveling by train, the Tamralipta Express or Kandari Express will go till Kanthi station, then reach Bankiput in the same way. 

Kanthi Station

Tamralipta Express

If you want to come from Digha, Mandarmani, Tajpur or Shankarpur, then come down to Shaula crossing and then leaving the Shola Khal on the left side and proceed towards Junput by going through the pitch of the road and reaching Bankiput from there.

Way to Bankiput Sea Beach - Jhinuk Residency

Way to Bankiput Sea Beach - Jhinuk Residency

Where to stay: Jhinuk Residency is the most common place to live in Bankiput. Contact the website and you can book the book beforehand.

Jhinuk Residency is the only accommodation available at Bankiput. Though very basic but well maintained with clean rooms and washrooms. The staffs are extremely helpful and courteous. It’s a two storied building with 6 AC Double Bed Rooms and 1 AC Four Bedded Room. As of May 2017, The double bed rooms at Ground Floor costs Rs. 1400/- each and the ones at First Floor costs Rs. 1600/- each, whereas the Four Bedded Room costs Rs. 2200/-. The First Floor rooms definitely offers better view than Ground Floor Rooms. One would have to opt for the set meal plan from the resort only, as there’s no shop of restaurant within 3 KM. The nearest market is at Junput but we didn’t notice any restaurant there. The meal plan costs Rs. 550/- per person per day (as of May 2017) which includes Lunch (Rice, Dal, Bhaji, Salad, Sabji, Choice of Fish, Chutney, Papad & Rasgulla), Tea & Evening Snacks (Onion Pakoda & Chicken Pakoda), Dinner (Rice / Roti, Dal, Bhaji, Salad, Sabji, Chicken & Rasgulla) & Breakfast (Puri & Sabji). Though I won’t say that the food is finger licking, but is good enough to survive. The best part is, the resort is right there in the beach. From Contai (Kanthi), you may opt for Toto’s / Shared Trekkers to Junput and then change for Baghaput and get down at the Resort at Bankiput. Otherwise they can arrange a pickup and/or Drop to & from Contai (Kanthi) in a private vehicle for Rs. 450/-.

Jhinuk Residency - The only resort and place to stay in Bankiput

Jhinuk Residency - Outside

Jhinuk Residency - Room View

Jhinuk Residency - Bathroom View

Jhinuk Residency - Lawn

Jhinuk Residency - Room View

Points To Remember :

• If you are going to Bankiput with Sea in mind then you’ll definitely be disappointed. As most of the tourists arrives in the afternoon and leaves early morning next day. Whereas the sea only becomes visible during high tide which is around next morning 8 AM – 9 AM till 1 PM or so. So make a brief halt till next lunch next day. I think management should change their Check In and Check Out time accordingly.
• The main motive to choose this destination should be enjoying the nature, the virginity of the beach away from the maddening crowd of famous beaches. Only then the destination might impress you.
• There are few sightseeings nearby such as Dariyapur Light House, Kapalkundala Temple etc. Though we didn’t visited there, but you may choose to visit these spots.
• Other famous beaches such as Digha, Mandarmani, Shankarpur, Tajpur, Talsari, Udaypur, Junput etc. are all nearby, if you are planning to club them in a trip.
• Make all necessary arrangement for snacks, drinks or anything else at Contai (Kanthi) before heading over to Bankiput, as there’s no market nearby to facilitate your requests.

Contacts :

Mr. Chandan Deb Roy (Owner)        : +91-98311-67537

Mr. Biswanath (Booking Partner)     : +91-98317-69790

Mr. Somnath (Operations Manager) : +91-99326-77258

They all belong to Nature & U Group and have resorts at Tajpur, Junput, Bankiput, Chandpur & Mandarmani. So you may call them to book resort at either of the destinations. You may check Tajpur Nature Camp for their website.

Mr. Sanjib (Manager cum Caretaker at Jhinuk Residency, Bankiput) : +91-89672-12764

Mr. Pallav (Driver For Pickup & Drop)                                               : +91-75850-17366