Things to Do in Sunderbans on Your Weekend Getaway

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Distance from Kolkata:  101 kilometres

The largest mangrove forest in the world, Sunderbans is known for the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger, meandering waterways, aquatic species (including dolphins!) and rustic village life. A World Heritage Site, Sunderbans is a nature lover’s delight and every photographer’s dream.

Things to Do in Sunderbans

Spot the Tiger at Sunderbans National Park: This is the core area of the Sunderbans Tiger Reserve and consists of islands, waterways, canal and creeks. Here you do not go on an elephant safari for sightings but instead on a boat cruise. The journey itself is mesmerizing, as you meander through the many waterways surrounded by tall trees. Though Sunderbans can be visited throughout the year, September to March is the best time for tiger sightings. The Sunderbans National Park is a UNESCO Heritage Site since 1987.

Birding in Sajnekhali Bird Sanctuary: This river island in the heart of Sunderbans is a paradise for birders. There is a watch tower from where you can spot over 200 bird species such as, sandpipers, whimbrels, plovers, kingfishers and herons.

Visit to Netidhopani: Netidhopani has a watch tower from where visitors can view the ruins of a 400-year-old Shiva temple, and is very popular among pilgrims who come from far and wide. You can also observe the rich flora and fauna of the region from the tower. 

Holy Dip at Gangasagar: Sagar Island in the Sunderbans is the site of the annual Gangasagar fair and pilgrimage. Lakhs of devotees and tourists converge here during Makar Sankranti, in the month of January, to take a dip at the confluence of river Ganges and Bay of Bengal. It is the second largest congregation of people in the world after the Kumbh Mela.

Walk with Turtles at Kanak: The island of Kanak in Sunderbans is the nesting site of the Olive Ridley turtles. They travel about 100 kilometres inland from the sea to lay their eggs here. Nesting season lasts from December to March. During this time, you can see these turtles in large numbers.

Insider Tips

Where to Stay? Sunderban Tiger Safari and Solitary Nook are few places you can stay in Sunderbans

Budget: Rs. 5,000 per night (inclusive of hotel stay and sightseeing)

Distance from Kolkata: 101 kilometres (you can drive to Godhkhali Jetty, from where a 2-hour boat ride to Sunderbans is available)

Travellers Type: Family, friends, nature and wildlife enthusiasts

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