How to reach Gangasagar: A Complete Travel Guide

Table of Contents

In this guide, we’ll explore the various modes of transportation available, providing you with all the information regarding how to reach Gangasagar this beautiful destination.

How to reach Gangasagar from Kolkata

To reach Gangasagar from Kolkata, you have several options depending on your preference for travel mode (road or waterway). Here are the common routes.

By Road

1. Drive or Hire a Car

Start from Kolkata and head south on NH 12 (Diamond Harbour Road).
Drive approximately 90 km to reach Kakdwip.
From Kakdwip, you need to take a ferry to Kachuberia.
After reaching Kachuberia, you can either hire a local vehicle or take a bus to Gangasagar (Sagar Island), which is about 30 km from Kachuberia.

2. Use Public Transport

Take a bus or taxi from Kolkata to Kakdwip.
From Kakdwip, take a ferry to Kachuberia.
Continue your journey to Gangasagar by local vehicle or bus.

How to reach Gangasagar from Kolkata by ship

1. Ferry Service

You can take a ferry directly from Kolkata to Kachuberia (Gosaba) or Lot No. 8 (near Gangasagar). The ferry service is available from various jetties in Kolkata (like Babughat) and takes around 3-4 hours. Once you reach Kachuberia or Lot No. 8, you can take local transport to reach Gangasagar.

2. Cruise Services

Some tour operators offer cruise services from Kolkata to Gangasagar, which provide a more comfortable and scenic journey. These cruises are usually scheduled during the Gangasagar Mela (fair) in January. Before planning your trip, it’s advisable to check the current ferry schedules, and other travel advisories.

How to reach Ganga Sagar from Kolkata by car

To reach Ganga Sagar from Kolkata by car, you can follow these directions

Start from Kolkata and head towards Diamond Harbour Road (NH12) from your location in Kolkata.
Follow NH12 to Kakdwip in South 24 Parganas district. This is the last point accessible by car.
From Kakdwip, you’ll need to take a ferry to cross the Muriganga River to Kachuberia. The ferry service operates regularly, and the journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
After reaching Kachuberia, you can drive to Ganga Sagar, which is about 30 kilometers away. The road is scenic and passes through rural areas.

How to reach Gangasagar from Kolkata by train

To reach Gangasagar from Kolkata by train, you can follow these steps

1. Reach Sealdah Railway Station

Start from your location in Kolkata and head to Sealdah Railway Station, which is one of the major railway stations in Kolkata. You can reach Sealdah by taxi, bus, or local train depending on your location.

2. Take a Train to Namkhana or Kakdwip

From Sealdah, you can catch a local train to Namkhana or Kakdwip. Trains to Namkhana or Kakdwip are available at regular intervals, and the journey takes around 2-3 hours depending on the train.

3. Reach Namkhana or Kakdwip Ferry Ghat

After reaching Namkhana or Kakdwip, you need to reach the respective ferry ghats. You can hire a local auto-rickshaw or taxi to reach the ferry ghat from the railway station.

4. Take a Ferry to Kachuberia

From Namkhana or Kakdwip, take a ferry to Kachuberia. The ferry ride takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, and ferries operate at regular intervals.

5. Kachuberia to Gangasagar

After reaching Kachuberia, you can take a local vehicle or bus to reach Gangasagar, which is about 30 km away.

6. Return Journey

For the return journey, you can follow the same route in reverse.

How to reach Gangasagar from sealdah

To reach Gangasagar (Sagar Island) from Sealdah, you can follow these steps

1. Sealdah to Namkhana

Take a train from Sealdah Railway Station to Namkhana Railway Station. The train journey takes about 2-3 hours, depending on the train. Alternatively, you can take a bus or taxi from Sealdah to Namkhana, which takes around 3-4 hours by road.

2. Namkhana to Lot No. 8 (Kachuberia)

From Namkhana, you need to reach Lot No. 8, which is the ferry point for Gangasagar. You can take a local bus or taxi to Lot No. 8, which is about 15 kilometers away.

3. Ferry to Gangasagar

At Lot No. 8, you can board a ferry to cross over to Gangasagar. The ferry ride takes approximately 30-45 minutes, depending on the weather and sea conditions.

4. Gangasagar Island

Once you reach Gangasagar, you can explore the island, visit the holy sites, and take a dip in the sacred waters.

How to reach Gangasagar from Delhi

To reach Gangasagar from Delhi, you would typically need to travel to Kolkata first, as there are no direct flights or trains to Gangasagar. Here’s how you can reach Gangasagar from Delhi.

1. Flight from Delhi

Fly from Delhi to Kolkata. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata is the nearest major airport to Gangasagar.
From Kolkata, you can either take a flight to the nearest airport at Port Blair (Veer Savarkar International Airport) and then a ferry to the island, or you can travel by road and then take a ferry from Kakdwip to Kachuberia (Lot No. 8), which is the gateway to Gangasagar.

2. By Train

Travel from Delhi to Kolkata by train. Several trains connect Delhi to Howrah and Sealdah stations in Kolkata.
From Kolkata, you can take a train to Namkhana or Kakdwip, which are the nearest railway stations to Gangasagar.
From Namkhana or Kakdwip, you can take a bus or taxi to Lot No. 8, and then a ferry to Gangasagar.

3. By Road

Travel from Delhi to Kolkata by road. The distance is approximately 1,500 kilometers and the journey can take around 24-30 hours, depending on the route and traffic conditions
From Kolkata, follow the route to Diamond Harbour and then take a ferry from Lot No. 8 to Gangasagar.

Best route map to travel Gangasagar

1. Reach Kolkata

If you’re traveling from outside West Bengal, reach Kolkata first. You can reach Kolkata by air, train, or bus, depending on your location.

2. Travel to Lot No. 8

From Kolkata, you need to travel to Lot No. 8, which is the last point accessible by road. You can take a bus or hire a taxi from Kolkata to Lot No. 8.

3. Cross the river

From Lot No. 8, you need to cross the Muriganga River to reach Kachuberia. This is usually done by ferry. The ferry ride is an integral part of the journey, offering beautiful views of the river and its surroundings.

4. Reach Kachuberia

Once you reach Kachuberia, you can continue your journey to Gangasagar. You can take a bus or hire a car to reach Gangasagar from Kachuberia. The distance is around 17 kilometers.

5. Your Destination

Finally, you will reach Gangasagar, where you can visit the holy sites, take a dip in the sacred waters, and explore the area.

Travel time for Gangasagar

The time required to visit Gangasagar can vary depending on your mode of transportation. Here’s a general outline

1. Travel Time

If you’re traveling from Kolkata, the journey to Gangasagar usually takes around 3-4 hours by road and ferry, depending on traffic and ferry schedules. If you’re traveling from other parts of West Bengal or India, you’ll need to factor in additional travel time.

2. Stay Duration

Many visitors to Gangasagar choose to make a day trip, arriving in the morning and returning in the evening. However, if you wish to explore the area more thoroughly or participate in the Gangasagar Mela, you may want to stay for a night or longer.

3. Gangasagar Mela

If you’re visiting during the Gangasagar Mela, which usually takes place in January, you may want to allow extra time for the crowds and festivities. The mela attracts a large number of pilgrims, which can affect travel times and accommodation availability.

Overall, for a typical day trip to Gangasagar from Kolkata, you would likely need to set aside a full day for travel and sightseeing. If you plan to stay longer or visit during the mela, you should adjust your itinerary accordingly.

Distance between Gangasagar to various cities

1. kolkata to gangasagar distance

The distance between Kolkata and Gangasagar (Sagar Island) is approximately 90 kilometers by road. However, the actual travel distance can vary depending on the route taken and the mode of transportation (e.g., road, ferry).

2. Howrah railway station to Gangasagar distance

The distance between Howrah and Gangasagar (Sagar Island) is approximately 70 kilometers by road.

3. Jagannath puri to Gangasagar distance

The distance between Puri (Jagannath Puri) and Gangasagar (Sagar Island) is approximately 600 kilometers by road.

4. Kakdwip to Gangasagar distance

The distance between Kakdwip and Gangasagar (Sagar Island) is approximately 25 kilometers by road.

5. Namkhana to Gangasagar distance

The distance between Namkhana and Gangasagar (Sagar Island) is approximately 15 kilometers by road. Namkhana is a major ferry terminal for traveling to Gangasagar, and from Namkhana, you would need to take a ferry to reach Lot No. 8, which is the ferry point for Gangasagar.

6. Bhubaneswar to Gangasagar distance

The distance between Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, and Gangasagar (Sagar Island) in West Bengal is approximately 400 kilometers by road. The journey takes around 10-12 hours by car, depending on the route and traffic conditions.

7. Delhi to Gangasagar distance

The distance between Delhi and Gangasagar (Sagar Island) is approximately 1,600 kilometers by road. The journey takes around 30-35 hours by car, depending on the route taken and traffic conditions.

8. kolkata to gangasagar distance by bus

The distance from Kolkata to Gangasagar (Sagar Island) by road is approximately 105 kilometers via Diamond Harbour Road. The journey by bus usually takes around 3 to 4 hours, but travel times can vary based on traffic and road conditions.

All about Gangasagar

Gangasagar, also known as Sagar Island, is a famous pilgrimage site in the South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, India. It is located at the confluence of the River Ganges and the Bay of Bengal and is considered a holy site for Hindus. Here are some key points about Gangasagar.

1. Religious Significance

Gangasagar is considered a highly sacred place for Hindus, who believe that taking a dip in the holy waters at this confluence washes away sins and paves the way for salvation. It is particularly auspicious during the Makar Sankranti festival when the Gangasagar Mela is held.

2. Gangasagar Mela

The Gangasagar Mela is an annual gathering of pilgrims and tourists from around the country. It usually takes place in January on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. The mela is known for its festive atmosphere, with people taking holy dips, performing rituals, and attending fairs.

3. Accessibility

Gangasagar is accessible from Kolkata by road and ferry. The journey involves traveling to Lot No. 8, which is the ferry point for crossing over to the island. During the Gangasagar Mela, special ferry services are operated from various ghats in Kolkata.

4. Sightseeing

Apart from its religious significance, Gangasagar offers natural beauty and tranquility. The beach at Gangasagar is known for its serene and scenic surroundings, making it a popular destination for tourists as well as pilgrims.

5. Infrastructure

Gangasagar has basic facilities for tourists and pilgrims, including accommodations, eateries, and medical services. However, during the Gangasagar Mela, the infrastructure is often stretched due to the large number of visitors.

6. Environmental Conservation

Gangasagar is also known for its efforts towards environmental conservation. The Sagar Island Eco-Development Project aims to protect the fragile ecosystem of the island and promote sustainable development.

Tourist place near Gangasagar

There are several tourist places near Gangasagar that you can visit, here some are.

1. Kakdwip

Located near Lot No. 8, Kakdwip is a small town known for its scenic beauty and the annual Gangasagar Mela. You can explore the local markets and enjoy the riverside views.

2. Diamond Harbour

Situated at the mouth of the Hooghly River, Diamond Harbour offers beautiful views of the river and the surrounding countryside. You can visit the Diamond Harbour Beach and enjoy boating in the river.

3. Bakkhali

Bakkhali is a seaside resort located near Gangasagar. It is known for its pristine beaches and tranquil surroundings. You can relax on the beach and enjoy the sunset views.

4. Fraserganj

Adjacent to Bakkhali, Fraserganj is another beach destination known for its peaceful atmosphere and scenic beauty. You can indulge in water sports activities or simply relax on the beach.

5. Sagar Island

Apart from the religious significance, Sagar Island offers a serene environment and beautiful beaches. You can visit the Kapil Muni Temple and enjoy the natural beauty of the island.

6. Henry's Island

Located near Bakkhali, Henry’s Island is a secluded beach destination known for its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. You can enjoy the pristine beaches and indulge in bird watching.

These are some of the tourist places near Gangasagar that you can explore during your visit. Each place offers a unique experience and a chance to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region.