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Sajnekhali Wildlife Sanctuary: Gateway to the Sundarbans

Discover the wild beauty of the Sundarbans at Sajnekhali Wildlife Sanctuary, a birdwatcher's paradise and home to the Royal Bengal Tiger.

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Sajnekhali Wildlife Sanctuary, established in 1976, is a 362 sq km haven within the Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located at the confluence of the Matla and Gumdi rivers, it offers a rich tapestry of mangrove forests, swamps, and diverse wildlife, including the famed Royal Bengal tiger, various bird species, and estuarine crocodiles.

A brief summary to Sajnekhali Wildlife Sanctuary

  • Monday 6 am-5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 6 am-5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 6 am-5:30 pm
  • Thursday 6 am-5:30 pm
  • Friday 6 am-5:30 pm
  • Saturday 6 am-5:30 pm
  • Sunday 6 am-5:30 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the winter months (November to February) for pleasant weather and optimal wildlife spotting opportunities.
  • Hire a local guide for boat safaris to enhance your understanding of the ecosystem and increase your chances of spotting elusive wildlife.
  • Carry binoculars and a camera to capture the diverse birdlife and wildlife.
  • Pack insect repellent, light comfortable clothing, and sturdy walking shoes.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Kolkata, take a local train from Sealdah Station to Canning. Trains are frequent and the journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. From Canning, hire a shared auto or taxi to Gadkhali Jetty, roughly 30 km away. This ride takes about an hour. At Gadkhali, rent a motorboat to Sajnekhali, a 1.5 to 2-hour journey via Gosaba and Pakhiralaya. Train fare from Sealdah to Canning is approximately ₹20-₹30. Auto/taxi fare from Canning to Godkhali is around ₹100-₹150 per person. Boat ভাড়া from Gadkhali to Sajnekhali ranges from ₹800 to ₹2000 depending on the boat type and duration.

  • Car/Taxi

    Drive from Kolkata to Godkhali, about 110 km, typically a 3-3.5 hour journey. From Godkhali, hire a motorboat to Sajnekhali Forest Office to obtain entry permits and a mandatory guide. Boat rentals vary depending on size and duration, typically ranging from ₹1500 to ₹4000 for a full-day trip. Parking at Godkhali can cost around ₹100-₹200 per day. Toll charges may apply on the way to Godkhali, totaling approximately ₹100-₹150. Entry fees to Sajnekhali Wildlife Sanctuary are approximately ₹60 for Indian nationals and ₹500 for foreign nationals. A guide is mandatory and costs approximately ₹300–₹500 for half-day.

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Discover more about Sajnekhali Wildlife Sanctuary

Sajnekhali Wildlife Sanctuary serves as an accessible window into the wonders of the Sundarbans, one of the world's largest mangrove ecosystems. Established in 1976, the sanctuary encompasses 362 square kilometers of mangrove scrub, forest, and swamp, providing a protected habitat for a diverse array of flora and fauna. Located in the northeastern part of the Sundarbans delta, in the South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, India, Sajnekhali lies at the meeting point of the Matla and Gumdi rivers. This unique location creates an ideal environment for both aquatic and terrestrial animals. The sanctuary is a crucial component of the Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its ecological significance. Sajnekhali is renowned as a birdwatcher's paradise, hosting over 120 bird species, including kingfishers, plovers, sandpipers, egrets, herons, and white-bellied sea eagles. The sanctuary also attracts migratory birds, making it a vibrant avian spectacle, especially during the winter months. Beyond birds, visitors have the chance to spot other iconic species, such as the Royal Bengal tiger, spotted deer, wild boars, crocodiles, and water monitor lizards. The Sajnekhali Watch Tower is a primary attraction, offering panoramic views of the sanctuary and increasing the chances of spotting wildlife. The watchtower can accommodate around 25 people. Within the Sajnekhali Watchtower Complex, you can find a sweet water pond that attracts animals, a Mangrove Interpretation Centre, a Bono Bibi Temple, and a Crocodile Park. The Mangrove Interpretation Centre provides insights into the ecology of the Sundarbans, its flora and fauna, and its ecological importance.

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