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Sundarbans National Park is one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots, formed by the mingling of the beautiful Brahmaputra, revered Ganga, and mighty Meghna rivers. It is also one of the largest mangroves in the world and home to the Royal Bengal Tiger among many other endangered species like estuarine crocodiles, Ganga and Irawadi dolphins, a vast delta, spread across 40000 square kilometres stretching from river Hooghly in West Bengal and going all the way to river Baleswar in Bangladesh. The Sundarbans National Park was a national park in 1978, after 1973, it became a Tiger reserve under Project Tiger and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
Sundarban Location
A boat beside the rustic hut at Sundarbans National Park
One of the most interesting sights of the Sunderbans are the mangrove trees called Sundari which remain submerged during the high tides as a result the roots shoot upwards for respiration. A visit to this park will draw you into a world of its own with its creeks and tributaries forming these large mangroves, you will only hear the sounds of birds, and winds, while the shy Bengal Tiger may be hiding within this tapestry of life who is the unsung hero of the Sundarbans instrumental in the preservation of these crucial ecosystem.
How To Reach
Photo: ANKAN / Wikimedia Commons
The Sundarbans are accessible and connected by all modes of transport. This low-lying cluster of Islands is connected by air, sea, and road so you can easily reach it.
By Rail: Get down at Sealdah Railway Station. Next, take a local shared van to Godhkhali Jetty.
By Air: The Netaji Subhas Chandra Airport is the nearest to the National Park. After you land, take a train or car to the Godkhali. There, boats will be waiting to take you to Sundarban National Park.
By Road: Begin 3 hours and 30 minutes drive to Godkhali from Kolkata.
By Water: You can only reach Sunderbans by waterway after reaching Godhkhali.
Places To Visit In And Around The Sundarbans
There are pristine sites in and around the Sundarbans, from beautiful islands to religious sites and picturesque beaches that will give you the awesome experience of the tranquillity of nature.
1. Sajnekhali Tower
Photo: viswaprem anbarasapandian / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The tower is an amazing place for spotting birds and wildlife and is close to the National Park. It can accommodate only twenty people at a time and is a great site to watch birds. You will see the pelican. Kingfishers, sandpipers, and many more delight the hearts of bird lovers, so this tower is considered best for bird-watching.The photography from this tower will give you awesome pictures worthy to be cherished forever.
Entry Fee: ₹60 Adult ₹20 Child
Timings: 7 AM – 8 PM
2. Kalash Island
Photo: Claudio Giovenzana / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
This island is located in the south 24 Parganas district on the river Malta Lagoon in the Sundarban area. It is a must-visit island, especially in winter as during this time you will see olive ridley turtles nesting on the beaches of the Island which will warm your heart. It is also famous for spotting beautiful rare coastal birds like the Great stone Curlew.
Boat Safari: 8:30 AM – 4 PM
3. Henry Island
Photo: খাঁ শুভেন্দু / Wikimedia Commons
This Island is a retreat from the hustle and bustle of the grind to relax amidst the pristine beach, forest, and wildlife. Henry’s Island is known for its mesmerizing white sand beaches and calmness. You can also enjoy a stroll in its forest. This island is home to wild bore, snakes, crocodiles, and deer, and is also known for its abundant red crabs which attract tourists from all over the states and abroad.
Timings: 6 AM – 5:30 PM daily
Entry Fee: ₹10
4. Netidhopani
Photo: Mizanur Rahman sharker / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
This area is a famous sightseeing place around Sundarbans National Park. This place was once a settlement of people which the Mughals had leased out hundreds of years ago. Tourists visit this place to see the ruins of the once thriving settlement and a visit to this place will send you into a nostalgia. You will also see a ruin of Shiva temple invoking a mysticism about this place and the beautiful landscape adds to the aura of peace and tranquility. You can visit the watchtower for a better panoramic view of the forest or take a nature trail.
Timings: 7 AM – 5 PM
Highlights: Shiva Temple, Scenic Beauty, Trails for trekking
5. Burirdabri
Photo: juggadery / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
This place offers exciting things like mud walking, mangrove cage trials, and a watch tower. The mud walk While you are at it, you will see crabs, snails, and a variety of fauna and the mangrove cage trail will take you to the Raimongal viewpoint, and a wooden watch tower that can accommodate 15 people where you will see the view of the Raimangal river and Bangladesh. All these experiences make it a hot tourist attraction around the Sundarbans National Park. Burirdabri is also a tiger project area in the core of Sundarbans.
Timings: 6 AM – 4 PM (closed on Friday)
Highlights: Diverse animal species, breathtaking views, Tiger Project Area
Where To Stay
Photo: Davidvraju / Wikimedia Commons
Sundarbans National Park with its limited places to stay provides excellent facilities and services. Some of the properties are designed to blend with the environment giving you a wildlife experience. You can also opt for several hideouts such as the Sunderbans Tiger Safari Resort, Sundarbans Mangroves Retreat, Sunderbans Riverside Retreat, and many more which will awe you and give you a delightful stay.
Where To Eat
Photo: Ankur P / Wikimedia Commons
While you are at Sundarbans, you will come across delicious traditional cuisines, mouth-watering seafood, and meat. The place is known for delicious local Bengali dishes, sweets and tropical fruits keeping you satisfied throughout your stay. Restaurants like Congo Bong, on the Rocks, and Gopal’s Planet, and cafes like Blue Sky Cafe, and Raj Spanish Cafe offer ample choices of vegetarian and non-vegetarian.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / wikimedia Common / Image For Representation Only
The best time to visit this mysterious forest of Sunderbans may depend on your wildlife sightings and seasons. However, the best time is from November to February. It is discouraged to visit at monsoons as the area is mostly flooded and boat rides are not feasible.
Other Factors To Consider
Here are some factors to consider
Average Cost Of Trip
The average trip will cost from ₹4000 and above depending on the choice of accommodation, number of places to visit, government pass permits, and choice of rides.
Tips For Travellers
- Do not drink unfiltered water
- Carry an extra battery for your camera and torch
- Carry light snacks like nuts and dry fruits.
- Carry your first aid kit
- Carry proper identification cards
- Sundarban is a no-plastic zone
- Carry enough cash as there are no ATMs nearby
Sunderbans has captivated many wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers from around the world, owing to its reputation of being one of the biodiversity hotspots and Ramsar sites in the world, you can imagine the thriving forest with its flourishing flora and fauna and diverse landscape adoring this beautiful mangroves area. Sundarbans National Park of the Indian subcontinent is a UNESCO World Heritage site with the best experience of unspoiled mangrove trees, a range of animals, and the beautiful though hard-to-spot Royal Bengal tiger. While you plan to go to this out-of-this-world National Park, book a trip with TripXL to have awesome experiences.
Cover Photo: Dr. Raju Kasambe / Wikimedia Commons
