Hi Sutopa

Diamond Harbour is a small city situated at the point where river Ganges turns south, just before reaching the sea. Located 48 km. south of Calcutta, the harbour is a popular excursion, accessible from the city by road and rail. For families and friends looking for a quick getaway, this is an ideal picnic spot. River cruises are available and you may spend the entire day on the gently lapping Hoogly. Walking along the riverbank, one can also reach the Sharisha Ramkrishna Mission Ashram, a popular spot for pilgrims. Tourists can spend a day at the riverfront of this beautiful delta area. A ruined fort, dating back to the time when Portuguese pirates infested the river mouth, makes for an exciting site for exploration. Also interesting is the old lighthouse. Nearby is the town of Joynagar, where visitors can see manuscripts, terracotta figurines and black stone images of Buddha, Mahavir and Vishnu, belonging to the 11th and 12th centuries, at Kalidas Dutta's collection.

By road the place can be reached by boarding a bus from Esplanade or hiring a car. It takes less than two hours to reach the place from the city center. Some private bus services can also be availed from Babughat in order to travel to the Diamond Harbor. You can also board a local train from Sealdah Railway Station.

Though Diamond Harbor makes an excellent day trip there are accommodation facilities available for over night stays too. There are several private hotels that cater to the need of the tourists and the travelers to the Diamond harbor. Along with the private hotels there are the tourist lodges and the PWD bungalows that make comfort accommodation options at the Diamond Harbor.

Thanks n regards

Suparn@

Answered by Suparna , an ibibo Master, at 11:31 AM on October 07, 2008