Walking Through Time in Kolhapuri Chappals

 

A pair of Kolhapuri chappals 

It was a hot afternoon in Kolhapur when I first noticed them – rows of earthy brown sandals neatly stacked outside a small shop. The air smelled faintly of tanned leather, and the shopkeeper smiled knowingly as I lingered.

“Kolhapuri chappals, madam, they’ll outlast any shoe you’ve ever owned,” he said with pride.

These sandals are not just footwear; they are a story woven in leather. For over 800 years, artisans in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, have been handcrafting them with meticulous care. Using vegetable-tanned leather, each pair is cut, stitched, and shaped entirely by hand, without a single nail. The result? Footwear that is durable, eco-friendly, and uniquely beautiful.

I picked up a pair – surprisingly light, yet firm. What struck me was the detailing: intricate designs on the straps, tiny patterns pressed into the sole. They looked simple, but there was elegance in that simplicity.

Kolhapuri chappals were once made to withstand the harsh, dry landscape of Maharashtra. Farmers wore them in fields; travelers trusted them on long dusty roads. Over time, they became symbols of rustic resilience. Today, they’ve traveled far beyond their hometown, seen on fashion runways and paired with everything from sarees and kurtas to jeans and dresses.

The shopkeeper chuckled as I tried them on.

“They’ll take a few days to mold to your feet,” he explained, “but once they do, you’ll never want to take them off.”

And that’s the real magic of Kolhapuri chappals. They’re not just something you wear – they grow with you, carrying stories of tradition, craftsmanship, and timeless style.

Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project: A Hidden Gem of the Sundarbans

 

If you’re planning a Sundarbans trip and want to experience something beyond tiger trails, the Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project deserves a spot on your itinerary. This is the only crocodile breeding center in West Bengal, famous for housing and conserving the formidable saltwater crocodile.

What to Expect

Watch crocodiles at every stage of life—from tiny, blinking hatchlings to massive adults basking in the sun.

Learn about the conservation efforts that began in the 1970s and continue to protect the delicate mangrove ecosystem.

Climb up the watchtower for panoramic views of the Matla River estuary, one of the most scenic spots in the region.

The surrounding 

Matla bridge

How to Reach

1. By Train (Kolkata → Namkhana)

From Sealdah Station (Kolkata), take a local EMU train to Namkhana.

Distance: ~105 km.

Travel time: ~3.5 hours.

Frequency: Multiple local trains daily (fare around ₹30–₹40).

From Namkhana Railway Station, you need to reach the ferry ghat for onward boat rides.

2. By Bus (Kolkata → Namkhana)

Direct SBSTC/Private buses run from Dharmatala/Esplanade Bus Stand (Kolkata) to Namkhana.

Distance: ~110 km.

Travel time: ~3.5–4 hours.

Fare: ~₹100–₹150.

Get down at Namkhana Bus Terminus and proceed to the Namkhana ferry ghat.

3. Boat Journey (Namkhana → Bhagabatpur)

From Namkhana ghat, hire a motorboat to reach Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project via the Hatania-Doania creek and the Matla estuary.

Travel time: ~2 hours by boat (varies with tides and boat type).

Boats are usually arranged through tour operators or via Forest Department permissions.

Boat rides themselves are a treat, winding through mangrove creeks and open waterways.

Crocodiles

Ferry ghat

Directions

From collection to release

Crocodile eggs

Best Time to Visit

November to March is ideal—pleasant weather, clear skies, and calmer tides.

Monsoons are best avoided as heavy rains and rough waters may restrict boat movement.

Entry & Permissions

Entry permits are required, usually arranged through the West Bengal Forest Department at the entrance gate or via local tour operators.

Always check with your operator beforehand, as timings and access can vary.

Travel Tips

Carry binoculars for spotting birds and estuarine life along the ride.

Keep sunscreen, hats, and light cotton wear handy—summers can be humid.

Respect the rules: this is a conservation zone, so no littering or loud noises.

Why Visit?

Bhagabatpur offers something rare—a chance to see the Sundarbans’ most ancient predator up close, while also soaking in the untouched beauty of the mangrove delta. It’s both an educational stop and a breathtaking experience for travelers seeking a deeper connection with the wild.