For all those who think Digha is the only beach in West Bengal, here is a resounding WRONG. Almost as far as Digha, about 140 kms from Kolkata is Mandarmani, or Madarmani, as the locals call it. I read somewhere that it is the longest motorable beach in India. Grossly under publicised (which is a good thing, seeing Bakkhali's condition now), this stretch of heaven just never seems to end. Virgin sand takes on another meaning.REACHING THERE- From Kolkata via Kona Expressway, via Mumbai Road to Kolaghat. Then Contai. Take Digha route. On the Kolkata-Digha road reach Chawlkhola. Be sure to ask directions, the left turn from this road is almost impossible to find unless you are looking for it very carefully. Once you leave the Kolkata-Digha road, the paved roads end and the bone rattling drive for 10 kms begin. Keep asking directions every few minutes. If you survive that drive, you will reach the beach and will have to drive on the beach itself for a good 4-5 kms till you reach your resorts. The beach drive can be tricky, at high tide this bit is submerged and vehicles might have to wait for the low tide. If availing public transport and Kolkata- Digha bus will drop you at Chawlkhola from where local transports are available. (Trekkers where you can hang on for dear life on the stretch). Its worth the trouble when you see the beach.
Go to this link for the wiki map of the area- http://wikimapia.org/510487/
STAY- Resorts line this beach, pick one according to your pocket. We stayed at the Sana Beach Resort. It was expensive, but very nice. Rooms were tasefully decorated, with AC, the reception area is huge and well decorated too. The food isnt bad either.
WHAT TO DO- Loll around on the beach. Some resorts have their beach beds, with umbrellas and towels. There are shacks where you will get simple yummy crab curry (they will make it for you if you order), prawns, beer, bread, eggs, packaged water and soft drinks. People drive on the beach, but ideally its not recommended due to the ecology of the area. You can walk/drive toward Digha on the beach itself until you reach a river cutting through to the sea. Its shallow enough to wade into, deep enough to have a small ride if you can convince a local boatman. We did. The resorts also have good game rooms or pools.
FOOD- As long as you keep the money flowing, there will be no dearth of food or drink. Vegetarians will have a problem, will have to stick to biscuits and bread-butter on the beach, or else get from restaurants of the resorts. All the resorts have their own restaurants.
You can google Mandarmani for more information. Lots of it available, including photos. For photos go here - http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Asia/India/East/West_Bengal/mandarmani/
great place
ReplyDeleteMandarmani isn't a bad place to visit. but its nowhere close to the hype around it.
ReplyDeleteIf you love your car, dont take it to mandarmani. Its OK if you have an SUV though. The roads are just too rouugh.
Poor infrastructure is a major disappointent.
Its better to stay at Digha/ shankarpur and plan Mandarmani while on your way back to Kolkata. It'd take about 1.5 to 2 hours to reach from digha, at a very relaxed pace. Spend some time in the beach and head back home.
Nice blog……really I like it, because I went to Mandarmani 1 year ago. It is very nice place. We stayed in Tranga Mala. It is not too expensive, food were good. And the resort was very good and attractive. Now we are planning go to Manadarmani. I love this place.
ReplyDeletewe took our santro. it was fine.
ReplyDeletei just stumbled upon this blog while searching for latest on cal-digha road condition. i wonder why just a few kms of road..that too for small vehicles cant be made/maintained by local administration when tourism can do so very much for places like mandarmoni. i am taking my alto and will not dare to venture towards manda...mani....thanx for warning me in advance...i will try to write when i come back from digha...so nice of you folks bloggin..kk banerjee
ReplyDeleteBEWARE GUYS WHO ARE THINKING FOR MANDARMONI.I went Mandarmoni on 7.1.2010 to 9.1.2010 and stayed in a resort called GARDEN RETREAT. Beware that's the worst Romm service and hotel I have ever stayed.The beach is not very Virgin and crowded place full of touts.102 hotels are there but very poor infrastructure.Go there see Hotel then book never from Kolkata unless you book very renowned loike Sana or Rosevalley.
ReplyDeleteBe very cautious.
Aniruddha Nag
31st Dec 2010 We visited Mandarmoni. It is a very nice place for a weekend trip. The Beach is very nice. But one thing I would like to suggest you please do not stay at "Candlewood Park Beach Resort & Spa". It is the worst hotel I have seen in mondarmoni. This time out of 10 members 6 members were seriously ill (Vomiting & Stomach Problem) after taking their food. Kitchen & dining is not at all hygienic. We booked for package. which is having food included. Food cost 500/- rs per person per day. The food was so bad we wanted to cancel it from second day. We talked with hotel's manager & owner but both of them said you have to pay for all the days. Other wise you pay for it and then you take food from outside. And that too very rudely. The hotel owners behavior was also very bad. He just wanted to make money. In 500 Rs they provided Breakfast, lunch, tiffin & dinner. In Breakfast they provided 6 puri's and sabji, one egg & one sweet. If anyone want one extra puri he/she has to pay extra for that. For lunch they provided one piece on Fish and dinner 3 pieces of chicken. And one plate of rice. If anyone need one extra piece of chicken or fish have to pay extra charge for that. In one single sentence "Candlewood Park Beach Resort & Spa" is the worst hotel in mandarmoni. Management, food and hotel staffs are very very bad.
ReplyDeleteCan anyone suggest a good hotel in mandarmoni. :)
ReplyDeleteExciting, I am really very lucky to find this article. Do you have any one else in this topic ? I sent to my friend, let them together to enjoy this style of writing. Thank you for sharing
ReplyDeleteGreat work. that was pretty interesting. Inspiring, as well. Thanks for sharing such inspiring experience with us. Great blog, congrats!
ReplyDeleteIt contains truly information. Your website is very useful. Big buddy in the picture. Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to more!
ReplyDeleteMandarmani is really the best weekend beach destination from Kolkata. It is unlike Digha. I love the place for the tranquility and serenity.
ReplyDeleteIt is a nice post to come across. I love reading reviews on trips. You can also have a look at my writing here: Mandarmani review
Regards,
Abhijit
Wonderful information shared with all, will be very helpful to other too who are planning their holiday like me. Thanks and keep sharing such useful stuff with all.
ReplyDelete