Experience the majestic and diverse mangrove forests of the Sundarbans. Considered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sundarbans is the largest mangrove forest, and acts as a crucial barrier against harsh nature for the region. Located in the delta region where the Ganga River, Brahmaputra River, and Meghna River meet the Bay of Bengal, the Sundarbans region acts as the natural nursery for the local ecosystem. The region also boasts the iconic Sundarbans Tiger Reserve, which features a wide range of exotic wildlife, like the iconic Royal Bengal Tiger, Saltwater Crocodile, Gangetic Dolphins, and Fishing Cats, among others.
The Sundarbans, accessible via riverine waterways, houses a wide range of tourist attractions and activities, and offers a unique eco-tourism experience to the visitors. The Sundarban eco-tourism offers the visitors an immersive experience, with guided boat tours across the deep, lush forest, natural walks, and birdwatching. In and around the region, the visitors can also explore various prominent and historic tourist attractions, like the 400-year-old Shiva Temple, along with the serene Pakhirala Island and Kotka Beach, among many others.
Key Tourist Attraction in Sundarbans
Wildlife Viewing
- Sajnekhali Watch Tower: The Sajnekhali Watch Tower in the Sundarbans mangrove forest is considered among the best spots for birdwatching, especially for unique avian species like Kingfishers and Pelicans.
- Sudhanyakhali Watch Tower: The Sudhanyakhali Watch Tower is among the most iconic and prime locations, from where the visitors can spot the iconic Royal Bengal Tigers, along with other key wildlife like spotted deer.
- Dobanki Watch Tower: Featuring a stunning canopy walk, the Dobanki Watch Tower offers visitors a unique perspective to explore the majestic forest.
Island and Beaches
- Pakhirala Island: The Pakhirala Island, also known as Pakhiralay, is among the most picturesque and serene islands in the Sundarbans region, which is also considered a heaven for birdwatching. The island features a wide range of unique resident and migratory birds, like Brown-winged Kingfisher, Mangrove Pitta, Collared Kingfisher, and Buffy Fish Owl, among others.
- Kalash Island: The Kalash Island, located near the Matla River mouth, is among the prime nesting sites for the Olive Ridley turtle and features a significant presence of the Royal Bengal Tigers.
- Kotka & Jamtola Beaches: The Kotka & Jamtola Beaches feature golden sands with a serene environment. The beach is among the secluded destinations in the region and boasts abundant wildlife.
Historic and Cultural Sites
- Netidhopani: Renowned for the remnants of a 400-year-old Shiva Temple, Netidhopani is among the key tourist attractions in the region. Netidhopani also boasts a sweet water pond, along with a watchtower, offering a panoramic view of the mangrove forest.
- Sundarbans Museum: The Sundarbans Museum focuses on the unique ecosystem of the forest and information related to the vast wildlife of the region.
Key Activities at Sundarbans
The Forest of Tides, Sundarbans, also offers a wide range of tourist activities, which ensure immersive and in-depth exploration of the forest and its wildlife.
- Boat Safari: The Boat Safari guided tour offered at the Sundarbans is among the most popular and unique ways to explore the depth of the mangrove forest. The motorised boat safari takes you into the dense forest, where visitors can spot various exclusive wildlife, like monitor lizards, elusive tigers, spotted deer, and otters.
- Birdwatching: The Sundarbans region is considered a paradise for bird watchers, as the region is home to about 300 unique resident and migratory birds. In the Sundarbans, visitors can spot a wide variety of birds, which include Brown-winged and Black-Capped Kingfishers, Storks, Fish Eagles, Orioles, and Mangrove Whistlers.
- Nature Walk: The Nature Walk or Mud Walk activity at the Sundarbans takes the visitors on a guided tour through the forest, offering a chance to spot unique wildlife.
Must-Try Dishes in Sundarbans
The Sundarbans region is renowned for fresh seafood dishes, which feature fish and prawns, alongside delicious Bengali staples.
Seafood Specialities
- Bhapa Ilish: A regional speciality, which includes steamed Hilsa fish, prepared with coconut, green chillies, and mustard paste.
- Chingri Malai Curry: A creamy and authentic delicacy, prepared in coconut milk.
- Bhetki Paturi or Curry: Bhetki fish prepared as a curry or steamed in banana leaves.
Vegetarian Dishes
- Mochar Ghonto: A form of dry curry of banana blossoms.
- Panch Phoron: Vegetable curry, which includes a unique blend of 5 types of spice, often served with rice.
- Aloo Posto: The authentic Bengali cuisine, which features potato, cooked with poppy seeds.
Sweet Dishes
- Joyenogorer Moya: A popular sweet dish, mostly prepared during winters. Prepared from popped rice, date palm jaggery, poppy seeds, and gawa ghee.
- Bengali Sweet Dishes: The Sundarbans region also serves a wide range of delicious Bengali sweet dishes, like Rasgulla, Sitabhog, and Langcha, among others.
How to reach Sundarbans
Visitors can travel to Sundarbans through various gateways, like Canning, Sonakhali, a nd Namkhana, from Kolkata, or a nearby city. From the gateways, visitors can take a ferry or motor launch to reach the mangrove forest.
- By Air: The nearest airport to the Sundarbans is the Kolkata Airport, which is located about 115 kilometres from Namkhana and 88 kilometres from Godkhali.
- By Rail: The nearest railway station to the Sundarbans is the Canning Railway Station, which offers connectivity from the Sealdah Railway Station of Kolkata and other destinations.
- By Road: To reach the Sundarbans by road, you can reach various gateways of the mangrove forest like Canning (57 Kilometres), Godkhali (90 Kilometres), Sonakhali (80 Kilometres), and Namkhana (100 Kilometres) from Kolkata.
FAQs
What is the ideal tour duration to visit Sundarbans?
Ans. The ideal tour duration to explore Sundarbans is 3 days and 2 nights, in which you can explore various tourist attractions, spot wildlife, birds, and experience the stunning landscape of the region.
What is the Sundarbans famous for?
Ans. The Sundarbans is the world’s largest mangrove forest, and is also a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The forest also houses the unique and swimming Royal Bengal Tiger, along with a wide range of exotic animals.
What are some of the major animals at the Sundarbans?
Ans. The Sundarbans houses a wide range of exotic and beautiful animals, like the Royal Bengal Tiger, Estuarine Crocodiles, Gangetic Dolphins, Fishing Cats, and Spotted Deer, among others.
What is the best time to visit Sundarbans?
Ans. The best time to explore the dense mangroves of Sundarbans is during the winter months, or between November and March, as the season offers pleasant weather and clearer skies, along with a higher chance of spotting wildlife.
What are some of the most popular birds in the Sundarbans?
Ans. The Sundarbans mangrove forest houses a large variety of migratory and resident birds, which include Kingfishers, Eagles, Herons, and Brahmini Ducks.
