Kolkata offers you several wonderful excursions. One of the most popular amongst them is the Sagar Island, or Gangasagar, located approximately 150 km from Kolkata. It is an extremely charming tourist destination, which boats ofan unspoilt rustic charm. As an unhampered beach, on the estuary of the river Ganges, it offers you an enchanting view of silver sand and clear blue sky, along with easy going and tranquil sea by the side. It is the perfect destination for every kind of tourists. Sagar Island is not only meant for fun and nature lovers, looking for a leisure trip. It is also equally popular amongst pilgrims and religious souls. Other than the rustic charm of nature it offers, this island is also the holy confluence point of river Ganga and the Bay of Bengal. The place is, thus, also considered to be sanctified. The ritual of taking a dip in this water on Makar Sankranti is considered auspicious. The place is also famous for the Kapil Muni temple near the beach, where people worship after taking a holy dip in the river. Those tourists who are looking for an exquisite and exotic holiday can also head towards Sagar Island. The silver sand and the golden glittering sun rays make this place look like a virtual paradise at the dawn and dusk. Apart from this, the natural aura and clean atmosphere provides great refreshment, away from the crowded and polluted cities near by. October to April is the best time to visit this place. Sagardwip also witnesses one of the biggest fairs in West Bengal, called Gangasagar Mela, in January.
General Information about Sagar Island :
Location: 150 Km Kolkata
State: West Bengal
Capital: Kolkata
Language: Bengali, Hindi, English
Temperature: Max 42˚C, Min 27˚C (summer), Max 26˚C, Min 14˚C (winter)
Best Season: September to March
How to Reach Sagar Island :
By Air:
Kolkata is well connected by airways, to all the major countries in the world as well as to the key Indian cities. There are regular flights from all the major cities of India, like Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi and Mumbai, to the place. Even international destinations, in France, Britain, Holland, Bangladesh, Japan, Singapore, Nepal, Jordan and Thailand, are connected to the Netaji Subash Chandra Bose International Airport of Kolkata. This airport is located at Dumdum, about 15 km away from the main township.
By Rail:
The rail connectivity of Calcutta is also very good. Trains connect the city with all the major cities of India. Super fast trains like Rajdhani and Shatabdi Express ply between Kolkata and Delhi and other nearby places. Kolkata has two major railway stations; one is located in Howrah and the other is at Sealdah, with the former being the stop for majority of the interstate trains.
By Road:
The road connectivity of Kolkata to adjoining areas is also wisely planned. The Esplanade Terminus is the main bus terminal that lies in the heart of the city. From here, you can easily get a bus as well as taxi for travelling to the cities within West Bengal as well as in the neighbouring states. Even road connectivity to Bangladesh is smooth and comfortable, with frequent Bus service.
How to Travel in Kolkata:
For the international tourists, it is always advisable to carry their Indian visa, as it is cumbersome to get one after arriving Carry all your important documents and money If you are travelling alone, don’t publicize it. Incase you happen to lose your passport, immediately lodge a complaint at the police station and also inform your country’s embassy. It is advisable to carry adequate photocopies of your passport, traveller’s checks and insurance. Beware of touts and agents. Make sure that your hotel reservation is done and it is confirmed. To secure your belongings, use a combination lock.

