How to Reach Gangasagar Island (Sagardwip, Kapil Muni Ashram & ISKCON Gangasagar Temple)
Gangasagar, also known as Sagardwip, is a revered pilgrimage destination approximately 123 km from Kolkata. Key sites—ISKCON Gangasagar Temple, Kapil Muni Ashram, and the main Ganga bathing ghat at Sagar Sangam—are all within a 700-meter radius, making them conveniently accessible on foot within 10 minutes.
1. By Air
- Nearest Airport: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU), Kolkata (142 km from Gangasagar). From the airport, take a cab to Kakdwip (106 km), then proceed via ferry.
2. By Rail
- Nearest Railway Stations: Sealdah to Kakdwip/Namkhana (direct and transfer-based trains available). Note: No direct connection from Howrah Railway Station.
- Recommended Travel Time:
- Depart from Sealdah: Between 5:00 AM and 2:00 PM for a smooth journey.
- Return the next day: Between 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM to avoid peak rush.
- Train Options:
- Most trains from Sealdah to Laxmikantapur extend to Kakdwip/Namkhana.
- Confirm with daily passengers whether Laxmikantapur-bound trains continue further.
- From Kakdwip Station: Take a battery rickshaw (₹20-25) to Lot No. 8 ferry ghat (2 km).
- From Namkhana Station: Take a battery rickshaw (₹20) to Namkhana Ghat (1.5 km).
- Local Transport from Stations:
3. By Road
- From Kolkata: Take NH-12 (Diamond Harbour Road), driving 90 km south to Harwood Point (Lot No. 8).
- Shortcut for private cars: Take the bypass road via Shirakol Bazar and Usthi Bazar to save time and distance.
- Car Parking at Kakdwip (Lot No. 8): Safe parking is available at "Mohana" Government Parking Lot (managed by the local panchayat).
- Car Ferry Services: Limited LCT vessels transport cars once a day (timing varies). Parking and ferrying separately is advisable.
4. Ferry Services
Ferry Points:
A. From Kakdwip (Lot No. 8) to Gangasagar (Kachuberia Ghat):
- Multiple jetties available, with government ferries operating daily.
- Duration: ~1 hour | Fare: ₹9 per person.
B. From Namkhana Ghat to Gangasagar (Venuban Ghat):
- Boats operate from 5:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Duration: ~1.5-2 hours | Fare: ₹40 per person.
Note:
Ferry schedules may vary based on tides; confirm timings on your travel day.
5. Transportation on Sagar Island
- From Kachuberia to Gangasagar (30 km):
- Bus/Shared Jeep: ₹50-60 per person
- Auto (reserved): ₹250 (one-way)
- Regular Jeep: ₹700 (one-way) | ₹1100-1300 (round-trip)
- AC Private Car: ₹1700-2300 (one-way) | ₹2300-2700 (round-trip, includes overnight charges).
- From Venuban Ghat to Gangasagar (15 km):
- Shared Car/Battery Rickshaw: ₹50-60 per person
- Regular Jeep Reserve: ₹900 (one-way).
Tip: Always negotiate fares in advance.
6. Accommodation
- ISKCON Gangasagar Guesthouse:
- Limited AC/non-AC rooms in a clean, hut-style setting.
- Facilities: Geyser, attached toilets, power backup, free Wi-Fi, CCTV surveillance, and 24-hour water.
- Pure veg food only; outside food prohibited.
Booking Details:
- Website: www.iskcongangasagar.com/guesthouse
- WhatsApp/Phone: +91 85094-05093
- Landline: 03210-240127
7. Dining
- ISKCON Gangasagar Prasadam Options:
- Lunch: Jagannath Rajbhog Thali (₹150, pre-booked) | Regular Thali (₹100).
- Breakfast/Dinner: ₹70 per plate.
No onion, no garlic. Outside food not allowed inside ISKCON premises.
- Prasadam Timings:
- Breakfast: 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM
- Lunch: 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
- Dinner: 8:00 PM - 8:30 PM
8. Important Tips
- Respect temple traditions; Gangasagar is a pilgrimage site, not just a tourist spot.
- Avoid single-use plastics.
- Confirm transport fares beforehand to prevent overcharging.
- Contribute generously to ISKCON temple construction projects and collect your donation receipt at the guesthouse reception.
By following this guide, your trip to Gangasagar will be smooth, spiritual, and fulfilling. Safe travels! 🙏
