Mandarmani

Mandarmani is a seaside resort village in the state of West Bengal, India, and lies in East Midnapore district, at the northern end of the Bay of Bengal. It is one of the largest seaside resorts of West Bengal, fast-developing.

Location
It is almost 172 km from Kolkata Airport on the Kolkata - Digha route. Red crabs crawling around the 13 km long beach is a special attraction of Mandarmani. It was argued to be the longest driveable (drive in) beach in India. It is located under Contai Sub division area.

Geomorphologically, this area has relatively low waves than nearer tourist beach of Digha. However still this beach is deposition with formation of neo dunes in several areas specially around Dadanpatrabar.

Etymology
Initially, after its discovery, this beach was named Mandarboni and also Madar Mani. But with time it came to be known as Mandarmani.

Transportation
Mandarmani can be best reached by road, however local police currently restricts private cars to drive across the beach. A proper road has been built allowing tourists to reach their hotels from the backside. The nearest railway station is Contai and Ashapurna Devi railway station and the nearest airport is Kolkata. There are also multiple buses running every half-hour from 7 am till 6 pm.

By car
From Kolkata, after crossing the Vidyasagar Setu, Kona Expressway leads to Mumbai Road. As the total drive takes about 3.5–4 hours from Kolkata via Kolaghat and Nandakumar. From Nandakumar there is a right turn towards Contai. In the said Kolkata- Digha highway there is stoppage named Chawalkhola where a left side village road ends at a sea-side village called Mandarmani.

There are two toll plazas on the route at Dhulagori and Sonapetya.

By Train
Mandarmani does not have a railway station. Contai (17 km) and Digha (30 km) are the nearest railway stations, well connected to major cities. Cabs and buses are available from the railway stations to reach Mandarmani.

Activities
The beach is the primary attraction offering tourists to enjoy the sea from early morning to late afternoon. From 3 PM onwards, people head out nearer resorts where beach bikes, ropeway etc. can be availed. There are also a string of local shops selling shells, handmade jewellery and handicrafts. A few locals also offer groups to take trip towards the mohana (Estuary) during sunset.