Complete transport guide: flights, trains, buses, and local transport. Trip Planning travel planning.
arrow_back Back to main guideBagdogra Airport (IXB) is 250 km away, served by IndiGo, SpiceJet, Vistara. Taxi transfer costs rupees 4000-5000, taking 5-6 hours. Kolkata Airport (CCU) is 340 km away, a major international hub. From Kolkata, take a train to Malda Town.
Malda Town (MLDT) is the main railway station, well-connected. Daily trains run from Kolkata (6-7 hours, rupees 150-300), Delhi (20-24 hours, rupees 600-2000), Mumbai (30-36 hours, rupees 800-2500), and Bangalore (36-40 hours, rupees 1000-3000).
West Bengal State Transport Corporation (WBSTC) and private operators run frequent buses. The main terminal is Malda Bus Stand. Journey from Kolkata takes 8-9 hours, costing rupees 300-500. From Siliguri, it takes 5-6 hours, costing rupees 200-350.
English Bazaar is on National Highway 12 (NH12). Driving from Kolkata covers 340 km in 8-9 hours. Road conditions are generally good, with some rough patches. Expect approximate tolls of rupees 300-500.
340 km from Kolkata
rupees 30-100
Best for: short trips within town
Always negotiate the fare before starting your journey.Share autos are common and cheaper, but follow fixed routes.
rupees 10-50
Best for: very short distances, market areas
Ideal for a leisurely ride through local areas.Fares are usually fixed for common routes, but confirm beforehand.
rupees 1500-2500 per day
Best for: day trips to Gour and Pandua
Book through your hotel or a reputable local travel agent.Confirm the itinerary and total cost, including waiting charges, before hiring.
Smart strategies to beat the rush and travel peacefully
Avoid Indian national holidays - monuments become extremely crowded
timingMonsoon season (July-September) offers empty attractions in most regions
seasonMeghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh barely see international tourists
alternativesDiwali week (Oct/Nov) means empty tourist sites as locals celebrate at home
seasonExplore North India in summer when most tourists flee to hill stations
seasonBook heritage hotels - they limit daily visitors unlike popular hostels
strategyAvoid: Weekends, Indian holidays (Jan 26, Aug 15, Diwali), school vacations (May-June, Dec-Jan).
Best: Weekday mornings, monsoon season for most destinations, opposite shoulder seasons.
Arm-in-arm is borderline acceptable in cities - Linking arms (especially when one person needs support) is somewhat tolerated in progressive urban areas.
Nature areas are much quieter than cities
English is widely spoken in tourism industry
Spend time in Parvati Valley for lush green mountains
Hindus don't eat beef; many are vegetarian
Visit small Maharashtra beach towns for authentic experiences
It's difficult to get Indian visas in Pakistan or Nepal now
Experience cities through local eyes for better understanding
Eastern Ghats provide unique biodiversity
Take probiotics before arriving to prep your digestive system
Slow down your pace - don't try to see everything at once
Explore Pondicherry, a charming former French colony
Ladakh is best during monsoon season (dry and sunny)
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