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Sundarban: A Realm of Mangrove Majesty

Explore Sundarban: A biodiverse mangrove forest, home to the Royal Bengal Tiger and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Sundarban, meaning 'beautiful forest,' is the world's largest mangrove ecosystem, a UNESCO World Heritage site shared between Bangladesh and India. This unique area teems with diverse flora and fauna, including the iconic Royal Bengal tiger, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.

A brief summary to Sundarban

Local tips

  • The best time to visit is between November and March for pleasant weather and optimal wildlife viewing opportunities.
  • Obtain necessary permits and permissions from the Forest Department before entering the forest areas.
  • Hire a local, certified guide to enhance your experience and ensure safety while exploring the Sundarban.
  • Respect the environment by avoiding single-use plastics and properly disposing of waste.
  • Carry insect repellent, sunscreen, and appropriate clothing for protection against insects and the sun.
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Getting There

  • Train & Boat

    To reach Sundarban from Kolkata, begin by taking a local train from Sealdah Railway Station to Canning. Trains are frequent, and the journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. From Canning, hire a shared auto-rickshaw or private taxi to Godkhali, which is the gateway to Sundarban. The auto-rickshaw ride takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour. At Godkhali, board a boat to your desired destination within the Sundarban, such as Sajnekhali or Pakhiralay. Boat rides typically last 1-2 hours depending on the destination. Costs: * Train fare (Sealdah to Canning): INR 30-50 * Shared auto-rickshaw (Canning to Godkhali): INR 40-60 * Private taxi (Canning to Godkhali): INR 500-700 * Shared boat (Godkhali to Sajnekhali/Pakhiralay): INR 200-500 per person * Private boat (Godkhali to Sajnekhali/Pakhiralay): INR 2000-4000

  • Bus & Boat

    Alternatively, you can take a bus from Esplanade Bus Terminus in Kolkata to Basanti. The bus journey takes around 3-4 hours. From Basanti, hire a shared auto or local transport to Godkhali, which takes another 30-45 minutes. At Godkhali, board a boat to your desired destination within the Sundarban, such as Sajnekhali or Pakhiralay. Boat rides typically last 1-2 hours depending on the destination. Costs: * Bus fare (Kolkata to Basanti): INR 70-100 * Shared auto (Basanti to Godkhali): INR 20-30 * Shared boat (Godkhali to Sajnekhali/Pakhiralay): INR 200-500 per person * Private boat (Godkhali to Sajnekhali/Pakhiralay): INR 2000-4000

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Discover more about Sundarban

Sundarban is a mesmerizing maze of tidal waterways, mangrove forests, and small islands, showcasing a unique and dynamic ecosystem. The name, translating to 'beautiful forest,' hints at the enchanting experience awaiting visitors. This vast delta, formed by the confluence of the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers, stretches across Bangladesh and India, offering a sanctuary for diverse wildlife. Historically, the Sundarban has been inhabited since the Mauryan era. During the Mughal period, forests were leased for settlements, and later, the British East India Company gained control. Systematic forest management began in the 19th century, recognizing the area's ecological and economic importance. The Sundarban is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity. It is the natural habitat of the Bengal tiger, and the only place where mangrove tigers can be found. Besides tigers, the area is home to various species of birds, spotted deer, wild boars, monkeys, jungle cats, crocodiles, and snakes. The flora is equally diverse, featuring sundari trees (from which the forest gets its name), keora, golpata, gewa, and goran. Today, the Sundarban faces threats from natural disasters, climate change, and human activities. Rising sea levels and increased salinity endanger the delicate mangrove ecosystem, while cyclones can cause widespread damage. Despite these challenges, ongoing conservation efforts aim to protect this invaluable natural treasure for future generations.

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