An Unspoiled Coastal Secret
Nestled near Bakkhali in the South 24 Parganas district, Henry's Island is a world away from the crowded beaches of Digha or Mandarmani. Located about 130 kilometres from Kolkata, this destination offers a unique blend of sea and mangrove forest. It began
as a government pisciculture project, which is why you'll find around fifty large fish ponds (bheris) across the landscape. This focus on nature, rather than commercial tourism, has preserved its quiet, offbeat charm, making it a sanctuary for those seeking peace over parties. The island is named after a 19th-century British surveyor and remains a less-visited gem, offering an almost private island experience.
The Monsoon Makeover
While some might hesitate to visit the coast during the rains, the monsoon gives Henry's Island a dramatic and beautiful makeover. The landscape becomes intensely green, the mangrove forests look refreshed, and the sky is often a canvas of dramatic clouds. It’s a time of fewer tourists, ensuring an even more peaceful visit. The heavy rains mean the narrow mud paths can get tricky, but the lush scenery makes it worthwhile. It's an ideal setting for writers, artists, or anyone needing to disconnect and recharge amidst nature's raw beauty. However, visitors should be aware that heavy storms can be a risk, and swimming is generally prohibited due to quicksand and rough waters.
Your Journey From Kolkata
Reaching Henry's Island is a straightforward affair and can be quite affordable. By car, the journey takes around four to five hours, covering approximately 130-140 km. The most budget-friendly option is the train. You can catch a Namkhana local from Sealdah station for a minimal fare; the journey takes about three hours. From Namkhana station, you can hire an e-rickshaw (toto) or take a shared van towards Bakkhali, getting off at the Jelighat stop, from where the island is a short toto ride away. Alternatively, state transport (WBSTC) buses run from Esplanade in Kolkata towards Bakkhali, and you can ask to be dropped off at the same Jelighat stop.
Sights and Serenity
The main activities on Henry's Island revolve around soaking in the natural beauty. A must-do is climbing the watchtower at the Sundari Tourist Complex. From the top, you get a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire island, the sprawling mangrove canopy, and the Bay of Bengal. A walk through the forest on a bamboo bridge leads you to Kiran Beach, a wide, serene stretch of sand famous for its population of red crabs. During low tide, the beach seems to extend for over a kilometre, and you can see thousands of these tiny crabs scurrying across the wet sand. The island is also a paradise for birdwatchers, with species like kingfishers, woodpeckers, and Eurasian Wigeons often sighted.
Affordable Stays and Local Food
One of the key reasons Henry's Island is so affordable is its accommodation. The primary places to stay are the government-run guesthouses managed by the West Bengal Fisheries Department, such as Sundari and Mangrove. These offer basic but clean rooms and can be booked online via the official WBSFDC website. It's crucial to book through the official site to avoid accidentally booking a private hotel in the busier town of Bakkhali. The canteens at these guesthouses serve simple, delicious Bengali meals. A highlight for any visitor is ordering fresh fish, like Bhetki or Prawn curry, which is often sourced from the surrounding fisheries. It's recommended to place your meal orders as soon as you check in to ensure availability.
