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Sundarban National Forest: A Realm of Royal Bengals and Mangrove Majesty

Explore the Sundarban National Forest: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to the Royal Bengal tiger and the world's largest mangrove forest.

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The Sundarban National Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the world's largest mangrove ecosystem, a realm of Royal Bengal tigers, winding waterways, and unique wildlife. Explore the heart of the Ganges Delta, where nature's wonders unfold in a symphony of green and gold.

A brief summary to Sundarban National forest

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Local tips

  • The best time to visit is during the winter months (October to March) for pleasant weather and optimal wildlife viewing.
  • Always hire a licensed guide for boat safaris to ensure safety and maximize wildlife spotting opportunities.
  • Book accommodations and safaris in advance, especially during peak season (December to February).
  • Carry sufficient cash, as ATMs are scarce in and around the national park.
  • Respect the no-plastic zone policy and avoid littering to preserve the fragile ecosystem.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Kolkata, take a local train from Sealdah Railway Station to Canning. Trains are frequent and take approximately 1.5 hours. From Canning, shared vans or auto-rickshaws are available to Godkhali Jetty, the main embarkation point for boat cruises into the Sundarbans. Costs: * Train fare (Sealdah to Canning): INR 20-30. * Shared van/auto-rickshaw fare (Canning to Godkhali): INR 50-80 per person.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    A taxi or ride-sharing service can be hired directly from Kolkata to Godkhali. This is a more convenient but expensive option, taking around 3 hours. Costs: * Taxi/Ride-share fare (Kolkata to Godkhali): INR 2,500 - 4,000.

  • Boat

    From Godkhali, the Sundarban National Park is accessible only by boat. Numerous tour operators offer day trips and multi-day cruises. Government ferries and private motorboats are available. Ensure the boat has the necessary permits and a licensed guide. Costs: * Boat safari (per day): INR 950-1000 per person (including food and stay). * Forest entry fee (Indians): INR 180 per person. * Forest entry fee (Foreigners): INR 1500 per person.

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Discover more about Sundarban National forest

The Sundarban National Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies in the vast Ganges Delta, a meeting point of the mighty Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers in the Bay of Bengal. Spanning 10,000 square kilometers, approximately 40% of this natural treasure resides in India, with the remainder in Bangladesh. The name 'Sundarban' itself translates to 'beautiful forest' in Bengali, a testament to its enchanting landscape. This unique ecosystem is the world's largest mangrove forest, characterized by a complex network of tidal waterways, mudflats, and small islands. These islands play a vital role as storm barriers, shore stabilizers, and nutrient traps, supporting a diverse range of aquatic and terrestrial life. The forest's history dates back centuries, with evidence of human settlements as early as 200-300 AD. During the Mughal period, the forests were leased to nearby residents, and they later provided refuge for criminals evading Emperor Akbar's armies. The Sundarban National Park was established as the core area of the Sundarban Tiger Reserve in 1973 and declared a national park in 1984. It is a haven for the endangered Royal Bengal tiger, as well as numerous bird, reptile, and invertebrate species, including the saltwater crocodile. Boat safaris are the primary means of exploring the park, offering visitors the chance to witness the region's diverse flora and fauna. Popular routes include Sajnekhali Watch Tower, Sudhanyakhali Watch Tower, and Dobanki Canopy Walk, each providing unique perspectives of the wilderness. While the park remains open year-round, the best time to visit is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for wildlife sightings. Visitors should be aware of safety guidelines, including the necessity of licensed guides, adherence to designated paths, and caution around wildlife. Despite the inherent risks of a wild environment, the Sundarban National Forest offers an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

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