Makar Sankranti or Uttarayan or Maghi or simply Sankranti is a festival for Hindus to convey regards to the Ganga river.
We visited Gangasagar Mela just two weeks before Makar Sankranti and realized why should avoid it from a perspective of a normal visitor. I tried to sort out the reasons including all the aspects of traveling costs, stay, service available to this island.
A Preface to Gangasagar Mela (Makar Sankranti)
Sagar Island is approximately 120kms away from Kolkata and well connected via NH12. Railroads are also available as local trains and special trains (during Makar Sankranti only) are available from Sealdah junction. For the train, you have to get down at Kakdwip station to reach the ferry ghat lot no. 8 for the vessel to cross the main island and reach Sagar Island.
From Gangasagar ferry ghat you have to reach the southern part of the island which is almost 30 km away. Buses, private taxis are available which take almost an hour to reach the main attraction point Kapil Muni Ashram.
Accommodations are very few and restricted here. Private hotels are bare minimum and most of the time out of occupancy. The best option is Bharat Sevashram Sangha (a charitable trust) but, you have to make a prebooking for the place you are traveling and it is the closest stay from Kapil Muni Ashram and river confluence.
Usually stays in Gangasagar for a night per bed basis, It may vary from 200-400 per person. Ferry cost is Rs.9 per person and to reach the final destination from Gangasagar ferry ghat by bus is Rs. 30. The frequency of buses is usually 45-50 minutes.
I was a little curious as I grew up seeing people are so crazy about taking bath for the Makar Sankranti day in Gangasagar and started reading about the Indian festivals. To be honest I am not quite a religious fellow but still, I like to explore the strange rituals of India.
Give a read of how I spent a notable weekend in Pondicherry. Also being a foodie I try to share my latest bizarre yet fun experience here in Tripoto.