Popular Religious Sites

Vrindavan

Vrindavan, also known as Vraj (as it lies in the Braj region), is the site of an ancient forest, which is the region where Lord Krishna spent his childhood days. The town hosts hundreds of temples dedicated to the worship of Radha and Krishna and is considered sacred by a number of religious traditions such as Gaudiya Vaishnavism, Vaishnavism, and Hinduism in general. It is nicknamed "City of Widows" after the large population of abandoned widows who seek refuge here. The name 'Vrindaban' is derived from 'Vrinda', another name for the sacred tulsi (basil) plant.

History

Vrindavan has an ancient past, associated with Hindu history, and is an important Hindu pilgrimage site. One of its oldest surviving temples is the Govinda Deo temple, built in 1590, with the town founded earlier in the same century.

It is believed that the essence of Vrindavan was lost over time until the 16th century, when it was rediscovered by Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. In the year 1515, Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu visited Vrindavana, with purpose of locating the lost holy places associated with Lord Sri Krishna's transcendent pastimes. Lord Chaitanya wandered through the different sacred forests of Vrindavana in a spiritual trance of divine love. By His divine spiritual power, He was able locate all the important places of Lord Krishna's pastimes in and around Vrindavana.

In the last 250 years, the extensive forests of Vrindavan have been subjected to urbanization, first by local Rajas and in recent decades by apartment developers. The forest cover has been whittled away to only a few remaining spots, and the local wildlife, including peacocks, cows, monkeys and a variety of bird species has been eliminated or are close to it. A few peacocks and monkeys can be seen found but cows are now only found in the gosalas of the Major Ashrams of Vrindavan.

Accessibility

By Air: The nearest airport to Vrindavan is the Indira Gandhi International Airport at Delhi and is at a distance of 150 km from Vrindavan.

By Rail: Vrindavan has a small railway station in which passenger train stops. Closest major railway station to Vrindavan is at Mathura. It is about 14 km from Vrindavan.

By Road: State road transport corporation buses connect Vrindavan with neighboring cities including Mathura, Agra and Haridwar. There are few bus services from Delhi also.

Shopping

Stroll along leisurely in the many narrow laned markets in Vrindavan where a row of shops selling silver ornaments, textiles, and handicraft products are showcased. These narrow lanes and Bazaars emit an old world charm which is characteristic of places like Mathura, Vrindavan, Agra and Haridwar.

Loi Bazaar is another place where you should visit while Shopping in Vrindavan. This is a treasure trove for those wanting to drool at antiques and wooden works from this region. Devotional items like the dresses of the idol or incense stick are also sold here. Brass items are reasonably cheap in both Mathura and Vrindavan.

Shopping in Vridavan is a cheerful experience. One would get a wide array of shops in an around the city. What ever be the purpose of the journey, shopping get a top priority in the itinerary of each visitor.

If you are in search of devotional items you can opt Ganga Prasada Rasbihari Lal & Sons or the Hare Krishna shop in Loi Bazar. Loi Bazar also houses other shops that sell handicrafts, fruits, incenses, good quality clothes, and so on. Most of the shops in Loi Bazaar are not so cheap, but seem to be reasonable.

From exclusive devotionals artifacts to gorgeous clothing, from silver to diamonds the shops in Vrindavan serves all type of goods according to the needs of the customers. If you are not particular in buying anything just roam in through the various shops and it is definite that you would get some thing that commemorates a trip in the blue god’s abode.

Marble Work: Vrindavan is famous for marble and alabaster products. Some objects are embossed with semi-precious stones or synthetic gems.

Glass Bangles: Heading through the network of narrow streets that start from Vishram Ghat leads to a row of bangle shops in the Radha Dhiraj Bazaar. Mathura is noted for lovely glass beads, stringing glass and wooden beads in necklaces together with Rudraksha (sacred seeds associated with Lord Shiva) and Tulsi (basil) in a variety of interesting combinations.

Milk Based-Sweets: Mathura, the land of cows, is famed for its milk-based sweetmeats. A variety of mouth-watering savouries, especially ‘peda’ are a well-known specialty of the town.

Accommodation

There are not many options for accommodation in Vrindavan barring some hotels and rest houses. The place does have around 200 dharamshalas where one can stay, but the services are very simple or nonexistent. There are many ashrams also that provide accommodation to the devotees.

Vrindavan does not have high quality hotels. However, it has nearly 200 dharamsalas (simple accommodation for pilgrims) that are clean and affordable. ISKCON Guesthouse and MVT are the main and best accommodation places provided by ISKCON and there are appearing new accommodations of hotel type all over Vrindavan every year.

Sri Vrinda Dham
Gandhi Marga, Vrindavan
Ph: 0565-244.2975
12 AC rooms Rs. 500 each (1 double bed)
12 Non-AC rooms Rs. 250-300 each (1double bed), incl. hot water
1 big hall for 15 people with mattresses, 2 toilets and 1 bathroom: Rs. 1500.
Location: near Hari Nikunja, about 15 min. by rickshaw from Gopinath Bhavan
For assistance you can contact Sukananda prabhu: Mob. 92.5804.7460/ 98.3711.5227

Hotel Shubham Holidays (New Hotel)
Gandhi Marg, Vrindavan.
Ph: +91-565-2456501, 2456502 645.3299
http://www.shubhamhotels.in
Manager: Mr. Iswariji
AC rooms Rs. 1000 (1 double bed) / AC rooms with 3 + 4 beds are also available
Pure vegetarian restaurant (no eggs, onion, garlic)
Location: near Hari Nikunja, about 15 min. by rickshaw in Gopinath Bhavan

Hotel the Shubham (Old building)
Vidyapeeth Crossing Gandhi Nagar, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh 281121
Ph: +91-565-2456025, 2443011 / 245.6025 / 645.3288 Website: http://www.shubhamhotels.in
Manager: Ashok and Ravi Kumar
AC rooms: Rs. 1000 (1 double bed) / non-AC rooms also available
Pure vegetarian restaurant (no eggs, onion, garlic)
Location: near Hari Nikunja, about 15 min. by rickshaw in Gopinath Bhavan

Thakur ji Ashram
Tel. +91 0565 244.2935 / +91 565 329.8844
2 Rooms with 4 beds: Rs.700 + AC & hot water
8 Rooms with 3 beds: Rs. 600 + AC hot water
Location: near Hari Nikunja, about 15 min. by rickshaw from Gopinath Bhavan

Giriraj Kripa Atithi Bhavan
Raman-reti Road, Vrindavan
98.37050036 / 0565-2443301
Manager: Murari Sharma
AC rooms: Rs. 400 (1 double bed) / AC rooms: Rs. 700 (2 double beds)
Location: near Hari Nikunja, about 15 min. by rickshaw from Gopinath Bhavan
For assistance you can contact Sukananda prabhu: Mob. 92.5804.7460/ 98.3711.5227

Radhe Syam Asram, Parikrama Marg, near ISKCON
Ph: 0565-254.0283 / 0565/254.0197
Manager: Ajay
AC rooms, 4 beds, kitchen and fridge + balcony Rs. 600 / AC rooms, 2 beds + fridge – Rs. 400
There is an underground parking lot and a pure vegetarian restaurant.
Location: Parikrama Road front side ISKCON, next to Lalita Asrama

Savitri Sewa Sadan
Madhuban Colony, Sunrakh Road, Vrindavan
Ph: 0565-254.0880 / Mob: 931.908.7338
Manager Dharmapal Singh & Manoj Jain
AC rooms: Rs. 400 (1 double bed) / AC rooms Rs. 700 (2 double beds)
Pure vegetarian meals available
Location: behind ISKCON Krsna Balaram Mandir, about 20 min. by rickshaw

Maheshwari Kunj Dharmashala
(Near Rangji Temple) Vrindavan
Ph: 0565-244.3516 / Mob: 931.9537.645
Manager: K.C. Biyani
3 AC rooms Rs. 400 for 4 people
10 Rooms non-AC + attached bathroom + 2 beds Rs 150
7 Common rooms, non-attached + beds Rs. 75
Location: 12-15 min. walking from Gopinath Bhavan.

Attractions

Boating
Boating through the sparkling waters of Yamuna is an inevitable part of one’s pilgrimage in Vrindavan. The popular belief is that who ever utters the word Radha in the holy premises of Yamuna, would be absolved from all his sins. Perhaps this might be the reason for the gatherings near the holy banks of Yamuna. How ever a ride in the Yamuna River is full of awesome visions enriched with a devout feeling, which is sure to satisfy the picnicker and the pious alike.

The entire surroundings of Yamuna offer a divine appeal where one can feel the holiness of this legendary river. It is definite that when you venture your ride on the tranquil waters of Yamuna, you might have heard so many popular songs about the divine love of Radha and Krishna. Boating through Yamuna would be a unique experience to all which proffers some in depth feeling that could not be explained.

District
Mathura
STD Code
0565
Termperature
Summer 32 to 45°C, Winter 15 to 28°C
Best time to visit
October to March

Sabarimala

State

Sabarimala (Malayalam: ശബരിമല, Tamil: சபரிமலை) is a Hindu pilgrimage centre located in the Western Ghat mountain ranges of Pathanamthitta District in Kerala. Sabarimala is believed to be the place where Ayyappan meditated after killing the powerful demoness, Mahishi. Lord Ayyappan's temple is situated here amidst 18 hills. The temple is situated on a hilltop at an altitude of 914 m above mean sea level, and is surrounded by mountains and dense forests. Temples exist in each of the hills surrounding Sabarimala. While functional and intact temples exist at many places in the surrounding areas like Nilackal, Kalaketi, and Karimala, remnants of old temples survive to this day on remaining hills.

Accessibility

Air: The nearest airports are at Kochi and Trivandrum. Trivandrum International Airport is located at a distance of 175 km from Sabarimala. Nedumbassery International Airport at Kochi is at a distance of about 190 km from Sabarimala. Pre-paid taxi services are available from both airports to Pampa, 4 km away from Sabarimala Temple. Taxi charges about Rs 2500 for one way. The airports are well connected to all major airports in India and also are connected to many foreign cities.

Rail: Nearest railhead is at Chengannur, which is located at a distance of about 93 km from Pamba. Chengannur is located in the main rail route between Trivandrum and Kottayam and is connected by rail to all other railway stations in India. Taxi and other SUV services are available from Chengannur to Pamba. One-way taxi charge is about Rs 1300 to Pamaba.

Road: One can get KSRTC buses frequently to Pamba. 4 km trekking from Pamba is required to reach Sabarimala. Pmaba is well connected by KSRTC buses to all cities in Kerala. Frequent services are available from Trivandum (175 km), Kochi (180 km), Kottayam (109 km), Chengannur (93 km)and Chnganacherry (98 km).

District
Pathanamthitta District
STD Code
0473
Termperature
Summer 23-37°C, Winter 17-30°C
Best time to visit
Nov - Mar
Famous For
Being the largest annual pilgrimage destination in India and the 2nd largest in the world following the annual Haj in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

Guruvayur

State

Guruvayur (also written Guruvayoor and sometimes referred to as Guruvayunkere) is a bustling pilgrim town and a municipality in Thrissur district of the Indian state of Kerala. It lies 25 km to the northwest of Thrissur city.

Guruvayur is a beautiful town near Thrissur in Kerala. While also known for its scenic beauty, the town is synoymous with its temples and is therfore called as "Dwarka of the South". Guruvayur is one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in South India along with Tirupati and Sabarimala.

History

Little is known about the history of Guruvayur prior to the 1700's although legend suggests that the idol of Lord Krishna at the temple is over 5,000 years old. Since the 1700's several attempts were made to loot the town and destroy its temples.

In 1716, the Dutch attacked the town and set the Guruvayur Temple on fire. It was reconstructed by 1747. In 1766 Haider Ali raided the town but chose to spare the temple. However, his son Tipu Sultan, who was a fervent Muslim, took to aggressively convert Hindus to Islam. He stormed the Guruvayur Temple with the intent of destroying it. Luckily, a fortituous downpour stopped the fire from causing significant damage. Thereafter, Tipu Sultan chose to leave the temple alone claiming that he had a dream where he was told to not destroy it.

From when the British defeated Tipu Sultan and took control of the region, Guruvayur, and its temples, were allowed to flourish. It wasn't till 1946 that "Untouchables" were allowed into the temples.

Accessibility

Air: The nearest airport to Guruvayur is Nedumbassery International Airport at Kochi, at a distance of 65 km. Taxi services are available from Kochi to Guruvayur costing about Rs 800. Kochi airport is well connected to all major airports in India and also connected to many foreign cities. Direct flights are available to Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore.

Rail: Guruvayur Railhead connects to Thrissur. Thrissur is the major railhead nearest to Guruvayur and is located at a distance of about 27 km. Taxi services are available from Thrissur to Guruvayur for a charge of Rs 400. Thrisuur is well connected by trains to all major stations in India.

Road: State owned transport bus services are available from all cities in Kerala to Guruvayur. Private bus services are available from Kochi, Thrissur and North Paravur. Super deluxe buses connect Guruvayur with other important cities like Kochi, Kozhikode, Trivandrum, Palaghat, Chennai, Salem, Coimbatore and Bangalore.

Shopping

All surrounding Guruvayur temple, there are many shops. Shops selling traditional Puja materials to high end electronic items are available in plenty here. The east gate of the Guruvaur temple is clustered by numerous hotels, lodges and shops. Shops are open all through 24 hours here.

One can get devotional materials, dress materials, antiques, toys, electronic items and eatables from the shops. There are many shops selling photographs, mural paintings, embroidery items, handicrafts and fancy items. Kerala style clothes and Jewelries are also available from the shops around the Guruvayur temple. There are big competitions among the shop owners and hence the customers get items at moderate prices.

A variety of handicrafts of Kerala are available in Guruvayur.

Accommodation

Guruvayur offers a host of accommodation options to suit the different budgets and tastes of various tourists. From luxurious to budget hotels, all are available here.

Attractions

Sreeveli (Religious Procession)
The important 'uchcha' pooja takes place at midday. During the 'diparadhana' the well decorated idol glows in the warm light of the temple lamps. The deity is highly regarded for its healing powers. An important offering here is the 'Thulabharam'- In which a devotee is weighed against bananas, sugar, jaggery, coconuts among others, and these are donated to the temple.

Pooram Festival
The famous Pooram Festival (April/May) is celebrated at the Vaddakkunnath Temple. There are nightlong fireworks and a magnificent elephant procession. Shivratri (in March/April) is also celebrated with great fanfare. During Onam, the harvest festival (August/September), the entire state wears a festive look.

District
Trissur district
STD Code
0487
Termperature
Summer 23-37°C, Winter 17-25°C
Best time to visit
October to March

Shirdi

State

Shirdi, synonymous with Sai Baba, is a small town fragrant with the devotional strength that ropes in devotees from the world over. It is best known as the late 19th century home of the popular guru Shirdi Sai Baba.

History

The history of Shirdi is closely linked with the life of the highly venerated saint Sai Baba who died here in the year 1918, and ever since this town has attained importance as a spiritual and religious center. He used to reside in Khandoba temple, where he got the title of ‘Sai’ (saint) given by a local villager named Mahalsapathi. Leading a very simple and ascetic life, Sai Baba lived in the village as a beggar and soon his innate charisma began to draw followers from both the Hindu and Muslim communities. The natural gifts of this saint r said to have healed the wounds of many people who were caught in worldly dilemmas. The entire town can still feel the grace of this saint who is believed to have been the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, one of the Hindu trinity.

Accessibility

Air: Mumbai Chatrapati Shivaji International airport, which is 305 km away from Shirdi is the nearest airport. All the major airlines have service from Mumbai to all major cities in India and many cities abroad including Singapore, Hong Kong, Colombo and gulf countries. Taxis are available from Mumbai to Shirdi and costs about Rs 6000.

Rail: Shirdi is well connected to all neighboring cities by Government owned buses. Private A/C and non A/C deluxe buses are also available from Nasik, Mumbai, Bangalore and Pune to Shirdi. Bus fare is about Rs 3 to Rs 4 per head.

Road: Kopergaon is the nearest railhead to Shirdi which is at a distance of 16 km from Shirdi. It is an important railway station in Delhi – Bangalore route. Taxi charge from Kopergaon to Shirdi is about Rs 300. Manmad is another nearest railhead in Mumbai – Delhi broad gauge line, which is nearly 58 km away from Shirdi. Shirdi has a computerized ticket reservation centre for the delight of train travelers.

Shopping

There are several shops in Shirdi that sell photos and effigies of Sai Baba. This is the main commercial activity.

Accommodation

Accommodation is never a problem in Shirdi - from the MTDC hotel, tourist rest houses, dharamsalas and ashrams, to five star accommodations - the town is totally geared for pilgrims. Hotels like the Sun-N-Sand, Shraddha Park Inn and the Hotel Sai Leela, are a few of the entire range of hotels that offer special packages and check-in/check-out timings. You can stay in comfort and clean surroundings at one of the charitable sansthas and dharamsalas for just a handful of rupees.

Hotel Sun n Sand (Five-Star)
Hotel Sun n Sand is situated in the Taluka Kopergaon, at a distance of approximately 2 km from the bus stand of Shirdi. It is the only five-star hotel located here. The hotel provides amenities like Swimming Pool, Landscape Gardens, Jacuzzi, Banquet & Conference Facilities, Games/Fun Zone, Doctor On Call, Money Changer, Health Club, Travel Desk, Massages, Car Rental, Gift Shop, Handicraft Shop, Jogging Track, Table Tennis and Pool Table, Children's Recreation Area, etc.

Hotel Goradia's (Four-Star)
Hotel Goradia's is a 4-satr hotel, situated on the Pimpalwadi Road, just behind Sai Udyan. The hotel provides amenities like Automatic Wake-up Calls, Meeting, Banquet & Conference Facilities, Doctor On Call, Travel Desk, Car Rental, Children Play Park & Rides, Shopping Arcade, Internet & E-mail Facility, Left Luggage Room, Fax Facility, Free Drivers Accommodation, Doctor On Call, Pool Table, Video Games, Indoor Games, etc.

Hotel Sai Leela (Three-Star)
Hotel Sai Leela is a three-star hotel, situated on the Pimpalwadi Road and lying very close to the Sai Baba Temple. The hotel provides amenities like Table Tennis and Pool Table, Video Games, 24 Hour Amenities Shop, Swimming Pool, Water Park Facilities, Children's Playground, Lush Gardens, Cricket Nets, Basketball and Volleyball Ground, Mini Golf, Putting Course, Cycling Track, Jogging Track, Plant Nursery, etc.

Hotel Sai Sahavas (Three-Star)
Hotel Sai Sahavas is another hotel situated on the Pimpalwadi Road, at a distance of approximately 3 km from the bus stand of Shirdi. The hotel boasts of a three star status. It provides amenities like Travel Desk, Meditation / Prayer Hall, Free Drivers Accommodation, Multi-cuisine Restaurant, Fax, E-mail, Internet Access, Doctor on Call, etc.

Shraddha Park Inn (Three-Star)
Shraddha Park Inn is a three-star hotel, situated at the Pimplewadi Road, just besides the Sai Baba Temple. The hotel provides amenities like three Swimming Pools, Direct Dial Phones, 24 Hour Rooms Service, Multi-cuisines Restaurant, Business Services, Photocopying Facilities, Travel Desk, Fax, E-mail, Internet Access, etc.

District
Ahmednagar
STD Code
02423
Best time to visit
September to April

Bakreshwar

State

Bakreshwar, with a rich historical past, is the sacred land of one of the 51 ShaktiPithas of India. It also has hot springs and is the site of a large upcoming thermal power plant.

History

The word Bakreshwar comes from the name of Lord Shiva worshipped in the locality. Bakra means bent or curved. Ishwar means God. Mythologically it is said that in Satya Yuga during the marriage ceremony of Lakshmi and Narayan, Astabakra Muni (then known as Subrata Muni) was insulted by Indra. The muni was so enraged that he developed 8 cripples in his body (Ashtabakra Muni means a sage with 8 curved cripples, probably kyphoscoliotic). Ashtabakra Muni was blessed by lord Shiva here after many years of Tapashya (meditation). This place is also famous as one of the 51 Shakti Pithas where there is a temple dedicated to Adi Shakti. This is a major pilgrimage spot for Hindus.

Accessibility

By Air: Nearest airport is in Kolkata.

By Rail: By train from Howrah to Bolpur. Then by bus to Bakreshwar.

By Road: From Calcutta by bus directly to Bakreswar (229 km).

Shopping

Nothing special. There are many shops trying to attract attention of the pilgrim-tourists. One can always have a look. Beside Bakreshwar in the village Tantipara, there are a large number of handlooms can be seen.Variety of silk products available here. Many visitors take a short tour to Tantipara- "The village of Handloom products".

Accommodation

Bakrewar Inn, Telephone +91 3462 274593, 09434147107
WBTDC Tourist Lodge.

Location
59 km from Santiniketan and 19 km from Siuri.
Best time to visit
October to March
Famous For
Famous for its Bakreswar temple which is dedicated to Lord Bakranath (Shiva) and Goddess Kali.

Mayapur

State

Mayapur is located on the banks of the Ganges river, at the point of its confluence with the Jalangi, near Navadvip. It is The Head Quarters of ISKCON and is considered a holy place by a number of other traditions within Hinduism, but is of special significance to followers of Gaudiya Vaishnavism as the birthplace of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, regarded as a special incarnation of Krishna in the mood of Radha. It is visited by over a million pilgrims annually.

Accessibility

Air: The nearest airport to Mayapur is Kolkata International airport and is placed at a distance of about 120 km from Mayapur. Pre-paid taxi services are available from airport to Mayapur city. ISKCON Mayapur runs taxi services Prabhupada Travels for devotees. Taxi fare is about Rs 1400.. Kolkata is well connected to all major airports in India and also major cities abroad.

Rail: Nearest major railheads are at Howrah and Burdwan. From both stations taxi services are available to Mayapur. People coming from Vrindavan by train can get down at Burdwan and use taxi to reach Mayapur. Others can get down at Howrah and avail taxi services to reach Mayapur.

Road: Bus services connect Mayapur with other cities in the state. Regular bus services are available from Howrah, Kolkata and Burdwan to Mayapur.

District
Nadia
Location
130km north of Calcutta
STD Code
03472

Navadwipa

State

Nabadwip,also referred to as the 'Oxford of Bengal', was earlier located on the eastern bank of Bhagirathi, along with the rest of the Nadia district. However, as Bhagirathi River changed its course, the city shifted to its western bank. It comprises of 9 islands: Antardwip (Sri Mayapur), Simantadwip, Rudradwip, Madhyadwip, Godrumdwip, Ritudwip, Jahnudwip, Modadrumdwip, and Koladwip. is visited by thousands of pilgrims belonging to Gaudiya Vaishnavism every year, on the occasion of Sri Navadvipa-mandala Parikrama. It is a famous temple town with about 185 temples in and around.

History

Nabadwip was the capital of Ballal Sen and later Lakshman Sen, the famous rulers of the Sena Empire, who ruled from 1159 to 1206.[2] In 1202, Nabadwip was captured by Bakhtiyar Khilji. This victory paved the way for Muslim rule in Bengal.[3] Nabadwip and Nadia were great centres of learning and intellectual prowess. For five centuries, it was referred to as “Oxford of Bengal”.[4] Chaitanyadeb (1486–1533) who was born at prachin mayapur (which is now under the river bhagarati),?? spent many years at Nabadwip.[5]
The Holy Birth Place of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu is known as "Gour Gangar Desh" as well as " Oxford of Bengal". We are proud for Srichaitanyadeb, Krishnanda Agambagish, Basudeb Sarbobhouma etc. The religious atmosphere of Nabadwip is a combination of Baishnaba, Shakta, Buddha, Saiba due to the aforesaid leaders, Pal Monarchy, Sen Monarchy etc. The main festival of Nabadwip is "RASH UTSAV". It is also known as "Pat Purnima" or "Rash Kali Puja" or "Shakta Rash". The varieties of Baishnaba, Shakta, Saiba Pratima (Idols) attracts every one. The Rash Utsav is like national festival of the inhabitants of Nabadwip.

Accessibility

Air: The nearest airport to Navadvipa is Kolkata International airport and is placed at a distance of about 130 km from Navadvipa. Pre-paid taxi services are available from airport to Navadvipa city. Taxi fare is about Rs 1500 to 2000. Kolkata is well connected to all major airports in India and also major cities abroad.

Rail: Navadvipa terminal is well connected to other major railheads through Howrah Junction. The railway station is located well within the city limits. Many local and express trains touch Navadvipa railway station. One can reach Navadvipa from Howrah in Janasatabdi express having a running time of about 2 hours.

Road: Navadvipa is well connected by state owned transport bus services. Regular transport bus services are available from Kolkata and Howrah. Travelers can get luxury buses from Kolkata to Navadvipa regularly.

District
Nadia
STD Code
03472
Best time to visit
October to March

Sagar Island

State

Sagar Island lies on the continental shelf of Bay of Bengal is a religious spot for Hindu pilgrims. This island is the holy confluence point of river Ganga and the Bay of Bengal. The place is also famous for the Kapil Muni temple near the beach, where people worship after taking a holy dip in the river. The island is also the home to the endangered Royal Bengal Tiger and also rich in mangrove swamps, waterways and small rivers. The ritual of taking a dip in this water on Makar Sankranti is considered auspicious. Gangasagar pilgrimage and fair is the second largest congregation of mankind after the holy Kumbha Mela.

History

The place is primarily important for its temple of the great saint Kapil Muni who according to myth was Vishnu, had taken birth as per the wish of Kardam muni as his son. It is told that Kardam had to go through a marital life as per the direction of Vishnu but he agreed in a condition that Vishnu has to take birth as his son and as per this condition Vishnu had taken birth as his son and he was Kapil Muni-one of the great saint of Hindu religious mythology. Kapil Muni’s hermitage was present at the place of the present day Gangasagar. His mythological story is related with the bringing of Ganga – the sacred river, in this place. In the myth it is told that once during his religious austerity King Sagar’s (the King of Ikshashu Vansh of Ayodhya) 60000 sons came down to the place of his hermitage in search of their father’s sacrificial horse and found it there at that place.
In fact the horse was stolen by Devraj Indra and it was hidden by him at Patal beside Kapil’s hermitage. Sagar’s sons blamed him for the stealing of that and interrupted in his religious meditation.Then the saint became very angry and his blaze of anger came out of his eyes which burnt all the 60000 sons of the King Sagar into ashes and consigned their souls to hell until Sagar’s grandson whose name was Bhagirath brought down the Ganga- Vishnu’s wife as per the direction of the Saint-Kapil from heaven.With the touch of holy water of Ganga all 60000 sons were released from the curse and liberated their souls. Cognitive view of the local people is that
Ganga in this place is known as Sagar and the point of junction of the river and the sea at the Sagar island is the celebrated seat of Hindu pilgrims (Maity, 2001). It is told that Sagar King’s sons were liberated from curse on the day of Makar Sankranti (Saha, 1999).Due to this the day became a very auspicious day to the Hindu pilgrims. On that day pilgrims from all over India come to take bath in the Gangasagar to get rid of all the sins and simultaneously to earn virtue. They also offer puja to the great saint-Kapil in his temple which is run
by the Ramanandi saints of the Hanuman garhi of Ayodhya. Initially one of the zamindars of the then Sagardwip—Jaduram migrated from Midnapur appointed a priest from that group ofthe temple. According to them as the myth is related with Ayodhya and with the forefathers of Ram, it is their claim that they are the actual owner of the temple. During the time of holy bathing ceremony a large fair is held which is known as
Gangasagar Mela. Except this great festival it is observed that throughout the year people come to visit the place primarily during different festive and ritual occasions and sometimes even when there is no such occasion.the temple. According to them as the myth is related with Ayodhya and with the forefathers of
Ram, it is their claim that they are the actual owner of the temple. During the time of holy bathing ceremony a large fair is held which is known as Gangasagar Mela. Except this great festival it is observed that throughout the year people come to visit the place primarily during different festive and ritual occasions and sometimes even when there is no such occasion.

Accessibility

Air:

Rail:

Road: From Calcutta to Namkhana by bus (105)kms.Namkhana to Chemaguri by launch across the river Muriganga from Chamaguri to Gangasagar by bus (10kms.) One may cross the Muriganga from Herwood Point (lot no. 8) near Kakdip to Kaachubrie also.Kakdwip is 85 kms. from lot No. ',to Kachuberia and bus service from Kechuberia to Gangasagar(30kms)

Accommodation

For accommodations, are too many places to choose from in South Sagar. Some are named below. In the time of Sagar Mela or the Fair, the number of accommodation increases drastically with temporary camps/hutments from many commercial and non commercial organizations. It is advisable to book your accommodation prior to go to Sagar Island in the time of Sagar Mela. If you bring your own mattress and sleeping bag you'll will find a shelter in any way, though.

The following organizations provide shelter for tourist and pilgrims round the year:
State Youth Hostel- Charge for a Double bed room with attached bath is Rs. 100 per day. Check in time is at 12 noon. (Booking can be done in Directorate of Youth Services, 32/1, B.B.D. Bag (South), Calcutta - 700001. Ph: +91-33 2248 0626.)
Bharat Sevashram Sangha and a couple of other ashrams: they usually offer accommodation and meals for free (they are oriented to pilgrims), but would expect a donation.
Larica Sagar (Tourist Lodge), Telephone +91 3210 240226-227.

Attractions

Gangasagar Mela
Gangasagar Mela is the largest fair celebrated in West Bengal. This fair is held where the Ganga and the Bay of Bengal form a nexus. Hence the name Gangasagar Mela.

The river Ganga which originates in the Gangotri glacier in the snow clad Himalayas, descends down the mountains, reaches the plains at Haridwar, flows through ancient pilgrimage sites such as Benares and Prayag, and drains into the Bay of Bengal. Sagar Island, at the mouth of the river Hooghly in Bengal (accessed from Diamond Harbor), where the Ganga breaks up into hundreds of streams, and drains into the sea, is honored as a pilgrimage site.

A dip in the ocean, where the Ganga drains into the sea is considered to be of great religious significance particularly on the Makara Sankranti day when the sun makes a transition to Capricorn from Sagittarius and this town becomes home to vast fairs, drawing visitors and recluses from all over the state.

There is a common belief among the locals that the girls who take the holy dip get handsome grooms and the boys get beautiful brides. When they are done with the ritual obligations, they head towards the Kapilmuni Temple situated nearby, to worship the deity as a mark of respect.

District
South 24 Parganas
Location
lies on the continental shelf of Bay of Bengal about 150 km (80 nautical miles) south of Kolkata.

Tarakeshwar

State

Tarakeshwar is one of the most acclaimed religious destinations in West Bengal, famous for Tarakeshwar temple, devoted to Lord Shiva and is a major shivaite pilgrim under the twelve Jyotirlinga temples. This temple town hosts millions of pilgrims from all through India and also from foreign countries. Maha Shivratri is an important festival in this town.

Accessibility

By Air: Kolkata is the nearest airport to Tarakeshwar, located at a distance of 58 km.

By Rail: Tarkeshwar has a main railway station, well connected to Howrah and other cities by rail.

By Road: State road transport corporation buses connect Tarakeshwar with all neighboring cities. Special private buses operate from Kamarpukur (48 km), Kolkata and Howrah to Tarakeshwar.

District
Hooghly
Location
Located 58 km away from Kolkata, near Serampore
STD Code
03212
Termperature
Summer 22-40°C, Winter 10-32°C
Best time to visit
October to March
Famous For
Famous for Tarakeshwar Temple, devoted to Lord Shiva

Tarapith

State

Tarapith, situated near the Dwaraka River, is a small temple town near Rampurhat. It is known for its Tantric temple and its adjoining cremation grounds where Tantric rites are performed. The Tantric Hindu temple is dedicated to goddess Tara, a fearsome Tantric aspect of the Hindu Divine Mother and is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. Tarapith derives its name from its association as the most important centre of Tara worship and her cult.

History

There are several legends narrated on the origin and importance of this place, all related to the goddess Tara deified in the Tarapith temple. A well-known legend relates to the Shakti Piths. It is one such place where the eye ball of Sati had fallen and hence Sakthi is worshipped.

Accessibility

By Air: Nearest airport to Tarapith is Kolkata, 225 km.

By Rail: Nearest railway station is Rampurhat, which is connected to major stations like Howrah and Sealdah.

By Road: It can be accessed by buses from neighboring cities. It well connected to Esplanade/Dharamtalla bus stand, Kolkata.

Accommodation

Hotel Sonar Bangla
Yashoda International
Amantran Hotel

District
Birbhum
Location
Situated on the banks of the north flowing Dwarka River
STD Code
03461
Termperature
Summer 22-45°C, Winter 10-32°C
Best time to visit
October and March
Famous For
Known as one of the Shakti Peethas