Before reaching Fatehpur, branch off right for Falta is well – a bitumenised road, passing through earthen hamlets, paddy fields, banana groves, acacia windbreaks, coconut, oil, and date clusters, hens marching their little wards casually across the road, cowherds taking their charges to pasture and friendly country folk outside their homes smiling as you pass by.
After about four km, turn left at the main Falta T junction and follow the signs to Hotel Sea-Bird International. Here on the bank of the Hoogly, and an assortment of industrial complexes and well planned residential areas, is the unlikely location of one of the district’s best-kept secrets for the weary traveler, with very reasonable tariffs, the hotel with all AC rooms, modern attached bathrooms, TV and STD phones in every room, Internet, swimming pool, outplaying and relaxation area, restaurant, conference facilities, car parking, discotheque, Kerala Ayurved, health club, zakuzi, children park, and extremely professional and courteous staff. The hotel offers unsurpassed, panoramic views of life on the river. As you look across to the brick Unlined Midnapore bank of the Hoogly, your attention is drawn to huge cargo vessels heading upriver to kidderpore, goods-laden barges bound for Haldia, or little river trucks paying timber and bamboo for the construction sites. However, driving through to the end, one comes to a beautifully shaded area with a huge jetty from where ferries set off for Haldia. Dozens of fishing boats can be seen with their nets cast at this awesome confluence of the Roopnarayan and Hoogly. This is a great spot to open the thermos and have a cup of tea and snacks.
Whatever you do, make it a point to be at the Hotel Sea-Bird International by sunset and sit on the river bank to crown your trip with a truly magical experience. The nature’s show on this amazing river of life has one last act for the visitor. Where the tangerine sun’s rays kiss the shimmering water, a boat slowly passes through the glittering path just long enough to arouse the senses to appreciate nature’s awesome beauty in such serene surroundings. If you