Ganga Sagar is a famous pilgrimage site located on Sagar Island in West Bengal, known for the annual Ganga Sagar Mela. Delhi, the capital city of India, is well connected to many parts of the country, including Ganga Sagar. Many travelers from Delhi visit Ganga Sagar to experience the spiritual atmosphere and the scenic beauty of the Bay of Bengal.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Delhi to Ganga Sagar using different transport modes. You will learn about trains, buses, cars, and flights, along with practical travel tips to make your journey smooth and comfortable.

Getting from Delhi to Ganga Sagar – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and economical way to reach Ganga Sagar from Delhi. Trains connect Delhi to Kolkata, and from there, you can reach Ganga Sagar by local transport. Train travel is suitable for those who want a budget-friendly and scenic route.

• Trains depart from New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) to Howrah Junction (HWH) or Sealdah (SDAH) in Kolkata, covering approximately 1500 km in 17 to 24 hours depending on the train type and route.

• Popular trains include the Rajdhani Express and Duronto Express, offering comfortable AC coaches with fares ranging from ₹800 to ₹2500 depending on class and availability.

• From Kolkata, you can take a local train or bus to Kakdwip, about 100 km south, which is the gateway to Sagar Island and Ganga Sagar.

• During peak pilgrimage seasons like Makar Sankranti, trains can be crowded, so booking tickets well in advance on IRCTC is essential to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Food options on trains include pantry cars and e-catering services, but carrying some snacks and water is advisable for comfort during the long journey.

Bus

Bus travel from Delhi to Ganga Sagar is less common due to the long distance but can be considered for budget travelers who prefer road travel. You will need to break the journey into segments, mainly Delhi to Kolkata and then Kolkata to Sagar Island.

• Delhi to Kolkata buses depart from ISBT Kashmiri Gate and take around 24 to 30 hours, covering about 1500 km via NH19 and NH12, with fares ranging from ₹1200 to ₹2000 for sleeper and Volvo buses.

• From Kolkata, state transport buses operated by West Bengal Transport Corporation run frequently to Kakdwip, taking about 3 to 4 hours and costing ₹100 to ₹200.

• From Kakdwip, local ferry services connect to Sagar Island; these ferries operate regularly but can get crowded during festivals, so plan accordingly.

• Bus travel involves multiple changes and can be tiring, especially during monsoon when roads may be slippery and traffic delays common.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Delhi to Ganga Sagar is an option for those who enjoy road trips and want flexibility in travel. The route covers around 1600 km and takes approximately 28 to 32 hours depending on traffic and stops.

• The recommended route is via NH44, NH19, and NH12 passing through Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, with tolls at multiple plazas along the way.

• Plan for rest stops at major cities like Agra, Kanpur, Varanasi, and Kolkata to avoid fatigue and enjoy local cuisine at highway dhabas and restaurants.

• Driving through the monsoon season requires caution due to waterlogging and slippery roads, especially near river crossings and coastal areas close to Sagar Island.

• Parking options near the ferry ghat at Kakdwip are limited, so consider parking your vehicle safely before boarding the ferry to Sagar Island.

• Using GPS navigation apps like Google Maps or MapMyIndia helps avoid traffic jams and find the best routes and fuel stations en route.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to reach Kolkata from Delhi, after which you can continue your journey to Ganga Sagar by road and ferry. This option suits travelers with limited time and a preference for comfort.

• Flights from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) in Kolkata take about 2.5 hours, with multiple daily flights operated by airlines like IndiGo, Air India, and Vistara.

• Airfare ranges from ₹2500 to ₹7000 depending on booking time, airline, and season; booking early can secure better deals.

• From Kolkata airport, you can hire a prepaid taxi or use app-based cabs like Ola and Uber to reach Kakdwip, which takes around 3 to 4 hours and costs approximately ₹1500 to ₹2500.

• At Kakdwip, take the ferry to Sagar Island; ferry timings are regular but check schedules in advance during festivals or holidays.

• Flight travel avoids long road or rail journeys but requires coordination with local transport and ferry schedules for a smooth transfer to Ganga Sagar.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Delhi to Ganga Sagar to ensure a hassle-free journey and timely arrival at the pilgrimage site.

• Book your train or flight tickets at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance using IRCTC or airline websites to secure confirmed seats and avoid last-minute price hikes.

• Pack light but include essentials like water bottles, snacks, a power bank, and weather-appropriate clothing, considering the coastal climate of Sagar Island.

• If traveling by train, choose trains that arrive in Kolkata during daytime for easier onward travel and better access to local transport.

• From Kolkata, pre-book a taxi or use app-based cabs to reach Kakdwip to avoid waiting and ensure timely arrival for the ferry to Sagar Island.

• Check ferry timings at Kakdwip in advance, especially during festivals like Makar Sankranti, as ferries can be crowded and schedules may change.

• On arrival at Ganga Sagar, use local rickshaws or shared autos to reach your accommodation or the mela ground; negotiate fares beforehand to avoid confusion.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry a copy of your ID and tickets at all times, as security checks are common during pilgrimage seasons at train stations, ferry ghats, and local checkpoints.

• Drink only bottled or purified water during your journey and at Ganga Sagar to avoid waterborne illnesses common in coastal areas.

• Book train and bus tickets online through official portals to avoid scams and ensure confirmed seats, especially during peak travel periods.

• Use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber in Kolkata and Kakdwip for safer and transparent local travel rather than hailing random cabs.

• Pack your luggage securely and keep valuables close, as crowded trains and ferries can be targets for pickpockets during festivals.

• Be prepared for humid and hot weather; carry sunscreen, hats, and light cotton clothes, and avoid traveling during heavy monsoon rains when ferry services may be disrupted.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Ganga Sagar is during the winter months from November to February when the weather is pleasant and suitable for outdoor activities. Avoid the monsoon season due to heavy rains and possible ferry delays.

Festival times like Makar Sankranti in mid-January attract large crowds, so plan your travel and accommodation well in advance to avoid last-minute issues.

• Avoid traveling during Durga Puja and Diwali in Kolkata, as roads and trains are heavily crowded, causing delays and higher fares.

• Monsoon months from June to September bring heavy rainfall, which can disrupt road and ferry services, making travel risky and uncomfortable.

• Early morning departures from Delhi help avoid city traffic and allow you to reach Kolkata or Kakdwip during daylight hours for safer onward travel.

• During peak pilgrimage season, book all tickets and accommodations at least a month in advance to secure availability and reasonable prices.

Arrival at Ganga Sagar & What to Expect

When you arrive at Ganga Sagar after the ferry ride from Kakdwip, you will find a small but bustling area with basic amenities catering to pilgrims and tourists. Local transport options include cycle rickshaws, shared autos, and taxis to reach the mela ground or nearby hotels.

Accommodation ranges from budget lodges to guesthouses near the pilgrimage site. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are not common on the island, so negotiate fares carefully with local drivers. Carry some cash as digital payments may not be widely accepted.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Ganga Sagar from Delhi is by taking a train or flight to Kolkata, followed by road and ferry travel to the island. Train travel offers budget-friendly options with scenic routes, while flights save time and provide comfort. Planning your journey well in advance, especially during festival seasons, is crucial to avoid last-minute problems.

By following this guide’s practical tips and step-by-step plan, you can confidently prepare for your pilgrimage or visit to Ganga Sagar. With proper bookings, timely departures, and awareness of local transport, your journey from Delhi to this sacred destination will be smooth and memorable.