Digha is a seaside town in Purba Medinipur district, close to the Odisha border and roughly 180 km from Kolkata. For generations it has been the classic weekend beach for Bengali families, and it stays lively all year, especially on holidays.
Things to do in Digha are simple and cheerful: sunrise and sunset on the beach, evening strolls on the promenade, fried fish from beach stalls, the marine aquarium and science centre, and temples old and new. For quieter sand, go to the nearby beaches of Udaipur, Tajpur, Shankarpur and Mandarmani.
Two days is enough. October to February is the best season; the sea is rough in the monsoon, and swimming is often unsafe.
For how to get there, when to go and where to stay, see our Digha travel guide.
Quick answer: best things to do in Digha
- Watch sunrise on New Digha beach
- Stroll the Old Digha promenade at sunset
- Visit the Marine Aquarium and Regional Centre
- Explore the Digha Science Centre
- See the new Jagannath Temple
- Visit Chandaneswar Shiva temple
- See the catch at Shankarpur fishing harbour
- Spend a day at Tajpur or Mandarmani
- Eat fried pomfret and prawns at beach stalls
Going by road? See our guide to road trips from Kolkata.
Planning a beach holiday? Explore our guide to the best beaches in West Bengal.
Beaches
Watch sunrise on New Digha
New Digha has a wider, flatter beach than the old town and a long promenade. Early morning is the best time, when fishermen bring in boats and the beach is calm. The sea here can have strong currents; swim only where lifeguards are present and never in rough weather.
- Best time
- Sunrise
- Good for
- Families
- Good to know
- Swim only in safe, guarded areas
Stroll the Old Digha promenade
Old Digha's promenade, above a boulder sea wall, is where the crowds gather in the evening for snacks, shopping for shell crafts and watching the waves. It has a festive, busy atmosphere on weekends.
- Best time
- Sunset
Go to Udaipur beach
Udaipur beach, a short drive west towards the Odisha border, is quieter than Digha's main beaches and good for a long walk on the sand.
Temples and attractions
Visit the Marine Aquarium
The Marine Aquarium and Regional Centre, run by the Zoological Survey of India, has tanks of marine fish and a museum on coastal life. It is popular with children.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Good for
- Families
Explore the Science Centre
The Digha Science Centre has interactive science exhibits, a 3D theatre and a park, and makes a good break from the sun.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Good for
- Families
See the Jagannath Temple
A large Jagannath Temple modelled on the shrine at Puri opened in Digha in 2025 and has quickly become one of the town's main attractions. Expect crowds on festival days and weekends, and follow temple rules on dress and phones.
- Good to know
- Busy on weekends and festivals
Visit Chandaneswar Temple
Chandaneswar, a Shiva temple just across the border in Odisha, is a short drive from Digha and is especially crowded during the Chaitra festival in spring.
Relax at Amarabati Park
Amarabati Park, near Old Digha, has a lake with boating, gardens and a ropeway-style ride. It is an easy evening outing with children.
Nearby beaches and the harbour
See Shankarpur fishing harbour
Shankarpur, about 14 km away, has a busy fishing harbour where trawlers unload their catch in the morning, and a quiet beach with casuarina trees.
- Best time
- Morning
Spend a day at Tajpur
Tajpur is a small, quiet beach known for red crabs on the sand and casuarina groves. It has a handful of resorts and is ideal for doing very little.
Stay at Mandarmani
Mandarmani, about 30 km from Digha, has a long, flat beach and many resorts, and is popular for weekend stays. Driving on the beach is restricted; follow local rules.
Eat seafood at the stalls
Beach stalls fry pomfret, prawns, crab and bhetki to order. Check freshness, agree on the price per piece before cooking and stick to busy stalls.
- Good for
- Food lovers
Digha by season
Winter (October to February)
Cool, clear days and calm evenings on the promenade make this the best time for Digha. Weekends and the Christmas to New Year week are very busy.
Summer (March to June)
Hot and humid, though sea breezes help in the evenings. Weekday visits are quiet and hotels offer lower rates.
Monsoon (July to September)
Dramatic waves crash against the sea wall at Old Digha, which draws some visitors, but swimming is unsafe and cyclone warnings can close the beaches. Follow local advisories.
- Good to know
- Do not enter the sea in rough weather
Things to do in Digha by type of traveller
Families: Aquarium, Science Centre, Amarabati Park and evenings on the promenade.
Couples: Stay in Tajpur or Mandarmani for quieter beaches and day trips into Digha.
Pilgrims: The Jagannath Temple and Chandaneswar.
Groups of friends: Stay at Mandarmani or Tajpur for beach evenings, and come into Digha for the seafood stalls and promenade.
What to do in Digha with one day
Watch sunrise on New Digha beach, then visit the Marine Aquarium and Science Centre. After a seafood lunch, see the Jagannath Temple and drive to Shankarpur and Tajpur. Return to the Old Digha promenade for sunset.
Practical tips for Digha
- Trains from Howrah reach Digha in about three and a half to four hours; buses and cars take a similar time.
- Swim only in designated areas and follow lifeguards' instructions.
- Weekends and holidays are crowded; book hotels in advance.
- The monsoon brings rough seas and occasional cyclone warnings.
- Carry cash for beach stalls and small shops, although UPI is widely accepted in town.
Plan the rest of your Digha trip
Digha things to do: FAQs
What are the best things to do in Digha?
Enjoy sunrise on New Digha beach, stroll the Old Digha promenade, visit the Marine Aquarium, Science Centre and Jagannath Temple, and make trips to Shankarpur, Tajpur and Mandarmani.
Is it safe to swim in Digha?
Only in calm conditions and in areas watched by lifeguards. Currents can be strong, and swimming is unsafe in the monsoon.
How many days are enough for Digha?
Two days for Digha and nearby beaches.
What is the best time to visit Digha?
October to February.
How far is Mandarmani from Digha?
About 30 km, around an hour by road. Tajpur and Shankarpur lie on the way.
Things to do near Digha
- Mandarmani: a long, quiet beach about 30 km away
- Things to do in Kolkata: about four hours away
- Things to do in Puri: Odisha's temple town and beach
More things to do in West Bengal
Published by the Kudozz Club editorial team · Last updated · How we research our guides
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