How To Reach Henry's Island
Henry's Island is a small, quiet, and ecologically rich coastal island located a short distance from the main Bakkhali area. It is named after a British surveyor, Mr. Henry, who explored the region in the late 19th century. The island serves as a practical extension of the Sundarbans ecosystem, char acterized by dense Mangrove forests and an intricate network of narrow creeks and tidal mudflats. The primary attraction of Henry's Island is its unique natural environment, which feels vastly different from the open stretch of Bakkhali Beach. The beach here is very different: it is quieter, often muddy, and bordered by the deep mangroves rather than Casuarina trees. The most famous structure on the island is a tall Watchtower maintained by the West Bengal Forest Department. Climbing this Watchtower provides a breathtaking, panoramic view of the vast Mangrove forest canopy, the labyrinthine network of tidal creeks, the adjacent sea, and the overall flat landscape of the Bay of Bengal delta region. The island is also known for its extensive, managed Bheri (fish and prawn farming) projects run by the state government and local cooperatives. The accommodation on the island is deliberately limited to basic but charming government-run tourist lodges, emphasizing the island's dedication to eco-tourism and environmental preservation. Henry's Island is a perfect spot for nature enthusiasts, bird watchers, and anyone seeking the deepest tranquility and an authentic glimpse into the coastal Mangrove ecosystem that characterizes the Sundarbans delta.
How to Reach
Henry's Island is best reached as a short, easy day trip from the main Bakkhali area, relying on local transport for the final short distance.
By Air: The nearest major airport is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) in Kolkata (155 KMS total distance). The full journey involves flying to Kolkata, then taking a car or train to Namkhana Railway Station (NMKA), crossing the Hatania-Doania river by ferry, and then taking a local bus or reserved taxi/Toto to Bakkhali. From the Bakkhali Bus Stand, Henry's Island is a further 7 KMS journey, typically covered by a dedicated local transport vehicle.
By Train: Take the local train from Sealdah South Section in Kolkata to Namkhana Railway Station (NMKA). The train journey takes about 3 hours. From Namkhana, cross the river by ferry and board a local bus or shared Toto heading toward Bakkhali and Fraserganj. Instruct the driver to drop you directly at the entry point for the Henry's Island lodges. Since Henry's Island is the final stop in that direction, a reserved vehicle will often take you directly to the lodge gates. The cost is slightly higher for the final leg compared to the main Bakkhali drop-off.
By Road: If driving from Kolkata to Bakkhali (125 KMS), once you have crossed the Hatania-Doania river by vehicular ferry and are on the final 25 KMS stretch to Bakkhali, continue past the main Bakkhali town area towards Fraserganj. Henry's Island is located just beyond the Fraserganj fishing harbor. Follow the signs for the WBTDC or Fisheries Department tourist lodges, which are the main access points for the island. The road is paved and in decent condition for the entire distance. The total travel time from Kolkata can be 5 to 6 hours, including the time spent waiting for and crossing the river ferry. By Local Transport (From Bakkhali) Henry's Island is a 15- to 20-minute ride from the Bakkhali Bus Stand. The most efficient way to travel is by hiring a reserved Toto (battery-operated rickshaw) or a cycle-rickshaw. The fare should be negotiated for a round trip, including the wait time necessary for your exploration of the Watchtower and the mudflats. The cost for a round trip with a waiting time of 2Rs.3 hours typically ranges from INR 250 to INR 400. This option is the quickest and most flexible for a day visit. Local buses are rare on this specific route, making a reserved Toto the preferred option.
By Air: The nearest major airport is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) in Kolkata (155 KMS total distance). The full journey involves flying to Kolkata, then taking a car or train to Namkhana Railway Station (NMKA), crossing the Hatania-Doania river by ferry, and then taking a local bus or reserved taxi/Toto to Bakkhali. From the Bakkhali Bus Stand, Henry's Island is a further 7 KMS journey, typically covered by a dedicated local transport vehicle.
By Train: Take the local train from Sealdah South Section in Kolkata to Namkhana Railway Station (NMKA). The train journey takes about 3 hours. From Namkhana, cross the river by ferry and board a local bus or shared Toto heading toward Bakkhali and Fraserganj. Instruct the driver to drop you directly at the entry point for the Henry's Island lodges. Since Henry's Island is the final stop in that direction, a reserved vehicle will often take you directly to the lodge gates. The cost is slightly higher for the final leg compared to the main Bakkhali drop-off.
By Road: If driving from Kolkata to Bakkhali (125 KMS), once you have crossed the Hatania-Doania river by vehicular ferry and are on the final 25 KMS stretch to Bakkhali, continue past the main Bakkhali town area towards Fraserganj. Henry's Island is located just beyond the Fraserganj fishing harbor. Follow the signs for the WBTDC or Fisheries Department tourist lodges, which are the main access points for the island. The road is paved and in decent condition for the entire distance. The total travel time from Kolkata can be 5 to 6 hours, including the time spent waiting for and crossing the river ferry. By Local Transport (From Bakkhali) Henry's Island is a 15- to 20-minute ride from the Bakkhali Bus Stand. The most efficient way to travel is by hiring a reserved Toto (battery-operated rickshaw) or a cycle-rickshaw. The fare should be negotiated for a round trip, including the wait time necessary for your exploration of the Watchtower and the mudflats. The cost for a round trip with a waiting time of 2Rs.3 hours typically ranges from INR 250 to INR 400. This option is the quickest and most flexible for a day visit. Local buses are rare on this specific route, making a reserved Toto the preferred option.
Information about New and Updated Locations(575+) of West Bengal Has Been Added :-
Card subtitle
Note:-
Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.
All information and pictures will be updated soon, please keep visiting.
Near Places
Bakkhali Beach
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Bhagabatpur Crocodile Breeding Project
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Bishhalakshmi Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Fraserganj Fishing Harbour
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Fraserganj Wind Park
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Henry's Island
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Jambu Dwip
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Kalisthan
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Kargil Beach
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere