Sundarbans

Sundarbans invites you to explore the jungle, animals both unique and endangered, the tribal life and an exclusive solidarity with nature's bounties.

Feast your eyes on serene expanses of green forests and vast azure waters at the isles of Sundarbans. The largest mangrove forest of the world is a resplendent sight with its majestic flora and fauna. The Sundarbans, adorning the southern stretch of West Bengal tempts you with its unadulterated natural bounty that soothes your weary soul. The Sunderban National Park boasts multiple accolades as a Tiger Reserve, a biosphere, a UNESCO world heritage site, and as the abode of a mesmerizing range of wildlife, from the most popular Royal Bengal tiger to innumerable birds and reptiles.

Must Visit

Sundarbans is a place that will tempt you to explore. The boats sail deep into creeks until close enough to touch land. Sit with cameras poised, eyes peeled and ears cocked to suddenly spot a wild animal just carelessly appearing before you to experience the thrill of the backwater and the forest.

Best time to visit

The winter months from October to March constitute the peak tourist season when the temperatures are comfortable enough for you to explore the delta at large. It is also the ideal time to view migratory birds, or Olive Ridley turtles and crocodiles. Summer is considered the best time for safaris as wildlife can often be found quenching their thirst in open ponds.

Trivia

Named after the “Sundari” trees that encircle the dusky islands, Sundarbans has been charmingly dubbed the “beautiful forest” and you can discover why!

Interest

A dense mangrove forest, the Sundarbans diverse flora and fauna make it a unique ecosystem that attracts tourists worldwide. Of course, the famed Royal Bengal Tiger, saltwater crocodiles, spotted deer, and numerous bird species are the highlights.

Destination at a glance

SUNDARBAN WEATHER
The stay at Sundarbans is as exciting as all that encompasses this abode of nature. From luxurious resorts to more rustic settlements where the experience of the jungle life is most conspicuous, Sundarbans is ready to welcome you to witness the bounty of nature complete with its scintillating flora and fauna while also allowing you a respite from your tedious unadventurous everyday life.

Standard

Hotel Sonar Bangla

Resort | Standard | Dulki

pool games spa restaurant local_bar

Starts @ ₹ 8,398/-

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Sundarban Tiger Camp

Resort | Standard | Dayapur

pool games spa restaurant local_bar

Starts @ ₹ 7,490/-

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Economy

Gramer Bari Eco Resort

Resort | Economy | Gobindakati

pool games spa restaurant local_bar

Starts @ ₹ 4,000/-

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Royal Sundarban Wild

Resort | Economy | Jharkhali

pool games spa restaurant local_bar

Starts @ ₹ 6,500/-

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Solitary Nook Resort

Resort | Economy | Pakhiralaya

pool games spa restaurant local_bar

Starts @ ₹ 2,499/-

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Sundarban Gateway Resort

Resort | Economy | Dulki

pool games spa restaurant local_bar

Starts @ ₹ 9,500/-

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Sundarban Residency

Resort | Economy | Sadhupur

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Starts @ ₹ 7,000/-

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Sundarban Riverside Holiday Resort

Resort | Economy | Dayapur

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Starts @ ₹ 8,000/-

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Sundarban Tiger Roar Resort

Resort | Economy | Jamespur

pool games spa restaurant local_bar

Starts @ ₹ 3,500/-

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Tora Eco Resort

Resort | Economy | Bally

pool games spa restaurant local_bar

Starts @ ₹ 7,999/-

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A retreat to the arms of nature is the perfect antidote to the unending hustle and bustle of city life. Digha is a nature lover’s paradise, with its stunning beaches and peaceful environment. Sitting on the beach, a young coconut in hand, as the undulating waves brush past your feet intermittently - this serenity is the coastal town’s defining experience. Take your pick of the New Digha or the Old Digha beaches or the neighbouring Udaipur, Shankarpur, Chandpur or Talasari beaches for a memorable day by the sea.

Piyali River Wildlife sight-seeing

Sundarbans, West Bengal 743370

The panoramic view of gushing river currents will have your cameras clicking away for the perfect shot! With the cheerful gurgling of the waves to accompany your escapades and green expanses to explore, you are sure to experience a vibrant picture of tourism here.

Good To Know: The famous Piyali and Matla rivers meet to give rise to a gorgeous delta that has become popular as a romantic holiday escape.
Timing
Entry
Duration
Open On
Sunrise - Sunset
No Fee
1 - 2 hours
All Days

Sundarban National Park Wildlife sight-seeing

Sundarbans, West Bengal 743370

A verdant landscape where Royal Bengal tigers stroll freely with the endangered Batagur Baska river turtles and red hermit crabs lazing by the ponds- that is the magical appeal of Sundarbans. Large crocodiles floating with only their snouts above water can cause twin pangs of fear and excitement.

Good To Know: Wildlife enthusiasts have a chance of discovering creatures like leopards, Indian grey mongoose, wild boars, and many more.
Timing
Entry
Duration
Open On
Sunrise - Sunset
No Fee
1 - 2 hours
All Days

Sajnekhali Bird Sanctuary Bird Watching, Wildlife sight-seeing

Sajnekhali, West Bengal 743370

As opposed to the thrill of the tiger reserve, the bird sanctuary is joyfully cacophonous, especially in the migratory season. Bird watchers are advised to keep binoculars and lenses handy as birds of diverse species can be found nestled in branches hiding with skilful camouflage.

Good To Know: Species to spot include egrets, herons, kingfishers, sandpipers, plovers, white-bellied sea eagles, whimbrels, curfews, and lapwings; the sanctuary also houses a breeding colony for herons.
Timing
Entry
Duration
Open On
Sunrise - Sunset
No Fee
1 - 2 hours
All Days

Hiran Point Wildlife sight-seeing

Sundarban National Park, West Bengal

Make a stop at Hiran Point on your river safari to be amazed by the picturesque setting of the island. Be ready for a glimpse of wildlife the moment you alight from your boat as deer and monkeys. Crocodiles and even tigers can be commonly spotted.

Good To Know: With the beautiful view of tranquil water to gaze upon the place is also naturally a good lodging point and you may enjoy a cosy stay at the Mongla Port authority rest house by reserving in advance.
Timing
Entry
Duration
Open On
Sunrise - Sunset
No Fee
1 - 2 hours
All Days

Henry Island Wildlife sight-seeing

Sundarbans, West Bengal 743370

You cannot miss out on the bustling beach resort destination, Henry Island, which is as animated and enjoyable as it is beautiful! The sandy terrain is dotted by scattered mangroves as well as casuarinas trees. The beach is an awesome location to watch the most gorgeous sunsets that paint the powdery blue skies in a palette of vivid red, pink and golden.

Good To Know: Food lovers must make it a point to savor the locally farmed fish and other seafood on this island which are unmatched in their deliciousness.
Timing
Entry
Duration
Open On
Sunrise - Sunset
No Fee
1 - 2 hours
All Days

Sundarban Mangrove Safari, Sight-seeing

Sundarbans, West Bengal 743370

Until the nineteenth century when the British mapped the landscape, large parts of the forest remained uncharted, unexplored, and enshrouded in woody darkness, large parts of it were declared as reserve forests. Slowly the Sundarbans you know today emerged as a wildlife sanctuary in 1977 and then as a national park in 1984.

Good To Know: Today you can boast about visiting a world heritage site as declared by UNESCO and happily look forward to spotting Royal Bengal Tigers behind the billowy curtains of mangroves!
Timing
Entry
Duration
Open On
Sunrise - Sunset
No Fee
1 - 2 hours
All Days

Boat Safari Wildlife sight-seeing

Sundarbans, West Bengal 743370

The boat safari is the oldest service offered by the government here and requires you to sacrifice a little sleep for a good cause! The early hours of the day are considered the best for bird watching. Keep your cameras ready to capture the graceful gaits of tigers roaming in the forest.

Good To Know: Privately run boat rentals are available daily with government-mandated permits like forest entry fees and video camera fees.
Timing
Entry
Duration
Open On
Sunrise - Sunset
No Fee
1 - 2 hours
All Days

Cruise Safari Wildlife sight-seeing

Sundarbans, West Bengal 743370

Travelling by cruise in grouptours can take you to the famous points of Sudhanyakhali, Sajnekhali, Jhinga Kali, and Dobanki watchtowers. Experience a hotel on the waters and the merry company of fellow tourists on cruises you can even book online.

Good To Know: SunderbanChalo, VivadaSunderban, Sundarbans Jungle Camp, and Tour de Sunderban offer private cruise tours where you have the luxury of tailoring your journey to your taste!
Timing
Entry
Duration
Open On
Sunrise - Sunset
No Fee
1 - 2 hours
All Days

Sudhanyakhali Watch Tower Wildlife sight-seeing

Sudhanyakhali, West Bengal 743370

Famous for frequent tiger sightings, The Sudhanyakhali watchtower gives you a chance to gaze upon the forest unimpeded and perhaps spot tawny fur or amber eyes within the shrubby land. Take your leisurely time at the spot and wait for the regal beings to step into view.

Good To Know: A sweet water pond nearby also attracts other animals like wild boars or deer.
Timing
Entry
Duration
Open On
Sunrise - Sunset
No Fee
1 - 2 hours
All Days

Sajnekhali Watch Tower Wildlife sight-seeing

Sajnekhali, West Bengal 743370

Watchtowers at the Sundarbans offer exceptional views from higher vantage points. The Sundarbans has many special locations where you will be led to get the most out of your safaris. Sajnekhali is especially rife with the activity of birds like the kingfisher, pelicans, sandpipers, and white-bellied sea-eagle as it's a spot that bird lovers should not miss out on.

Good To Know: You can include other watchtowers of Netidhopani, Bonnie Camp, and Jhingekhali in your travel plan if you crave more of the experience.
Timing
Entry
Duration
Open On
Sunrise - Sunset
No Fee
1 - 2 hours
All Days

Dobanki Watch Tower Wildlife sight-seeing

Dobanki Camp, South, West Bengal 743370

Known for its half a kilometre canopy walk, the Dobanki Watch Tower is a site that must be visited if walking with the wild is something you desire, though 20 meters off the ground. The long walk will allow you to spot tigers freely roaming the camp, chital deer, monitor lizards, storks, raptors and so many more creatures.

Good To Know: You can also visit the Bonbibi Temple to have your fill of the authentic tribal experience and pray for divine protection in these jungles.
Timing
Entry
Duration
Open On
Sunrise - Sunset
No Fee
1 - 2 hours
All Days
Moderate to high temperatures and high humidity, are common in the Sundarbans and you can choose your time of visit to get the best experience of the mangrove forest. The summers tend to be quite hot but it is the monsoons that are most feared by the locals due to heavy rainfall that leads to dangerous floods in this low-lying wetland. The weather takes a more pleasant turn towards the end of the year with winter when the temperatures are soothing and the waters more peaceful making this season recommended for tourism.

Spring February

Spring is pleasant as the chill of winter is fading out to usher in the heat of summer. It is a good time to visit the park before the summer heat strikes.

Good To Know: The season is good for scouting the jungle and the sanctuaries.
Temperature
Humidity
Precipitation
18° C - 31° C
68%
22 mm

Summer March - May

Summer in Sunderban is mostly extremely hot and temperatures can soar from 20 -42 degrees Celsius. Locals are plagued by heatwaves and the paucity of drinkable water as ponds and estuaries run dry. These adverse circumstances make tourism difficult for all but tenacious wildlife lovers.

Good To Know: The summers force animals to venture out in search of water, crocodiles and crabs lay drowsily in the muddy cold salt pools so if you can brave the heat and discomfort you may catch some memorable shots on your cameras.
Temperature
Humidity
Precipitation
24° C - 34° C
80%
310 mm

Monsoon June - September

Monsoons straddle the line between disaster and rejuvenation for the delta. With the rising water level and the threat of submerging islands, heavy rains are feared by the locals. The river usually overflows which makes travel next to impossible, and access to the wildlife parks and sanctuaries is completely shut off.

Good To Know: This is a time when nature rejoices as temperatures dip down to 25-30 degrees Celsius. The mangroves and other flora grow abundantly lush and thick and the wildlife also enters their breeding season.Often reached after traversing over the eroded rocks stacked on the edge of the sands, the beach is a stunning spot for bathing under the sun or in the sea.
Temperature
Humidity
Precipitation
28° C - 32° C
88%
415 mm

Autumn October

Temperatures begin dropping to set in the cool winter in Sundarbans which makes autumn a good and pleasant period to visit. The forest is greener due to the monsoon rains and the atmosphere is fresh.

Good To Know: The animals and their surroundings appear revived fue to the monsoon rains which lends the forest a renewed charm.
Temperature
Humidity
Precipitation
21° C - 30° C
81%
221 mm

Winter November - February

Winters are a welcome reprieve after the heat and humidity of summer and monsoon. The temperatures are at a comfortable 10-30 degrees Celsius with nights being colder. The cool breeze is invigorating so you feel enthused to participate in all the activities from safaris to bird-watching or simply relax at your accommodation with a gorgeous view of the mangroves and rivers.

Good To Know: The parks are open as animals and birds are prone to roam more freely. You should choose this time to best enjoy travels by boat as the river is gentle and calming.
Temperature
Humidity
Precipitation
16° C - 26° C
66%
12 mm
You may begin your journey from either Kolkata or Dhaka and travel into the backwaters through different types of transport which make for an exciting holiday! From Kolkata, you take a coach to Canning or go by road as far as the towns of Raidighi, Najat, or Namkhana. You will find launch and motorboat services available at all these places leaving no room for worry. Prepare to enter the dense network of forests and rivers where you will even have the opportunity to stay on houseboats!

Airway NSC Bose Intl. Airport

The airport nearest to the Sundarbans is the Netaji Subhash Chandra Airport in Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal. The airport is a hub of lively activity connected to all major cities of India and international cities as well. You can fly in from any corner of the country and beyond to visit the majestic delta in comfort. Cars for hire and tourist buses are available from the airport that reach the Sundarbans by road in about three hours.

Distance
Road - 192 km
Driving - 4 hours 40 mins
Routes
Via NH16 & NH 116B - Esplanade - Howrah - Panchla - Bagnan - Kolaghat - Nandakumar - Bajkul - Henria - Marishda - Kanthi - Mandarmani - Digha

Railway Sealdah

The Sundarbans is a remote delta that is practically independent of the land. As such, you cannot reach it by railways alone. However, there are plenty of trains that will take you to Canning from where you can travel by bus or car to reach one of the points like Sonakhali or Sajnekhali. These are the places from where boats and launches are available and tourists can travel the last leg of their journey directly on the waters of Sunderban.

Distance
Road - 179 Kms
Driving - 4 hours 40 mins
Routes
Howrah - Panchla - Bagnan - Kolaghat - Nandakumar - Bajkul - Henria - Marishda - Kanthi - Mandarmani - Digha

Roadway Esplanade

From the major cities of West Bengal, there is a busy circuit of roads and highways where you can travel by bus, cab, or your vehicle to reach Sonakhali, Godkhali, Namkhana, Canning, Raidighi, or Najat, where the trees will engulf you in a soothing embrace. Moreover, the routes branch off towards popular beach destinations so you can continue your sojourn on a long holiday. From any of the local towns where accommodation is found, you can easily board the boats for a safari or the cruise for luxurious travel and longer stays.

Distance
182 Kms
Driving - 4 hours 40 mins
Routes
Esplanade - Howrah - Panchla - Bagnan - Kolaghat - Nandakumar - Bajkul - Henria - Marishda - Kanthi - Mandarmani - Digha

Local Transport Rental

Riverine waterways are the exciting mode of transport here. Since the Sundarbans are spread across more than fifty islands, the only way to reach them is by water. It makes for a memorable experience as you travel from one tourist spot to another by motorboats or launches which are specially designed to be extremely quiet to avoid spooking the wild animals. The boats also take you close to banks where crocodiles or turtles rest and you may even find the bumpy hide of a reptile right next to your boat's hull.

Mode
Van, Auto Rickshaw, Cycle rickshaw, Motor Bike

FAQs

Opposed to popular belief, you should visit the Sundarbans to experience the rugged forest life and not just to spot the famed royal Bengal tigers. Though there are about 96 of them including cubs, there haven’t been many regular sightings which is why it can be quite disappointing if you spend your entire visit fixated on the same. On the contrary, cruising the delta and taking morning boat rides in the narrow canals will allow you a surreal experience of nature by spotting rare species of medicinal plants, the charming Sundari trees all around and rare birds and animals of the wild. Visit the delta for itself and let the tigers be a bonus to your thrilling trip here.

Yes, it is safe provided you stay within the protected areas of the forest. Travelling in small groups will allow you to venture deeper into the forest where bigger boats and cruises cannot enter. However, venturing on your own is very dangerous as the forest is impenetrable in some parts that are better left untraversed without supervision and special protection.

The stay at Sundarbans is sure to add to your forest experience. If you enjoy the thrill of camping then you should opt for camps beside watchtowers or resorts which provide camping facilities. If you prefer to have a more relaxed vacation and enjoy luxuries in the mangrove forest then the Tiger Camp Resort, Hotel Sonar Bangla, Tiger Roar Resort and Tora Eco Resort are options that will delight you.

To have a relaxed tour of the mangrove forest and visit all the popular sites would take about 3 to 4 days. Some of the top sites to be visited are the Sundarban National Park, Sajnekhali Bird Sanctuary, Sudhanyakhali and Sajnekhali Watch Towers, Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project, Netidhopani and Kanak Islands among others. Crocodiles, birds, an age-old temple and the ferocious tigers can all be found in these places along with sightings of more of the wild.

You must carry your Id proof while travelling to Sundarbans. Cash in small denominations should also be taken as there are no ATMs inside the forest. Mosquito repellants and other ointments that will keep the insects at bay along with comfortable clothes suitable for the weather you will be travelling in are also advisable to carry to have the desired forest experience.

You can begin your journey from Kolkata at Sealdah Station. The train will take you to Canning in about 1 hour 30 minutes. From this point on there are multiple routes you can take to get to the isles of Sundarbans. A bus or car can be taken from Canning to Godakhali, Sonakhali, Koikhali or Jharkhali depending on where you have chosen to stay for your trip. From the ferry ghat of these spots, you need to take a motor boat or launch to venture into the heart of the mangrove forest. If you’re more comfortable travelling by bus then you can also board one from Esplanade to reach Canning and follow the same route from then onward. Since the Sundarbans mainly consist of a set of islands, one of which you’ll be staying at, riverine transport is the only way to travel around the place which has a unique thrill of its own.

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