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Sajnekhali Watch Tower: Gateway to the Sundarbans

Observe the diverse wildlife of the Sundarbans from this iconic watchtower and explore the unique mangrove ecosystem.

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The Sajnekhali Watch Tower, located within the Sundarbans National Park in West Bengal, India, offers panoramic views of the mangrove forests and waterways. As a key attraction within the Sajnekhali Wildlife Sanctuary, it provides a vantage point for observing diverse wildlife, including the possibility of spotting the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger.

A brief summary to Sajnekhali Watch Tower

  • 4RFH+8QV, West Bengal, 743370, IN

Local tips

  • Visit during the winter months (November to February) for pleasant weather and optimal wildlife sightings.
  • Carry binoculars to enhance your viewing experience of birds and wildlife.
  • Maintain silence to increase your chances of spotting animals in their natural habitat.
  • Adhere to all safety guidelines and instructions provided by park authorities and local guides.
  • Book tours and accommodations in advance, especially during peak season.
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Getting There

  • Boat

    The final approach to Sajnekhali Watch Tower is exclusively by boat, as the Sundarbans is a network of waterways. Most visitors start their journey from Godkhali, Sonakhali, or Canning. From these points, you can hire a motorized boat for a journey through the rivers and creeks. The boat ride to Sajnekhali typically takes 2-4 hours, depending on the starting point. Costs: * Boat rental (round trip): ₹5,500 - ₹6,000 for a day trip (Godkhali to Godkhali) for a 4-6 cylinder boat, excluding food, forest entry fees, and guide charges. * Forest entry fees: ₹120 per person (Indian Nationals), ₹500 per person (Foreign Nationals). * Guide charges: ₹500 (Indian Nationals), ₹1000 (Foreign Nationals) per day. * Boat entry fee to jungle: ₹500 (Indian Nationals), ₹1000 (Foreign Nationals).

  • Public Transportation

    To reach Sajnekhali Watch Tower via public transportation, take a train from Kolkata to Canning. From Canning station, you can hire a local auto-rickshaw or taxi to Godkhali, which is about 30 kilometers away. From Godkhali you will need to take a boat to Sajnekhali. Costs: * Train fare (Kolkata to Canning): ₹20 - ₹50. * Auto-rickshaw/taxi (Canning to Godkhali): ₹300 - ₹500. * Boat rental (round trip): ₹5,500 - ₹6,000 for a day trip (Godkhali to Godkhali) for a 4-6 cylinder boat, excluding food, forest entry fees, and guide charges. * Forest entry fees: ₹120 per person (Indian Nationals), ₹500 per person (Foreign Nationals). * Guide charges: ₹500 (Indian Nationals), ₹1000 (Foreign Nationals) per day. * Boat entry fee to jungle: ₹500 (Indian Nationals), ₹1000 (Foreign Nationals).

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Discover more about Sajnekhali Watch Tower

The Sajnekhali Watch Tower is a prominent landmark within the Sundarbans, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the beauty and biodiversity of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Constructed in the mid-20th century, the tower was strategically built to facilitate wildlife observation and forest monitoring as part of the Indian government's conservation efforts. From the tower, you can witness the intricate network of tidal waterways, mudflats, and small islands that characterize the Sundarbans. The surrounding mangrove forests, dominated by species like Sundari, Goran, and Dhundul, create a unique ecosystem that supports a wide array of flora and fauna. The tower provides a safe and convenient spot to observe various wildlife, including spotted deer, wild boars, crocodiles, and diverse bird species. Lucky visitors may even catch a glimpse of the Royal Bengal Tiger, though sightings are rare. The Sajnekhali Watch Tower complex also houses several attractions, including a Mangrove Interpretation Centre that educates visitors about the region's unique ecology and conservation efforts. A crocodile pond and a turtle hatchery offer opportunities to observe these reptiles and learn about their life cycles. The tower's location near the Bono Bibi Temple adds cultural significance to the area, as the deity is revered by local communities as the protector of the forest.

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