Samiran Mandal

Sundarbans,The sunderbans, Sundarban Tour, Sundarban Travel Guide, Mangrove Forest, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Royal Bengal Tiger, Tiger Sighting, Wildlife Photography, Bird Watching, Sundarban Safari, Houseboat Tour, Ecotourism, Adventure Travel, West Bengal Tourism, Bangladesh Tourism, People of Sundarbans, Local Culture, Bonbibi, Mowal, Honey Collector, Sundarban Legends, Mangrove Ecosystem, Conservation, Climate Change, Biodiversity, Sundari Tree, Sundarban Itinerary, Travel to Sundarbans, Kolkata to Sundarbans, Sundarban Boat Trip, Wildlife in Sundarbans, Saltwater Crocodile, Spotted Deer, Indian Python, King Cobra, Sundarban National Park, Sundarban Tiger Reserve, Bay of Bengal, River Cruise, Nature Photography, Forest Life.

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Discover the ‘Backwaters of Bengal’: A 2-Day Itinerary for Piali, Nimpith, and Kaikhali

Discover the ‘Backwaters of Bengal’: A 2-Day Itinerary for Piali, Nimpith, and Kaikhali

Looking to escape the city’s hustle for a couple of days? If you’re seeking tranquility in the lap of nature, then Piali, Nimpith, and Kaikhali in West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas could be your perfect getaway. With their serene rivers, pockets of mangrove forests, and vast stretches of paddy fields, this region offers a peaceful experience reminiscent of the famous backwaters of Kerala. Here’s a detailed guide to help you plan your trip.

Destination Highlights

  • Piali: A quiet and serene gateway to the Sundarbans. Nestled at the confluence of the Piali and Matla rivers, this tourist spot is celebrated for its pristine natural beauty.
  • Nimpith: Home to the Ramakrishna Ashram, this town is a center of immense spiritual and social activities. The well-maintained gardens, peaceful atmosphere, and remarkable architecture make it a must-visit.
  • Kaikhali: Situated on the banks of the mighty Matla River, this location is famous for its expansive water views and breathtaking sunsets. It’s an ideal spot to spend some time in quiet contemplation.

The Complete 2-Day Travel Plan

Day 1: Journey to Piali and a Boat Trip on the Matla

  • Morning: Begin your journey from Kolkata by taking a Lakshmikantpur-bound local train from the Sealdah South section. Get down at South Barasat station, a journey of about one hour. From the station, hire a local auto-rickshaw (Toto) for around ₹400-₹500 to take you to the Piali tourist center. The ride, which takes about 1.5 hours, will take you through charming rural villages like Naypukuria and Jibon Mondal’s Hat, with stunning views of lush green paddy fields on both sides.
  • Noon: Check into your pre-booked government or private guest house in Piali. For lunch, you can savor delicious dishes made from fresh local river fish, such as Bhetki and Bagda prawns, which are often available at the lodges.
  • Afternoon: Rent a local boat and embark on a memorable trip on the Piali and Matla rivers. The gentle boat ride on the calm waters, flanked by mangrove forests and accompanied by a beautiful sunset, is a truly wonderful experience.
  • Night: Spend the evening relaxing by the riverside, enjoying the cool, gentle breeze. On a clear night, the moonlit river looks absolutely enchanting. Overnight stay at your guest house in Piali.

Day 2: Spirituality in Nimpith and Nature’s Grandeur in Kaikhali

  • Morning: After breakfast, hire a car or an auto-rickshaw for your trip to Nimpith, located about 30 km away. The journey itself is a scenic one, taking you through the heart of rural Bengal. You should reach the Nimpith Ramakrishna Ashram in about 1.5 to 2 hours.
  • Noon: Explore the vast and peaceful campus of the ashram. Visit the temple, the beautifully maintained gardens, and the architecturally unique Indira Bhavan, a lotus-shaped auditorium. You can have a simple and wholesome vegetarian lunch (Prasad) at the ashram by purchasing a coupon at a nominal cost.
  • Afternoon: From Nimpith, reserve an auto to take you to Kaikhali, which is about 38 km away (the ride costs around ₹500-₹600 for a round trip to Joynagar). Upon reaching Kaikhali, you will be greeted by the stunning expanse of the Matla River. It’s the perfect place to sit on the riverbank and watch a spectacular sunset.
  • Evening: From Kaikhali, your auto will take you back to Joynagar-Majilpur station. Before you board your train back to Kolkata, don’t forget to buy the town’s authentic and famous sweet, ‘Joynagarer Moa’. Catch a Sealdah-bound train to conclude your refreshing two-day trip.

Traveler’s Guide (Quick Info)

  • How to Get There:
    • Train: Take a local train from Sealdah (South) to South Barasat.
    • Local Transport: Auto-rickshaws (Totos) are the primary mode of transport. It’s best to reserve one for local sightseeing.
  • Where to Stay:
    • Piali: There is a West Bengal Tourism Department lodge and a few private resorts.
    • Nimpith & Kaikhali: The Ramakrishna Mission runs tourist lodges. Bookings for the Kaikhali lodge can often be made from the Nimpith Ashram.
  • Best Time to Visit:
    • The months from October to February are the most pleasant for visiting this region.
  • Don’t Miss:
    • The peaceful boat ride in Piali.
    • The serene atmosphere and unique architecture of the Nimpith Ashram.
    • The magnificent river views and sunset at Kaikhali.
    • Tasting the authentic ‘Moa’ from Joynagar.
Piali

←
→

Leave a comment