Major city · India
Bakkhaliবকখালি
Go for one night, two at most: an 8 km (5 mi) hard-sand beach, a crocodile park and Henry Island, reached by bus or car from Kolkata in 3–4.5 h.Go for one night, two at most: an 5 mi (8 km) hard-sand beach, a crocodile park and Henry Island, reached by bus or car from Kolkata in 3–4.5 h.
Bakkhali is a low-key seaside resort on a deltaic island in South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, about 122 km by road from central Kolkata. It joins Fraserganj into one continuous strip with a long, firm beach that you can walk, cycle or drive on. There is little to do beyond the beach, the Crocodile Project, Henry Island and a boat run to Jambudwip, so one night covers it and two nights suits a slow weekend. Carry cash: cards are rarely accepted and the ATMs run dry.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- INR
- Best months
- Nov–Feb
- avoid Jun–Sep (monsoon), May (heat and humidity)
- Airport
- CCU
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 6
- South Asia ↗Trekking regions, border districts and several Indian states need separate permits on top of the visa; check the permit before you book transport into them.
- South Asia ↗Remove shoes (and in many Jain and Hindu temples, leather) before entering; cover shoulders and legs; ask before photographing people or rituals.
- India ↗Apply for the e-visa only on the official government portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in); lookalike sites charge extra. Check the current rules, fees and how far ahead to apply.
- India ↗Do not follow anyone who says your hotel is closed, the station ticket office is closed or a road is shut; use the prepaid taxi counter, the metro or an app car.
- India ↗Carry Indian rupees in small notes (10, 20, 50, 100); change for 500 is often refused.
- India ↗Parts of the Northeast, Sikkim, Ladakh, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and all border belts need a Protected or Restricted Area Permit or an Inner Line Permit for foreigners; check before you book the route.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Bakkhali112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Bakkhali, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Indian rupees (INR, ₹) in small notes for autos, street food, tips and entry tickets.India-wide
- SIM or eSIMJio, Airtel and Vi sell tourist SIMs at airport counters and their shops; passport, visa and a photo needed; activation can take a few hours.India-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap.India-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 5–10% if no service charge is on the bill.India-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/D/M. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.India-wide
- SafetyGenerally safe and quiet; the real risks are cash running out, unlit beach at night, strong currents and small boats in rough seas.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsWestern toilets in hotels, malls and airports; squat toilets with a water jug or hose in stations and villages.India-wide
- Emergency numbers112 All services (police, fire, ambulance) · 1363 Tourist helpline (India, 24 h) (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysThe Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays; many museums close on Mondays; banks close on the second and fourth Saturdays…India-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportCCU Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata (About 147 km (91 mi), roughly 4.5 h by car to Bakkhali…CCU Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata (About 91 mi (147 km), roughly 4.5 h by car to Bakkhali…
- Getting aroundElectric rickshaws (totos) and cycle vans cover the strip; a van for all the local spots runs about ₹60 (≈ under US$1) per head and takes around 5 h with a stop at…
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week₹400–800 (≈ US$5–10)
- Museum or sight ticketCrocodile Project or Henry Island entry₹10 (≈ under US$1)
- Budget bedDormitory bed, a night, per person₹120 (≈ US$2)
- Mid-range bedDouble room, a night, per room₹1,200 (≈ US$14)
- High-end bedDouble room, a night, per room₹2,700 (≈ US$35)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget ₹900 (≈ US$11) · Mid ₹1,800 (≈ US$25) · High ₹3,500 (≈ US$40)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- CCU Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata (About 147 km (91 mi), roughly 4.5 h by car to Bakkhali; check road conditions before a late arrival.)CCU Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata (About 91 mi (147 km), roughly 4.5 h by car to Bakkhali; check road conditions before a late arrival.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Feb
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Mar
not flagged
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Apr
not flagged
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
May
Avoid
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
Jun
Avoid
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Jul
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Aug
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Sep
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Oct
not flagged
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Nov
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Dec
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Best: Nov–Feb. Avoid: May–Sep. Month by month →
Warmest May (35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)), coolest Jan (16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C) low), wettest Jul (19 rain days), driest Dec (1). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Bakkhali: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
2 rd
Feb
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
2 rd
Mar
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
3 rd
Apr
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
5 rd
May
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
8 rd
Jun
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
16 rd
Jul
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
19 rd
Aug
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
18 rd
Sep
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
15 rd
Oct
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
7 rd
Nov
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
2 rd
Dec
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
1 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Electric rickshaws (totos) and cycle vans cover the strip; a van for all the local spots runs about ₹60 per head and takes around 5 h with a stop at Jambudwip. Hired cars are limited in peak season, so ask your hotel in advance. The beach is hard enough to cycle or drive on; there is a car park at the entry and a fee to take a vehicle onto the sand.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Henry Island
goDoor to door: About 30 min each way
Toto or car from Bakkhali, about 15 min
Watchtower over the Sundarbans, mangrove walk and a small entry fee; go early.
Jambudwip
cautionDoor to door: About 2 h return on the water
Bhut-bhuti boat from Fraserganj fishing harbour
Uninhabited forested island with no jetty; you step off onto the wet beach. Rough in bad weather.
Sagar Island (Gangasagar)
overnightDoor to door: 3–4 h
Road via Kakdwip and Namkhana, then ferry or the bridge crossing
Pilgrim season around Makar Sankranti is extremely busy; check ferry timings.
Diamond Harbour
goDoor to door: About 1.5 h from Bakkhali
On the Kolkata–Namkhana road, break the journey
Riverside fort and promenade; a natural stop on the way back to Kolkata.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Bakkhali village (near the bus stand)
Closest to the beach and the Crocodile Project; most hotels and the WBTDC lodge sit here.
Fraserganj
Quieter, nearer the fishing harbour and Henry Island; the Namkhana bus passes through before Bakkhali.
Henry Island
State fisheries guest houses inside the mangrove area; book ahead through the department, not on arrival.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- ₹700–1,200 (≈ US$8–14) excl. bed
- Mid
- ₹1,200–2,500 (≈ US$14–30) excl. bed
- High
- ₹2,500 (≈ US$30)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room1 × 1 night × ₹1,200 | ₹1,200 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × ₹1,800 | ₹3,600 |
| WBTC bus Kolkata (Esplanade) → Bakkhali, one way2 × ₹70 | ₹140 |
| Namkhana → Bakkhali local bus, one way2 × ₹17 | ₹34 |
| Cycle van for all local spots, per head2 × ₹60 | ₹120 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × ₹500 | ₹1,000 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | ₹609 |
| Trip total≈ ₹3,352 per person per day, bed included | ₹6,703≈ US$80 |
2026 estimate in rupees; travel from Kolkata excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Rui thali at a local hotel | ₹35–150 (≈ US$1–2) |
| Chicken meal | ₹80–200 (≈ US$1–3) |
| Prawn or hilsa dish | ₹100–300 (≈ US$2–4) |
| Coconut water on the beach | ₹30–60 (≈ under US$1) |
| Beach massage (full body) | ₹45 (≈ under US$1) |
| Crocodile Project or Henry Island entry | ₹10 (≈ under US$1) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | ₹400–800 (≈ US$5–10) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Cards are not accepted in most places and the few ATMs empty quickly: bring enough cash for the whole stay.
- Restaurants often have no fixed menu and ask you to order lunch or dinner a few hours ahead.
- The sea is muddy and retreats far at low tide; swim only where locals do and never alone.
- Bhut-bhuti boat rides to Jambudwip are open-sea trips in small country boats and get rough when the weather turns.
- Mobile data is patchy on most networks even though voice coverage is good.
Emergency numbers
- All services (police, fire, ambulance)
- 112
- Tourist helpline (India, 24 h)
- 1363
Pocket card
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Bakkhaliবকখালি
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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—
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এই ঠিকানায় যাবেনTo this address, please
Emergency
- All services112
- Tourist helpline1363
Embassy
No embassies in Bakkhali; consulates-general and embassies are in Kolkata. US, UK, Canadian and Australian missions are all in Kolkata (check addresses).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Sealdah → Namkhana train: about ₹25 (≈ under US$1), around 2.5 h
- Namkhana → Bakkhali bus: about ₹17 (≈ under US$1), around 35 min
- Private car Namkhana → Bakkhali: ₹350–500 (≈ US$4–6)
Say or show
- নমস্কার — Hello / Namaste (nomoshkar)
- ধন্যবাদ — Thank you (dhonnobad)
- কত টাকা? — How much is it? (koto taka)
- সমুদ্র সৈকত কোথায়? — Where is the beach? (shomudro shoikot kothay)
- বিল আনুন — Please bring the bill (bill anun)
Carry cash: cards are not accepted in most places and ATMs empty quickly.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Bakkhali. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Nov–Feb · avoid Jun–Sep (monsoon), May (heat and humidity) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for CCU: last practical departure time for the 4.5 h drive, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: Bakkhali beach and bus stand, Fraserganj harbour, Henry Island.
- Place pages with verified entry fees and cutoffs (Crocodile Project, Henry Island watchtower, Bishhalakshmi Temple).
- Monsoon and peak-season fixtures so gates A–D can go green.