A vast tidal mangrove delta south of Kolkata, explored only by boat, home to the Bengal tiger.
FamousWildlifeRiverVillageIsland
The Sundarbans Tiger Reserve is a maze of mangrove islands and creeks that you see from a boat, stopping at fenced watchtowers along the way. It suits nature lovers, birders and families who are happy with slow river days, simple lodges and the small chance of seeing a tiger. Crocodiles, spotted deer, monkeys and many birds are far more likely sightings.
Trip planner
Plan from your city
Photos
Mangrove forest in Sundarbans National ParkA village on the Sundarban islandsSaltwater crocodile in the SundarbansCollared kingfisher in Sundarbans National Park
Photos from Wikimedia Commons. Select a photo for its author and licence.
Best time to go
When
What to expect
October to March
The main season. Cool, dry days and clear skies; winter nights in the forest can drop below 10 C, so carry a warm layer.
April to June
Hot and humid. Wild honey is collected in April and May. Boat trips still run but midday on deck is tiring.
June to September
Monsoon brings strong winds and rough water that can disrupt boat trips, and the highest risk of mosquito-borne illness.
Sights and activities
1
Sajnekhali Watch Tower and Mangrove Interpretation Centre
The main entry complex of the reserve, with a watchtower, a freshwater pond, a turtle and crocodile pond, a small museum and a breeding effort for the endangered river terrapin.
Distance
A short boat ride from Pakhiralay; about 1 hour by boat from Gosaba side jetties
Entry
Covered by the forest entry permit (about 600 rupees per person per day reported)
Timings
About 6 AM to 5:30 PM; reserve closed to tourists on Tuesdays
Buses run from Esplanade and Babughat in Kolkata to Sonakhali (about 100 km), from where an auto covers the 13 km to Godkhali. A private car takes about 2 to 3 hours from Kolkata to Godkhali, the last road point; private cars can park at the jetty.
By train
Canning is the nearest railhead, about 45 km from Sealdah in Kolkata, with local EMU trains roughly every hour (about 1 to 1.5 hours). From Canning it is about 28 km by road to Godkhali jetty.
By air
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata, is about 112 km away; allow about 3 hours by road to Godkhali.
Where to base yourself
Stay on Pakhiralay, Dayapur or Gosaba-Dulki islands near the Sajnekhali forest office, or sleep on a hired boat.
Getting around
Inside the reserve you can only travel on registered boats, which must carry a forest guide; hiring a whole motorboat costs about 4,000 to 5,000 rupees a day, with food and fuel for the generator extra.
Short public ferries link the islands; the river crossing near Gosaba has been reported at about 5 rupees.
E-rickshaws (totos) carry people along village paths between jetties and lodges, for example about 20 minutes from Gosaba jetty to Dulki.
Often combined with
Places people usually visit on the same trip, and how long it takes to get between them.
Village homestays and simple lodges at Pakhiralay and Dayapur, or a bunk on a tour launch
₹1,000 to ₹1,800
Mid-range
West Bengal Tourism's Matla Tourism Property at Sajnekhali and similar resorts
₹2,000 to ₹3,200
Luxury
Riverside resorts and tented camps such as Sunderban Tiger Camp, usually sold with meals and boat trips
₹6,000 to ₹9,000
Food
Most visitors eat what their lodge or boat cook makes, usually Bengali rice, dal, vegetables and plenty of fish, often included in packages. Independent travellers have found few good eating places near the jetties, so plan meals with your stay.
Try these
Luchi with alur dom (fried bread with potato curry)
Fish curry with rice (rui, bhetki or local river fish)
Crab curry
Prawn or fish pakora (fried fritters)
Doi katla (fish in yoghurt gravy)
Local honey
Vegetarian meals of rice, dal, vegetables and luchi are easy to arrange if you tell the lodge or boat cook in advance.
Daily costs
Budget level
Stay per room
Food per person
Local transport
Budget
₹1,400
₹500
₹300 per person
Mid-range
₹2,600
₹900
₹4,500 per vehicle
Luxury
₹7,500
₹2,000
₹6,000 per vehicle
Per day. Travel to and from your city is added in the planner above.
Permits and documents
A forest entry permit is needed for the tiger reserve; boat operators and tour companies usually arrange it through the Sajnekhali or Canning forest offices. Indians need a photo ID with address proof such as Aadhaar, voter ID, driving licence or passport (PAN card not accepted). Foreigners carry a passport with visa. Video cameras have been charged about 200 rupees a day.
Safety
By day
Safe on registered boats with a guide. Stay on board except at fenced camps, keep quiet and never step into the forest on your own; tigers and crocodiles are real dangers to people who enter the forest.
At night
Remain in your lodge or on the boat after dark. Electricity can be erratic, so carry a torch.
Solo women
Most visitors come on group tours or with a booked lodge, which is the easier way to travel alone. Use registered boats and operators.
Roads
The drive from Kolkata to Godkhali is on ordinary country roads. On the islands, transport is by ferry and e-rickshaw on narrow village paths.
