Mandarmani with its clean beach in the East Midnapur district of West Bengal receives tourists from all over the country, especially weekenders from Kolkata. It is only about 170 kilometres from Kolkata and you can drive down there in approximately six hours. Alternately, take the train to Contai (the nearest railway station) and take a bus from there to the picturesque coastal village of Mandarmani.

Once you have booked a hotel in Mandarmani, the time you looked at sorting your itinerary and put together the places you want to visit. Let’s have a look at what awaits you at Mandarmani on your getaway there.

1. Architecture and amusement at Mandarmani Hotels

Most of the hotels in Mandarmani are focused on customer comfort and creating a space for relaxation. Check out the beachfront Eco Villa Hotel. With individual cottages that come with thatched roofs, this Mandarmani hotel has unique atmospherics. There is a landscaped garden which leads up to the beach.

The temple inside the premises of the Rose Valley Mandarmani Beach Resort is, no doubt, noteworthy. With ornate carvings on its walls, the path approaching the temple is lined with idols holding up lamps to illuminate the way. Lit up at night, it looks rather beautiful. You will also find an installation of Lord Arjuna – the Pandava prince on Lord Krishna’s Chariot drawn by horses in the hotel grounds. There are a waterpark and swimming pool inside the Rose Valley Mandarmani Beach Resort where you can spend time with your children. It even has a ropeway ride offering a great view of the sea and beach close by. The cottages in this resort are designed to resemble conches and shells – an interesting bit of architectural detailing in keeping with the theme of the place.

Hotel Sonar Bangla is also a great property. The front face of the hotel is inset with tiles in colours of earth and terracotta. With a lovely lawn in front of it, spend your evening outdoors once you return from the beach. There is also a lovely sit-out here overlooking the sea. Pull up a chair and enjoy the sea breeze.

2. A day at Mandarmani

Apart from enjoying the ambience of your hotel in Mandarmani, browse the beaches too. They stretch for miles and offer a host of adventure activities – from surfing to jet-skiing, parasailing to sea excursions, banana-boats to bungee trampolines – there is never a dull moment on the Mandarmani beach. Pay heed to the safety regulations and you will do just fine. When in Mandarmani, remember to have a meal at the beach. Lined with eateries, you will find only the freshest seafood on your plate.

There is also a sleepy fishing village nearby which is also worth a visit. You will meet the local community of fishermen laying out their nets, tending to their boats and going about their day – in a laidback, unhurried manner.

Tour the delta of Mandarmani. It goes by the name of ‘Mohona’. This is a pretty place where you will find dense ‘jahu’ forests along the shore. Red crabs at Mohona find their way in and out of the sand. Take a few pictures here but be careful not to step on them. Once you return to your hotel in Mandarmani from Mohona, you will be thoroughly rejuvenated.

Waste time no more. Head out to Mandarmani on your next holiday. A great time awaits you there.