How to get to Bandel
The Basilica of our Lady of Bandel, is situated in the town of the same name, at Hooghly, West Bengal, India.

BY AIR
The closest International Airport is the Netaji Shubas International Airport, at Calcutta (Kolkata). Most International destinations have a connecting filght from New Delhi, in case a direct flight to Calcutta is unavailable.
Almost all National Destinations have direct flights to the Netaji Shubas Airport's Domestic Terminal.

Once you arrive at Calcutta, the following two options are available to you:

TRAIN FROM HOWRAH STATION
You can catch a local train from Howrah Station to Bandel Junction. Click here for Timetables of various local trains plying to Bandel. From the station, take a cycle-rickshaw or bus to the church. (You may also want to try a somewhat long - 30 mins. or so - walk... if you are the energetic type!)

ROAD FROM CALCUTTA
Cross Bally Bridge (Vivekananda Setu), the old Howrah Bridge (Rabindra Setu) or the New Bridge (Vidyasagar Setu) to the Delhi Road (NH 1). At Dankuni, go ahead to where the NH 34 connects to the GT Road at Mogra, and go back about 6 k.m. to Bandel. OR Take the earlier diversion to Chinsura (Chuchura) and get connected to the G.T. Road, and proceed to Bandel town. Click here for a guide map of the route.

Types of Visits to The Shrine

Most visitors to the shrine come with the following purposes in mind:

A Day at the Shrine : Such a pilgrim would visits the various spots of devotion, and spend the day in reflection and prayer. Mass at the Basilica would be a part of the day. Confessions and resource persons from among the clergy are available for the spiritual care of all pilgrims.

Make a Retreat : For further information on retreats, and the Bandel Retreat House, please click here.

Private Orientation or Spiritual programme : Parish, prayer or other types of groups or families, may come to the Shrine to hold a day of prayer or orientation, often with their own resource persons. The Basilica also makes available, on request, resource persons/animators for such small groups. To contact the Basilica staff, click here.

Attend Feasts and Other Celebrations at the Basilica : More information and a calendar of such Feasts and Events can be had by clicking here.

Appointment with the Prior : The Prior briefly interacts with all pilgrims to the Shrine who wish to meet him. However, for any other reason, or longer more specific meetings, you may book an appoint with the Prior, by clicking here.

Accomodation at the Shrine

There are 18 rooms at the disposal of the Pilgrims. Each room has an attached bathroom and is furnished with 2 beds, a table and 2 chairs. You can ask for one on arrival depending on availability. A contribution of Rs.50/- per day or Rs.100/- day and night is solicited for the same.

For food, there are Restaurants nearby, around the Basilica, that serve warm meals, snacks & beverages.

Please click here to see a general notice to all visitors to the Basilica of Our Lady of Bandel.