Youth icon and 19th Century philosopher Swami Vivekananda’s life has inspired several luminaries across the country and outside. Now one can visit two important places associated with the life of the cyclonic monk, Swami Vivekananda’s Ancestral Home and the Belur Math, which now on will be connected with Trams and boats, so that visitors can enjoy their trips on the traditional transport system of the city of joy.
Earlier, the only option to visit the Belur Math located on the other side of river Ganges in Howrah District was only by road. There was no dedicated water service. To visit the Ancestral home, one has take car, public transport and tram but there was no fixed tour plan in place. Now with this arrangement the system will be changed forever.
The West Bengal Transport Corporation (WBTC) is starting a day trip package called ‘Vivek Yatra’ on every Sunday covering Ramakrishna Mission Swami Vivekananda’s Ancestral House & Cultural Centre and Belur Math by a mix of two wonderful transport modes, Tram and Boat. Each Sunday, the Vivek Yatra guests will embark on a 8 hour tour for just Rs 200. This is far more affordable and also the best way to visit both the places associated with the life of Swami Vivekananda.
The Vivek Yatra Guests will start the tour by the AC tram from Esplanade at around 11am. The guests will reach Swami Vivekananda’s Ancestral House & Cultural Centre at around 11.30 am. At the Ancestral Home and Museum, they can see the Museum and also enjoy the 3D movie on Swamij’s life.
The ticket for entry to Museum (otherwise Rs 10) and 3D movie (otherwise Rs 20) are included in the package cost. Thereafter, the guests will get a break for enjoying the area around the Museum and also have lunch or snacks at famed places like Basant Cabin or Star Theatre. These will be as per their choice, not a part of the package ticket.
Then the guests, will leave on the AC Tram and reach Armenian Ghat and catch a dedicated Vivek Yatra Water Vessel for Belur Math. They will reach Belur Math in around an hour riding through the river Ganges. After visiting Belur Math, the vessel will leave Belur Jetty at 05.30 pm thereby reaching Millenium Park Ghat by around 7pm. The cost of the entire one day trip has been kept really affordable, a mere Rs 200 per person.
