Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, is a major metropolitan city in eastern India. Ravangla is a serene hill town located in the South Sikkim district, known for its beautiful landscapes and Buddhist monasteries.

This route is popular among travelers seeking a peaceful mountain retreat from the bustling city life of Kolkata. This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Kolkata to Ravangla using different transport modes, along with practical tips for a smooth journey.

Getting from Kolkata to Ravangla – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and economical choice for many travelers. While there is no direct train to Ravangla, you can reach nearby stations and continue by road.

• The nearest major railway station to Ravangla is New Jalpaiguri (NJP), about 110 km away, well connected to Kolkata by multiple daily trains taking approximately 10 to 12 hours, with fares ranging from ₹300 to ₹1500 depending on class.

• From NJP, you can hire a taxi or take a shared jeep to Ravangla; the road journey takes around 3 to 4 hours through NH10 and NH717B, with fares between ₹800 and ₹1200.

• Trains from Kolkata to NJP are generally comfortable with sleeper and AC coaches, but booking in advance via IRCTC is recommended, especially during peak travel seasons like summer and festivals.

• During monsoon months, train delays can occur due to landslides in the Northeast region, so plan some buffer time if traveling between June and September.

Bus

Buses offer a direct but longer and less comfortable option. This mode suits budget travelers who prefer road travel over train.

• There are no direct government or private buses from Kolkata to Ravangla, but you can take a bus to Siliguri or Gangtok first, then change to local buses or shared taxis to Ravangla.

• Buses from Kolkata to Siliguri depart from Esplanade or Howrah Bus Terminus and take about 12 to 14 hours, with fares ranging from ₹400 to ₹800 for AC and non-AC options.

• From Siliguri, Sikkim Nationalised Transport (SNT) buses or shared taxis run frequently to Ravangla, taking 3 to 4 hours on hilly roads, costing around ₹200 to ₹300.

• Bus travel can be crowded and less predictable during holidays and weekends, so booking tickets early and starting early in the day is advisable.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Kolkata to Ravangla offers flexibility and comfort, ideal for travelers who enjoy scenic road trips and want to explore en route.

• The distance between Kolkata and Ravangla is approximately 620 km via NH12 and NH10, with a typical driving time of 14 to 16 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• The route passes through major towns like Bardhaman, Siliguri, and Rangpo, with multiple toll plazas and rest stops offering food and fuel facilities.

• Driving in the plains is straightforward, but the hilly stretch after Rangpo requires careful driving due to narrow roads and sharp bends; avoid night driving in the hills for safety.

• Self-drive cars can be rented in Kolkata from reputed agencies with prices starting around ₹2500 per day; ensure you have a valid driving license and check vehicle condition before departure.

• During monsoon, landslides and roadblocks can occur on NH10; check weather and road status before starting your journey.

Flight

Flying is the fastest option to cover most of the distance, combined with road travel to reach Ravangla.

• The nearest airport to Ravangla is Pakyong Airport, about 45 km away, which has limited flights mainly from Kolkata and Guwahati.

• Direct flights from Kolkata to Pakyong take about 1 hour, with fares typically ranging from ₹2500 to ₹4000; booking in advance is essential due to limited seats.

• From Pakyong Airport, you can hire a taxi or shared jeep to Ravangla, which takes around 1.5 hours on hilly roads, costing ₹500 to ₹800.

• Alternatively, you can fly to Bagdogra Airport near Siliguri, which has more frequent flights from Kolkata, then travel by road to Ravangla, taking about 4 to 5 hours by taxi or bus.

• Flight schedules may be affected by weather conditions like fog or rain, especially during winter and monsoon seasons, so keep flexible travel plans.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers from Kolkata to Ravangla, helping you organize your journey smoothly.

• Book your train or flight tickets well in advance through IRCTC or airline websites to secure preferred dates and classes, especially during peak seasons.

• If traveling by train, choose a train to New Jalpaiguri and plan your arrival time to coincide with daylight hours for easier onward travel by road to Ravangla.

• Arrange your taxi or shared jeep from NJP or Pakyong airport in advance using trusted local operators or apps like Ola and Uber where available, to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Pack light but include warm clothing and rain gear, as weather in Ravangla can be cool and wet even in summer; also carry bottled water and snacks for long road journeys.

• On arrival at Ravangla, use local taxis or shared vehicles to reach your accommodation; many hotels offer pickup services if informed beforehand.

• Keep mobile internet handy for navigation and communication, as network coverage can be patchy in hilly areas; offline maps can be useful.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a photo ID and booking confirmations when traveling by train or flight, as these are required for verification during ticket checks and boarding.

• Drink only bottled or boiled water during the journey and avoid street food if you have a sensitive stomach to prevent travel-related illnesses.

• Use official websites or trusted agents for booking tickets to avoid scams; avoid buying last-minute tickets from unauthorized vendors.

• In Ravangla, local transport options include shared taxis and auto-rickshaws; negotiate fares beforehand or use meter-based services where available.

• Keep your luggage secure and avoid carrying large amounts of cash; use lockable bags and keep valuables close during travel.

• During monsoon, carry waterproof covers for luggage and be prepared for possible delays due to landslides or roadblocks on NH10 and connecting roads.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Kolkata to Ravangla is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is pleasant and roads are clear.

Monsoon season brings heavy rains and possible landslides, making road travel risky and causing train delays. Winter mornings can have fog affecting flights and trains.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Durga Puja in Kolkata or Losar in Sikkim, as transport services are crowded and prices surge.

• Monsoon months from June to September can cause roadblocks and delays, so plan extra travel time or consider alternate routes.

• Early morning departures from Kolkata help avoid city traffic and ensure timely arrival at connecting points like NJP or Bagdogra.

• Winter months (December to February) may have fog causing flight delays; check weather updates before booking flights.

Arrival at Ravangla & What to Expect

When you arrive in Ravangla, you will find a small but well-connected town with basic transport facilities and a calm atmosphere.

Local commute options include shared taxis, auto-rickshaws, and rental bikes. Most hotels are located near the town center, making it easy to reach on foot or by short rides.

Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola are limited, so it is best to arrange transport through your hotel or local operators. The main bus stand is small but functional, with buses connecting to nearby towns like Namchi and Gangtok.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Ravangla from Kolkata is by taking a train to New Jalpaiguri or flying to Pakyong Airport, followed by a comfortable taxi ride. This combination balances travel time, comfort, and cost effectively.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and arranging local transport in advance will help you avoid common travel hassles. With this guide, you can confidently plan your journey and enjoy the scenic beauty and tranquility of Ravangla without stress.