The Sundarbans is the largest mangrove forest in the world, spread across the delta of the Ganga, Brahmaputra and Meghna, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the home of the Royal Bengal tiger, estuarine crocodiles, spotted deer and many birds. Visits are by boat only, usually from Godkhali, with watchtowers at Sajnekhali, Sudhanyakhali and Dobanki. October to March is the season.

Bakkhali is a quiet beach on the Bay of Bengal at the southern tip of West Bengal, about 125 km from Kolkata. The wide, hard-packed sand stretches for several kilometres to Frasergunj and is good for long walks and cycling. Red crabs, casuarina groves and a small mangrove park are the other attractions. It is much less crowded than Digha.

Digha is West Bengal's most popular seaside resort, on the Bay of Bengal near the Odisha border. The old town has a sea wall and promenade where waves break against the rocks, while New Digha has a broad, gently shelving beach. Seafood stalls, a marine aquarium and a science centre add to the draw. It is very busy at weekends and holidays.

Tajpur is a small, relatively undeveloped beach between Mandarmani and Shankarpur. A belt of casuarina and tamarisk forest backs the sand, and thousands of red crabs emerge at low tide. A few camps and cottages are set among the trees. Sunrise and sunset are the best times, when the beach is almost empty.

Mandarmani is a long, flat beach between Digha and the mouth of the Hooghly, known for its many resorts built directly on the shore. At low tide the firm sand stretches for well over ten kilometres, and red crabs cover the quieter stretches. Water sports are offered. It suits visitors looking for a calmer alternative to Digha.