Sundarbans
At the point where the Ganges meets the Bay of Bengal, Gangasagar is a sacred island and pilgrimage site of tremendous importance to Hindus across India. The annual Makar Sankranti mela here draws over one million devotees — one of the largest human gatherings on earth — who come to bathe in the confluence of river and sea. The island also has a beautiful lighthouse and peaceful beaches where you can watch the river current meet the ocean waves.
The Makar Sankranti mela in mid-January is extraordinary but extremely crowded — book accommodation months in advance if visiting then. The off-season island is far more tranquil and equally beautiful.