Bankiput – A Virgin Beach

Bankiput is an unexplored virgin sea beach nearby Contai (Kanthi). Bankiput is perfect for people looking for a quick weekend gateway from Kolkata, away from the maddening crowd at Digha and/or Mandarmoni. Although our plan was to visit Junput, which we thought to be another pristine sea beach nearby Contai (Kanthi), but upon enquiring with Mr. Roy regarding accommodation at Junput Resort, he informed us that the resort at Junput is ongoing renovation and the same is not available for booking as of now. Instead he suggested us to try Bankiput and also informed us that they have a resort there named Jhinuk Residency. This was the first time, we heard about Bankiput. A quick google search revealed that Bakiput too is an non crowded virgin beach situated few KM’s away from Junput.

As we were looking for a quick weekend gateway, it took us no time to decide on the same and we confirmed about our arrival immediately. Unfortunately they didn’t had 3 rooms available by next morning and Mr. Roy informed us that he can only offer two ground floor rooms on our planned dates. We immediately confirmed our booking as we didn’t wanted to loose the opportunity. Jhinuk Residency, being the only resort at Bankiput, one might need to book way ahead to enjoy the private beach!!

Contai (Kanthi), is easily accessible from Kolkata. Most of the Digha bound Trains or Buses from Kolkata goes through Contai (Kanthi). Other than the several local trains, direct or by break journey, only 4 reserved trains, namely, Tamralipta Express, Duronto Express, Kandari Express and Paharia Express (only on Saturdays), are there which runs daily from Kolkata. The best option is Tamralipta Express considering the economy, comfortability and time as well.

As all these happened on Wednesday, for the plan on Saturday, we had no hope for Trains. So instead we decided to take a Bus which is very frequent from Howrah, Esplanade and Garia. We decided on Howrah, as the same being easily accessible by all of us.

Day 1 – 27th May 2017 : The day started a bit early than as usual, at around 5 AM in the morning. We quickly got ready and reached Howrah by 6:30 AM. But due to some mishaps we got a bit late and we took the 8 AM Bus for Digha. The journey to Contai (Kanthi) was mostly uneventful. We opted for a pickup from Resort which costed us Rs. 450/-. Otherwise if you are on a shoe string budget, you may opt for Toto / Shared Trekker to Junput and from there again hop into a Toto / Shared Trekker to Baghaput and get down at Bankiput.

On the way, while passing through Junput, we didn’t noticed any beach nearby. Upon enquiring with our driver, Mr. Pallav, he informed us that previously the beach was right here but now, the beach have shifted to around 3KM away. We cherished that the resort at Junput was ongoing renovation and maintenance, and Mr. Roy offered us to stay at Bankiput, otherwise we had to settle in here with utter disappointment.

It took us around 45 minutes to reach Jhinuk Residency. The property is very basic yet so well maintained and right on the beach. It’s a two storied building with around 6 Double Bed Rooms and 1 Four Bed Rooms. Upon reaching there, Mr. Sanjib, the manager cum caretaker of the resort came forward and welcomed us and showed our rooms. Ours was on ground floor. We were more than happy to found them to be AC Rooms. We were not aware that all the rooms are equipped with AC. Actually we didn’t expected AC Rooms for the offered tariff rates. He also informed us that, our lunch was already ready, of which he already took order while on the way to Contai (Kanthi). But Dilip Da and others were more of in a mood to hit the beach, so we asked them if we can have our lunch a bit later at around 3 PM. He gave us an affirmative signal and asked us to inform them 10 minutes in advance before having lunch.

Within no time we hit the beach. Truly speaking, there was no sea and Bankiput is more of a outlet (Estuary). But we were informed that, during high tide, the water level comes nearby the beach. But otherwise, during low tide, it’s more of muddy sand and sea beach is around 3KM away. But it’s not always the sea, what mattered for us, but we really enjoyed the nature and beauty of the place surrounded by the dense forest.

And frankly speaking, we really enjoyed fishing. Due to the outlet, there were lots of fishes flowing around, to the sea and with the towel we caught variety of fishes. It was an unique experience for us. Although we had to pass through the muddy sand which was a difficult task but in the end we reached the sea and spent around an hour there. But while returning, we had to go through a good amount of exercise as the sea went further due to the low tide and we had to cross the white muddy sand all the way to the resort.

Due to all these exercise and tiredness, we were very hungry. Soon we were served lunch containing Rice, Dal, Bhaji, Sabji, Salad, King Prawns (as per our choice), Chutney, Papad and Rasogolla. I won’t say that it was finger licking, but it was good enough to survive at that remote destination. It was already late afternoon by then. While me and my wife hit the bed after a sumptuous lunch for a quick afternoon nap, but others went ahead to explore around.

Later, the evening was was mostly uneventful and enjoyed with chitchatting amongst ourselves with Tea along with Onion and Chicken Pakodas. Later after having our Dinner, where we were served almost same dishes but with Chicken instead of King Prawns, we went ahead to Beach for a night walk. We spotted lots of red crabs and also the sea was just nearby due to the ongoing high tide. It was an amazing experience spending sometime under the glazing stars.

Later we returned to our rooms and hit the bed.

Day 2 – 28th May 2017 : Though we woke up around 5 AM to check the water level, hoping it to be nearby and thought of having a brisk walk, but the truth was far from our expectations and thus we went back to our bed! Later we woke up at around 8 AM and was served Tea. As per the rules checkout time is 10:30 AM, but we had plans to leave after Lunch and thus we requested, the manager cum caretaker, Mr. Sanjib if they can allow us to stay till Lunch. He happily agreed!

Soon we were served Puri Sabji along with Rasogolla in breakfast. And luckily we noticed, the sea level to be nearby the resort as informed last day by the locals. We almost rushed to the beach. For next two and half hours we enjoyed a lot among ourselves in our so called private beach. Though there were not much waves as one’d expect, but it didn’t affected our enjoyment.

Later we returned hungrily and found our lunch to be ready. For lunch, they mostly serve fish and ask for your choices whereas during Dinner you’d be served Chicken. Today we chosen “Parse“.

After taking a short rest, we started back to our life 🙁 We already had arranged the drop to Contai. Though we tried securing tickets for AC Bus, but couldn’t. So opted for Non AC Bus for Rs. 100/- per ticket.

Points To Remember :

• If you are going to Bankiput with Sea in mind then you’ll definitely be disappointed. As most of the tourists arrives in the afternoon and leaves early morning next day. Whereas the sea only becomes visible during high tide which is around next morning 8 AM – 9 AM till 1 PM or so. So make a brief halt till next lunch next day. I think management should change their Check In and Check Out time accordingly.
• The main motive to choose this destination should be enjoying the nature, the virginity of the beach away from the maddening crowd of famous beaches. Only then the destination might impress you.
• There are few sightseeings nearby such as Dariyapur Light House, Kapalkundala Temple etc. Though we didn’t visited there, but you may choose to visit these spots.
• Other famous beaches such as Digha, Mandarmani, Shankarpur, Tajpur, Talsari, Udaypur, Junput etc. are all nearby,
  if you are planning to club them in a trip.
• Make all necessary arrangement for snacks, drinks or anything else at Contai (Kanthi) before heading over to Bankiput, as there’s no market nearby to facilitate your requests.

Review :
Jhinuk Residency, Bankiput : Jhinuk Residency is the only accommodation available at Bankiput. Though very basic but well maintained with clean rooms and washrooms. The staffs are extremely helpful and courteous. It’s a two storied building with 6 AC Double Bed Rooms and 1 AC Four Bedded Room. As of May 2017, The double bed rooms at Ground Floor costs Rs. 1400/- each and the ones at First Floor costs Rs. 1600/- each, whereas the Four Bedded Room costs Rs. 2200/-. The First Floor rooms definitely offers better view than Ground Floor Rooms. One would have to opt for the set meal plan from the resort only, as there’s no shop of restaurant within 3 KM. The nearest market is at Junput but we didn’t noticed any restaurant there. The meal plan costs Rs. 550/- per person per day (as of May 2017) which includes Lunch (Rice, Dal, Bhaji, Salad, Sabji, Choice of Fish, Chutney, Papad & Rasgulla), Tea & Evening Snacks (Oninon Pakoda & Chicken Pakoda), Dinner (Rice / Roti, Dal, Bhaji, Salad, Sabji, Chicken & Rasgulla) & Breakfast (Puri & Sabji). Though I won’t say that the food is finger licking, but is good enough to survive. The best part is, the resort is right there in the beach. From Contai (Kanthi), you may opt for Toto’s / Shared Trekkers to Junput and then change for Baghaput and get down at the Resort at Bankiput. Otherwise they can arrange a pickup and/or Drop to & from Contai (Kanthi) in a private vehicle for Rs. 450/-.

Cost :
Bus (Howrah – Contai) : Rs. 100/- x 6 = Rs. 600/-
2 x Double Bed AC Rooms : Rs. 1400/- per room per night x 2 = Rs. 2800/-
Meals (Day 1 Lunch – Day 2 Breakfast) : Rs. 550/- per day per head x 6 = Rs. 3300/-
Lunch (Next Day, as it was not included in the meal plan) : Rs. 230/- x 6 = Rs. 1380/-
Contai – Bankiput Pickup & Drop : Rs. 450/- + Rs. 450/- = Rs. 900/-
Bus (Contai – Howrah) : Rs. 100/- x 6 = Rs. 600/-

Total : Rs. 9580/-

NOTE : I have ommitted costs of personal nature for easy calculations.

Contacts :
Mr. Chandan Deb Roy (Owner) : +91-98311-67537
Mr. Biswanath (Booking Partner) : +91-98317-69790
Mr. Somnath (Operations Manager) : +91-99326-77258

They all belong to Nature & U Group and have resorts at Tajpur, Junput, Bankiput, Chandpur & Mandarmani. So you may call them to book resort at either of the destinations. You may check Tajpur Nature Camp for their website.

Mr. Sanjib (Manager cum Caretaker at Jhinuk Residency, Bankiput) : +91-89672-12764
Mr. Pallav (Driver For Pickup & Drop) : +91-75850-17366