 Sagardweep Beach, also known as "Ganga Sagar", is 128 kms away from Kolkata and presents an ideal repose for a quiet weekend in South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal. Sagardweep is a small island in the Sunderban of the southernmost part of West Bengal. Sagardweep, silvery beach on the estuary of the mighty Ganga, has a lighthouse, which offers a panoramic view of the surroundings. Sagardweep Beach does not have many visitors all round the year and hence, it is a must visit destination for all those who love the calm of the sea side. A wide and unharmed beach, the beach experiences serene groves by the seaside and a fine climate all round the year.
Sagardweep Beach is highly famed as a major Hindu holy site, where millions of pilgrims assemble from nook and corner of India every year for taking the holy dip in the Sagar. However, apart from this, the place is still not much recognized as a tourist destination. Sagardweep Beach pleated with the rolling waves and warm sun is a perfect setting for a quiet weekend. It has a lighthouse that offers a panoramic view of the surroundings. On the day of "Makar Sankranti" during winters (i.e. mid-January), devotees from all over the country gather together at Sagardweep to take a holy bath at the union of the River Ganga and the Bay of Bengal. After the holy bath, devotees offer ‘Puja’ at the close by ashram linked with the legendary sage Kapil Muni. The Ganga Sagar Mela, which is held here every year on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, is the biggest fair in West Bengal and it attracts a major number of tourists. Mythology of Sagardweep Beach The King of Ekshakshu Dynasty, Raja Sagar ruled this island from Ayodhya. The King once planned an "Ashwamedh Yajna". It was the 100th Ashwamedh yajna he was about to perform, a record which was only achieved by Lord Indra. A sacred horse, part of the yajna was set free and on its return the yajna could be performed. But when the horse failed to return Sagar’s 60,000 sons set out to search for it. The horse was found in Kapil Muni's Ashram. It was Lord Indra who had stopped the horse and tied it at the Muni's Ashram. Unaware of his tricks the sons accused the Muni of stealing it and as a result were turned to ashes. 
It was to retrieve these accursed souls, Ganga descends on the earth into 7 tributaries- Suchokhu, Sita and Sindhu flow towards the east, Hladini, Parboni and Nandini flow towards the west while the main river Ganga followed Bhagirathi and traversed through the confluence where Kapil Muni's ashram was situated thus retrieving the 60,000 accursed sons of Sagar. Nearby Attractions at Sagardweep Beach The Kapil Muni Temple is the holiest place to visit in Sagardweep. Other places of Sagar Island as follows: Things to Do at Sagardweep Beach Visit the temples or explore the calm and serene beach of Sagardweep, which experience a major footfall of tourists mainly during the famous Ganga Sagar Mela but otherwise remain fairly isolated in the rest of the year. One will be truly amazed by savoring the sight of the flocks of different species of birds. One can just also relax on the beach, witnessing the silent passing of the ships. Best Time to Visit Sagardweep Beach Although, one can visit the place throughout the year, visiting the place during Makar Sankranti festival is a real treat as the biggest fair of West Bengal "Sagar Mela" is held here. How to Reach Sagardweep Beach 
Sagardweep is not very far from Kolkata and lies only 135 km away. Drive through the Diamond Harbour road to reach the Harwood point, No. 8 Lot Ghat. From there by crossing over "Muriganga River", reach Kochuberia on the other side. Then again drive for another 30 kms to reach Sagardweep.
West Bengal Surface Transport Corporation runs direct buses between Kolkata and Sagardweep. There are some tourist lodges at Sagardweep. The recent development of the establishment of the Youth Hostel and dormitory accommodation has further aided Sagardweep in standing apart as a typical tourist attraction. (Last Updated on : 08-06-2015) |
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