Bakkhali: the perfect winter weekend getaway in West Bengal

In India, winter is widely hailed as the holiday season when most people head out to picturesque corners of the vast country to unwind. Consequently, all the famous holiday destinations tend to get chock-a-block with ebullient crowds. While the sense of cheer in the air is palpable, you will be hard-pressed to find some repose in the midst of it. And if quietude is what you seek on your winter sojourn, you need not look any further than the hidden gem of Bakkhali in the state of West Bengal. Bakkhali is a little, pristine town located on one of the deltaic islands by the Bay of Bengal. The calm aura of this coastal town coupled with the exuberant waves of the sea and the verdant stretches of land scattered around, create the perfect backdrop for a relaxing weekend getaway. Here is a list of places that you should explore on your breezy trip to Bakkhali. 

Bakkhali Beach

The eight-kilometer long, wide Bakkhali Beach embodies the serenity of Bakkhali. Both the beach and the water appear to be grey from a distance. However, once at the beach, you will see that the sand is ivory and the waves crashing against it are blue. The lush green mangrove forest nearby and an abundance of palm trees make the beach a tropical paradise. That the coastline is sparsely populated heightens the beauty of the beach. The crescent-shaped Bakkhali Beach is the perfect place to savor the beauty of the sunset, and it does not get more therapeutic than a walk along the tranquil beach at dusk.

Bakkhali Sea Beach, Bakkhali, West Bengal

H758+PG4, Bakkhali, West Bengal 743339, India

Henry’s Island

Located four kilometers away from Bakkhali, Henry’s Island is a remote island that is an extension of the nearby Sundarbans, the largest mangrove ecosystem in the world.  On the island, the walking trail that leads to the Bakkhali Beach is shrouded by mangrove jungles that make mere walking an experience to be cherished. The watchtower at Henry’s Island provides a stunning aerial view of not just Bakkhali but a handful of islands scattered across the Bay of Bengal. The beach at the island, with its warm water, soft sand, and the air of solitude, is captivating.

Henry's Island, West Bengal

H7GR+QW4, Henry Island, West Bengal 743339, India

Crocodile Breeding Centre

Although the mangrove forests of Bakkhali are devoid of wild animals, the Crocodile Breeding Centre provides a great opportunity to explore some of the fauna of the region. This is a shelter for different species of crocodiles - be it in the form of a mammoth predator or an innocuous egg. Here, you can take a close look at the crawling creatures, even as their hard scales and power fill you with awe.

Frazerganj

Bakkhali’s twin town, Frazerganj, is located only two kilometers north of the former. The town is named after Andrew Frazer, the Lieutenant-Governor of the Bengal province in British-ruled India. In the early 20th century, Frazer attempted to fashion the town into a resort, but his efforts were in vain as the strong sea waves washed away constructions frequently. The ruins of the office and bungalow of Frazer can still be seen at the Frazerganj beach. Today, this little town is known for its idyllic beach and a string of windmills.

Frazerganj, West Bengal

H68X+6MH, Bakkhali, Lakshmipur Abad, West Bengal 743339, India

How to reach Bakkhali

Bakkhali is located 126 kilometers away from Kolkata, the City of Joy. While you can reach the place via rail, you will have to change transport several times that way. So, it is better to travel by road. You can drive to Bakkhali from Kolkata in about three and a half hours. Upon reaching the place, you and your vehicle will be transported across the creek atop a special ferry. Alternatively, you can board one of the many Bakkhali-bound buses from the Dharmatala bus stand near the New Market area in Kolkata. And if you are keen on traveling by train, board the Laxmikantapur local train from the Sealdah railway station, get down at the Namkhana railway station, board a cab or bus from there to reach Bakkhali, and then take the ferry to cross the creek. The best time to visit Bakkhali is during the winter months of November to February because summers here can be quite extreme. If you happen to visit the island around the 15th of January, make sure to explore the Gangasagar Mela, one of the largest spiritual carnivals of India, held on the nearby Sagar Island.

The sequestered island of Bakkhali in West Bengal is the epitome of peace and calm. A somewhat virgin territory, the region is dotted with the warm waves of the Bay of Bengal, rich mangrove vegetation, and watchtowers and windmills. There can be no better place for the perfect winter weekend getaway.  A  number of amazing adventures await you at Bakkhali!