Sagardwip
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A lovely destination combining pilgrimage and fun, situated on an island in the
Sunderban, holds the charms of a completely unspoilt beach on the estuary of
the mighty Ganga. Sagardwip presents a quiet, silvery expanse of beach and the
calm sea provides the perfect setting for a quiet weekend.

From Diamond Harbour one has to travel to Kakdwip (30 km. past Diamond
Harbour), then to Herwood Point (Lot No. 8), cross the ferry to the other side
of the river Muriganga. The other side is Kachuberia. From Kachuberia, a
journey by bus, minibus or trekker to Sagar Island. West Bengal Surface
Transport Corporation runs direct buses between Esplanade and Lot No. 8 and
ferry vessels across the river.

On Makar Sankranti day in winter (mid-January), pilgrims from all over India
congregate at Sagardwip to take a holy dip at the confluence of the river Ganga
and the Bay of Bengal. After the holy dip, they offer Pujaat the nearby ashram
associated with the legendary sage Kapil Muni. This has been a famous pilgrim
centre from the ancient times. Gangasagar Mela, held on the occasion of Makar
Sankranti is the largest fair in West Bengal.

The lighthouse at Sagardwip provides a panoramic view of the surroundings.

There are tourist lodges at Sagardwip and a Youth Hostel. Also dormitory
accommodation in a dharamshala run by Bharat Sevasram Sangha.


