Bakkhali

Bakkhali is a bit difficult to reach as it can be directly accessed by road only.

Excellent road condition from Kolkata. It is recommended that you reach Naamkhana JT by 9.00AM to avoid congestion and save time. ETTF Esplanade to Naamkhana JT is 3 hours (Non stop) if you start by 5.30 AM. After crossing the JT at Naamkhana, the drive to Bakkhali is very soothing. This drive will take approximately 40 minutes to Bakkhali beach.

- Bakkhali is yet to be acquainted with the developments the rest of the world seems to be taking for granted, especially when it comes to plastic money. ATMs and credit cards are not widely accessible. Cash is the only thing accepted at most places. Some bigger hotels and eating joints do accept credit cards, but they are far and few in number.
- Also, to be on the safe side, always buy packed food wherever available. Vegetarian food may get hard to find and you may not always be in the mood for non-veg food.

The beaches at Bakkhali lie behind in comparison to the ones at Puri and Digha. Although the place is serene and uncrowded, there is not much to do here. However, the accommodations are quite satisfactory. I went for a family trip and stayed at Hotel Ananya, which provided us with a comfortable place to stay. It also had clean bathrooms and bedrooms and had other amenities as well. You can choose to dine at the hotel itself, or go out. Food shacks are placed at regular intervals and Bengali cuisine is widely available. In the evenings, many stalls at the beach sell scrumptious fried fish. Over all, if you wish to go on a trip away from the daily hustle, then Bakkhali is the place for you.