Ayantika Malakar

We live in an era of constant stress. From dawn till dusk, we rush through life—whether it’s handling household chores, office tasks, or commuting to and from work. In the relentless pursuit of power, position, wealth, and status, we often lose sight of ourselves. Who are we? What do we want? What is our purpose?

If you’ve ever stopped to think about these questions, you may find they are difficult to answer. But the truth is, we rarely have the time or the mental space to ponder them. Weeks turn into weekends, yet we don’t truly relax—we only sink deeper into the cycle of stress. However, some have discovered a way to break free, if only for a few days. And no, I’m not just talking about travel in the traditional sense. I’m talking about something more transformative—Restorative Travel.

What is Restorative Travel?

Restorative travel is more than just visiting a destination; it’s about rejuvenating your spirit, recharging emotionally and physically, and reconnecting with yourself. It offers a chance to slow down, unwind, and immerse yourself in both the journey and the destination. It’s less about ticking off tourist attractions and more about exploring your inner world.

With restorative travel, the goal is to disconnect from daily stressors and embrace a slower pace. Whether it’s lounging on a beach, staying in a serene mountain retreat, walking through a forest, or spending time at a wellness resort practicing yoga, meditation, and self-care, the focus is on renewal. This type of travel encourages personal reflection, allowing you to rediscover what truly matters to you.

Let me take you along on one of my own restorative travel experiences—a three days escape from our fast-paced lives to the shores of Mandarmani. A popular tourist destinations, Mandarmani is a coastal village in West Bengal, India. With no set itinerary and no pressure, my husband and I set out simply to unwind, relax and reconnect—not just with the destination, but with each other.

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy for married couples to get caught up in the hustle, often leaving little time to truly be present with one another. Between office work, household responsibilities, and constant distractions, those special moments slip away. This trip was our chance to rediscover precious moments, and to enjoy each other’s company without the interruptions of everyday life. To truly embrace the experience, we made a deliberate choice not to drive ourselves, eliminating one more potential source of tension.

Mandarmani is now well connected from Kolkata, and luxury bus services made the journey even more comfortable. We boarded an early morning bus from Esplanade. We brought along a spread of snacks, and as the bus cruised along scenic roads, we munched, chatted, and allowed the rhythm of the journey to lull us into a state of calm. Four hours later, we arrived at Chaulkhola, where we hopped onto an auto-rickshaw for a short ride to our resort in Silampur. Our resort welcomed us with a cozy, impeccably clean room that opened up to a beach-facing balcony, inviting us to step into serenity.

Once at the resort, we were treated to the flavors of coastal Bengal. While the cuisine wasn’t completely new to us as we are from Bengal, the dishes were still a delightful departure from our usual meals. Fresh seafood and local spices infused in each dish, made every meal a flavorful adventure. It was a comforting reminder of home, yet with a twist that made it feel special and unique to the coastal setting. Besides, every morning the resort also served a lavish breakfast buffet.
The next two days felt like time had slowed down. We disconnected from the virtual world—no phones, no emails, no social media—just the sound of the sea and the warmth of the sun. Each morning, we would sip our tea on the balcony, gazing out at the endless stretch of beach, watching the waves playfully lap at the shore. As the day unfolded, we indulged in simple joys: lounging on sunbeds with the sea breeze kissing our skin, giggling and chatting as we swayed lazily on the bay-facing swing. We reminisced about past trips, laughed over shared memories, and felt a carefree joy—something that gets buried under the pressures of daily schedules.

At the twilight, we strolled along the beach, the sand soft under our feet as the sky painted itself in hues of pink and orange. We made our way to a small beach shack where we indulged in steaming plates of Maggi. There’s something about eating Maggi by the beach that makes it taste better—just like it does in the hills. It was simple, but shared moments like these felt incredibly special. The horizon seemed infinite, and in those quiet moments, the vastness of the sea reminded us of how small our daily worries truly were. The rhythm of the waves, the salty air, and the beauty of the dusk made it feel like we were part of something much larger—nature’s grand, effortless design. Late in the evening, my husband and I made our way to the resort’s pool. The night was cool, the water warm, and we found ourselves swimming, laughing and dancing in the water, like teenagers.

Another simple yet profound experience was walking barefoot on the resort’s lush, green grass. It reminded us of childhood days spent running around playgrounds without a care in the world. There was something therapeutic about feeling the cool grass beneath our feet, as if we had reconnected with our younger, more lively selves.

We also hired a local rickshaw to visit the famous red crab beach and the estuary, where a river meets the Bay of Bengal. The beach was alive with thousands of red crabs scurrying across the sand. I tried to chase them and snap a few photos, but they were much quicker than me! At the delta, we saw mangroves rising from the soil—a beautiful reminder of nature’s resilience.

Of course, there was no shortage of photography opportunities, and we seized every chance to capture those moments. Whether it was by the water or amidst the resort’s beautifully landscaped gardens, we took photos to freeze those memories forever.

Leaving behind the daily grind, we spent hours in silence, simply being – listening to the whispers of the wind, and soaking in the peace that had eluded us for so long. The world outside felt distant, almost irrelevant. By the time our weekend drew to a close, our hearts were light, our spirits lifted, and our minds clear.

As we boarded the luxury bus for the return journey, we were not just refreshed but transformed. The stress of everyday life had melted away, leaving behind a sense of inner calm that stayed with us long after we returned to the hustle of city life.

How to reach Mandarmani?

Mandarmani is easily accessible by road and railway. The nearest airport is Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata. From there, you can hire a cab to Mandarmani, which is approximately a 4-hour drive.

If you prefer traveling by train, the nearest railway station is Kanthi. Several trains from Howrah and Santragachi Junction connect to Kanthi, making it an economical option. From Kanthi, you can take a cab or rickshaw to reach Mandarmani. Bus services are also available to Kanthi and Chaulkhola from various depots across South Bengal. And if it is convenient, you can always drive to Mandarmani.

Where to stay and what to eat?

Mandarmani offers numerous sea-facing resorts, giving you direct access to the beach, where you can enjoy the serenity of the sea right at your doorstep. If you’re looking for budget-friendly options, there are plenty of hotels, lodges, and resorts located on the opposite side of the road, which come with a lower price tag but still offer comfort and convenience.

Food-wise, Mandarmani is a great place to indulge in traditional Bengali fish curries. The coastal flavors here are fresh and authentic, so make sure to sample local seafood delicacies made of Prawn, Crab or Pomfret.

A thoughtful reminder

As you explore restorative travel for yourself, remember that your joy should not come at the expense of others’ peace. Please be mindful of your surroundings—avoid playing loud music in serene environments, and make sure to leave no trace by keeping the beach and it’s surrounding litter-free.