~ A Serene Break From The City Crowd ~. Review on Mandarmani

Kolkata - the city of joy is undoubtedly the one place I am in love with. But, the chaos sometimes makes me feel completely exhausted. I need a break - a serene break - a break which again bring back my energy!

First of all I would admit that being away from my dearest city I was unaware of the few nice weekend breaks around Kolkata. So, in August when we were planning for a break, someone suggested me'Mandarmoni'. It was not a name I haven't heard of, but never thought of it as a weekend break.

I started collecting inforrmation about'Mandarmoni'. First thing which made me a little worried that, the place has no electricity and everything runs on diesel. Also, that there are very few good hotels. There are two very famous and perhaps much better place to stay - 'Sana Beach Resort' and 'Rose Valey'. Since it was a time when probably most of the Kolkata people wanted to have a break(15th Aug weekend), so I did not get a booking in 'Rose Valey'. I have booked a cottage in'Sana Beach Resort' for the weekend. Also, I have booked tickets from Kolkata to Chawalkhola and vice versa.

Well, here I must include that to reach'Mandarmoni', you need to take any good bus which goes to Digha and get down at Chawalkhola. Then the hotel/ resort arrange for the car. If you want to enjoy a great drive by the sea, you are most welcome to take your car. But please remember that after coming back you may need to send your car for servicing as you need to drive on the sand.

We reached'Mandarmoni' on Saturday late morning. We have received a very nice welcome from'Sana Beach Resort'. After relaxing we went to see the sunset and it was a lot more than just fantastic! The distance between two hotels/ resorts is minimum 2 KM in'Mandarmoni'. So you can enjoy the private beach, sitting on the beach chairs.

The night was amazing. The next day was full moon night so we were expecting the sea to be a little dangerous, but it was not. The sea was serene and extremely beautiful. There was no noise between our ears and the magical sounds of the beautiful waves. I was completely lost. Serenity at her best . no matter whatever is around us!

I woke up at 4 30 AM next day to see sun kissing the sea and playing on the sand. When we went to the beach, there was no body. Not a single soul around. We walked by the sea and collected lots of shells. The amazing beauty mesmerized me till the sun came out completely, the village people started making'cha'(tea) and the fishermen came back from their journey.

I love sea but'Mandarmoni' experience is one of the best moments of my life. I don't know how to describe the beauty of the sea when it reflects the light of the full moon. Beauty which made me feel lost. I was lost in the serenity of the sea and the moon. There was no light one which was facing the sea. I walked towards the sea to relish the inner beauty of the moonlit sea waves. My camera failed to take the pictures, however who needs it when I have the mind to capture vast and beautiful moments with unending sea waves.

I don't know how long we were sitting there. how long we have walked by the sea side touching the waves. It was a beautiful and great experience! I was beyond my expectation.

The next morning we started for Kolkata. The break was awesome! I gained back lost oxyzen of my life. It has been a wonderful weekend break I will always treasure. No matter how aweful the road was(Chawalkhola to Mandarmoni), I have no regrets. If you want to enjoy the beauty of the vastness, the wonderful beach, the red crabs on the sand and lots of sea shells; you must visit'Mandarmoni'.