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Netidhopani Watch Tower: A Glimpse into Sundarbans' Mystical Heart

Discover the legends and wildlife of Sundarbans from the historic Netidhopani Watch Tower. A unique blend of nature and mythology.

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Netidhopani Watch Tower, nestled within the Sundarbans National Park, offers visitors a unique blend of wildlife viewing and historical intrigue. The tower provides panoramic views of the mangrove forest and is associated with local legends, including the tale of Behula and Lakhindari. Explore the ruins of a 400-year-old Shiva temple and discover archaeological relics while keeping an eye out for the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger.

A brief summary to Netidhopani Watch Tower

  • Monday 7 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 7 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 7 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 7 am-5 pm
  • Friday 7 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 7 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 7 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Carry binoculars to enhance your wildlife viewing experience from the watchtower.
  • Maintain silence to increase your chances of spotting animals in their natural habitat.
  • Follow your guide's instructions for a safe and enjoyable visit, as the area is a tiger reserve.
  • Check the weather forecast before your trip, as heavy rains can cause flooding.
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Getting There

  • Boat

    Netidhopani Watch Tower is accessible primarily by boat via the riverine network of the Sundarbans. Most visitors start their journey from Kolkata, reaching entry points like Godkhali, Sonakhali, Canning, or Namkhana by road or rail. From these points, pre-booked boat tours are the common way to access the park. Typical boat tour packages include visits to Netidhopani, with park entry fees, boat permits, guide charges, and meals included. Confirm that your tour operator has the necessary permissions from the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve Authority to visit Netidhopani, as it lies within the core area. Note that only a limited number of boats are permitted daily, and advance booking is essential. Costs for boat tours vary depending on the duration and inclusions. A typical one-day private boat safari, including food and park entry fees, may cost around INR 950 per person, with additional costs for camera equipment. Tour packages with overnight stays in basic accommodations can range from INR 4500 to INR 9100 per person, depending on the type of accommodation and transportation. Entry fees to Sundarbans National Park are INR 60 for Indians and INR 200 for foreign tourists.

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Discover more about Netidhopani Watch Tower

The Netidhopani Watch Tower, located on the edge of the buffer and core areas of the Sundarbans National Park in West Bengal, India, is a captivating destination steeped in both natural beauty and local folklore. This watchtower provides a vantage point to observe the unique flora and fauna of the Sundarbans, the world's largest tidal halophytic mangrove forest. According to legend, the site is linked to the mythological love story of Behula and Lakhindar. It is believed that Behula, accompanying her deceased husband Lakhindar on his final journey, witnessed a woman named Neta (Netidhopani) revive a lifeless child near this location. Inspired, Behula sought Neta's help to bring her husband back to life. Today, the Netidhopani Watch Tower offers visitors a chance to spot the famed Royal Bengal Tiger, as well as other wildlife such as spotted deer, wild boars, crocodiles, and various bird species. The tower can accommodate approximately 20 people at a time. In addition to wildlife viewing, visitors can explore the ruins of a 400-year-old Shiva Temple, known as the Netidhopani Temple, and see terracotta wares and other archaeological discoveries found in the area. Some believe that a road built by King Pratapaditya to guard the coastal area lies hidden beneath the earth nearby. Visiting Netidhopani requires permission from the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve Authority, and it's advisable to book a guided tour with a reputable operator. Only a limited number of boats are allowed to visit the watchtower each day, and overnight stays are generally not permitted. The best time to visit is between November and March when the weather is cooler and visibility is better.

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