How pandal hopping by cab works
Tell us your pickup point, the day and the circuit you want. The driver drops you as close to each pandal as police barricades allow and waits at an agreed point while you queue and walk. On Saptami to Navami, many roads near the big pujas become one-way or pedestrian-only from the afternoon, so the car moves between clusters while you cover each cluster on foot.
Start in the afternoon if you want shorter queues and daylight photographs. Start after 9pm if you want lights and atmosphere, and expect the busiest hours between 10pm and 3am on Ashtami and Navami.
- Driver waits at agreed pickup points
- AC hatchback, sedan, SUV or tempo traveller
- Pickup from home, hotel, airport or station
- Parking and tolls billed at actuals
Which circuit to choose
North Kolkata is where community Durga Puja began. Bagbazar, Kumartuli and Ahiritola sit close to the river, and Kumartuli's idol-makers' lanes are worth a walk in the days before Shashthi. The Shovabazar Rajbari puja dates from 1757.
South Kolkata is where the large theme pandals compete. Ekdalia, Singhi Park, Deshapriya Park, Tridhara and Suruchi Sangha are within a few kilometres of each other, so one evening covers many. Salt Lake's FD, BJ and AE Block pujas are calmer and easier with children or elderly family members.
Bonedi Bari pujas are the old household pujas of North and Central Kolkata. They are smaller, quieter and best visited in daylight on Saptami or Ashtami morning.
Puja holiday trips out of Kolkata
Many families use the Puja break for a short trip. Beaches like Digha and Mandarmani are an easy drive after Dashami. The hills (Darjeeling, Gangtok) are in their clear post-monsoon season. Book these early, because cars and hotels for the Puja week fill up first.
Booking tips for the Puja week
Cars for Ashtami and Navami nights are booked out first. Share your date, start time, number of people and preferred circuit on WhatsApp, and you get a confirmed quote with the car type. Senior citizens and wheelchair users should mention it so the driver plans drop points with less walking.
Outstation cabs for Durga Puja 2026
Indicative one-way fares from Kolkata. The final quote is confirmed at booking.
| Route | Distance | Hatchback | Sedan | SUV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kolkata to Digha | 185 km · 4–5 hrs | ₹2090 | ₹2470 | ₹3050 |
| Kolkata to Mandarmani | 175 km · 4–4.5 hrs | ₹1980 | ₹2340 | ₹2890 |
| Kolkata to Darjeeling | 620 km · 12–13 hrs | ₹6870 | ₹8120 | ₹10010 |
| Kolkata to Gangtok | 675 km · 13–14 hrs | ₹7480 | ₹8840 | ₹10890 |
| Kolkata to Puri | 500 km · 9–10 hrs | ₹5550 | ₹6560 | ₹8090 |
| Kolkata to Shantiniketan | 165 km · 3.5–4 hrs | ₹1870 | ₹2210 | ₹2730 |
Frequently asked questions
When is Durga Puja 2026 in Kolkata?
Durga Puja 2026 runs from Maha Shashthi on Saturday 17 October to Vijaya Dashami on Wednesday 21 October. Mahalaya was on Saturday 10 October 2026.
How much does a pandal hopping cab cost in Kolkata?
The fare depends on hours, kilometres, car type and the night you book. Share your plan on WhatsApp for a confirmed quote. Parking and tolls are charged at actuals.
Can the driver wait while we visit pandals?
Yes. The driver waits at agreed pickup points near each cluster of pandals, because cars cannot stop at pandal gates on the busy nights.
Which are the best pandals to visit in North Kolkata?
Bagbazar Sarbojanin, Kumartuli Park, Ahiritola Sarbojanin, Shovabazar Rajbari, College Square, Santosh Mitra Square and Mohammad Ali Park are the usual North Kolkata circuit.
Which are the best pandals to visit in South Kolkata?
Ekdalia Evergreen, Singhi Park, Deshapriya Park, Tridhara Sammilani, Suruchi Sangha, Chetla Agrani, Badamtala Ashar Sangha and 66 Pally are the most visited South Kolkata pujas.
Do you offer all-night pandal hopping on Ashtami and Navami?
Yes, the all-night package covers up to 12 hours with North and South Kolkata pujas in one trip. Book early, as these nights sell out first.