How to Reach Gangasagar - Comprehensive Travel Guide from Kolkata

How to Reach Gangasagar Island (Sagardwip, Kapil Muni Ashram & ISKCON Gangasagar Temple)

Gangasagar, also known as Sagardwip, is approximately 123 km from Kolkata and is a popular pilgrimage destination. Below is a comprehensive guide on how to reach Gangasagar through various modes of transport.

1. By Road:

From Kolkata: Take the Diamond Harbour Road and drive for around 90 km to reach Harwood Point (also known as Lot No. 8), near Kakdwip.
Using a Private Car: To save time, take a left turn onto the bypass road from Shirakol. At Usthi Bazar, take a right turn, followed by a left turn after 100 meters towards Hotuganj. This route bypasses Diamond Harbour city, saving you about 10 km and an hour of travel.
Ferry Point: Upon reaching Harwood Point, you will find multiple jetty ghats. Confirm with locals which ghat is active for ferry services as daily timings can vary.

2. By Rail:

Major Stations: The nearest major railway station with direct connections to Gangasagar is Sealdah in Kolkata. There are no direct trains from Howrah Station to Gangasagar.
Train Options: From Sealdah, you can take a train to Kakdwip or Namkhana. Trains from Sealdah to Laxmikantapur frequently change their boards, and most of them head towards Namkhana. These trains run throughout the day, providing a convenient option.
Local Transport: From Kakdwip station, take a battery-operated rickshaw to Lot No. 8 ferry ghat, which is about 2 km away. The fare is around Rs. 20-25 per head.

3. By Air:

Nearest Airport: The nearest airport is Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) in Kolkata, approximately 142 km from Gangasagar.
From the Airport: You can hire a cab or take a bus to Kakdwip (around 106 km from the airport). From Kakdwip, continue the journey via ferry.

4. By Waterway:

Ferry Services: Daily ferry services are available from Harwood Point (Lot No. 8) to Kachuberia (Sagardwip). However, ferry timings vary depending on tidal conditions, and delays of up to 6 hours can occur during low tides. It is advisable to check the ferry schedule in advance on the day of travel.

5. Transportation on Sagar Island:

On the Island: Transportation within Sagar Island is convenient, with options including small shared cars, battery-operated rickshaws, manual rickshaws, and private cars. Ensure you agree on fares before starting your journey.

Important Tips:

Ferry Timings: As ferry schedules can be unpredictable due to tidal conditions, always check the timings in advance to avoid long waits.
Prasadam and Accommodation: For food (prasadam) at the ISKCON center or guesthouse accommodation, it is advisable to call in advance to avoid any inconvenience. Contact the ISKCON Gangasagar center at 9330832393 or 8420920487. For online guesthouse booking, visit ISKCON Gangasagar Guesthouse or call Guest house reception 85094-05093.