Travellers to the Sundarbans or the Sagar Island, located at the southern tip of West Bengal, have to either avail the local suburban train (rather uncomfortable) to the gateway stations or buy a cruise package. But from March this year, there will be an option to take a regular but comfortable ferry to these two destinations.
Operated by Osprey Waterways, this will be a transport facility for those who want to chart out their own holidays. The company plans to run one fully air conditioned ferry boat each on both routes for now. The ferries will leave from the Millennium Park jetty.
According to the website the ferry to Sagar Island will leave Kolkata at 8am and reach Kochuberia at 11.30am. From Kochuberia, passengers can take a local transport to the Sagar Island beach and temple about 30km away by road. Those who want to return the same day, can avail the ferry leaving Kochuberia at 3pm and reach Kolkata by 6.30pm. There are two categories of seats economy (Rs 1,000 per head) and premium (Rs 1,400 per head and inclusive of snacks). The charges are for one-way journeys.
The ferry to Sundarban will leave Kolkata at 7.30am and reach Namkhana in about three hours&rsquo time. Passengers can travel onward to their respective destinations or hotels they have booked into by road or local ferry. The cost of tickets for the Sundarbans trip have been pegged at Rs 1,200 (economy) and Rs 1,600 (premium).
Information Tickets can be booked online at the company website. Since the running of the ferry is dependent on a minimum number of passengers, travellers are advised to check with the company before making plans. Also, do confirm about reporting and departure times.
