(24)  Gangasagar or Sagar Island: 

Kapilmuni Temple                                Kapilmuni                                 Goddess Ganga

Gangasagar pilgrimage and fair (Mela) is the second largest congregation of mankind after the holy Kumbha Mela. The latter is observed once in four years at alternate locations in north, central and central-west parts of the country. Gangasagar fair and pilgrimage is held annually on the Sagar Island’s southern tip of the Ganges delta atop the Bay of Bengal and that makes Gangasagar more distinctive. In 2007, about 3 lacs pilgrims took the holy dip where the river Hooghly meets the Bay of Bengal on the occasion of ‘Makar Sankranti’. The figure was lower by around 2 lacs because of Kumbha Mela.

How to reach Gangasagar:

Sagar Island (589.5 sq.km) is about 80 km south of Kolkata, cut off from the main land by Muriganga river which is to be crossed by ferry service (available in every half an hour with fare Rs.10) to reach 'Kachuberia Jetty' of Sagar Island. After crossing, Sagar & Ganga meeting point can be reached by private taxi generally charges between INR 450 to INR 700 and takes 40 minutes to reach there.

By Road and Ferry Service : Sagar Island can be approached either from Harwood point (also called Lot No.8) or from Namkhana Jetty. Both the points are linked by the Bus services of Calcutta State Transport Corporation (CSTC) or West Bengal Surface Transport Corporation. Distance of Kolkata (Esplanade)-Harwood Point is 80 km. with fare Rs.35 and Kolkata (Esplanade)-Namkhana is 93 km. with fare Rs.40. During the Mela, buses terminate at the Ferry-Ghat of Harwood point. Also, one can go by car from Kolkata to Sagar Island directly and get the vehicle on the Barge Service (locally known as LCT) for crossing the river as per timings of high tides. The charge for light or medium vehicle is Rs.250. Direct Ferry Service is also available from Haldia to Kachuberia (Sagar Island).

By Train : Both Namkhana and Harwood Point can also be reached by train from Kolkata (Sealdah Rly. Station) by   direct trains to Kakdwip or Namkhana (Sealdaha-Namkhana = 135 km) with fare Rs.18. Kakdwip to Harwood Point is only 5 Km. and Namkhana to Harwood point is 12 Km. Bus and jeep are available. During the Mela, cycle-rickshaw ply between Rly. Station and Ferry-Jetty but the trains remain overcrowded owing to lacs of pilgrims.

After reaching Sagar Island (Kachuberia Jetty) one has to cross the whole stretch of Sagar Island (32 Km.) by local bus (fare Rs.10) or taxi to reach the southernmost part (Kapilmuni Temple) of Sagar Island. A private Jeep /Car (7-seater Maruti/Suzuki Van) for both ways including stay at destination) may charge Rs.800-900. No accommodation is available at Kachuberia Jetty but available only at the southernmost part near Kapilmuni Temple.

Where to stay :  State Youth Hostel –  Room Charge (attach bath) is Rs.100 ; Booking to be done at Directorate of Youth Service, 32/1, BBD Bag (south), Kolkata, Ph : +91 033 22480626
 Larica Sagar Tourist Lodge - Ph : +91 03210 22627, 240217 Circuit House- 03210 240210. Bharat Sevashram Shanga & couple of other Ashrams - offer accommodation & meals for free. They are oriented to pilgrims and would expect a donation. +91 03210 240205.