Sunderban - Domestic Travel Destination - Gitanjali Tours & Travels

The land of tigers

Proudly acclaimed as one of the largest mangrove in the world, Sunderbans delta is spread over Bangladesh and India. Unique wonders of the worlds, this is a delta of two great rivers –The Ganges & The Brahmaputra which converges on the Bengal Basin. Famous for the sighting of Roya Bengal Tigers, it also houses other species like Macaques, Indian Grey Mongoose, Leopard Cats, Ridley Sea Turtle, Wild Boar, Jungle Cat, Fox, Flying Fox, Fishing Cats, Chital, Pangolin, and a lot of others. The mangrove habitat and the serene landscape brings us closer to nature. The abundance of flora and fauna, relaxed and tranquil setting of the park is open for many experiences apart from wildlife safari.

The rich ecosystem and the villages around offer an opportunity for a village walk which again is an experience in itself. A network channel of rivers can also be witnessed in this periphery. A UNESCO heritage site blessed with ample of beauties and experiences endowing several reasons to visit.

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History

The history of Sunderbans National Park dates back to 200-300 AD and it is said that the forests were leased during the Mughal Period by the residents staying nearby who built a settlement here. Later in the 17th century, Portuguese and salt smugglers attacked those settlements, the ruins can be traced in Netidhopanj. Under the Forest Act, 1865, in 1875 a large part of the forests was declared as 'reserved'. In 1977, it was declared as a wildlife sanctuary and on May 4, 1984, a national park was established. Finally, Sunderbans was declared as a national park in 1978 and a tiger reserve program under Project Tiger was declared in 1973.

Cuisine

The national park is famous for sea and river fish, and the hotels and resorts serve all types of dishes. The must-try dishes are tiger prawn curry, crab curry, Hilsa fish curry.

Places to Visit

Sajnekhali Watch Tower

Explore the wilderness at its best

Sudhanyakhali Watch Tower

Offers the best sight of the wilds.

Bhagatpur Crocodile Project

Abode of the largest estuarine crocodile, the charm of Sunderban.

Halliday Island

The last retreat of the rare barking deer and a relishing sight for bird lovers.

Kanak

The most ideal location to spot Olive Ridley Turtles basking in the sun.

Netidhopani

A vintage watchtower that offers uninterrupted views of the ruins of 400-year-old Shiva temple.

Things To Do in Sunderban

Steamer Ride

Tiger Safari

Bird Watching

Steamer Ride

Turtle Observation

Tiger Safari

Useful Information

Area

approx. 10,000 square km
Best season

November to March
Languages Spoken

Hindi, Bengali, and English
Nearest Railway Station

Sealdah Railway Station
Nearest Airport

Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Airport at Kolkata

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Sunderbans is a 'No Plastic Zone', avoid carrying plastics.
Carry cash as accessing ATM will be difficult.
Carry medicines for cough, cold, stomach upset, for an ill-free trip.
Drink filter water or coconut water.
Don't throw any garbage in the river from the boat of launch.
Don't play loud music as it disturbs the wildlife.
Don't enter the national park without a valid permit.
Entering the core area, damage flora and fauna is a serious offence
Carry sunglasses, sunscreen lotion, torch with batteries.
Regulations by the Forest Department
Appreciate the colours and sounds of nature
Treat the Protected Area/wilderness area with respect.
Treat the Protected Area/wilderness area with respect.
Dress in colours that blend with the natural environment.
Observe the sanctity of holy sites, respect local customs
Keep a reasonable distance from wild animals, and do not provoke them.
Do not light fires or smoke inside protected areas. Accidental forest fires cause irreparable damage. Camp fire, camping etc are not allowed.
No entry after sunset and before sunrise is permitted in the Protected Area. Night driving is strictly prohibited in the Protected Area.
Entry in the sanctum sanctorum (Core area) of the Protected Area and movement outside the tourist zone is prohibited.
Playing of transistors, tape-recorders, stereos, and bringing in pets are not permitted in the Protected Area. Shouting, loud singing, making noise, teasing, or chasing of animals is prohibited.
Carrying of guns, fire arms, weapons, bows, arrows, and crackers, inflammable materials are strictly prohibited, as per the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, and is punishable by law.
Cooking in rooms is strictly prohibited.
Carrying packed food and eating it within the Protected Area is strictly prohibited. Carelessly throwing and leaving trash litter, peels of fruits, etc is strictly prohibited.
Damage of plant or animal life is strictly prohibited.
Feeding wild animals and captive elephants by tourists are not permitted.
Feeding wild animals and captive elephants by tourists are not permitted.
Fast driving (speed more than 20 km. per hour) and blowing of horn inside the Protected Area is strictly prohibited
Tourists are not allowed to move out of the lodge complex on foot.
The use of flashlight or photography of wild animals is not allowed.
Smoking on elephant back is strictly prohibited.
Bathing in the river water is not allowed.
Disorderly conduct, misbehavior, and drunken state are not permitted in the Forest Lodge and for any offence in this respect, the tourist shall be liable to vacate the lodge.
Heater and other electrical gadgets shall not be used by visitors.
Seeking entry to the tourist lodge without reservation is prohibited.