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.
Trivia
Named after the “Sundari” trees that encircle the dusky islands, Sundarbans has been charmingly dubbed the “beautiful forest” and you can discover why!
IndulgenceSundarbans 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.
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.
The famous Piyali and Matla rivers meet to give rise to a gorgeous delta that has become popular as a romantic holiday escape.
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.
Wildlife enthusiasts have a chance of discovering creatures like leopards, Indian grey mongoose, wild boars, and many more.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sundarbans, West Bengal 743370
The island of Marichjhapi is of a different interest than its natural bounty. Marichjhapi was witness to the cruel massacre of Bengali refugees in 1979, in the aftermath of a newly elected government exercising its state powers. The tragic tale of loss and horror that is woven around the island thus makes it a place that attracts literature and history buffs alike.
As the island where Amitav Ghosh’s award-winning novel The Hungry Tide is set, it is a place known for a bloodied past.
Sundarbans, West Bengal 743370
If you like blissful promenades accompanied by sweet melodies of birdsong, you will make the most out of Halliday Island! The shrill and raucous calls of the barking deer who live here often sound equally strange and fascinating as your eyes instinctively wander to follow the sound! The location is a treat for the senses and perfect for capturing photographs.
This island is located so close to the Lothian Island Wildlife sanctuary that avid bird watchers will certainly be tempted to venture there.
Sundarbans, West Bengal 743370
Because of its shallow waters and beaches, Kanak Island has become a welcome sanctuary for the Olive Ridley turtles. Enjoy the stunning visuals of marine life at such close quarters and if you are lucky you may even spot the hatching of delicate eggs and hatchling turtles racing energetically!
Nature and wildlife lovers will be enchanted by the sight of hundreds of turtles onshore as during the breeding season, from December to March, they travel about 100kms from the mouth of the sea to the island.
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.
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.
Sundarbans, West Bengal 743370
The southern island of Netidhopani exudes an aura of mysticism as it is named after an episode in the ancient text of Shiva Purana. You can climb the tiger watchtower overlooking a freshwater pond that attracts the forest animals. On the island you will also come across the ruins of a Shiva temple over four centuries old, giving the place a mythic resonance.
This picturesque location has been noted for regular tiger sightings so keep your senses and camera ready for action!
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.
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!
Sundarbans, West Bengal 743370
Dance and music performances by local artists make for a lively ambiance that gives you an intimate glimpse of the lives of these hardworking and courageous people during the vibrant Bonbibi Pala or the drama of Bonbibi celebrated in March. They request her benevolent protection for the honey collectors or fishermen.
The dramatic performance of the myth of Bonbibi showcases the eclectic folk culture of this diversely populated delta.
Gosaba, West Bengal 743370
Ensconced in the deepest parts of the forest at Sudhanyakhali, with looming trees on either side and yet a site of extreme tranquillity is a location that perfectly suits the goddess Bonbibi’s venerable reputation. You may find reading the stories about Bonbibi that intermix myth, legend, and history while traveling leisurely on your motorboat extremely interesting.
The stories of the goddess’ victory over the tyrannical Dakshin Rai and her love for the forest are age-old tales that will entrance you on your visit here.
Nodakhali, 24 Parganas(S), 700137, West Bengal
The Sunderban Tiger Camp’s restaurant, aptly named The Fisherman's Wharf can provide you with both Indian and international cuisines albeit you must request them in advance to make time for attaining the products. Enjoying the hum of the river and forest and the fresh fishes will be the most pleasurable experience!
Nodakhali, 24 Parganas(S), 700137, West Bengal
Close to the National Park, the restaurant lists dishes from local, Indian and authentic Bengali cuisines. While you sate your appetite, your eyes can feast on the charming azalea and guava trees in their gardens and you will be serenaded by the migratory birds visiting the river bend that create euphonious melodies.
NH 117, Bakkhali, West Bengal 743339
The Sagar Kanya is a well-recognized place for travellers in West Bengal. It shares a comfortable location that gives tourists access to the beach of Bakkhali as well as the mangrove delta of the Sundarbans. Here you will find hearty and tasteful dishes at extremely affordable prices. The view of the sea from the hotel is a bonus!
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.
Privately run boat rentals are available daily with government-mandated permits like forest entry fees and video camera fees.
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.
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!
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.
A sweet water pond nearby also attracts other animals like wild boars or deer.
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.
You can include other watchtowers of Netidhopani, Bonnie Camp, and Jhingekhali in your travel plan if you crave more of the experience.
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.
You can also visit the Bonbibi Temple to have your fill of the authentic tribal experience and pray for divine protection in these jungles.
Kaikhali Road, West Bengal 743370
Although considerably distanced from Sajnekhali and other popular watch towers, the Burirdabri Watch Tower is one which sees fewer tourists but offers a splendid view of the reptiles below and a graceful vision of the Raimongal river which forms the international boundary between India and Bangladesh. The wooden bridge, mud walk, mangrove cage and the watchtower all make it a must visit site.
The wooden Watchtower can only accommodate ten people at a time.
Sundarbans, West Bengal 743371
50 feet high, the watch tower at Bonnie Camp is the tallest in Sundarbans and offers a stunning view of the jungle with creeks flowing by and animals roaming about in the premises. It also has cottages for overnight stays. The occasional growling of tigers, barking of deer or the eerie presence of another makes the experience exhilarating.
Sturdy boats and launches will take you to the camp in four to six hours from Sajnekhali. October till March is the best time to visit the camp.
Sundarbans, West Bengal 743371
The Jhingekhali watch tower allows a scenic view of the jungle with a smaller number of people hovering about. Situated on the eastern part of the Bashirhat Range, the forest is better preserved because it sees fewer visitors due to its distance from Sajnekhali. This also increases the chances of sighting tigers here.
The watch tower is often visited in accompaniment to the Burirdabri watch tower and can hold twenty people at a time.
Sundarbans, West Bengal 743370
The Sunderban Tiger Camp is the best of both worlds- that of nature and luxury. The most prestigious accommodation in the area, it houses a souvenir shop from where you can buy tokens, hats with logos of the national park, key chains, and magnets as small reminders of your trip.
If you are travelling over short distances, you can also try to take home a jar of honey from the Sundarbans which is available in a raw, unfiltered form and is famous enough to be exported both nationally and internationally.
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.
The season is good for scouting the jungle and the sanctuaries.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The animals and their surroundings appear revived fue to the monsoon rains which lends the forest a renewed charm.
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 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.
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.
