Digha, a coastal town in the Purba Medinipur district of West Bengal, India, has been a popular beach destination for travelers since the colonial times. The history of tourism in Digha can be traced back to the British era when it was known as the "Brighton of the East," a reference to the famous beach town in England.
In the late 18th century, the British constructed the first marine station at Digha after its potential as a seaside resort was realized by Warren Hastings, who was then the Governor-General of India. However, it was not until the late 1950s that Digha started to gain prominence as a tourist spot when the Chief Minister of West Bengal, Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, took a personal interest in developing the area.
New Digha Beach, a short distance away from the original Digha beach, was developed during the 1980s as an extension to accommodate the increasing number of tourists. With a wide expanse of sandy beach, relatively lesser crowd, and flat shallow shores, New Digha Beach quickly became a preferred destination for both domestic and international visitors.
The steady increase in tourism led to the development of hotels, parks, and other recreational areas. The New Digha Sea Beach Market became a bustling spot where tourists enjoyed shopping for local handicrafts, seashell jewelry, and souvenirs.
Recent tourism trends in New Digha have seen a shift towards more sustainable and eco-friendly practices. In parallel with these trends, local authorities have made efforts to maintain the cleanliness of the beach and its surrounding areas. Tourists are now more inclined towards enjoying the natural beauty of the place in a responsible manner.
Adventure water sports and marine activities have become quite popular, attracting a younger crowd seeking thrills during their beach holiday. The addition of attractions like the Marine Aquarium and Research Centre (MARC), which is one of the largest marine aquariums in Asia, has also enhanced the educational aspect of tourism in New Digha
Furthermore, the pandemic brought a temporary change in tourist behavior with an increased preference for longer stays, and private accommodations over crowded hotels. This shift has spurred the growth in homestay and vacation rental options around New Digha Beach.
Overall, tourism at New Digha Beach has seen a transformation from a simple beach holiday destination to a well-rounded experience that caters to various interests including gastronomy, culture, adventure, and wellness.
