📍 Temple Address
108 Shiv Mandir (Naba Kailash Temple)
Ambika Kalna, Purba Bardhaman District
West Bengal — 713405, India
Distance from Kolkata: ~90 km | Distance from Bardhaman: ~50 km
By Train — The Most Recommended Option
Travelling by train is by far the most convenient, comfortable, and scenic way to reach the 108 Shiv Mandir. The Ambika Kalna Railway Station is located on the Howrah–Katwa Branch Line of the Eastern Railway zone, and the town is well-connected to Kolkata (Howrah) and Bardhaman by regular train services throughout the day.
From Kolkata (Howrah)
Distance: ~90 km
Nearest Junction: Bandel Junction
Route: Howrah → Bandel Junction → Ambika Kalna
Travel Time: 2.5–3.5 hours
Trains: Katwa–Howrah local, Jirat local; change at Bandel for Katwa-line trains
Tip: Bandel is the key junction — take any Howrah–Burdwan main-line train to Bandel, then board the Bandel–Katwa branch-line train to Ambika Kalna station.
From Bardhaman
Distance: ~50 km
Route: Bardhaman → Katwa → Ambika Kalna
Travel Time: ~1.5–2 hours
Trains: Regular passenger trains on the Bardhaman–Katwa line, then change to Bandel–Katwa line at Katwa for Ambika Kalna
Tip: Bardhaman makes an excellent base for devotees coming from western India — overnight trains from Delhi/Kolkata arrive at Bardhaman, from where the day-trip to Kalna is very manageable.
From Delhi / North India
Route: Delhi → Kolkata (Howrah) by express train → then Howrah to Ambika Kalna
Key Trains: Rajdhani Express, Duronto Express, Poorva Express (Howrah Rajdhani fastest at ~17 hrs)
Alternative: Delhi → Bardhaman (some express trains have stops at Bardhaman)
Tip: Plan to arrive Howrah/Bardhaman a day before your temple visit to avoid fatigue. Many dharamshalas and hotels near the temple can be booked for overnight stays.
By Bus / Road
From Kolkata: Buses from Esplanade and Howrah Bus Stand toward Katwa or Burdwan, with a change or stop at Kalna. Travel time ~2.5–3 hours depending on traffic
From Bardhaman: Direct buses available; ~1.5 hours by road
Nearest NH: NH-2 (Kolkata–Delhi) to Bardhaman, then State Highway to Kalna
By Car/Taxi: Kolkata → Kalna via NH-2 and State Highway; approximately 2–2.5 hours by private vehicle
From Ambika Kalna Station to the Temple
Once you arrive at Ambika Kalna Railway Station, the 108 Shiv Mandir is located approximately 1.5–2 km from the station — very easily reachable by multiple means of local transport that are readily available outside the station throughout the day.
| Mode | Distance | Time | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🛺 Auto Rickshaw | ~1.5 km | ~5–8 minutes | ₹20–50 per person |
| 🚲 Cycle Rickshaw | ~1.5 km | ~10–15 minutes | ₹30–60 per ride |
| 🚶 Walking | ~1.5 km | ~15–20 minutes | Free (pleasant walk) |
| 🏍️ Toto (E-Rickshaw) | ~1.5 km | ~5–10 minutes | ₹15–30 per person |
Note for walkers: The walk from Ambika Kalna station to the temple complex passes through the charming heritage streets of Kalna town and goes past several other historic temples, making it a delightful and enriching experience in itself. Devotees with sufficient time and comfortable footwear are encouraged to walk and absorb the sacred atmosphere of this ancient temple town at a leisurely pace.
By Air — Nearest Airport
The nearest major airport to Kalna is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) in Kolkata, located approximately 95–100 km from Ambika Kalna. From the airport, you can take a taxi or cab to Howrah Railway Station (approximately 15–20 km depending on traffic) and then board a train to Ambika Kalna, as described above.
Alternatively, you can hire a private taxi directly from the Kolkata airport to Kalna (approximately 2.5–3 hours by road). This is a more expensive but direct option, particularly suitable for small groups or families visiting from outside Bengal.
Nearby Cities — Distance Chart
| City / Location | Distance | Approximate Travel Time | Best Mode |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kolkata (Howrah) | ~90 km | 2.5–3 hrs | Train (via Bandel) |
| Bardhaman | ~50 km | 1.5–2 hrs | Train/Bus/Car |
| Bandel | ~35 km | 45 min–1 hr | Train (direct branch line) |
| Katwa | ~25 km | 30–45 min | Train/Bus |
| Shantiniketan (Bolpur) | ~65 km | 1.5–2 hrs | Car/Taxi |
| Durgapur | ~80 km | 2 hrs | Car/Bus |
| Nabadwip | ~40 km | 1–1.5 hrs | Bus/Car (across Bhagirathi) |
| Murshidabad | ~85 km | 2–2.5 hrs | Car/Bus |
| Delhi | ~1,500 km | 17–20 hrs (train) | Train to Kolkata/Bardhaman |
Combining with Other Kalna Temples — The Temple Town Circuit
Kalna is such a treasure trove of temple heritage that a single visit to the 108 Shiv Mandir alone does not do justice to the town's extraordinary spiritual and cultural wealth. Devotees and tourists who have the time are strongly encouraged to combine their visit to the 108 Shiv Mandir with a tour of Kalna's other magnificent temples, all within a short walking distance of each other.
- Pratapeswar Temple — A stunning example of Bengal's pancha-ratna (five-towered) temple style, known for its exquisite terracotta panels
- Lalji Temple — Dedicated to Lord Krishna, featuring some of the finest terracotta artwork in all of Bengal
- Krishnachandra Temple — A magnificent example of the ek-ratna (single-towered) temple style with richly decorated exterior walls
- Rajbari (Royal Palace) — The historic palace of the Bardhaman maharajas, which, though partially in ruins, still speaks powerfully of the grandeur of the royal era
- Bhagirathi Ghat — The sacred river ghat where devotees take a ritual bath before proceeding to the temples — the sight of the Bhagirathi at sunrise or sunset is one of the most beautiful natural spectacles in Bengal
Where to Stay Near 108 Shiv Mandir Kalna
Kalna itself offers limited accommodation options, making it most suitable as a day trip from Kolkata or Bardhaman. However, a few dharamshalas and small guesthouses operate in and around the town for pilgrims who prefer to stay overnight, particularly those who wish to attend the early morning Mangala Aarti or the night-long celebrations on Mahashivratri.
- Temple Dharamshalas: Simple, clean dormitory-style accommodation managed by temple trusts; contact the temple administration for availability
- Bardhaman City Hotels: Bardhaman town (~50 km away) offers a wider range of accommodation from budget hotels to comfortable mid-range options; suitable for those visiting for 2–3 days
- Kolkata Hotels: For visitors combining the Kalna temple visit with a Kolkata trip, staying in Kolkata and making a day excursion to Kalna is the most popular arrangement
Google Maps & Directions
Search "108 Shiv Mandir Kalna" or "Naba Kailash Temple Ambika Kalna" on Google Maps for turn-by-turn navigation
💡 Practical Travel Tips
• Start early from Kolkata (7–8 AM) to reach the temple by mid-morning for a relaxed darshan before the midday closure
• Carry sufficient cash — ATMs are available in Kalna town but may be limited near the temple area
• Wear comfortable footwear — you will be removing your shoes at the temple and walking on stone surfaces
• Dress modestly and in traditional attire if possible — light cotton kurta/saree is ideal for the Bengal climate
• In summer (March–June), carry water and a hat/umbrella — the open temple compound can get very warm
• During Mahashivratri and Shravan month, book accommodation and train tickets well in advance as the town sees massive pilgrim traffic