Bakkhali is a seaside village in the Namkhana block of South 24 Parganas, in the Ganges delta where the Sundarbans meet the Bay of Bengal. Its beach is the reason most people come: a long, flat shore of firm sand with low waves and wide views of the open sea.
The sand runs for about 8 km from Bakkhali to neighbouring Fraserganj, and the two places now form one continuous seaside locality. Because the beach is so flat, the sea retreats a long way at low tide and comes back quickly as the tide rises.
What to expect
- Gentle surf on most days outside the monsoon, and shallow water close to shore.
- Casuarina trees and small food stalls along the main beach approach.
- Quieter stretches further along the shore towards Fraserganj.
- Fishing boats working offshore, as seen in our own drone footage.
Good to know
Bathing conditions change with the tide and weather. Enter the water only in calm conditions, in daylight and where other people are bathing, and follow any instructions from local police or beach staff. Avoid the sea entirely during the monsoon and when warnings are in force.
