Gangasagar Yatra 2024 | गंगासागर यात्रा | Kolkata to Ganga Sagar Tour Guide | Full Info | DP Trekker

Summary

The video provides detailed information on how to travel to Gangasagar, a sacred site in West Bengal, India, with special emphasis on the journey during Makar Sankranti. The script covers the various transportation options, including buses, trains, ferries, and cruises, along with the logistics for accommodation and food in Gangasagar. Additionally, it highlights the historical significance of the location, including the spiritual importance of taking a dip in the holy waters and visiting Kapil Muni Temple. The video encourages viewers to plan their trip to experience this important pilgrimage.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ganga Sagar pilgrimage is unique because it can only be visited once a year on Makar Sankranti, making it a special occasion.
• 😀 Ganga Sagar is located in West Bengal and can be reached by road, train, or flight to Kolkata.
• 😀 Upon reaching Kolkata, pilgrims can stay at tents in Eden Garden, where facilities like food, toilets, and rest are available.
• 😀 There are two ways to reach Ganga Sagar: a break journey or a direct journey.
• 😀 For the break journey, you can travel by bus or train to Kakdwip (90-100 km from Kolkata), and then take a ferry to the destination.
• 😀 After arriving at Kakdwip, you can use auto rickshaws to travel to Diamond Harbour or Harwood Point, and then board a ferry to reach Kachuberia.
• 😀 Kachuberia to Ganga Sagar (30 km away) can be reached via small buses, auto rickshaws, or Sumo vehicles.
• 😀 The direct journey involves taking a cruise from Kolkata’s Millennium Park Jetty, with tickets ranging from ₹1200 to ₹2500 for economy or deluxe class.
• 😀 Accommodation options in Ganga Sagar include private hotels (₹500-₹5000 per night) or budget stays at the Kapil Muni Temple Trust’s dharmashala (₹200-₹5000).
• 😀 Food options in Ganga Sagar include food courts and private restaurants, offering snacks for ₹50-₹100 and full meals for ₹100-₹150, with meals also provided by the temple trust.
• 😀 The Ganga Sagar pilgrimage holds religious significance as it is believed that taking a holy dip here on Makar Sankranti brings immense spiritual benefits, such as the merit of donating hundreds of cows and performing the Ashwamedh Yajna.

Q & A

Why is Gangasagar considered special compared to other pilgrimage sites in India?

Gangasagar is considered special because it is a pilgrimage that can only be visited once a year, on Makar Sankranti. Unlike other pilgrimage sites, you can visit them multiple times a year, but Gangasagar is unique in this regard.

What is the significance of Makar Sankranti at Gangasagar?

Makar Sankranti holds special importance at Gangasagar as it is the only day when people come to take a holy dip in the confluence of the Ganga River and the Bay of Bengal. It is believed that taking a bath on this day offers great spiritual benefits.

How can one reach Gangasagar from Kolkata?

To reach Gangasagar from Kolkata, you first need to travel to Kolkata by road, train, or flight. From Kolkata, you can take a bus or train to Kakdwip, followed by a ferry ride to reach the island. Alternatively, you can opt for a direct cruise from Kolkata to Gangasagar.

What transport options are available from Kolkata to Kakdwip?

From Kolkata, you can travel to Kakdwip by bus from either the Dharamtalla or Babughat bus stands. Both government and private buses are available. Alternatively, you can take a train from the Sealdah Railway Station to Kakdwip.

What is the distance from Kolkata to Kakdwip and how long does the journey take?

The distance from Kolkata to Kakdwip is approximately 90 to 100 kilometers, and the journey takes about 2 to 2.5 hours.

What happens after reaching Kakdwip on the way to Gangasagar?

Once at Kakdwip, you can take an auto-rickshaw to reach Diamond Harbour or Harwood Point, which is about 3.5 km away. From there, you board a ferry to Kachuberia, where you continue your journey towards Gangasagar by bus or auto.

How much does a ferry ride from Lot Number 8 to Kachuberia cost?

The ferry ride from Lot Number 8 to Kachuberia costs ₹20, and the journey takes approximately 4 km.

What accommodation options are available at Gangasagar?

At Gangasagar, you can stay in private hotels, which charge ₹500-5000 per night for a room. For a more budget-friendly option, you can stay at the Kapil Muni Temple Trust's dharamshala, where room rates range from ₹200-500 per night.

What are the food options available at Gangasagar?

Food options at Gangasagar include food courts and private restaurants. You can get breakfast items for ₹50-100, and lunch or dinner thalis for ₹100-200. The temple trust also provides food, which visitors can avail of.

What is the spiritual significance of Gangasagar and its temples?

Gangasagar is spiritually significant because it is the place where the holy Ganga River merges with the Bay of Bengal. According to Hindu mythology, King Bhagirath brought the Ganga to earth to grant salvation to the 60,000 sons of King Dilip. The Kapil Muni Temple at the site commemorates this event.