Have you ever wondered about sailing through tight water channels surrounded by lush green mangrove forests while listening to the distant Royal Bengal Tiger roar in the air? Sounds thrilling, right? The Sundarbans National Park engages visitors in a memorable journey through its combination of untamed wilderness with natural surroundings. This UNESCO World Heritage site of Sundarbans National Park is situated in the state of West Bengal and represents the largest mangrove forest on the planet. The magical experiences found throughout Sundarbans National Park appeal to all adventure lovers searching for tiger river exploration and cultural discovery. When visiting the Sundarbans National Park, visitors will discover this natural site and create memories that can be cherished by them forever.
How To Reach Sundarbans National Park
You can reach Sundarbans National Park easily as several transportation options are there to access it. Although the journey of traveling to the destination remains an exhilarating experience.
1. By Air: The gateway to reach Sundarbans starts at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata which lies 112 kilometers away from the park. After arriving at the airport, passengers should select between hiring a taxi service or using public transportation to reach the destination.
2. By Train: Travelers must use Canning railway station because it is the closest station and lies 48 kilometers from Sundarbans National Park. You can reach Canning from Sealdah Railway Station in Kolkata by using local regular train service. People can reach Godkhali Jetty which serves as Sundarbans' main entrance through the shared bus or van services departing from Canning.
3. By Road: Various points including Sonakhali at a 100 km distance and Namkhana at a 105 km distance alongside Raidighi situated 76 km from Kolkata can be accessed through the road networks. Motorboat service from these designated points can be availed to reach Sundarbans.
4. By Waterway: The waterway constitutes the main mode of transportation throughout Sundarbans National Park. Travelers can select motor launch boat availability at Namkhana, Sagar Island, Sajnekhali, Sonakhali, and Raidighi ports for Sundarbans park exploration.
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Places to Visit Near Sundarbans National Park
If you are visiting the Sundarbans National Park, you can also get to visit some of the exciting places near it to have a fun-filled trip. The 5 must-visit places near the Sundarbans National Park are:
1. Sajnekhali Bird Sanctuary
Bird enthusiasts should not miss visiting the protected bird sanctuary located inside the Sundarbans National Park because of its importance to bird watching. Several species of kingfishers together with herons, egrets, sandpipers, and Brahminy kites make this place their home. You can also experience exceptional scenery with educational information about the mangrove ecosystem displayed at the Mangrove Interpretation Centre from the watchtower.
- Entry Fee: ₹60 per person
- Best Time: November to March
2. Netidhopani Watchtower & Ruins
This watchtower provides excellent opportunities for tiger sightings alongside a magnificent view of the mangrove forests. People believe these temple ruins to be more than 400 years old and located at the site, making it a site of interest for history lovers.
- Entry Fee: ₹100 per person
- Best Time: November to February
3. Haliday Island Wildlife Sanctuary
If you are an animal lover, then this place is just perfect for you. The sanctuary attracts animal watchers with its two primary wildlife populations including spotted deer and wild boars together with seasonal bird migration. This location attracts fewer visitors compared to others and provides a tranquillity that connects people with nature.
- Entry Fee: ₹80 per person
- Best Time: December to March
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4. Henry’s Island
You can enjoy some beach relaxation experience at Henry's Island after you have had a jungle trek experience. Located close to Sundarbans the spot is famous because of its white sandy coastline and gentle waters while red crabs serve as its signature charm.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Best Time: October to March
5. Bonnie Camp
Bonnie Camp stands out as the tallest watchtower in Sundarbans where visitors can see dramatic panoramic views of the thick forests with their adjacent beautiful flowing rivers. The Sundarbans National Park is famous for its wild animals and hence, this area attracts wildlife watchers because they can observe tigers deer, and wild boars.
- Entry Fee: ₹100 per person
- Best Time: November to February
Things to Do in Sundarbans National Park
To enjoy your trip to the Sundarbans National Park, here is the list of 5 best things you can enjoy here to make some beautiful memories:
1. Explore the Mangrove Forests through Boat Safari tours
Visiting the Sundarbans through a boat safari tour stands as an absolute adventure. Sheer boats roaring through narrow creeks and rivers bring visitors the magical experience of witnessing the range of Royal Bengal Tigers along with crocodiles, spotted deer, and numerous exotic birds. And the best part? Boat tours escort visitors through the silent area where you are solely disturbed by tree branches brushing against each other and animal voices. Through famous watchtowers Sajnekhali Netidhopani and Sudhanyakhali, you can have a full view of the jungle during the safari.
- Cost: Safari costs between ₹2,000 and ₹4,000 based on duration selection (duration-dependent prices apply).
- Best Time: Early morning or late afternoon.
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2. Explore the Dobanki Canopy Walk
If you want to have some thrilling adventure, then experience the Dobanki Canopy Walk to walk securely through the mangroves' heights within a net-covered passage. Sundarbans has only a few spots where viewing the jungle skyline from above is possible. The trail allows you to encounter wild boars, diverse bird species, and both chital deer as well as crocodiles during your walk. The activity provides boating-free wildlife observation while granting you a wildlife experience.
- Entry Fee: ₹100 per person
- Best Time: November to February
3. Visit the Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project
Saltwater crocodiles can be viewed in their full size at this popular crocodile conservation center. The breeding and protection facilities at the project allow visitors to watch both baby crocodiles and fully matured adults. It is a haven for people who love to watch crocodiles. Wildlife conservation enthusiasts will find the area beneficial because it offers peace and minimal crowds.
- Entry Fee: ₹50 per person
- Best Time: October to March
4. Night Safari to Witness Bioluminescence
A trip to the Sundarbans during nighttime creates an entirely magical environment. You can participate in night boat tours organized by some tour operators to view the amazing glowing bioluminescent plankton in the water. Gazing at the water surface reveals rows of tiny blue-green lights which create a magical scene in the darkness. The night jungle is characterized by strange sounds which enhance the exciting journey.
- Safari Cost: ₹3,000- ₹5,000 per boat
- Best Time: November to February
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5. Experience Fishing with Local Fishermen
A true Sundarban experience cannot be achieved without a fishing session with local fishermen. Fishermen from there catch fish and crabs using conventional hand nets and bamboo traps. The boat ride enables tourists to observe daily life in Sundarbans while letting them experience fresh catches of the region.
- Cost: The service is free yet tip the fisherman for their help.
- Best Time: Throughout the year
Best Time to Visit Sundarbans National Park
An amazing trip can be done if you visit the place at the right time which is perfect for your preference of activities. Worry not, we are here for you to help you decide which time of the year is best for you!
1. Winter (October – February)
You should visit Sundarbans National Park during winter since it becomes the ideal season for exploration. The environment of Sundarbans presents temperatures between 10°C to 25°C that create superb conditions for wildlife safaris as well as pleasant weather. Boat rides through the mangrove forests appear particularly gorgeous due to the clear weather conditions. During this season various migratory birds including kingfishers and Brahimy kites along with herons join the existing bird population to make it a haven for wildlife observers.
2. Summer (March-May)
Summer provides the best opportunity to observe the Royal Bengal Tigers while visiting the park. The hot temperatures rising above 25°C until 40°C result in disappearing water sources thus compelling wildlife to venture out for drinking. Riverbanks with waterholes provide excellent opportunities to watch tigers together with deer and other animals across the local wildlife.
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3. Monsoon (June- September)
Sundarbans National Park becomes a picturesque wilderness during monsoon season which attracts nature enthusiasts to its vibrant greenery. Boat safaris become more difficult and dangerous when heavy rains raise the water elevation in Sundarbans National Park. The forest environment faces temperatures between 20°C to 30°C as it rejoices through its annual makeover.
Conclusion
Anyone planning to visit Sundarbans National Park will discover an expedition filled with vibrant discoveries. Visitors to this location can enjoy memorable experiences that include observing Royal Bengal Tigers as well as boat rides into winding mangrove creeks and memorable nature immersion. The ideal time to visit Sundarbans emerges during winter while summer delivers prime tiger sightings and during monsoon, one can witness the stunning natural beauty of the jungle. Ready for your thrilling Sundarbans adventure? We can organize your whole itinerary to create a smooth yet exciting adventure through this amazing wild territory.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Where is Sundarbans National Park located?
The Sundarbans National Park lies in the state of West Bengal while extending across the delta region of Sundarbans which divides both India and Bangladesh.
2. Sundarbans National Park is famous for which animal?
The Royal Bengal Tiger residing in Sundarbans National Park is the most famous animal here. It demonstrates an exceptional capacity to swim through both saline mangrove pools. This place stands among the rare locations worldwide that permit people to spot tigers while boating.
3. How can one get to the Sundarbans National Park?
Travelers can reach here through Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport located 110 kilometers west of Kolkata. Tourists can also travel to the park by boarding boats or vehicles which depart from Canning railway station located at a distance of 48 km. Numerous buses together with private transportation run from Kolkata through Godkhali along with Sonakhali and Namkhana until they reach major boat departure points for Sundarbans.
4. Which is the best time to explore Sundarbans National Park?
Planning your visit to Sundarbans depends on personal choice along with prior exposure to the area. The winter season stands as the perfect time to experience Sundarbans because of its favorable climate as well as wildlife sightings coupled with birdwatching opportunities.
5. Which permissions are necessary to enter Sundarbans National Park?
You must acquire a forest entry permit to visit Sundarbans National Park through the West Bengal Tourism Office or the Forest Department at Sajnekhali. Foreign tourists visiting Sundarbans National Park should have a valid passport together with the required visa for verification purposes.
