Traveling by a car does become hectic but the majestic views and landscapes give you peace. So travel to Bhutan and have a wonderful journey.
Bhutan- a place with mountains, monasteries and magic
Bhutan is situated in the Eastern end of the Himalayas. It is a beautiful landlocked country with artistically designed monasteries, amazing looking Dzongs, and scenic treks. The fresh air and greenery offer a pleasant getaway for travelers.
It is the only country that has a firm grasp on tradition and culture even during the modern times. If you are planning to explore the culture and vibrant tradition then Bhutan is the right place to offer you a rejuvenating experience.
Kolkata to Bhutan distance by road
If you want to travel by road then rent a car from Kolkata to Bhutan. You have to keep in mind that you have to take permit before you finally drive onto the roads of Bhutan with a distance of 1,055 km which takes 27 hours. But there are few facts about the roads which you need to know before traveling to Bhutan.
Facts about the road from Kolkata to Bhutan
- To start your journey from Kolkata you have to take the road of NH2A towards Guskara or Bolpur. The roads are pretty good with some bridges. The only place where the road is broken is below the rail line.
- From Bolpur the road goes straight towards Sriniketan road to take a bypass of the Bolpur town. The road from Sriniketan has a good surface other than an under-construction of a bridge.
- From there the road reaches Purandharpur taking a left turn towards Siuri town.
- After Siuri, through the middle of the town, the road reaches NH60 highway to take a right towards Tilpara barrage.
- NH60 highway that goes towards Moregram is almost in shambles and it has large potholes.
- The bad roads and heavy trucks and buses make it a difficult journey to drive on but after crossing Tilpara barrage which is extremely broken we can reach Seorakuri. This road will lead to Massanjore in Jharkhand.
- The next 7 km from Seorakuri the roads have occasional potholes which are large till Bengal-Jharkhand border.
- From there the roads are fantastic which have a decent pace.
- These roads go through some villages like Ranigram, Raniswar which will reach Massanjore Reservoir.
- From the barrage to the left you will reach Pattabari and take a left towards to Rampurhat-Dumka highway and you will reach Dumka where the road has just been built.
- From Dumka town, you will reach towards Dumka-Bhagalpur Highway.
- After crossing Bihar at Jharkhand-Bihar border near Hansdiha the roads start getting damaged.
- After Dhaka, the potholes increases and it becomes larger and wider in Punsiya. From there you will finally reach Bhagalpur.
- Inside Bhagalpur, you can take the bypass or the main which is very congested going up to a flyover above the Bhagalpur Railway Station.
- After crossing this road a huge divided road comes to the left which is known as Vikramshila Setu Road.
- After Vikramshila Setu ends in Naugachia you will meet NH31.
- After taking rest you can reach NH31 and take right from where the roads are fantastic.
- From Naugachia till Purnia the roads are smooth and easy to drive.
- After reaching Purnia you can take a right and reach Dalkhola.
- From Dalkhola till Kishanganj the divided road of NH31 continues but the road is damaged.
- From Kishanganj the roads become good till Islampur where the divided road merges through the town.
- From Islampur you will again travel through a divided road till Bagdogra with potholes.
- After reaching Siliguri, you will cross the Coronation Bridge and keep moving towards Phuentsholing through Nagrakata, Binnaguri, Birpara, and Madarihat till you reach Hasimara.
- The roads of Hasimara are beautiful with occasional potholes, lovely tea gardens and you will reach Jaigaon.
- From Jaigaon you will cross the border and finally reach Bhutan.
Best places to visit in Bhutan:
1- Rinpung Dzong-
If you want to witness the beautiful architecture of Bhutan then Rinpung Dzong is the place you need to be. The name of the Dzong translates to “Fortress on a heap of jewels” making it one of the best tourist places in Bhutan.
Main attractions: Beautiful temples and wall paintings
Opening time: 9 am to 5 pm
2- Punakha Suspension Bridge, Punakha-
This bridge spanning over Po Chhu River is one of the longest suspension bridges in Bhutan. The bridge connects Punakha town with Punakha Dzong.
Main attractions: Prayer flags and a breathtaking view of the river.
Best time to visit: 9 am in the morning
3- Tango Buddhist Institute-
Tango Monastery is one of the most revered Buddhist monasteries in Bhutan. It also serves as a religious institute for the study of the monks.
Main attractions: Six temples inside the monastery with different deities
Opening time: 8 am to 5 pm
4- National Folk Heritage Museum-
Folk Heritage Museum will give you a glimpse of Bhutanese traditional lifestyle, their values, and heritage. The museum was built in 2001 in a three-storied timber and earth building which still holds the authenticity.
Main attractions: The household artifacts and the museum itself
Opening time: Weekdays- 10:30 am to 4:30 pm, Saturdays- 10:30 am to 1 pm, Sundays- 11:30 am to 3:30 pm
Traveling to Bhutan is like a dream come true where you can explore each and every place of Bhutan. It is a bit difficult along the roads but reaching your destination gives you the satisfaction like never before. So travel and enjoy Bhutan.