Diamond Harbour – Weekend Picnic Spot near Kolkata

Diamond Harbour – Weekend Picnic Spot near Kolkata

Diamond Harbour is a perfect weekend gateway and an ideal picnic destination near Kolkata, the capital town of west Bengal. This small town is indeed a perfect place to relax and unwind at the end of a busy and hectic week. Diamond Harbour was more a picnic spot till recent times, but in the past few years it has developed into a popular weekend tourist spot, thanks to the development of a number of private resorts and a 5 star hotel. Watching sunrise and sunset at Diamond Harbour is an awesome experience which no words can describe.

Magnificent view of sunset at Diamond Harbour

Where is Diamond Harbour?

Diamond Harbor, the popular weekend tourist spot is located in South 24 Pargana district of the Indian state of West Bengal. This fast developing tourist destination is just 52 Km from south of Kolkata and is just one and a half hour drive from the metropolis.

About Diamond Harbour

The picturesque small town of Diamond Harbour with a touch of history offers spectacular view of the river Hoogly. At Diamond Harbour, the Rupnarayan River joins the Hoogly and bends south and widens out to a form a huge expanse of water before meeting the Bay of Bengal. A little further down, the Haldi River joins it as well and the whole place seems to be a huge ocean of water.

Diamond Harbour was earlier known as Hajipur. It was the Britishers who renamed the place during the days of East India Company. The ruins of the fort of Chingrikhali at Diamond Harbour speak of its Portugese connection and the presence of an old lighthouse adds to the historic value of the place.

The mesmerizing beauty of the place at the confluence of Hoogly (tributary of Ganga) and Bay of Bengal is simply wonderful. It is indeed a refreshing and revitalizing experience to stand by the long stretch of water and experience the panoramic beauty of the nature. During sunset, the beautiful natural vistas of the place and the sun setting down the horizon create a colourful canvas that makes an indelible experience on the mind. Watching Sunrise and Sunset at Diamond Harbour is something which creates an indelible experience on the mind and soul of every tourists visiting the place. For city dwellers who wish to escape from the humdrum of the city life, Diamond Harbour is indeed a perfect place to spend some quality time with friends, family and your loved ones.

Sightseeing in and around Diamond Harbour

Fort – Ruins of the old fort at Diamond Harbour is a must visit spot for every tourists visiting Diamond Harbour. The fort was most probably built by the Portugese or French traders in 16th Century and was mainly used as Warehouse to store merchandise before loading on the ships to Europe. Though presently the fort is in ruin but is undoubtedly a major attraction for tourists.

Ruins of Diamond Harbour

Kapil Muni Temple – The famous temple of Kapil Muni is situated on the Sagar Island and waterways is the only mode of transport. Sagar Island can be approached from either Harwood point or Namkhana jetty. Harwood Point is just 35 Km from diamond Harbour while Namkhana is another 13 Km more.

Considered to be an important and popular Hindu pilgrimage destination, the temple was built by Swami Ramanand in 1437. The temple is dedicated to the sage Kapila Muni who according to Hindu mythology was responsible for bringing Ganges down to the earth from heaven. The oldest temple was completely destroyed by a tornado. Subsequently, twice the temple was rebuilt but got destroyed as well. In the year 1961, the then Chief Minister of West Bengal, Shri B.C.Roy again setup the Kapil Muni Temple at Sagardwip Island for the fourth time.

View of Kapil Muni temple at Sagardighi

On Makar Sankranti day (middle of January), thousands of pilgrims from all over India and other countries as well rushes to Sagardwip to have a holy dip at the confluence of the Bay of Bengal and river Ganga so as to wash away all the sins of their life.

Bakkhali – The beach resort of Bakkhali is at a distance of about 55 Km from Diamond Harbour and takes about 2 hours to reach. Though in the last few years this Bakkhali has developed into a popular beach resort, but apart from weekend one will not find many tourists here. With gentle waves, white sand and coconut tree around, this secluded beach is indeed a place to relax and rejuvenate. Presence of a number of hotels and resorts makes the place a perfect weekend destination.

Bakkhali beach near Diamond Harbour

How to reach Diamond Harbour?

By Air – Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International airport at Kolkata at a distance of about 65 Km is the nearest airport of Diamond Harbour. In order to reach Diamond Harbour from the airport the best option is hiring private vehicle according to his or her requirement.

By Rail – From Sealdah station there are trains at regular intervals that connects Diamond Harbour with the metropolitan town of Kolkata. The entire journey takes around one and a half at themost.

By Road – Diamond Harbour is well connected with Kolkata by good road and regular buses are available from Shahid Minar bus terminus and as well as Babughat. The road condition is quite and the road is via Khidirpore bridge.

Where to stay at Diamond Harbour?

Sagarika Tourist Lodge – Undoubtedly the best staying option at Diamond Harbour is West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation (WBTDC) run Tourist Lodge, Sagarika. Located on the river bank, Tourist Lodge Sagarika is known for its amenities, hospitality and cleanliness in spite of being a budget accommodation.

For more information and booking contact at – 03174- 255246/255262. Booking of Tourist Lodge Sagarika can also be done from WBTDC office at Kolkata.

Hotel Punyalakshmi – This new private hotel is quite a good staying option at Diamond Harbour. Situated on the bank of River Hooghly, this hotel is surrounded by green lawn and commands a majestic view of the river. The swimming pool of this hotel Is well maintained and a major facility for the tourists where they can soak and relax comfortably.

To know more about this hotel and to book your accommodation in this hotel, contact at – 03174 255190, 9153432013, 9679205110.

There are several other hotels and resort on the Diamond Harbour Road approaching Diamond Harbour town on the bank of the River Hooghly.