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 VisitSundarbans 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 visitThe 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.
TriviaNamed after the “Sundari” trees that encircle the dusky islands, Sundarbans has been charmingly dubbed the “beautiful forest” and you can discover why!
InterestA 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.
Savour a private moment/dance amidst all the wedding rush with your loved one!
Mystical mangroves and exotic wildlife in a UNESCO site
Haven for rare bird species and serene nature walks
Scenic spot with panoramic views and wildlife sightings
Secluded beach retreat with golden sands and tranquil waters
Unique ecosystem of dense mangroves and rich biodiversity
Explore the Sundarbans' waterways and wildlife on an adventurous cruise
Luxurious exploration of Sundarbans with stunning river and forest views
Panoramic views and wildlife spotting in the heart of the forest
Ideal for observing the rich wildlife and mangrove landscape
Elevated views for spotting tigers and exploring the dense mangroves
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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