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Haliday Island Wildlife Sanctuary is part of the Sundarbans Reserve Forest in the Indian state of West Bengal. The sanctuary is named after a British colonial official and is one of the several protected forests in Sundarbans. Haliday Island covers a relatively small area and is renowned as a last retreat for the endangered Bengal Tiger. It houses numerous species of birds, spotted deer, and other wildlife. In this comprehensive guide, let’s learn about the wildlife sanctuary timings and more about the location before booking your trip here.
Location
Photo: Sabbir Rahaman / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Before booking your trip, it is essential to know the Haliday Island Wildlife Sanctuary address. The sanctuary is located near the town of Canning, approximately 100 kilometres from Kolkata. The sanctuary is famous for its rich biodiversity, which includes various species like birds, reptiles, etc., thus making it one of the best places for taking Haliday Island wildlife sanctuary photos.
How To Reach
Photo: Das kr. / Wikimedia Commons
By Road: You can drive or take a taxi from Kolkata, which is about 100 kilometres away. The journey is scenic, so you will enjoy it.
By Train: The closest railway stations are Canning and Basanti. From either of the stations, you could avail yourself of local transportation in the form of an auto-rickshaw or taxi to reach the sanctuary.
By Air: The nearest airport is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, about 100 kilometres away. From there, hire a taxi or use ride-sharing services to reach the city and then continue your journey to the sanctuary.
Things To Do
1. Bird Watching
Photo: David Dibert / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The wildlife sanctuary is a haven for birdwatchers because of different species of birds. The visitor is allowed to walk through the various extensive ecosystems of the sanctuary during either its migratory or local bird periods. Please bring your binoculars and camera to capture breathtaking moments from nature lovers to photographers, making it one of the best wildlife sanctuary activities.
2. Boat Safaris
Photo: Aswathy N / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Other attractions you will like there include guided boat safaris along the waterways into the sanctuary to experience its beauty. You will have a different look at the mangroves and wildlife, such as crocodiles and other birds. Nature immersion experiences that are peaceful will permit you to get absorbed into your surroundings on Haliday Island.
Places To Visit Near Haliday Island Wildlife Sanctuary
1. Sundarbans National Park
Photo: Soumyajit Nandy / Wikimedia Commons
Sundarbans National Park is located in Bangladesh, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its large territory of different ecosystems. However, one of the main attractions is the legendary Royal Bengal Tiger. Since it comprises waterways and mangroves, one can go on boat safaris to explore diverse wildlife, ranging from crocodiles to many birds. The guided tours usually consist of local flora and fauna-based knowledge to make it more meaningful to nature lovers.
Best Time To Visit: November to March
Entry Fees: ₹75 for Indians & ₹300 for foreigners
2. Canning
Photo: Sanketh Rao / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Canning is a quaint town that forms a gateway to the Sundarbans. The local markets throb with Bengali cuisine and handicraft shops, where one can taste authentic Bengali food and shop for beautiful handicrafts. Rivers and lush greenery characterise the town, making it an excellent place for relaxation after going around the sanctuary. Cultural experiences are accessible, especially during festivals, as the city celebrates when the tourists visit the location with their friends and family members.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
3. Bishnupur
Photo: Arup1981 / Wikimedia Commons
Bishnupur is known for its artistic legacy in Bengal; it has some of the most beautiful terracotta temples and mighty cultural monuments. While staying here, tourists see delicate carvings and sculptures in local crafts like the Baluchari sarees and pottery. The town boasts many cultural festivals throughout the year, providing an excellent opportunity for tourists to explore traditional music and dance shows, making it a perfect day trip from Haliday Island.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
4. Kakdwip
Photo: Clem Onojeghuo / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Kakdwip is an obscure seashore town famous for its pretty beaches and fishing culture. Local seafood vendors abound with fresh catches that one can eat from the shore or take leisure boat rides into the nearby waters. The serene surroundings make Kakdwip the perfect spot to wind down after a day of safari, and it offers peeks at the local fishing culture thriving in this delta region of the Sundarbans, thus making it one of the best places to visit nearby the location.
Best Time To Visit: November to February
5. Namkhana
Photo: খাঁ শুভেন্দু / Wikimedia Commons
Namkhana is a small fishing village near the coast, offering great views of the Bay of Bengal. Visitors can indulge in fresh seafood delicacies while enjoying boat rides to explore the surrounding waters. The tranquil atmosphere of the village offers the perfect setting for relaxation, and its proximity to Sundarbans allows easy access to other nearby attractions as a beautiful stop for travellers who seek both adventure and peace, thus making the travel experience more exciting for the tourists visiting this location.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Where To Stay
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On Haliday Island, several cosy stop-overs are available to visit this place. The most popular one is the Haliday Island Eco-Tourism Centre, which is comfy and equipped with modern amenities, keeping nature lovers in mind. Basic facilities-based budget lodging is at Biharinath Tourist Point, and luxury can be enjoyed at Sunderbans Jungle Camp. Hotel Royal Bengal, with cosy rooms at reasonable prices, besides local homestays offering honest experiences and warm hospitality, allows visitors to indulge in the actual culture and ambience of the place.
Where To Eat
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Near the wildlife sanctuary, relish the local flavours that different restaurants offer. Eco-Tourism Centre Canteen: Vegetarian dishes and fast food are welcome after a long day of adventures. For Bengali cuisine, authentic fish curry and rice, go to Sree Durga Hotel. If North Indian is something that you like then Hotel Shree Ram is one of the best places to enjoy the cuisine. To taste the region’s culinary heritage, head to Maa Tara Restaurant for thalis and local delicacies or simple refreshments at Biharinath Tourist Point.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: David Xeli / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The wildlife sanctuary timing is an important thing to consider before visiting the place. The best time to visit this sanctuary is from December to February because the temperature is pleasantly cool and comfortable for tourists visiting the place during this time. The temperature during this period ranges between 10 degrees to 30 degrees.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Dariusz Sankowski / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Tips For Travellers
- Dress Appropriately: Wear the right clothes and shoes, and dress to walk and explore the sanctuary’s natural terrain.
- Carry Essentials: To enjoy outdoor activities hassle-free, pack water, food, and insect repellant.
- Photography Rules: Photography is allowed within the sanctuary, but please respect wildlife by not disturbing animals when you take their photographs.
Haliday Island Wildlife Sanctuary is a prime destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, offering stunning scenery and diverse wildlife activities like bird watching and boat safaris. The sanctuary is best visited between October and March, and entry is free, attracting many visitors. Notable wildlife includes spotted deer, wild boars, and occasionally, the Royal Bengal Tiger. Plan a trip with TripXL and embark on the adventure.
Cover Photo: Ashique Anan Abir / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
