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Sundarban Tiger Reserve: A Mangrove Wilderness

Explore the mystical Sundarbans, home of the Royal Bengal Tiger, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a unique mangrove ecosystem.

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The Sundarban Tiger Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a unique mangrove ecosystem and home to the Royal Bengal tiger. Explore the intricate network of waterways and dense forests on a boat safari for a chance to spot diverse wildlife.

A brief summary to Sundarban Tiger

  • Monday 5 am-11 pm
  • Tuesday 5 am-11 pm
  • Wednesday 5 am-11 pm
  • Thursday 5 am-11 pm
  • Friday 5 am-11 pm
  • Saturday 5 am-11 pm
  • Sunday 5 am-11 pm

Local tips

  • The best time to visit is between November and February for pleasant weather and better wildlife spotting opportunities.
  • Obtain necessary permits from the forest department at Sajnekhali or the West Bengal Tourism Office in Kolkata.
  • Pack warm clothes if visiting during winter (November to February) as the weather can be cool.
  • Hire a local guide for boat safaris; it's compulsory and enhances the experience with valuable insights.
  • Respect the local culture and environment by avoiding littering and following guidelines provided by your guide.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Kolkata, take a suburban train from Sealdah Railway Station to Canning. From Canning, hire a local shared van or auto-rickshaw to Godkhali Jetty, the gateway to Sundarbans. At Godkhali, boats are available for hire to access the park. Approximate costs: * Train fare (Sealdah to Canning): INR 20-30. * Shared van/auto-rickshaw (Canning to Godkhali): INR 50-100 per person. * Boat hire (Godkhali to Sundarbans): INR 5500-6000 for a day trip (4-6 cylinder boat, excluding entry fees, guide, and food).

  • Road

    Drive from Kolkata to Godkhali, Sonakhali, Namkhana, Canning, Raidighi, or Najat. From these locations, take a ferry or hire a boat to Sajnekhali Island, where the main entrance and entry fees are located. Approximate costs: * Car rental (Kolkata to Godkhali and back): INR 2500-4000 per day. * Ferry/boat to Sajnekhali: Included in boat hire from Godkhali (INR 5500-6000 for a day trip). * Toll charges: Variable, approximately INR 100-200.

  • Boat

    The Sundarbans can only be accessed by boat. Boat safaris are the primary mode of transport within the park. Boats can be hired from Godkhali, Sonakhali, or Canning. Approximate costs: * Boat hire (Godkhali to Sundarbans): INR 5500-6000 for a day trip (4-6 cylinder boat, excluding entry fees, guide, and food). * Forest entry fees: INR 100 per Indian, INR 200 per foreigner. * Guide charges: INR 500 per day for Indians, INR 1000 per day for foreigners.

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Discover more about Sundarban Tiger

Sundarban Tiger Reserve, a part of the world's largest delta formed by the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers, is a mesmerizing landscape of interconnected waterways, dense mangrove forests, and low-lying islands. Straddling the border between India and Bangladesh, the Indian portion of the Sundarbans covers approximately 4,262 square kilometers, with a large part of it in Bangladesh. This unique ecosystem is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a National Park, a Tiger Reserve, and a Biosphere Reserve, all rolled into one. The name 'Sundarban' is derived from the 'Sundari' mangrove tree, which is abundant in the area. These mangrove forests play a crucial role in preserving the coastal environment and are adapted to the dynamic environment of tidal flows and saline waters. The Sundarbans are renowned as one of the largest reserves for the Royal Bengal Tiger, which has adapted to swimming in the saline waters of the delta. Visitors can explore the Sundarbans through boat safaris, the only way to navigate the intricate network of rivers and creeks. These safaris offer the chance to spot not only the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger but also diverse wildlife, including spotted deer, wild boar, macaques, crocodiles, various bird species, and the endangered Gangetic River Dolphin. The best time to visit is during the winter months (November to February) when the weather is pleasant and chances of spotting wildlife are higher. During this time, migratory birds flock to the area, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Beyond wildlife viewing, the Sundarbans offer opportunities to experience local culture by visiting nearby villages, schools, and markets. You can also witness local cultural performances like the Bonobibi Yatra, a rural theatre performed by villagers. Exploring the Sundarbans provides an immersive experience into the natural beauty and unique biodiversity of this remarkable region.

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