Sunderban National Park & Tiger Reserve India | Tourism Guide
About Us Sunderbans National Park
The Sundarbans National Park, located along the Ganges delta in India and Bangladesh, is a haven for tiger enthusiasts seeking to witness the majestic Bengal Tigers in their natural habitat. This UNESCO World Heritage site, covering 4624 sq km in India alone, boasts the largest estuarine mangrove forest globally, forming a vital part of the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve.
Situated between 30° 24′ – 30° 28′ N latitude and 77° 40′ – 77° 44′ E longitude in West Bengal, the park comprises 54 small islands and is intersected by numerous tributaries of the Ganges. With an average altitude of 7.5 m, the Sundarbans area experiences temperatures ranging from 20 °C to 48 °C, accompanied by heavy rainfall and high humidity, owing to its proximity to the Bay of Bengal. Monsoons prevail from mid-June to mid-September. Established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1977 and later declared a National Park on May 4, 1984, the Sundarbans is steeped in history. The Sundarbans Tiger Reserve, initially recognized in 1973, evolved into a scientific research project under the Tiger Project in 2004. Generous contributions from the Save the Tiger Fund and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service supported the initial research phase, leading to the present success of tiger conservation efforts in the area. Sundarbans national park official website tiger reserve.
Home to more than 400 Royal Bengal Tigers and various other species like Fishing Cats, Leopard Cats, and spotted deer, the Sundarbans National Park is renowned for its unique ecosystem. The park’s flora includes 64 plant species adapted to estuarine conditions, such as the Sundari tree. The mangrove vegetation displays vibrant colors in April and May, enhancing the park’s natural beauty. Tourists can explore notable places like Sajnekhali, known for its bird sanctuary and watchtowers offering glimpses of royal tigers, the Bhagbatpur Crocodile Project, a crocodile breeding farm, and Piyali Island, a gateway to the Sundarbans, offering nature walks and boat rides. For travel convenience, the Sundarbans National Park is well-connected to Kolkata by road, rail, and air. Motor boats from nearby areas like Godkhali Port, Koikhali, Namkhana, and Canning provide access to the park. Various lodging options, including forest lodges, rest-houses, and resorts like Sundarban Wild Camp and Sundarbans Jungle Camp, ensure a comfortable stay for wildlife enthusiasts.
Travel Information – How to Reach Sunderban National Park
Sunderban National Park Booking
Explore the wonders of nature in the largest mangrove forest globally, Sunderban National Park, renowned for its captivating landscapes and abundant wildlife. Situated in West Bengal, this park stands as one of India’s largest tiger reserve forests, providing an unparalleled safari experience for tiger sightings. Boasting a diverse range of flora and fauna, including the endangered Royal Bengal Tigers, as well as a variety of reptiles and avifauna, Sunderbans National Park offers an enchanting view of dense mangrove trees that beckons nature and wildlife enthusiasts alike. The park’s unique climate and wild landscape make it an ideal destination for wildlife tours.
Our Sunderbans tour packages are meticulously crafted to provide an exclusive excursion into this incredible national park. Ranging from short one-night, two-day tours to extensive six-night, seven-day wildlife tours and forest boat safaris in Sunderbans National Park, our packages cater to various preferences. For a more immersive experience, we offer exclusive wildlife tour packages spanning 18 nights and 19 days, including visits to other tiger reserve parks, such as the Sunderbans tiger reserve. Choose a tour package based on your budget and holiday plans, as all our packages are inclusive of accommodation, food, safari, transfers, and guided assistance throughout the tour. Explore the diverse array of Sunderbans tour packages below, each varying in duration and budget. Whichever you choose, rest assured that your wildlife tour to Sunderbans will be a memorable and cherished holiday experience.
USEFUL INFORMATION & QUICK FACTS ON SUNDARBAN TIGER RESERVE
| Sundarban Tiger Reserve | Facts |
| Area | 10,000sq Km Of Land And Water |
| Value | UNESCO World Heritage Site (1997) |
| Location | Between India And Bangladesh At The Mouth Of The Ganga And Brahmaputra Rivers. |
| Unique Fact | Richest Mangrove Forest In The World (78 Species Of Mangroves) |
| Why It Is Popular | For Exotic Wildlife Species And Faunal Species. |
| Popular Flora Of Sundarbans | Hargoja, Jat Baine, Son Champa,Kankra, Sundari, Tora, Khalsi, Hoya, Goran, Hental And Genwa Etc. |
| Popular Fauna Of Sundarbans | Royal Bengal Tiger, Fishing Cat, Spotted Deer, Wild Boar, The Fiddler Crab, Esturine Crocodiles, Reptiles, Marine Turtles And Water Monitor Lizard, Irawati Dolphin Etc. |
| Popular Avifauna Of Sundarbans | 170 Species Of Endemic Brown-Winged Kingfishers, Marsh Harriers, Jungle Crows, Green Pigeons, Wood Sandpipers, Woodpeckers, Little Stints, Common Snipes, Golden Plovers & Mangrove Whistler Etc. |
| Best Time To Visit | October To March |
| Major Rivers | Ganga, Brahmaputra, Meghna And Padma |
| Achievements | Finalist In The New Seven Wonders Of Nature. |
Approaching Sundarbans National Park can be done from three directions starting from Kolkata. The first route, through North 24 Parganas via Hemnagar, is less explored and lacks developed infrastructure, providing a more immersive experience of rural Bengal life. The second route via Namkhana is also less developed, with limited accommodation options, mainly luxury boats or camping on safe sand beaches. The third and most developed route is through Godhkhali or Jharkhali, which is well-connected by rail and road. If you choose the Godhkhali route, you’ll need to leave your vehicle at Godhkhali and proceed further into the islands by river. Accommodations are available at Pakhiralay or Dayapur Island. The Jharkhali route allows you to drive closer to the core area and is gradually becoming the central hub for tourism activities in Sundarbans National Park, offering luxury accommodations and facilities.
The park features several watchtowers, with Sajnekhali Watch Tower being the most popular due to its proximity to resorts and its role as the entry point for park permissions. It offers attractions like Bono Bini Temple, Mangrove Interpretation Center, and a turtle project. The tower provides excellent bird-watching opportunities, featuring species such as pelicans, kingfishers, sea eagles, and more.
Sudhanyakhali Watch Tower is known for frequent tiger sightings, along with other wildlife like deer, wild boars, and crocodiles. The watchtower overlooks a sweet water pond where animals gather, and clearings provide glimpses of wildlife.
Dobanki Watchtower, with its Canopy Walk, offers a unique experience at a height of about 20 ft from the ground. The dense jungle around this tower is home to Chital deer and Brahmini Kites, with occasional tiger sightings. Tiger attacks may occur when locals enter these jungles for fishing or honey collection.
Kalash Island, located at the tributaries of the River Matla, is accessible with armed guards and serves as a breeding ground for Olive Ridley Turtles during winters.
Bonnie Camp boasts a 50-feet-high watchtower, the tallest in Sundarbans. It features a sweet-water pond attracting wildlife throughout the day, providing a fabulous ambiance, especially for overnight stays that evoke the feeling of a desolate island.
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