Mention a beach resort from Kolkata and you get an immediate reply - Digha, the most popular beach resort in West Bengal.

Once known as Beerkul, it was actually discovered by an English tourist, John Frank Smith, who was so enamoured by the place that he made Digha his home. This was later developed into a beach resort, which started gaining popularity after independence.

It is well known for its flat hard beaches, which are fringed with several casuarina trees. Its proximity to Kolkata makes it an attractive beach resort for those looking for a weekend respite. Digha is a big draw for tourists as well, and its no wonder that it is crowded always.

Digha has spectacular sights to offer such as the view of both sunrise and sunset at the beach. The sky if filled with a splendid hue of orange that is a sight worth seeing. Bathing is allowed within certain limits, as the sea can get rough.

If you want the beach to yourself you can always head for the isolated beach at Shankarpur, not too far from Digha along the Digha Contai Road. This newly developed beach resort, is serene and calm, and offers the joys of solitude and tranquility - unlike Digha.

All around Digha there are ruins of old temples replete with its share of mythological tales. A short distance from Digha is Chandaneshwar which is the site of an old Shiva shrine. Other temples in this area are the Lankeswaritemple and the Kapal Kundala Temple near Contai

New Digha is another attraction, which is an extension of the old town. Handicrafts are available in plenty at a good bargain. Yet another quiet beach from Digha is Junput. Brackish water fish cultivation and research are done here by the State Government Fisheries Department