Baguran Jalpai: As I gazed out at the vast stretch of water before me, one thought dominated my mind – how incredibly relaxing the sea is! The travel adage about needing “Vitamin Sea” felt absolutely true in that moment. I delighted in the sight of the gentle waves rolling in and brushing against my feet. Baguran Jalpai, a relatively obscure yet stunning beach close to the more frequented Digha or Mandarmani, had truly captured my heart.
It was one of those laid-back weekends when we opted for a break from city life. While our typical weekend escapes from Kolkata often lead us to the hills, this time we craved the soothing coastal breeze. Baguran Jalpai appeared to be the ideal spot for our short trip. Situated in the Contai subdivision of East Medinipur, closer to Bankiput, it’s approximately 160 km from Kolkata.
Baguran Jalpai Beach – A Unique Weekend Destination from Kolkata
The Road Trip to Baguran Jalpai
Driving through the early morning roads away from Kolkata is always a pleasure. The soft morning light combined with some great travel tunes set the stage for a perfect road trip. We made a breakfast stop at Kolaghat before continuing our journey towards sunshine and sand.
Baguran is about a 4-hour drive from Kolkata. Even with our breakfast stop and a few others along the way, we reached the tranquil village of Baguran by 11 AM. Upon arriving in Contai, we took Junput Road. Despite navigating some rough patches, we eventually made it to the village.
Baguran Jalpai is unremarkable at first glance. On any ordinary day, it resembles any rural area in Bengal. However, the main draw is its pristine, untouched beach. Before hitting the beach, we visited Sagar Niralay, the only resort in Baguran Jalpai. The resort, with its expansive grounds, exuded a relaxed vibe, perfect for our two-day stay. We chose a cottage for our accommodation.
As soon as we checked in and settled, I was eager to head to the beach. There’s a special excitement in seeing the sea after a long time. I could almost smell the salty air and imagined the waves crashing (though the sounds might have been just in my head!).
The Beach
They say a day at the beach rejuvenates the soul, and that’s exactly what Baguran Jalpai did for us. We strolled down the muddy roads until we reached Baguran Jalpai Beach. A few shops indicated our proximity to the beach. Soon, we were greeted by a vast sandy shore with waves crashing in the distance. The entire area was peaceful and serene, with very few people around, making it feel like our own private beach.
The beach was surrounded by casuarina trees, similar to other nearby beaches.
We spent our time leisurely walking along the pristine beach. With the winter sun warming our backs, we meandered slowly, passing by small fishing villages. We observed fishermen laying out their nets on the beach, preparing for their next day’s fishing.
The Land of Red Crabs
Then we spotted them – red crabs, hundreds of them. A portion of the beach seemed to be entirely red. Curiously, we approached, only to see the crabs scurrying away into their burrows. It was a delightful sight to witness so many crabs in one place.
After our long walk, we returned to the resort around noon. Lunch was a feast of fresh seafood, including crabs, pomfret, and lobsters. It was a perfect treat for any seafood lover.
The resort itself was charming, with hammocks strung between coconut trees where we relaxed for the remainder of the afternoon.
The following morning, we visited the beach again to enjoy some quiet moments. The morning sun, gentle breeze, and soft sand had a soothing effect on us.
Baguran Jalpai Beach
Our time at Baguran Jalpai was truly enjoyable. Unlike other trips where I’m constantly seeking new places and planning activities, this getaway was all about relaxation. Sometimes, a laid-back vacation is just what’s needed!
Baguran Jalpai is enchanting. Our visit in January this year, just before the pandemic hit, left us with fond memories. As we adapt to the new normal and explore local destinations more, Baguran Jalpai stands out as a great escape from Kolkata. A day trip is also a feasible option.
How to Reach Baguran Jalpai
Baguran Jalpai is around 160 km from Kolkata and is a 4-hour drive. If you’re traveling by car, head to Kathi or Contai first. From Contai, Baguran is about 14 km away. Take Junput Road to reach Baguran Jalpai.
If traveling by train from Howrah, disembark at Contai Station and then take a shared jeep to Baguran Jalpai. The same applies if you’re traveling by bus. Alternatively, you can ask the resort to arrange transportation from Contai.
Where to Stay in Baguran Jalpai
The sole resort in Baguran Jalpai is Sagar Niralay. It’s a spacious and pleasant place to stay for one or two nights.
Contact: 9434012200/8670547411
Sagar Niralay Resort at Baguran Jalpai also serves delicious food.
Dining options in Baguran are limited. There are a few beach shacks offering fish, snacks, and refreshments.
Best Time to Visit Baguran Jalpai
You can visit Baguran Jalpai any time of the year. However, the best period is from October to February when the weather is cooler.
Other Nearby Attractions
Nearby beach destinations include Junput, Bankiput, and Kapalkundala Temple.
- Junput – 5 km
- Mandarmoni – 32 km
- Digha – 45 km
- Tajpur – 35 km
- Bankiput – 12 km
If you plan to visit Baguran Jalpai soon, remember to carry masks, sanitizers, and take all necessary precautions to stay safe.
