Durga Puja in Kolkata is one of India’s grandest festivals. In 2021, it was added to UNESCO’s ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity’ list, recognizing its cultural significance. During the festival, Kolkata transforms into an open-air art gallery with hundreds of themed pandals showcasing goddess. Behind the scenes, countless artisans contribute their skill, making Durga Puja not just a religious event but a vibrant expression of Bengal’s creativity and community. Planning to travel to Kolkata for Durga Puja but finding flight tickets too expensive? You’re not alone. With soaring airfares during the festive season, many travellers are looking for alternative ways to make the journey without breaking the bank.
Whether you're starting from Bengaluru, Delhi, or Mumbai, there are several affordable and scenic options worth considering. From long-distance trains and budget-friendly road trips, we explore the best ways to reach Kolkata in time for the celebrations—without the high cost of flying. Here's how you can still make it home (or explore the city) for Durga Puja.
Several trains operate between Bengaluru (Bangalore) and Kolkata, offering a range of options depending on class and service. Popular trains on this route include the HWH Humsafar (22888), Anga Express (12253), Muzaffarpur Express (15227), and SMVB JSME Express (22305), with fares starting from INR 760 and going up to INR 2,305 depending on the class selected.
It is also possible to take the road to get to Kolkata in time for Durga Puja. These long journeys from Bengaluru, Mumbai, or Delhi to Kolkata cover distances between 1,900 and 2,000 kilometres and typically take 3 to 4 days for a relaxed trip. However, for those short on time, the drive can be completed in two days by driving longer hours with fewer stops. Taking a road trip at a slower pace allows travellers to explore interesting places along the way.
A road trip from Bangalore to Kolkata, spanning around 1,900 kilometres over 3 to 4 days, offers several scenic breaks worth exploring. After reaching Hyderabad on day one, visitors can enjoy the historic Charminar or nearby Hussain Sagar Lake. On day two, as you drive through the Bastar region towards Raipur, consider stopping near Chitrakoot Falls, often called the ‘Niagara of India,’ for a refreshing break.
Along the final stretch through Odisha, Bhubaneswar provides a cultural pause with its ancient temples like Lingaraj Temple. For nature lovers, a detour to Chilika Lake near Puri offers stunning views and birdwatching opportunities. Taking these breaks not only rejuvenates the journey but also lets travellers experience the diverse landscapes and heritage between Bengaluru and Kolkata.
Several trains operate between Mumbai and Kolkata, with fares varying depending on the class of travel. The Gitanjali Express (12859), for example, offers Sleeper Class tickets at approximately INR 800, 3E (AC 3-tier Economy) around INR 1,965, 3A (AC 3-tier) at INR 2,080, and 2A (AC 2-tier) close to INR 2,980. The Mumbai CSMT – Howrah Mail (12809) has a similar fare structure across these classes. For faster journeys, the Howrah Duronto Express (12261), which runs with AC coaches only, has fares starting at roughly INR 3,220 for 3A, INR 4,655 for 2A, and around INR 6,560 for 1A (AC First Class).
A road trip from Mumbai to Kolkata covers around 2,000 kilometres and typically takes 35 to 40 hours of driving, best spread over three days with planned breaks for comfort and rest. Starting early on the NH53 Mumbai–Nagpur Expressway, travellers can pause near Aurangabad to visit the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site, before continuing to Nagpur. Here, a stop by Futala Lake offers a pleasant evening and several accommodation options for the night.
The next day involves a shorter drive of about 290 kilometres northeast towards Raipur. The route passes through scenic rural areas where travellers can take leisurely breaks at local towns or roadside eateries before settling in Raipur for the night.
Several trains run between Delhi and Kolkata, including the Rajdhani, Duronto, and other express services, with fares varying by class—First AC (1A), Second AC (2A), Third AC (3A), and Sleeper (SL)—as well as train type. The Howrah Rajdhani (12302) typically charges around INR 5,185 for 1A, INR 4,180 for 2A, and INR 3,065 for 3A, while the Sealdah Rajdhani (12314) follows a similar fare structure. Rajdhani trains such as 12302, 12306, and 12314 offer premium, fully air-conditioned services with fares ranging from INR 5,185 to INR 5,390 for 1A, Rs 4,180 to INR 4,340 for 2A, and INR 3,065 to INR 3,180 for 3A. The Duronto Express (12274/12260), another fast and AC-only option, comes at slightly higher rates, with fares for train 12274 at INR 5,635 for 1A, INR 4,525 for 2A, and INR 3,365 for 3A.
Driving from Delhi to Kolkata is a journey of approximately 1,450 kilometres (about 900 miles) and typically takes around two days, depending on traffic, road conditions, and driving speed. The most recommended route passes through the Yamuna Expressway towards Aligarh and Kanpur, a stretch of about 8 hours. From Kanpur, continue to Varanasi, which takes around 6 hours, covering 333 kilometres. After an overnight stop in Varanasi, proceed to Gaya, roughly 265 kilometres away, taking another 6 hours.
The final leg from Gaya to Kolkata is about 482 kilometres and takes approximately 9 hours. Spread across two days, the drive cuts through diverse landscapes of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal. Ensure regular breaks, check road conditions in advance, and drive cautiously, especially at night or through less-developed stretches.
To prep for your road journey, start with a thorough service of your car or bike—check oil, brakes, tires, and fluid levels to ensure everything is in top shape. Pack essential spares like a spare tire, basic tools, a puncture repair kit, and a portable tire inflator. Familiarise yourself with your vehicle’s ground clearance and tire age, and regularly monitor tyre pressure, especially on long drives.
Plan your journey using both online and offline maps to avoid getting stranded without connectivity. Research and book accommodations and restaurants ahead, particularly during peak travel seasons. Don’t forget to schedule regular breaks every 90 minutes to stretch, refresh, and avoid fatigue. Ensure you have a FASTag for smooth toll transactions. A FASTag is a device that facilitates electronic toll collection on highways in India. It uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. Carry sufficient cash for tolls, smaller towns, and emergencies.
Carry a well-stocked emergency kit including a first-aid box, flashlight, power bank, and basic medicines. Stay hydrated by packing enough water and snacks, especially for long stretches. Avoid night driving, particularly in hilly or remote areas, and always wear helmets or seatbelts. Keep your loved ones informed of your route and location, follow local traffic laws, and drive attentively—consider sharing driving duties with a co-driver when possible.
Mumbai is the Maximum City, Bengaluru is the Garden City—and Kolkata? It’s the City of Joy. To truly understand why, visit during Durga Puja. This grand autumnal festival is Kolkata’s most beloved celebration, filling the city with unmatched energy and creativity. In 2021, UNESCO recognised its cultural significance by including Durga Puja in Kolkata on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Read more about it in this interview with historian Dr Tapati Guha-Thakurta.
Months of planning go into the festival, with thousands of skilled artisans crafting intricate idols and the spectacular themed pandals that house them. These stunning temporary structures transform the city into a massive open-air museum. Curious about how it's all made? Dive into our feature exploring the incredible artistry behind this one-of-a-kind celebration. Check out our 6-day itinerary to get the best from the festival.
