Sundarban Tiger Reserve – A Wild Wonderland in West Bengal

 

If you're a wildlife lover or adventure seeker, then the Sundarban Tiger Reserve should be on your bucket list. Nestled in the southern part of West Bengal, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the largest mangrove forest in the world and a unique habitat for the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger.

This blog is your complete travel guide to the Sundarban Tiger Reserve – from its natural beauty to how to reach, best time to visit, tiger safari in Sundarban, and eco-tourism opportunities. You’ll also discover Sundarban tour packages and wildlife tour packages from Kolkata to make your trip smooth and memorable.

About Sundarban Tiger Reserve

The Sundarbans is a vast delta formed by the confluence of the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers. The name ‘Sundarban’ means “beautiful forest”, and rightly so! This forest is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna including saltwater crocodiles, spotted deer, wild boars, monitor lizards, and of course, the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger.

Established in 1973 under Project Tiger, the Sundarban Tiger Reserve spans around 2,585 sq km of core and buffer zones. It’s also recognized as a Biosphere Reserve and supports over 100 tigers, which have uniquely adapted to swimming in saltwater.

How to Reach Sundarbans

The Sundarbans are located in the South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, around 100 km from Kolkata. Here's how you can reach this amazing destination with ease:

By Air:

Land at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (Kolkata). From there, travel by road to Godkhali (around 3 hours), then take a boat to reach your resort or forest entry point.

By Train:

Take a train from Kolkata to Canning Station. From Canning, you can hire a cab or take a local shared vehicle to Godkhali.

By Road + Boat:

From Kolkata, drive to Godkhali Ferry Ghat via Basanti Highway. From Godkhali, board a boat arranged by your tour operator to enter the Sundarbans.

Many Sundarban tour packages from Kolkata include pick-up and drop services, boat transfers, stay, and safaris.

Best Time to Visit Sundarban Tiger Reserve

The ideal season to plan your National Park tour package to Sundarbans is from September to March, when the weather is comfortable and the chances of spotting wildlife are higher.

1. Winter (Oct–Feb): Best time for tiger safari and birdwatching.

2. Summer (Mar–Jun): Hot and humid; fewer tourists.

3. Monsoon (Jul–Sep): Rainy season – travel not recommended due to water level changes.

Tiger Safari in Sundarban – A One-of-a-Kind Experience

What makes Sundarbans truly unique is that the safaris are conducted not in jeeps, but by boats. The tiger safari in Sundarban is a rare and thrilling adventure where you float through narrow river channels surrounded by dense mangrove forests.

Highlights of Sundarban Boat Safari:

1. Enjoy wildlife viewing from watchtowers like Sajnekhali, Dobanki, and Sudhanyakhali.

2. Spot tigers, crocodiles, otters, deer, and dolphins while cruising silently.

3. Photography lovers can capture rare birds and scenic views.

4. Safari permits and boats are managed by the Forest Department and tour operators.

Flora and Fauna of Sundarbans

Wildlife:

1. Royal Bengal Tiger

2. Saltwater Crocodile

3. Spotted Deer

4. Fishing Cats

5. Wild Boars

6. River Dolphins

7. Monitor Lizards

Bird Species:

1. Black-Capped Kingfisher

2. Brahminy Kite

3. Egrets, Herons, and Storks

4. Jungle Babblers

5. Mangrove Whistler

Mangrove Flora:

1. Sundari Trees (dominant species)

2. Goran, Keora, and Gewa trees – all salt-tolerant

This rich biodiversity makes Sundarbans a haven for wildlife researchers, photographers, and nature tourists.

Eco-Tourism & Sundarban Tour Packages

Tourism in Sundarbans has been growing in eco-friendly ways. Many Sundarban tour packages include accommodation in eco-resorts, traditional meals, cultural programs, and guided boat safaris.

You can choose from:

1. 1 Day Sundarban Tour

2. 2 Nights/3 Days Wildlife Tour Package

3. Custom Sundarban Tour from Kolkata

These packages are ideal for families, groups, students, and photographers who want to explore this mysterious mangrove jungle without the stress of planning every detail.

Where to Stay in Sundarbans

You’ll find a range of eco-resorts, homestays, and forest lodges offering peaceful accommodation surrounded by nature.

Recommended Places to Stay:

1. Sundarban Tiger Camp (Dayapur Island)

2. United 21 Resort

3. Sundarban Jungle Mahal Resort

4. Government Eco Tourist Lodges

Most of these stays are included in Sundarban tour packages from Kolkata with meals, safaris, and cultural performances.

Travel Tips for Your Sundarban Trip

1. Always travel with a registered tour operator or forest guide.

2. Carry light cotton clothes, a hat, sunglasses, and insect repellent.

3. Respect wildlife and avoid plastic.

4. Keep your camera ready, but silent – you never know when a tiger might show up!

5. Book your National Park tour package well in advance during peak season (Oct–Feb).

   Conclusion

A visit to the Sundarban Tiger Reserve is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that takes you deep into the heart of one of the world's most captivating ecosystems. With thrilling tiger safaris, lush mangroves, and rich biodiversity, the Sundarbans promise an unforgettable journey for every traveler.

Whether you're booking a wildlife tour package from Kolkata or planning a peaceful retreat in nature, the Sundarbans will leave you in awe. It’s not just a trip – it’s an experience!

FAQs

Q1. What’s the best tiger safari in Sundarban?
The boat safari through Dobanki and Sudhanyakhali is considered the best for spotting tigers and wildlife.

Q2. Are Sundarban tour packages from Kolkata available?
Yes, many travel operators offer 1 to 3-day packages including transportation, stay, food, and safaris.

Q3. Is Sundarban a National Park?
Yes, Sundarbans is a National Park, Tiger Reserve, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Q4. What’s included in a typical wildlife tour package from Kolkata?
Packages usually include AC transport from Kolkata, boat safaris, forest permits, guide, stay, and meals.

Q5. How long should I stay in Sundarbans?
A 2 Nights/3 Days tour is ideal to enjoy the safaris, local culture, and relaxation in nature.