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Sundarbans: The Mystical Mangrove Kingdom

Explore the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest and a UNESCO site, home to the Royal Bengal Tiger and unique biodiversity.

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The Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the world's largest mangrove forest, a realm of natural beauty and unique biodiversity straddling India and Bangladesh. It's a land of mystery, where the mighty Royal Bengal Tiger roams free amidst a labyrinth of tidal waterways and dense mangrove vegetation.

A brief summary to Sundarbans

Local tips

  • The best time to visit is between November and March for pleasant weather and optimal wildlife viewing.
  • Book a tour package in advance with a reputable operator to ensure a hassle-free experience.
  • Carry insect repellent, wear appropriate clothing, and respect local customs and beliefs.
  • Obtain necessary permits from the Forest Department before entering the forest.
  • Try local Bengali cuisine, especially fresh seafood, for a culinary adventure.
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Getting There

  • Train & Boat

    The most common way to reach the Sundarbans is from Kolkata. Take a local train from Sealdah Station in Kolkata to Canning Station. Trains run frequently, and the journey takes approximately 1.5 hours; a one way fare costs INR 30-50. From Canning, hire a shared auto-rickshaw or private taxi to Godkhali, the gateway to the Sundarbans. The journey takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour and costs approximately INR 40-60 (shared auto) or INR 500-700 (private taxi). From Godkhali, private or shared boats are available to take you deeper into the Sundarbans. A boat ride to visit places like Sajnekhali or Pakhiralay takes 1-2 hours. The cost is INR 200-500 per person for shared boats or INR 2000-4000 for private boats. Entry fees to Sundarban Tiger Reserve are INR 180 per day for Indian tourists and INR 1,000 for foreign tourists. Guide charges are INR 800 per day for Indian tourists and INR 2,000 per day for foreign tourists. Boat hire charges vary depending on the size and type of boat, ranging from INR 5,500 to INR 17,500 per day.

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Discover more about Sundarbans

The Sundarbans, meaning 'beautiful forest' in Bengali, is a mesmerizing landscape sculpted by the confluence of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers on the Bay of Bengal. This vast delta, formed over millennia by the natural deposition of upstream sediments and intertidal segregation, is a dynamic meeting place of fresh and saltwater. Spanning approximately 10,000 square kilometers, with about 35% in India and 65% in Bangladesh, the Sundarbans is a complex network of rivers, islands, and mangrove forests. These unique mangrove ecosystems provide critical protection against cyclones, prevent soil erosion, and serve as nurseries for marine life. The forest is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, including 334 plant species, 120 fish species, 35 reptiles, 270 bird species, and 42 mammal species. The Royal Bengal Tiger, a symbol of India's national pride, is the star attraction of the Sundarbans. This is the only place on earth where mangrove tigers can be found in their natural habitat. Other notable wildlife includes macaques, Indian grey mongooses, leopard cats, wild boars, and a variety of birds. The Sundarbans has a rich history, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Mauryan era. The British East India Company gained proprietary rights in 1757, and systematic forest management began in the 1860s. Today, the Sundarbans faces threats from climate change, including sea-level rise and increased salinity, as well as human activities. Despite these challenges, the Sundarbans remains a vital ecosystem and a source of livelihood for millions of people.

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