Let me just clarify one thing first, this was not a typical travel or getaway for me, I spent my weekend at this surprisingly unheard of island for my work. Initially, I didn't want to write about it as it might have been an injustice to write about such a beautiful place from a guy's perspective who only spent two days for work.
However, without further ado, lets start. The name of the island is *G-Plot*. Yes, spell it cautiously. It is one of the 37 islands in the S-24 Parganas district in West Bengal. G-plot has it all: wide rivers full of jellyfishes, astounding beaches, mangrove lining both of the above features, the beauty and warmth of rural bengal. Sounds too good to be true, but it is what it is.
G-plot contains 12 villages, it is around 17km wide in North to South and 8 km in East to West. At the south end, it has a beach called 'Gobardhanpur Beach'. That beach is one of the best one I've seen in Bengal. Imagine a beach with Tajpur's wave, Digha's width and Mandarmani's length. All combined with the bonus of no people around. As it is criminally underdiscussed in travel forums lots of people do not know about it. It is also a part of 'West Sunderban'. Lothian and Donchi forest-islands are just beside it.
Now comes the necessary details:
How to go there?
This is a tricky part. As transport is not so much developed here like nearby similar places (read Bakkhali) people tend not to come here. There are some ways to reach G-plot, but I am listing the most convenient one.
Board on a Laxmikantapur/Namkhana Local from Sealdah South. Hop off Laxmikantapur station. From there either you can get a direct bus to Ramganga or you can break your journey by stopping at Dhola, Milan er more, Hospital More and Dhruba bajar (from each stop you will get auto/toto/van) en route Ramganga. Ramganga is the end point for land travel. From there you have to take the ferry which will take you to G-plot in 1 hour. Alternatively, you can also hop a ferry from Patharpratima Island if you are coming from Kakdwip/DH area.
Where to stay?
I stayed in a good Bungalow-type house, as I accompanied a person of interest in that island. So, apart from that privilege there are some lodges near Indrapur Bazaar and Tat er Bazaar, but do not expect those to be too good. There are some homestays at the far end of the island (Gobardhanpur)
What to eat?
If you are a fish lover, it can be your paradise. Lots of fish are there and the vegetables are also way less costly. A cherry on top would be any crab delicacies.
What to see?
I) Rivers and ghats: all are breathtaking
II) Gobardhanpur Beach
III) G-plot old sea beach
IV) Mangrove jungle
V) Strolling around village roads
It is not that far away, you can spend ypu weekend there, won't be disappointed for sure. But contact beforehand for stay and food. You can always contact me for any help. Just one advice: visit but don't inflict the relatively unheard Island with toxic side effects of tourism. We want to conserve its beauty.
Thank you all.