The Ganges River Island Escape

Journey by train to the historic town of Kahalgaon, the gateway to the ancient Vikramshila University and our destination: a serene cluster of river islands known locally as Shantibaba's Three Islands. This unique expedition involves hiring a private boat, finding the perfect spot on the white sandy shores, and pitching your own tents for an authentic night of camping under the stars, surrounded by the mighty Ganges.

Train Journey Details (Recommended Option)

This itinerary is planned around the convenient daytime Intercity Express.

• Departure from Patna (PNBE):

  • Train: 13236 - Sahibganj InterCity Express

  • Departure Time: ~5:55 AM from Patna Junction

  • Arrival Time: ~12:25 PM at Kahalgaon (CLG)

• Return from Kahalgaon (CLG):

  • Train: 13235 - Danapur Intercity Express

  • Departure Time: ~3:45 PM from Kahalgaon

  • Arrival Time: ~10:15 PM at Patna Junction

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Journey to the Sacred Islands

• 5:30 AM: Report at Patna Junction (PNBE)

  • Arrive at the station with your bags packed for an adventure.

• 5:55 AM: Departure by InterCity Express

  • Board your train and enjoy the journey as the landscape of Bihar unfolds outside your window.

• 12:25 PM: Arrival at Kahalgaon Station (CLG)

  • You will be greeted by your baecbhills.in trip leader upon arrival at Kahalgaon.

• 12:45 PM: Transfer to the Ganges Ghat & Local Lunch

  • We will take a short ride by local transport to the main river ghat in Kahalgaon. Before we set sail, we will have a simple and authentic lunch at a local riverside eatery.

• 2:00 PM: Hire a Private Boat & Set Sail

  • The true adventure begins as we hire a traditional private boat. Our expert boatman will navigate the river currents as we head towards the fabled "Three Islands" of Shantibaba.

• 3:00 PM: Arrival & Pitching Tents on White Sand

  • We will land on the largest and most stable of the islands, remarkable for its pristine white sand beaches. This is an authentic camping experience: with guidance from our team, you will participate in pitching your own tents on the sand, truly connecting with the environment.

• 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM: Island Exploration & Sunset

  • With the camp set up, the time is yours to explore the unique diara ecosystem, walk along the water's edge, and witness a breathtaking, unobstructed sunset over the Ganges.

• 7:30 PM onwards: Campfire, Dinner & Legends

  • As darkness falls, we will light a bonfire. Enjoy a delicious dinner cooked at the campsite, and listen to local stories and legends about Shantibaba and the river, all under a canopy of brilliant stars.

Day 2: Dolphins, Vikramshila & Return

• 6:00 AM: Sunrise Over the Ganges

  • Wake up to the serene sounds of the river and witness a magical sunrise from your tent. Tea and biscuits will be served.

• 7:00 AM - 8:30 AM: Boating & Gangetic Dolphin Watching

  • We will board our boat again for an early morning safari around the islands, the prime time for spotting the magnificent Gangetic dolphins.

• 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM: Breakfast and Camp Wrap-up

  • Return to the island for a hearty camp-style breakfast. Afterward, we will responsibly dismantle our campsite, ensuring we leave no trace behind.

• 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM: Explore Ancient Vikramshila

  • Our boat will drop us at a ghat near the historic Vikramshila University ruins. We will take a short trip to explore this vast archaeological site, once a world-renowned center of Buddhist learning, adding a rich historical dimension to your trip.

• 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM: Return to Kahalgaon Town & Lunch

  • We will head back to Kahalgaon town for lunch.

• 3:00 PM: Transfer to Kahalgaon Station

  • Our team will transfer you to the railway station for your journey home.

• 3:45 PM: Departure by Danapur Intercity Express

  • Board your train and begin your travel back to Patna.

• 10:15 PM (Approx.): Arrival at Patna Junction

  • Your unique island camping expedition concludes as you arrive back in Patna.

Crucial Safety & Seasonal Advisory

Please Note: This exclusive island camping adventure is offered during the post-monsoon and winter seasons (from late October to March). During this period, the Ganges is calm, the river islands ("diaras") are stable with beautiful white sand beaches, and the weather is ideal. This tour is not operational during the monsoon season (June to September) due to dangerously high water levels, strong currents, and submerged islands, ensuring the absolute safety of our guests.