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In comparison to other National Parks, the wildlife safari experience in the Sundarbans is completely different. Only from waterways or watchtowers, positioned strategically across rivers and canals, visitors can discover wildlife and wilderness in the jungle.
Jungle Safari | Launch Safari | Wildlife | Best Time to Visit | How to Reach
Sundarban is the world's largest delta, formed when the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers meet. By geographic spread, it is the world's largest mangrove forest as well.
The Sundarban is a region that straddles India and Bangladesh.
Sundarban is divided into two main parts: the eastern section is in Bangladesh, and the western section is in India. Its total land area is approximately 10,000 square kilometres. On the Indian side of the border, the forest has been designated a National Park by Indian Forest Department.
Mangrove ecosystems are critical because they provide food and habitat for a diverse range of species. This forest is home to hundreds of different species of wildlife and provides critical nesting sites for a variety of endangered flora and fauna. Additionally, the Sundarban Mangroves act as a protective canopy for West Bengal and Bangladesh, shielding these regions from cyclonic storms and high tides.
In Sundarban, human-animal conflict is extremely prevalent. This is primarily because several distinct human occupations require access to the deep forest. Fishing, crab collection in creeks and honey collection deep in the forest are just a few examples of these occupations.
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Jungle Safari of Sundarbans
Sundarban's wildlife safari is truly unique in comparison to other National Parks. Visitors are not permitted to enter the jungle, and the only way to discover wildlife and the wilderness would be through waterways across various rivers and canals, or from strategically located watchtowers.
Sundarbans Watchtowers
Sundarban's wilderness can be observed from the top of watchtowers, which offer a breathtaking panoramic view. These are the most popular destinations for travelers looking to witness rare animals. The presence of these watchtowers results in a significant increase in the frequency of deer and wild boar sightings. Additionally, tigers have been spotted frequently from these watchtowers. There are man-made sweet water ponds near these watchtowers. Besides that, the Forest Department has prepared stretches of open land separated from the rest of the bush and trees where you can enjoy wildlife tracking.
Sajnekhali Watch Tower
In Sundarbans, it is a well-known watchtower. Tiger sightings are relatively common from this Sajnekhali Watch Tower. Permission is given by the forest department to visit other areas of the Sundarbans National Park from here. The watchtower complex comprises additional tourist attractions, including the Bonbibi Temple, a Mangrove interpretation center, and a crocodile park. A tall and sturdy fencing surrounds the entire complex. Tourists can only access this location through the use of waterways. Pakhiralaya, a human settlement, is located directly across from this complex, on the other side of the Datta River. Many tourist guesthouses and hotels are available at Pakhiralaya for visitors.
Sudhanyakhali Watchtower
Sudhanyakhali is another popular Sundarban watchtower. It is situated on the same island as Sajnekhali Watchtower. Entry to this watchtower is restricted to 25 visitors at a time. This watchtower's large freshwater pond attracts wild animals, including tigers.
Dobanki Observation Tower and Deck
The primary attraction of this location is a long elevated covered walkway that runs through the core of the mangrove forest. You can observe wildlife in its natural habitat from this canopy bridge. This walk is nearly 500 meters long. It is 20 feet above the ground and is securely surrounded by high fencing. This area is densely forested with wild boar and spotted deer. You may even see tigers during your walk.
Other popular tourist attractions include the Do-Banki Watch Tower, the Netidhopani Watch Tower, Bonnie Camp, the Buridabri Watch Tower, and the Bhagabatpur Crocodile Rehabilitation Center.
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Sundarbans Launch Safari
Numerous rivers run through the forest, and the only way to explore this wilderness is on a launch safari through the various rivers, canals, and creeks. The Sundarbans boat safari allows tourists to explore this one-of-a-kind ecosystem from the water. You'll come across a wide range of different plant and animal species. An experienced guide who will educate you about the flora and fauna you witness will accompany you on this tour.
Sunderban boat safari offers an adrenaline-pumping adventure through this densely forested region. The forests reflect a number of dangers, but the jungle is teeming with life. Sundarban Lunch Safari is an incredible opportunity to observe tigers swimming in rivers or jumping across creeks.
Safari launches are designed to provide tourists with a safe viewing experience of animals. These launches can resemble cruise ships. You will be provided with comfortable seating, beds, and not so comfortable toilets. Private and public agencies manage these boats. Your travel agency will prepare and food will be served on the boat. You can even stay overnight on your boat or at one of the resorts located at some approved locations inside the Sundarbans area.
Best Time to Visit Sundarbans
Visitors can enjoy boat safaris throughout the year. However, you may wish to avoid the monsoon season due to the region's extreme weather. Monsoon rains; high water levels, and strong winds can be extreme for tourists. Leaving your boat except for designated jetties is strictly prohibited during a boat safari.
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Wildlife of Sundarbans
Sundarban is a one-of-a-kind forest. Due to the mix of freshwater and saltwater ecosystems, this area is home to a variety of forest types. This region is known for its mangrove, littoral, and swamp forest types. This area is densely forested with Sundari, Gewa, and Goran trees. The name Sundarbans derives from the Sundari tree's abundance. This area is home to approximately 350 plant species. The Royal Bengal Tiger is the forest's apex predator. Unlike anywhere else on Earth, Sundarban's tigers are predominantly man-eaters. Tigers are also smaller in size here than in the rest of the wildlife sanctuaries. Tiger sightings are exceptionally rare in this National Park. Tigers are more usually sighted while crossing the river. This is a one-of-a-kind tiger habitat. The water level changes daily with the tides. As a result, the majority of the ground is soft and difficult to hunt. Tiger territorial markings are also washed away with tidewater. Hence they have to work more diligently to establish their territory's boundaries. Apart from tigers, other notable mammals include the Jungle Cat, the Fishing Cat, the Spotted Deer, the Wild Boar, and the Rhesus Monkey are found in this jungle. Almost all land animals living in this extreme habitat, have evolved to survive in this unique and difficult ecosystem. Open-billed Stock, Water Hens, Brahminy Kites, Gray Heron, Common King Fisher, and Green Pigeons are all common bird species. This area is home to over 280 bird species. During the winter, this region expanded its list of migratory visitors. Sundarban's water world is equally diverse. The Olive Ridley Turtle, Green Turtley, Sea Snakes, River Dolphin, King Crab, Mudskipper, and Saltwater Crocodile are just a few of the prominent species. Another top predator of Sundarbans is the Salt Water Crocodile. They have even been observed attacking and killing tigers. Another showstopper of Sundarban is Mudskipper. The mudskipper is a small amphibian. They are capable of surviving on both land and water. Their activity along the river bank is fascinating to watch.
How to Reach Sundarbans
It is possible to enter the Sundarbans from a number of different locations. Depending from where you start your vacation, you have the option of taking the train or driving from Kolkata. Canning, Namkhana, Goshaba are well known entry locations are only a few of the many options. Booking your Launch first is always the best option. You have the option of booking a seat on a government-operated tour or renting a boat from a private operator. Then you need to plan your route to the starting point. In addition to being the closest train station, Canning is also the major rail station in Sundarbans region. From the Sealdha Junction railway station, it is approximately 48 kilometres journey. Sealdha is one of India's busiest rail stations, and it's located in Kolkata. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport is another option for flying into Kolkata. From the Kolkata airport, the Sundarbans National Park is just over 100 kilometres away. Then it takes about 1.5 hours to get to the buffer zone by boat. Tourists should avoid using public transportation, such as trains and buses.
