Sundarbans National Park
3-Day Sundarbans Wildlife Tour-Tigers, Mangroves and Village Life
Overview
Where the land meets the sea at the southern tip of West Bengal lies the Indian Sunderbans, a stretch of impenetrable mangrove forest of great size and biodiversity. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sundarbans is a vast area covering 4264 square km in India alone. The Indian Sunderbans forms the largest Tiger Reserve and National Park in India. A paradise for birdwatchers, the list includes such rarities as the Masked Finfoot, Mangrove Pitta, and the Mangrove Whistler.
The Sunderbans are a part of the world's largest delta formed by the mighty rivers Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna. On the lower end of the Gangetic West Bengal, it is also the world's largest estuarine forest. The Sunderbans is crisscrossed by hundreds of creeks and tributaries. It is one of the most attractive places remaining on earth, a truly undiscovered paradise.
Fascinating life forms await you in this largest estuarine delta in the world. In April and May, the flaming red leaves of the genwa edge the emerald islands. The crab-like red flowers of the Ankara and the yellow blooms of Khalsa add to the dazzling display. As you penetrate the forests of Sunderbans, this fairyland unfolds its mysterious beauty.
Wildlife of Sundarbans
The Sundarbans forest is home to over 250 tigers. The Bengal Tigers have adapted themselves very well to the saline and aqua environs and are extremely good swimmers. As you enter the adventurous wild land of the Sunderbans, you'll be thrilled to see the chital deer and rhesus monkey. The aqua fauna of Sunderbans includes a variety of fishes, red fiddler crabs, and hermit crabs.
There are crocodiles, which can be often seen along the mud banks. Sundarbans National Park is also noted for its conservation of the Ridley Sea Turtle. There is an incredible variety of reptiles also found in Sundarbans, which includes king cobra, rock python and water monitor. The endangered river Terrapin, Batagur baska is found on the Mechau Beach, while the Barking Deer is found only in Holiday Island in Sunderbans.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner, and Tea Service
Accommodation: Hetalbon Eco Resort
Arrive in Kolkata in the morning, where you will be met by our representative and transferred to the jetty at Gadkhali (approx. 2.5 hours drive). The journey takes you through the lush rural landscapes of Bengal, dotted with charming villages and local markets.
From Gadkhali, board a boat and cruise towards Bali Island and onward to Hetalbon (approx. 1 hour), offering your first introduction to the serene mangrove ecosystem.
Upon arrival, check in at the resort, freshen up, and enjoy lunch. Later in the afternoon, head out for an introductory boat safari through the mangrove-lined creeks, observing birdlife and the unique surroundings.
Return to the resort in the evening. Dinner and overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch at the boat, Dinner at the resort
Accommodation: Hetalbon Eco Resort
Early morning (around 06:00 hrs), depart for a full-day boat safari into the Sundarbans. Visit the Dobanki Canopy Walk, offering an elevated view of the forest. Continue towards Netidhopani, one of the prime watchtower areas for wildlife sightings.
Keep a lookout for the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger, often referred to as the “swimming tiger,” along with Saltwater Crocodiles basking along the riverbanks. With some luck, you may also spot the rare Irrawaddy Dolphins in the waterways.
Visit the ruins of a 400-year-old temple, adding a historical element to the experience. Enjoy lunch onboard while cruising through the tranquil creeks.
Return to the lodge in the evening after witnessing a beautiful sunset over the mangroves. You may also opt to attend a traditional village cultural performance based on the legend of Goddess Bonobibi (at additional cost).
Overnight stay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch at the lodge
Accommodation: None
After an early breakfast, you may opt for a short morning boat ride through the quieter creeks (subject to time and tide conditions), offering one last opportunity to experience the serene beauty of the mangroves and spot birdlife in the soft morning light.
Later, visit the Bali Island village, where you can observe the daily lives of the local communities. Watch traditional activities such as fishing, honey collection, weaving, and boat-making, and gain insight into how people live in harmony with this unique yet challenging ecosystem.
You may also interact with the locals and learn about their customs, traditions, and dependence on the forest and waterways for livelihood.
Return to the lodge for lunch. Afterward, transfer by boat to Gadkhali and continue by road to Kolkata.
The tour concludes upon arrival in Kolkata, with unforgettable memories of the Sundarbans.
Highlights
- Explore the world’s largest mangrove ecosystem, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Experience scenic boat safaris through narrow creeks and tidal waterways
- Opportunity to spot the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger in its unique mangrove habitat
- Chance to see Saltwater Crocodiles, Spotted Deer, and Irrawaddy Dolphins
- Excellent birdwatching opportunities with kingfishers, herons, egrets, and raptors
- Visit iconic watchtowers like Dobanki and Netidhopani for wildlife viewing
- Walk through the Dobanki Canopy Walk for an elevated forest experience
- Enjoy stunning sunrises and sunsets over the mangrove landscape
- Discover local culture with a village visit on Bali Island
- Optional traditional Bonobibi cultural performance in the evening
- Relaxing stay in an eco-lodge surrounded by nature
- A perfect blend of wildlife, nature, and cultural experiences
Included
- Accommodation for 02 nights in Sundarbans Kolkata to Gadkhali transfer on Day 01
- Gadkhali to Sundarbans transfer in Day 01 Sundarbans to Gadkhali transfer on Day 03
- Gadkhali to Kolkata transfer on Day 03 Meals as per itinerary
- 02 National Park visit by boat cruise All applicable taxes
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