Koraput is a scenic town located in the southern part of Odisha, known for its tribal culture and natural beauty. Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, is a major metropolitan city in eastern India. Many travelers journey from Kolkata to Koraput to explore the hills, waterfalls, and tribal heritage of the region.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Kolkata to Koraput. You will learn about train, bus, car, and flight options, along with practical travel tips and step-by-step plans to make your trip comfortable and hassle-free.

Getting from Kolkata to Koraput – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and economical way to reach Koraput from Kolkata. The rail network connects these two places with several trains, offering a comfortable overnight journey.

• Koraput Railway Station (KRPU) is well connected to Howrah Junction (HWH), Kolkata’s main railway station, with direct trains covering approximately 700 km in 14 to 16 hours.

• Popular trains include the Howrah-Koraput Express and the Visakhapatnam-Koraput passenger services, running daily or multiple times a week, providing options for different timings.

• Train fares range from INR 300 to 1200 depending on class (Sleeper, 3AC, 2AC), with AC coaches offering better comfort for the long journey.

• Trains can be crowded during festival seasons like Durga Puja and Diwali, so booking tickets early through IRCTC or authorized agents is advisable to secure seats.

• Food options on trains are limited; carrying snacks and water is recommended. The train passes through scenic landscapes, including forests and hills near Koraput.

Bus

Buses offer a flexible and affordable option for traveling from Kolkata to Koraput. State-run and private buses operate on this route, though the journey is long and can be tiring.

• Major bus depots in Kolkata like Esplanade and Howrah Station have buses heading towards Odisha, with some services reaching Koraput directly or via nearby towns like Jeypore.

• The distance by road is about 700 km, and travel time ranges from 16 to 20 hours depending on traffic and road conditions on NH16 and NH26 highways.

• Bus fares typically range from INR 600 to 1200, with options including non-AC, AC sleeper, and Volvo coaches for varying comfort levels.

• Buses run mostly during the evening or night to allow daytime travel and avoid city traffic; booking tickets in advance during holiday seasons is recommended.

• Road conditions can be affected by monsoon rains, causing delays especially near the hilly stretches close to Koraput; carry water and light snacks for the journey.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Kolkata to Koraput offers the freedom to explore en route and travel at your own pace. The route covers diverse landscapes and several towns worth stopping at.

• The road distance is about 700 km via NH16 and NH26, with an estimated driving time of 14 to 16 hours depending on traffic and stops.

• Key towns on the route include Kharagpur, Balasore, and Rayagada, where you can take breaks for food and refueling; several toll plazas are present along the highways.

• Fuel costs for the trip can range between INR 3500 to 4500 depending on your vehicle’s mileage and fuel prices.

• Driving during daylight is safer, especially in the monsoon season when roads can be slippery and visibility low; avoid night driving in remote areas.

• Ensure your vehicle is well serviced before the trip, carry a physical map or GPS device, and keep emergency contacts handy for roadside assistance.

Flight

There is no direct flight from Kolkata to Koraput, but you can fly to nearby airports and then use road transport to reach Koraput.

• The nearest airport to Koraput is Jeypore Airport (PYB), about 60 km away, with limited commercial flights mainly connecting to Bhubaneswar and Visakhapatnam.

• From Kolkata, you can fly to Visakhapatnam Airport (VTZ), approximately 200 km from Koraput, with multiple daily flights operated by various airlines.

• From Visakhapatnam, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Koraput, which takes around 5 to 6 hours by road on NH26.

• Flight fares from Kolkata to Visakhapatnam typically range from INR 2500 to 5000 depending on the season and booking time.

• Booking flights well in advance through airline websites or travel portals is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons and festivals.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers going from Kolkata to Koraput. It will help you organize your journey smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or bus tickets at least 2 weeks in advance using IRCTC or MSRTC online portals to ensure availability, especially during holidays or weekends.

• Pack light but include essentials like water bottles, snacks, a power bank, and a small first-aid kit to stay comfortable during long travel hours.

• If traveling by train, arrive at Howrah Station at least 45 minutes before departure to find your platform and settle in without rush.

• For bus travel, confirm the bus timings and boarding point a day before your journey, and choose AC or Volvo buses for better comfort on the long road trip.

• If driving, plan your route using GPS and check weather and traffic updates; schedule breaks every 3-4 hours to avoid fatigue and stay alert.

• On arrival in Koraput, use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola or Uber for safe and reliable local transport to your accommodation.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a copy of your ID and travel tickets, as railway and bus staff may ask for verification during the journey.

• Drink only bottled water and eat freshly cooked food from trusted vendors to avoid stomach issues common in long-distance Indian travel.

• Book your tickets online to avoid last-minute hassles and scams; use official platforms like IRCTC for trains and MSRTC for buses.

• In Koraput, local transport includes auto-rickshaws and shared jeeps; negotiate fares beforehand or insist on meter use to avoid overcharging.

• Pack your luggage securely and keep valuables like mobile phones and wallets close to you during travel to prevent theft or loss.

• During monsoon (June to September), expect delays due to waterlogging or landslides on hilly roads; plan extra travel time and check weather forecasts.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Kolkata to Koraput is between October and March when the weather is pleasant and roads are dry. Summers can be hot in Kolkata, while Koraput remains cooler due to its elevation.

Monsoon season brings heavy rains and occasional roadblocks, so avoid traveling during this period if possible. Early morning departures help avoid city traffic and ensure smoother journeys.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Durga Puja and Diwali when trains and buses are crowded and prices surge.

• Winter mornings in eastern India can have dense fog, especially near Howrah and along the railway lines, causing train delays.

• Monsoon rains can cause slippery roads and landslides near Koraput; check local weather updates before starting your trip.

• Depart early in the morning from Kolkata to avoid peak city traffic and reach Koraput by evening or night comfortably.

Arrival at Koraput & What to Expect

Koraput Railway Station is well maintained and has basic facilities like waiting rooms and refreshment stalls. Upon arrival, you will find prepaid taxi counters and auto-rickshaws outside the station for local travel.

Popular areas to stay include the town center and nearby resorts offering scenic views. App-based cabs like Ola are limited, so prepaid taxis or local autos are the best options. Always confirm fares before starting your ride. Koraput’s small-town charm means you can explore many places by walking or renting a bicycle.

Conclusion

Traveling from Kolkata to Koraput is best done by train for a balance of comfort, cost, and convenience. Booking tickets early and preparing for a long journey will make your trip smooth. If you prefer flexibility, driving is a good option, while flights via Visakhapatnam save time but require additional road travel.

Plan your trip according to the season, book tickets in advance, and carry essentials to enjoy the scenic and cultural richness of Koraput. With the right preparation, you can confidently embark on this journey and experience the unique beauty of Odisha’s tribal heartland.