Sundarbans is a cluster of low-lying islands in the Bay of Bengal, spread across India and Bangladesh, famous for its unique mangrove forests. This active delta region is among the largest in the world, measuring about 40,000 sq km. Sundarbans is home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including the endangered Royal Bengal tiger, dolphins, crocodiles, turtles, and hundreds of bird species. Sundarbans is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. If you are looking for a nature-based adventure in South Asia, Sundarbans is a perfect destination for you. Here is everything you need to know before you plan your trip to this amazing place.
Best Time to Visit Sundarbans
The best time to visit Sundarbans is between November and March, when the weather is pleasant and dry, and the chances of wildlife sighting are high. The winter season also offers clear skies and scenic views of the forest and the waterways. You can also enjoy various cultural festivals and events during this time, such as the Rash Mela (a Hindu fair) in November, the Poush Mela (a Bengali fair) in December, and the Basanta Utsav (a spring festival) in February.
The summer season, from April to July, is hot and humid, with temperatures rising up to 40 degrees Celsius. However, this is also the time when the forest is lush green and full of flowers. You can also witness the breeding season of some animals, such as turtles and crocodiles. The summer season also offers cheaper rates and less crowd.
The monsoon season, from August to October, is not recommended for visiting Sundarbans, as the heavy rainfall and strong winds make the travel difficult and risky. The water level rises and floods some parts of the forest. The visibility is also low and the wildlife is less active.
How to Reach Sundarbans
Sundarbans can be reached by road, rail, or water from Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal in India, or from Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh. The nearest airport is Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, which is well connected to major domestic and international destinations. From Kolkata, you can take a train or a bus to Canning or Namkhana, which are the nearest towns to Sundarbans. From there, you can take a ferry or a motorboat to reach various entry points of Sundarbans National Park in India, such as Sajnekhali, Sudhanyakhali, or Jhingekhali.
Alternatively, you can take a direct boat cruise from Kolkata to Sundarbans via the Hooghly river. This will take about 10 hours and will give you a scenic view of the rural life along the river banks.
If you are coming from Bangladesh, you can take a train or a bus from Dhaka to Khulna or Mongla, which are the nearest towns to Sundarbans Reserve Forest in Bangladesh. From there, you can take a ferry or a motorboat to reach various entry points of Sundarbans Reserve Forest in Bangladesh, such as Hiron Point, Katka, or Kachikhali.
Where to Stay in Sundarbans
There are various accommodation options available in Sundarbans for different budgets and preferences. You can choose to stay on land or on water, depending on your convenience and comfort level.
If you prefer to stay on land, you can book a hotel, resort, guest house, or cottage near the entry points of Sundarbans National Park or Sundarbans Reserve Forest. Some of these places offer basic amenities such as electricity, hot water, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. Some also provide facilities such as restaurants, swimming pools, gardens, and spas. However, these places are usually located outside the core area of the forest and may not give you a close view of the wildlife.
If you prefer to stay on water, you can book a houseboat or a cruise boat that will take you inside the core area of the forest and give you a chance to experience the wilderness up close. These boats are equipped with comfortable cabins with attached bathrooms, kitchens with chefs who prepare delicious meals, decks with chairs and binoculars for wildlife viewing, and guides who explain the ecology and history of Sundarbans. Some boats also have entertainment facilities such as music systems, TVs, and games. However, these boats are more expensive than land-based accommodations and may not have regular electricity or internet access.
What to Do in Sundarbans
Sundarbans offers a variety of activities for tourists who want to explore its natural beauty and wildlife. Some of the most popular things to do in Sundarbans are:
- Boat Safari: This is the best way to see the mangrove forest and its inhabitants from a safe distance. You can take a boat safari from any of the entry points of Sundarbans National Park or Sundarbans Reserve Forest and cruise along the various creeks and channels that crisscross the forest. You can spot different species of birds, reptiles, fish, and mammals, including the elusive Royal Bengal tiger, if you are lucky. You can also enjoy the sunrise and sunset over the water and the moonlit night under the stars. Boat safaris are usually conducted in the morning and evening and last for 2-3 hours.
- Village Walk: This is a great way to learn about the culture and lifestyle of the local people who live in the Sundarbans region. You can visit some of the villages near the entry points of Sundarbans National Park or Sundarbans Reserve Forest and interact with the villagers who depend on fishing, honey collecting, wood cutting, and agriculture for their livelihood. You can also see their houses, temples, schools, markets, and crafts. Village walks are usually conducted in the afternoon and last for 1-2 hours.
- Nature Walk: This is a rare opportunity to walk inside the core area of the forest and experience its flora and fauna up close. You can take a nature walk from some of the entry points of Sundarbans National Park or Sundarbans Reserve Forest and follow a designated trail that leads you to a watchtower or a canopy walkway. You can observe various types of mangrove trees, shrubs, herbs, and flowers, and listen to the sounds of birds and insects. You can also spot some animals such as deer, monkeys, wild boars, and monitor lizards, but be careful of tigers, snakes, and crocodiles. Nature walks are usually conducted in the morning and evening and last for 1-2 hours.
- Bird Watching: This is a must-do activity for bird lovers who want to see the rich avifauna of Sundarbans. You can take a bird watching tour from any of the entry points of Sundarbans National Park or Sundarbans Reserve Forest and visit some of the best spots for birding such as Sajnekhali, Sudhanyakhali, Dobanki, Hiron Point, Katka, or Kachikhali. You can spot more than 200 species of resident and migratory birds such as kingfishers, herons, egrets, storks, ibises, ducks, eagles, kites, owls, woodpeckers, cuckoos, parakeets, and many more. Bird watching tours are usually conducted in the morning and evening and last for 2-3 hours.
- Fishing: This is a fun activity for those who want to try their luck at catching some fish from the Sundarbans waterways. You can take a fishing tour from any of the entry points of Sundarbans National Park or Sundarbans Reserve Forest and join a local fisherman who will teach you how to use a fishing rod or a net to catch some fish such as hilsa, pomfret, prawn, or crab. You can also enjoy cooking and eating your catch on board or on land. Fishing tours are usually conducted in the afternoon and last for 2-3 hours.
Tips for Visiting Sundarbans
Before you plan your trip to Sundarbans, here are some tips that will help you make your visit safe and enjoyable:
- Book your tour package in advance from a reputed tour operator who will arrange your transport, accommodation, food, permits, guides, and activities.
- Carry your valid identity proof such as passport, voter ID card, or Aadhaar card for verification at the entry points.
- Pack light and carry only essential items such as clothes, shoes, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, water bottle, snacks, medicines, camera, binoculars, torch, and power bank.
- Dress modestly and comfortably in cotton clothes that cover your arms and legs to avoid sunburns and insect bites. Avoid bright colors that may attract animals. Wear sturdy shoes that protect your feet from thorns and mud.
- Follow the rules and regulations of the forest department and respect the environment and wildlife. Do not litter or make noise or disturb the animals. Do not collect or harm any plants or animals. Do not smoke or drink alcohol or carry any weapons or explosives in the forest area.
- Listen to your guide and follow his instructions carefully. Do not wander off from your group or go near the water or into the forest without permission. Be alert and cautious of any signs of danger such as animal tracks or sounds. In case of any emergency, contact your guide or the nearest forest office.
