A trip from Bangladesh to India is quite an experience. With its rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks, and widely diverse landscapes, India will surely be an unforgettable adventure. Compared to others, bus travel from Bangladesh to India can be much more immersive and budget-friendly.
1. Why Bus Travel?
While flights are faster, by bus, you are given much more personalized insight into your journey, as it allows a traveler to see the passing landscapes, communicate with locals, and visit regions where, were one to use air travel, most would be missed. The road from Bangladesh to India is scenic and can turn out to be an exciting adventure to experience the cultures of the two countries.
2. Popular Bus Routes from Bangladesh to India
There are numerous bus services operating between Bangladesh and India, with operations running between major cities of both countries. Few popular routes operate along the lines of:
Dhaka to Kolkata: This is one of the busiest routes, and the distance covered by this journey ranges approximately 250 km. The total time taken is about 8-10 hours, depending on the time taken for crossing the border. In this road journey, one gets to see an almost striking difference in landscape and cities between the two neighboring countries.
Dhaka to Agartala: Another route quite popular, more undertaken by people who want to see the northeastern part of India. It is around 150 km, and it takes about 7–8 hours in all.
Sylhet to Kolkata: It connects the Sylhet region of Bangladesh to Kolkata, and this route would be ideal to take for travelers from Northeastern Bangladesh. The journey takes roughly around 10–12 hours, depending upon border clearance.
3. Border Crossing: Immigration and Customs
Entering by bus to India from Bangladesh requires crossing through immigration and customs. Major border crossing points of these routes are as follows:
Benapole-Petrapole Border: Most in use for tourists visiting Kolkata. Procedures include showing your passport and visa, and any other documents to the immigration officers. Sometimes it takes a bit longer depending on the time of day.
Akhaura-Agartala Border: Akhaura is the main crossing point toward Agartala. The process is pretty much quicker here than the Benapole-Petrapole crossing, but you can imagine some security checks anyway.
Arrange your visa for India in advance, as it is a must for entry. Similarly, keep all your on-travel documents handy to avoid problems during border checking.
4. What to Expect During the Bus Journey
The journey by bus from Bangladesh to India is quite interesting, and normally it is an opportunity for the voyagers to experience the beauty and the life of bustling India and Bangladesh border areas. What you can expect from the journey is herein described below.
Comfort: Buses are normally comfortable, with most of the services having air-conditioning. However, the comfort levels may vary depending on the type of service; hence it is always recommended to choose a reputed operator.
Scenic Views: From rural Bangladesh to pulsating Indian cities, crossing huge expanses of agricultural fields and picturesque towns, the vista during this journey is simply magnificent. You will make many stops on the way for snacks, restrooms, and border checks. Take a few stretches, share a few words with fellow passengers, or do whatever you like to kill time. 5. Things to Pack for the Bus Journey
Travel Documents: Ensure your passport, visa, and other forms of identification are within reach. It may also be a good idea to carry photocopies of important documents.
Snacks and Water: While there is usually refreshment service on the bus, it is always good to have light snacks and water on you for the journey.
Comfort Accessories: Neck pillow, blanket, and some amusement like books or music will make your journey comfortable.
Currency: It is always handy to have both Bangladeshi Taka and Indian Rupees for easy transactions. Not all places may accept credit cards, especially at the border-crossing points or small towns.
6. What to Do Once You Arrive in India
Once you cross over into India, you will find yourself surrounded by nature, history, and culture. Whether it be Kolkata, Agartala, or other destinations, here are a few things you can do:
Kolkata: Some of the first places to visit include the Victoria Memorial and the streets of Park Street, along with trying Kolkata’s famous sweets, including rasgulla and sandesh.
Agartala: Nature lovers can enjoy the beautiful parks and lakes. Ujjayanta Palace offers them a glimpse into the royal history of the region.
Local Culture: Experience the diverse food, art, and traditions of India. Do not forget to bargain for souvenirs at the local markets.
7. Tips for Smooth Journey
Book in Advance: Bus tickets often sell out fast, especially for international routes, during holidays and festivals. The best thing to do is to book them well in advance.
Be Careful at Border Checks: Be cautious with your luggage while crossing borders because these areas are sometimes filled with tourists and traders.
Respect Local Culture: India is a culturally diverse country, and respect for the local customs and traditions becomes highly important when traveling.
Conclusion
For many, the option of travel by bus from Bangladesh to India provides a great way to feel the heartbeat of both nations. Be it meeting and visiting friends and family, sightseeing at new locations, or just the road trip in itself, this will be a story to remember. With proper preparation and an open mind, this Indian journey by bus will definitely turn out to be one of the nicest moments of your travel stories.