Spend a day away from metropolitan Kolkata and embark on an enriching, enlightening journey to the city of Ganga Sagar on Sagar Island. After pickup from your hotel in Kolkata by private air-conditioned vehicle, head approximately 80 miles (135 km) to Kakdwip. Along the way, your expert guide will explain the history of the area as you admire beautiful views of India’s landscape.
When you arrive, board the local boat with your guide and enjoy a 30-minute cruise on the Ganges River to Kachuberia on Sagar Island. Then, board your private vehicle and listen to your guide’s informative commentary about the region on a 40-minute journey to Ganga Sagar.
Arrive in Ganga Sagar around noon. For lunch, you may choose to enjoy a meal you have pre-packed yourself or, at your guide’s suggestion, visit any one of the small hotels in the area for a traditional Bengali meal (own expense).
Spend the rest of your day with your guide exploring Ganga Sagar and discovering its incredible religious heritage. First, visit Kapil Muni Temple, dedicated to Hindu sage Kapil Muni, and learn how this is one of the most important and most widely visited temples on the island.
Then, visit several religious sanctuaries that house local philanthropic organizations. Follow your guide to the ashrams of Bharat Sevashram Sangha and Ramakrishna Mission, both charitable non-governmental organizations in India, to learn about their humanitarian projects for helping impoverished rural areas in India. Lastly, visit the ashram of Omkarnath, another charitable organization dedicated to spreading the mission and teachings of Bengali saint Sitaramdas Omkarnath.
After your tour, you’ll be taken by private transport and ferry back to your hotel in Kolkata.