Sagardwip

Sagardwip is a charming tourist destination, which attracts both the pilgrims and fun loving people. Located on an island in the Sunderban, Sagardwip possesses the charms of an unspoilt beach on the estuary of the river Ganges. Sagardwip offers acres of silver sand and clear blue sky, and the calm sea for the visitors who would like to spend their weekend in a quiet mood.

Popularly known as Gangasagar, Sagardwip is still now unexplored and therefore unexploited. The island of Sagardwip is one of the most famous Hindu pilgrimage centers in India. Every year on Makar Sankranti (mid-January), pilgrims from all over India, gather at Sagardwip for a holy dip at the confluence of the river Ganga and the Bay of Bengal. After the holy dip, the pilgrims offer ‘Puja’ at the Kapil Muni Temple or Ashram. On the occasion of Makar Sankranti, Gangasagar Mela is organized in this island, which is one of the biggest fairs in West Bengal. The Bharat Sevashram Sangha temple is bigger comprising three huge towers.

In many tales of Hindu mythology and in ancient Indian literature like the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, a novel of Bankimchandra Chattopadhyay, a poem of Rabindranath Tagore, the name of Sagardwip was mentioned.

The lighthouse at Sagardwip offers a panoramic view of this spectacular beach, from where you can enjoy the enthralling dawn and dusk. On the time of the sunset, the sky turns golden with a patch of red on the horizon and the silver sand reflects the last rays of the sun, which form a delightful ambience. In this island, photography is not restricted.

Where to stay at Sagardwip:

There are various budget hotels, guesthouses and lodges are available in Sagardwip. Hotel Larica, Youth Hostel and Bharat Sevashram Sangha guesthouse are the best options for the tourists who want to visit at Sagardwip. A number of smaller hotels are available in this island and there are no requirements for booking. The island gets electricity connection from 6 pm to10 pm. There are many restaurants in Sagardwip.

How to get Sagardwip:

Sagardwip is 135 km away from Kolkata. However, Sagardwip is nut directly liked with Kolkata, a break journey is necessary to go to Sagardwip. Get a Kakdwip-bound bus from Esplanade to Harwood Point, which reach Harwood Point after almost three hours. Cross the river Muriganga by boat and reach at Kachuberia. From Kachuberia a bus will take you to Sagardwip (30kms) within one hour. Minibus and hired car are accessible for the journey. It will take five hours to reach the island from Kolkata. On the other hand, you can take a bus to Namkhana from Kolkata to Namkhana (105) kms. From Namkhana you can reach to Chemaguri across the river Muriganga by launch and from Chamaguri to Gangasagar by bus (10kms.) Boats from Harwood Point and Kachuberia are accessible every hour.

If you want to spend your weekend in a peaceful way, then avoid the island in the middle of January.