Kolkata, India

Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, is a vibrant and diverse city that offers a rich cultural heritage, a lively artistic scene, and mouth-watering cuisine. But did you know that Kolkata is also a great destination for boating enthusiasts? Whether you want to sail on the Hooghly River, cruise on the Bay of Bengal, or explore the nearby islands and mangroves, Kolkata has something for everyone who loves the water. In this article, we will give you some tips and suggestions on how to make the most of your boating adventure in Kolkata.

Top 5 Nearby Destinations by Boat

If you're keen to explore the diverse and captivating waterways around Kolkata, here are our top 5 recommendations, complete with options for yacht rentals in Kolkata to enhance your experience. Also, keep in mind that whether you're interested in a leisurely cruise or an adventurous excursion, options like yacht charters in Kaohsiung and motorboat rentals in Kaohsiung are also available.

Sundarbans National Park: As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sundarbans is the world's largest mangrove forest, teeming with unique wildlife, including the endangered Bengal tiger. Opt for a private boat rental in Kolkata with a captain to navigate these waters. The best time to visit is between October and March, offering pleasant weather and increased tiger sightings. This park is a fantastic blend of adventure and nature exploration.

Bakkhali: This tranquil beach town, located about 130 km from Kolkata, is reachable by boat from Namkhana. Known for its serene beaches, Bakkhali is ideal for a relaxing weekend. Don't miss visiting the nearby Henry Island and Jambu Dwip, showcasing vibrant fishing communities and lush coconut groves. The area's hotels and resorts make it a great choice for a weekend retreat.

Sagar Island: Famous for the annual Gangasagar Mela in January, Sagar Island at the Hooghly River's mouth is a spiritual and scenic haven. You can experience one of India's largest religious gatherings or enjoy the island's serenity during off-peak times. Highlights include the Sagar Lighthouse and Sagar Beach. Consider a boat charter in Kolkata for a personalized journey to this unique destination.

Diamond Harbour: Just 50 km from Kolkata, Diamond Harbour offers stunning river views and a rich historical tapestry. Once a stronghold of the Portuguese and the British, it features landmarks like the Chingrikhali Fort and Nawab’s Palace. It's a perfect spot for a scenic day trip, and taking a boat enhances the experience.

Chandannagar: This quaint town, around 35 km from Kolkata, showcases a unique French colonial heritage. A boat trip from Kolkata to Chandannagar allows you to explore historical sites like the Chandannagar Museum and Sacred Heart Church, all while enjoying the town's distinct cultural vibe. The Jagadhatri Puja festival here is particularly noteworthy for its grandeur.

Top Experiences in Kolkata

If you want to experience the best of Kolkata, here are some of the local attractions that you should not miss:

Victoria Memorial: This is a majestic marble monument that was built in the memory of Queen Victoria. It is now a museum that showcases the history and culture of Kolkata and India. You can admire the stunning architecture, the beautiful gardens, and the impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and artifacts. You can also enjoy a light and sound show in the evening.

Howrah Bridge: This is an iconic landmark of Kolkata and one of the longest cantilever bridges in the world. It spans over the Hooghly River and connects Kolkata with Howrah. You can walk or drive across the bridge and enjoy the spectacular views of the river and the city. You can also take a boat ride under the bridge and see it from a different perspective.

Indian Museum: This is the oldest and the largest museum in India, and one of the oldest in the world. It has a vast collection of art, archaeology, anthropology, geology, zoology, and botany. You can see rare and precious exhibits, such as the Egyptian mummy, the Buddha’s ashes, the Ashoka pillar, and the meteorite from Mars. You can also visit the adjacent Asiatic Society, which is a prestigious institution of learning and research.

Park Street: This is the most happening street in Kolkata, where you can find a variety of restaurants, cafes, bars, pubs, and clubs. You can enjoy the delicious cuisine, the vibrant nightlife, and the festive atmosphere of Park Street. You can also visit some of the famous landmarks on the street, such as the Flurys, the Oxford Bookstore, the Park Hotel, and the St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Dakshineswar Kali Temple: This is a revered Hindu temple that was built by Rani Rashmoni in the 19th century. It is dedicated to Goddess Kali and is also associated with the saint Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, who was the chief priest of the temple. You can visit the temple and offer your prayers, or just admire the architecture and the surroundings. You can also visit the nearby Belur Math, which is the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission and a place of spiritual harmony.

Activities & Best Beaches

If you are looking for some fun and adventure on the water or on the land, here are some of the activities and the best beaches that you can enjoy in Kolkata:

Sailing: If you want to experience sailing in Kolkata, you can rent a sailboat in Kolkata and explore the Hooghly River or the Bay of Bengal. You can choose from different types of sailboats, such as dinghies, catamarans, or yachts, depending on your preference and skill level. You can also opt for a luxury yacht charter in Kolkata and enjoy the comfort and convenience of a fully equipped boat with a professional crew. You can book a sailing trip for a few hours, a day, or a week, and enjoy the thrill of sailing in Kolkata.

Boating: If you want to enjoy a leisurely boat ride on the water, you can rent a boat in Kolkata and cruise along the Hooghly River or the Bay of Bengal. You can choose from different types of boats, such as motorboats, speedboats, houseboats, or ferries, depending on your budget and preference. You can also opt for a private boat rental in Kolkata or a boat rental in Kolkata with captain and enjoy the privacy and convenience of a customized boat ride. You can book a boating trip for a few hours, a day, or a week, and enjoy the scenic views of the water and the shore.

Fishing: If you want to try your luck at fishing, you can rent a boat in Kolkata and go fishing on the Hooghly River or the Bay of Bengal. You can choose from different types of fishing boats, such as fishing trawlers, fishing dinghies, or fishing catamarans, depending on your preference and skill level. You can also opt for a fishing guide or a fishing instructor who can help you with the fishing techniques and equipment. You can book a fishing trip for a few hours, a day, or a week, and enjoy the excitement of catching fish in Kolkata.

Kayaking: If you want to have some fun and exercise on the water, you can rent a kayak in Kolkata and paddle on the Hooghly River or the Bay of Bengal. You can choose from different types of kayaks, such as single kayaks, double kayaks, or inflatable kayaks, depending on your preference and skill level. You can also opt for a kayaking guide or a kayaking instructor who can help you with the kayaking techniques and safety. You can book a kayaking trip for a few hours, a day, or a week, and enjoy the adventure of kayaking in Kolkata.

Jet Skiing: If you want to experience some adrenaline rush on the water, you can rent a jet ski in Kolkata and zoom on the Hooghly River or the Bay of Bengal. You can choose from different types of jet skis, such as stand-up jet skis, sit-down jet skis, or tandem jet skis, depending on your preference and skill level. You can also opt for a jet ski guide or a jet ski instructor who can help you with the jet ski techniques and safety. You can book a jet ski trip for a few hours, a day, or a week, and enjoy the thrill of jet skiing in Kolkata.

Some of the best beaches in Kolkata that you can visit are:

Digha Beach: This is one of the most popular and crowded beaches in West Bengal, about 185 km from Kolkata. You can take a train or a bus from Kolkata to Digha and enjoy the golden sand, the blue water, and the palm trees. You can also indulge in some water sports, such as parasailing, banana boat ride, or jet ski ride. You can also visit the nearby attractions, such as the Marine Aquarium, the Amravati Park, and the Chandaneswar Temple. Digha is suitable for a day trip or a short stay from Kolkata, as there are many hotels and resorts to choose from.

Mandarmani Beach: This is a serene and secluded beach on the Bay of Bengal, about 180 km from Kolkata. You can take a car or a bus from Kolkata to Mandarmani and enjoy the longest motorable beach in India. You can also enjoy the sunrise and the sunset, the fishing activities, and the red crabs. You can also indulge in some water sports, such as surfing, kayaking, or jet skiing. You can also visit the nearby attractions, such as the Mohana, the Delta, and the Rose Valley Park. Mandarmani is ideal for a romantic getaway or a family vacation from Kolkata.

Bakkhali Beach: This is the same beach that we mentioned earlier as one of the nearby destinations by boat. You can also reach Bakkhali by road from Kolkata, which is about 130 km away. Bakkhali is a peaceful and pristine beach on the Bay of Bengal, where you can relax and enjoy the nature. You can also visit the nearby islands of Henry Island and Jambu Dwip, where you can see fishing villages, coconut groves, and red crabs. Bakkhali is perfect for a weekend getaway from Kolkata.

Tajpur Beach: This is a hidden gem on the Bay of Bengal, about 170 km from Kolkata. You can take a car or a bus from Kolkata to Tajpur and enjoy the white sand, the green water, and the casuarina trees. You can also enjoy the bird watching, the fishing activities, and the red crabs. You can also indulge in some water sports, such as paragliding, snorkeling, or scuba diving. You can also visit the nearby attractions, such as the Mandarmani Beach, the Shankarpur Beach, and the Digha Beach. Tajpur is ideal for a relaxing and refreshing break from Kolkata.

Shankarpur Beach: This is a tranquil and picturesque beach on the Bay of Bengal, about 185 km from Kolkata. You can take a train or a bus from Kolkata to Shankarpur and enjoy the silver sand, the turquoise water, and the fishing boats. You can also enjoy the sunrise and the sunset, the fishing activities, and the red crabs. You can also indulge in some water sports, such as sailing, boating, or fishing. You can also visit the nearby attractions, such as the Digha Beach, the Mandarmani Beach, and the Tajpur Beach.

Safety and Emergency Information

If you are planning to rent a boat in Kolkata and go boating, sailing, or fishing, you should be aware of some of the safety and emergency information that can help you in case of any trouble. Here are some of the tips and contacts that you should keep in mind:

Before you rent a boat in Kolkata, you should check the weather forecast, the tide timings, and the wind speed and direction. You should also check the condition and the equipment of the boat, and make sure that it has enough fuel, water, and food. You should also wear a life jacket and carry a first aid kit, a flashlight, a whistle, and a mobile phone. You should follow the rules and regulations of the boating and sailing authorities, and respect the local customs and traditions. You should also avoid going too far from the shore, entering restricted areas, or disturbing the wildlife. You should also keep an eye on the water level, the currents, and the waves, and avoid any hazards or obstacles. You should also communicate with the boat rental company or the captain regularly, and inform them of your location and itinerary. If you face any emergency or accident on the water, you should stay calm and alert, and try to contact the nearest coast guard, police, or rescue service. You should also signal for help by using your whistle, flashlight, or mobile phone. You should also try to reach the shore or the nearest boat, and seek medical attention if needed. You should also report the incident to the boat rental company or the captain, and cooperate with the authorities.

Some of the local emergency contacts that you should save on your phone are:

Coast Guard: +91-33-22135555, Police: 100, Fire: 101, Ambulance: 102, Kolkata Port Trust: +91-33-22304567, West Bengal Tourism: +91-33-22437260.

Conclusion

Kolkata is a wonderful city that offers a lot of attractions and experiences for boating enthusiasts. You can rent a boat in Kolkata and explore the nearby destinations, enjoy the local attractions, indulge in some water sports, and relax on some of the best beaches. You can also experience the culture, the history, and the cuisine of Kolkata, and have a memorable time. So, what are you waiting for? Book your boat rental in Kolkata today and get ready for a boating paradise in the city of joy.