Description:
Around 50 kms south of Kolkata is the old harbour known as the Diamond Harbour. It is a popular excursion spot where Ganges bends south on its way to sea becoming wider and deeper allowing big ships to dock. Originally known as Hajipur, it was renamed Diamond Harbour by the British and was a stronghold of Portuguese pirates. Launches run from here to Sagar Island or Sagardweep. People visit this place to see big vessels anchored. Sagardweep is at the mouth of the Hooghly and the island is considered to be the point where the Ganges joins the sea. In mid-January, a great three-day bathing festival the Ganga Sagar fair takes place here.
Very near is Joynagar, traditionally known for its moya, a sweet made of puffed rice and jaggery, has recently attracted archaeological interest. Visitors can see the manuscripts at Kalidas Dutta's collection at Joynagar, along with terracotta figurines and black stone images of Buddha, Mahavir and Vishnu, belonging to the 11th and 12th centuries.
