Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal, is called the city of joy. The city is nationally and internationally famous for its culture, cuisine, and travel attractions.
One of the unique characteristics of Kolkata travel attractions is its versatile character. In Kolkata you may find old buildings, historical spots, religious temples and shrines, etc. But if you expand your travel compass, you can access exotic places like Sundarban-the mangrove Forest, Gangasagar, however, you need to allot at least 5 nights and 6 days for such an extended tour.
Let’s decide on a 5 nights 6-day travel plan from Kolkata, where we will enjoy a few premium Kolkata metro travel attractions and then we will travel to Gangasagar pilgrimage site and Sundarban Mangrove Forest, the Tiger reserve and allied attractions.
Gangasagar Kolkata Tour: Kolkata Visiting Places:
In Kolkata, within the metro vicinity, we can fix our travel plan on
- Victoria Memorial: A spectacular white marble monument and Museum. It is of British Government period-construction. British Government initiated the monument in the memory of Queen Victoria. It is a World Heritage Site.
- Indian Museum: Indian Museum is one of the largest Museums of India and it has a spectacular collection of artifacts and paintings, statues, and anthropological memories.
- Dakshineswar Kali Temple:It is an age-old Kali temple built at the bank of the river Ganges, and an auspicious pilgrim site for devotes.
- Howrah Bridge: An iconic cantilever bridge that connects Kolkata to Howrah, and it was built on 1965 by contemporary British Government. It is one of the signature attractions of the city of Kolkata.
- National Library, GPO, Writers Building, and High Court are some of the signature Building in Kolkata. The construction of these buildings are of British period in India a but still these palatial buildings are operating in its own magnificence.
Ganga Sagar: An Auspicious Pilgrim site and the Ganges Confluence| Gangasagar Mela
Gangasagar: The name itself speaks of its significance. It is the place where the Ganges is merged in the Ocean and it is an island geographically named as Sagar Island. During Makar Sankranti, the place experiences one of the best religious gatherings called Gangasagar Mela.
Gangasagar mela attracts devotees and travel enthusiasts all over the world. It is a popular belief that people who take bath in the sacred “barmhomuhurt” on Makar Sankranti gets redemption from all earthly sins.
In Recent years attending Gangasagar Mela has become a popular part of West Bengal’s religious Tourism. Statistically, it is the second largest Hindu Festival in India, which is as sacred as Kumbh Mela.
The 4 reasons that make Gangasagar Mela a signature event
There are different reasons of the global fame of Gangasagar Mela. These are,
- Religious Importance: According to Hindu belief, a holy dip in the confluence cleanses all the sin and earthly turmoil. It inspires people from all over the globe to attend the event on the day of Makar Sankranti.
- Cultural Vivacity: People here light diyas and offers prayer. It is a part of Hindu culture that serves satisfaction. People from different strata come and join the festival that boosts the cultural integrity of the nation.
- The scope of meeting devotees: Gangasagar Mela calls devotees of different clans. For example, during this time, Naga Saints, Oghori Sadhus come in group to take holy dip. Travel enthusiasts can gather excellent insights from these yogi society, who hardly allow common people to interact with them.
- The place itself matters a lot: The scenic beauty of the Sagar Island makes the mela more interesting. Concerned government takes best care of the mela administration and related arrangement of hygiene and safety.
If you want to attend Gangasagar Mela at the time of Makar Sankranti, you should contact a tour operator who has enough established expertise in arranging tour itineraries in Gangasagar Mela as it is a peak travel season.· Religious Importance: According to Hindu belief, a holy dip in the confluence cleanses all the sin and earthly turmoil. It inspires people from all over the globe to attend the event on the day of Makar Sankranti.
Why do you need tour assistance?
It is not possible to get room or quality food in Gangasagar Mela area unless you book your food and lodging in a reliable stay in advance.
No matter if you are traveling alone or you have planned the Gangasagar Festival tour with your family, professional assistance from a tour operator is safer bet to enjoy the authentic vibe of Gangasagar Mela from the spot. You may buy a Gangasagar tour package from Madhuban Leisure.
Dos and Don’ts in Ganga Sagar Mela
- Plan in Advance – Book your accommodation and transportation in advance to avoid last-minute hassles, as the mela attracts millions of visitors.
- Adhere to Local Guidelines – Adhere to the instructions from local authorities, volunteers, and police to ensure a smooth and safe experience.
- Stay Hydrated, Carry Essentials– Keep water, snacks, medicines, and a first-aid kit handy to deal with the long queues and unpredictable weather.
- Respect Religious Customs – Observe and participate respectfully in rituals and traditions while maintaining decorum at holy sites.
- Be Climate Conscious– Use biodegradable products, avoid littering, and dispose of waste in designated areas to help preserve the sacred site.
- Maintain Modest Dress code – Wear weather-appropriate, modest clothing and sturdy footwear suitable for long walks and crowded areas.
- Do not pollute the area: Do not litter or throw plastic and waste into the sacred waters or surrounding areas. Use designated dustbins.
- Don’t Overcrowd Boats: During Gangasagar Boat ride, please avoid overcrowded boat for traveling toward the island. Overcrowded boat may cause accident and loss of life.
- Do not enter the Restricted Zones: Do not venture into areas marked as restricted or unsafe by authorities.
- Stay Away from Alcohol and Non-Veg Food Consumption: Consuming alcohol and non-vegetarian food is considered prohibited at this religious gathering.
- Avoid Joining Unauthorized Activities: Do not try prohibited activities like unsanctioned photography or selling goods without permission.
- Don’t Overlook Harsh Weather: Do not forget to carry warm garments, umbrellas, or raincoats, according to the predicted weather while enjoying the open area of Gangasagar Beach.
Gangasagar Attractions:
Kapil Muni Ashram, Brach in Sagar Island, Gangasagar Mela courtyard. Apart from Makar Sankranti, tourists can book their trip for Sagar Island travel round the year for its religious significance and landscape beauty. Monsoon is the prohibited time for visiting the place.
Sundarban: The Mangrove Forest, a UNESCO Heritage Site
Sundarban is the popular travel destination in West Bengal Tourism that pulls hundreds of travel enthusiasts and wildlife photographers all over the world. The main attractions of Sundarban are:
- Sundarban Tiger reserve that is the home of Royal Bengal Tiger.
- Sundarban Wildlife Sanctuary for wildlife view. You can enjoy Sundarban Wildlife from watchtowers, Canopy Walk, boat safari, BonBibi Temple, etc. Sundarban Museum, Turtle Conservation Center, Crocodile Conservation Project are the informative centers from where tourists can learn several Mangrove-related facts and statistics.
- Pakhiralay for enjoying avian beauty. Here you can enjoy the sights of migratory and non-Migratory birds in flocks. Winter is the best time to get the view of colorful Migratory birds.
- Sundarban Cruise is one of the most exotic attractions of a well planned Sundarban Tour.
- Visiting Gosaba, a planned township, will keep you enthralled, so is Jamespur, the local village.
Tour Plan in Gangasagar, Kolkata and Sundarban Tour Package
Day 1: Reaching Kolkata as the meeting Point.
- Arrival at Kolkata Airport/Rail Station
- Check-in the Hotel.
- Afternoon: Kolkata travel spots as decided by mutual discussion.
- Overnight stay at Kolkata.
Day 2: Gangasagar Day Trip
- Early morning, Post breakfast off to Gangasagar by 4-wheeler (approx. 100 km, 3 hours)
- Take a dip in the Ganges River (optional) and visit Kapil Muni Ashram and adjacent Temple.
- Return to Kolkata in the evening
- Overnight stay at Kolkata.
Day 3: Kolkata City Tour
- Morning: After breakfast you will be taken to Dakshineswar Kali Temple and then Belur Math by boat
- Afternoon: You will get to visit the place called Kumortuli (potter’s colony). Alternatively, you may visit local market and take a stroll along the Ganges River
- Evening: You will enjoy a traditional Bengali dinner and cultural program
- Night at Kolkata in the hotel.
Day 4: Sundarban National Park
- Morning: Off to Sundarban National Park: it takes 3 hours by car.
- Welcomes at Sundarban Tiger Roar Resort
- Afternoon: Join the boat safari for the mangrove forests. You can experience the view of sunset on the riverbed.
- Evening: Join the bonfire in winter and enjoy the local folk music performance
- Staying in Sundarban overnight.
Day 5: Sundarban National Park
- Morning: you will be joining a guide led visit in the Mangrove Forest to enjoy and observe wild animals.
- Afternoon: A visit is arranged in the local village. It is a magnificent way to experience the traditional way of life
- Evening: You will get to enjoy authentic Baul Song.
- Night in the Sundarban Tiger Roar Resort.
Day 6: Returning Home
- Morning: Drive back to Kolkata and it takes approx. 3 hours by car.
- Off to home.
Package Components:
- Accommodation in Kolkata and Sundarban
- Meals (veg and non-veg options are available) (Breakfast & Dinner) at Kolkata, (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) at Sundarban
- Transportation (Kolkata – Gangasagar – Sundarban – Kolkata)
- Pre-decided sightseeing
- Local guide and boat safari in Sundarban
Package Exclusions:
- Personal expenses (tips, gratuities, etc.)
- Optional activities (fishing, birdwatching, etc.)
- Any extra expenditures due to unexpected conditions.
