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