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Off the coast of West Bengal is the Sagar Island, a place of religious significance and astonishing beauty. Located in the Ganges delta, at the mouth of the Hooghly River, it is about 150 km South of Kolkata. The island is spread over an area of 224 km.
Although the island's fame lies in its mesmerizing nature, long shorelines with silver sand, calm sea and clear blue sky, there is also another side to it and that is the deep connection of Sagar island with mythology.
If you are in the mood for sunshine, blue skies, a whirlwind adventure with a dash of divinity, then Sagar Island is an ideal destination to visit.
Gangasagar Mela
The mela is held every year in the month of January from 13 to 15. This acclaimed cultural and spiritual event not only attracts people from the country but also around the globe. The pilgrims take a dip in Ganga early in the morning while worshiping God Surya. There is a belief that taking a holy dip in Ganga, which is considered as the holiest river in the country will cleanse your sin.
Naga sadhus visit this mela in highest numbers. There are camps erected by the West Bengal government at the venue for visitors. Also, there are hotel rooms and cottages nearby. After a dip in the holy river, pilgrims visit Kapil Muni Temple to offer their prayers. The reverberating mantras and the sight of lit lamps is a shining beacon of bliss and devotion that every traveller must witness at least once.
Best Time To Visit Sagar Island
Ganga Sagar is beautiful and pleasant throughout the year but October to March would be ideal with the temperature varying from 10°C to 22°C. The weather is perfect to explore the panoramic beauty of the place and for trekking. January is the best month to experience the profundity of this place. Makar Sankranti festival is celebrated in this month with great zeal and fervour.
June to September is the monsoon season when the region experiences abundant rain and strong winds. Transportation to the island is disrupted during this period. Although the place looks magical during this time, it advised to avoid travelling in this season.
Summers are humid and warm, but early morning and evenings are perfect time to laze around and enjoy water sports.
How To Reach Sagar Island
By air: The nearest airport is Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport that is about 118 km from the island. There are daily flights from major cities of the country. From here, you can take a bus or cab to Kakdwip and then a ferry to reach Kachuberia, where you need to board a bus to reach Sagar Island.
By train: Chitpur Railway Station in Kolkata is the nearest train station which is about 128 km away. However, it does not have good connectivity. Alternatively, Howrah junction would be another option.
By road: Road journey to Sagar Island is quite thrilling. You need to take a bus from Kolkata to Kakdwip to reach Harwood Point. Then a boat ride across the river Muriganga will take you to Kachuberia. An hour bus ride from Kachuberia will take you to Sagar Island.
Places To Visit
1. Bakkhali Beach
The Bakkhali Beach is a pristine beach that is relatively unknown and hence untouched and less commercialized. The 7-km-long coastline is serene and provides beautiful views of sunrise and sunset.
2. Frazerganj
Located about 2 km from Bakkhali is its twin town Frazerganj. The town is named after Andrew Fraser, who tried to build a resort in the area in the 1900s. However, the waves washed away the construction, so he could not continue with his venture. The remains of his office can be seen even today. There are direct buses available from Kolkata to Bakkhali of you can hire private vehicles from Kolkata to reach Frazergunj directly.
3. Sagardweep Beach
A few minutes away from the Kapil Muni Temple is the Sagardweep beach. The virgin forest dotted with Casuarina trees surrounds the beach. Long walks on the gorgeous white sand with bountiful natural splendour is indeed an enthralling experience.
