Sundarbans Trip Guide: Best Tips & Itinerary

The world’s largest mangrove forest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The triad of Ganga, Meghna, and Brahmaputra rivers are responsible for the formation of the Sunderban delta and is spread across Bangladesh and India. This unique ecosystem is home to the rare Royal Bengal Tiger, saltwater crocodile, and a wealth of exotic flora and fauna. 

Whether you are a nature lover, wildlife photographer, or just looking for an adventurous off-beaten track, the Sundarbans promises unforgettable experiences. 

How to Reach Sunderbans 

Sundarbans From Kolkata(India)

By Bus

• Take buses from the Esplanade Bus Terminus(Dharmtala) in Kolkata to Namkhana, Sonakhali, Raidighi, or Najat.
• These places are close to river entry points where you can take boats to visit various parts of the Sundarbans. 

By Car/Taxi

• From Kolkata, drive or rent a private taxi to reach Godkhali via Baruipur and Basanti (3-4 hours). Godkhali is the main entry point.  There is a parking spot at Godkhali, so you can park your vehicle and take a motorboat to explore through the delta. 

By Train

• Take a train from Sealdah to Canning and then a local vehicle to reach Godkhali. The train is about 1.5 to 2 hours.
• From Godkhali, you can take a boat or ferry to explore various parts of Sunderbans.

Sunderbans From Khulna or Mongla(Bangladesh)

By Train

• Catch a train from Dhaka to Khulna that takes around 8-10 hours.
• From Khulna, most tours and trips begin either from the Mongla port or directly from Khulna city. You can easily get boats for your Sundarbans trip. 

By Car/Bus

• Several buses operate from Dhaka to Khulna(approx. 8-10 hours), including Ac buses like Greenline or Shohagh. 
• From Khulna, hire a car to reach Mongla. It is a major entry point for Sundarbans. 

By Boat

• Take a bus or hire a private taxi to reach Khulna, the main gateway. Then you can take a boat or ferry to explore the Sundarbans. 

Best Time To Visit Sundarban For Wildlife Sightseeings

The perfect time to visit the Sundarban Delta is between October to March. The weather remains cool and pleasant which is ideal for exploring and spotting wildlife.

Avoid monsoons between June and September as heavy rainfall makes boat travel difficult and unsafe.   

Places to Visit in Sundarbans

Sajnekhali Watch Tower:

The most renowned watch tower of Sunderban. It is located close to several resorts in the Sunderbans. It is also the head office of the forest department and you can take the entry permit from here. The watch tower has a capacity of 20 persons at a time. The famous tourist spots in this area are Bono Bini Temple, Mangrove Interpretation Centre, and the tourist lodge of the Bengal Tourism Department. It is a perfect spot for sightseeing birds like Pelican, Plovers, Kingfishers, and others. 

Sudhanyakhali Watch Tower:

Perfect sightseeing point to spot the Royal Bengal Tiger. The watch tower has a capacity of 25 persons at a time. A freshwater lake is located behind the watch tower. Several animals come here to drink water at this spot. There is huge grassland behind the lake which gives an invigorating view of several animals. Apart from spotting tigers, you can get to see crocodiles, wild boars, and deer.

Do Ban Ki Canopy Walk:

A watch tower that offers canopy walks. You get to witness the exotic flora and fauna of the Sundarbans. Other than tigers, you might also get a sight of Brahmin Kites and Chital Deer.

Netidhopani Watch Tower:

The tower is associated with the legendary story of Behula and Lakhindari. According to legend, on the very edge of the forest, there is a road beautified by King Pratap Aditya to protect the coastal areas. 

Bonnie Camp:

A remote and offbeat place, which is nested far within the forest. It has the highest watchtower in Sundarbans and also a sweetwater lake is located near the tower, so you can easily spot some birds, deer, and even tigers.

Kalash Island:

The forest meets the sea near Kalash Island. This spot is a nesting site for Olive Ridley turtles (best seen between December and March)

Entry Process and Permit Details(Visiting from India)

Permits are mandatory for all tourists to enter the core areas of the Sundarbans.

There are two main zones:

• Core Zone (Sundarbans Tiger Reserve)

To enter the core zone you are required to take a permit from the forest department.

• Buffer Zones (Like Sajnekhali, Dobanki, Sudhanyakhali)

It is also under forest department rules and requires a permit from them but easier to get access. Your tour organizer or Sundarban boat cruise service usually takes care of the permits for you.

1. Where to issue Permits?

• Sajnekhali Forest Office(main permit issuing center)- Permits are issued by the forest department. 

• Godkhali or Canning- Some permits are also issued from this center.

2. Entry Fees Break Down(Per Person)

 Note: Price might vary depending on exact location, season, and group size

3. Important Documents Needed:

• ID proofs(Aadhaar, Passport, etc)

• Visa & Passport (for Foreign tourists)

• Group list copy(if applying as a group)

4. Some Tips:

• Carry several photocopies of your ID 

• Keep Passport photos

• It's better to book permits early during peak season.

• Follow the forest rules - No plastic, no loud Noise.

Sundarbans Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors(4Days/3Nights)

Following is a simple 4 Days tour plan for tourists from India (You can make some adjustments if you’re visiting Sunderbans from Bangladesh)

Day1: Arrival and Journey into the Sundarbans

Early morning: Leave Kolkata around 7 in the morning by car/train to Godkhali Jetty (approx. 3-4 hours journey)

Note: If you are traveling by train, then stop and begin your journey from Sealdah station to reach Canning and take any local transportation to reach Godkhali Jetty.

Take a motorboat/ferry towards your stay in the Sundarbans.

Afternoon: Enjoy your lunch at the resort or boat-stay. After lunch, cruise along the winding rivers and catch beautiful glimpses of kingfishers, egrets, and possibly saltwater crocodiles.

Evening: Take a Sundarban village tour and meet the locals. Interact with them to understand their way of life, and observe how they coexist with the wild. 

Day2: Forest Exploration & Wildlife Safari

Early Morning: Begin the day with a forest exploration by boat to must-visit places in Sunderbans:

• Sajnekhali Watch Tower: This tower is famous for bird watching along with that you can also spot deer large estuarine crocodiles, and water monitors(giant lizards).

• Sudhanyakhali Watch Tower: A hotspot for the Royal Bengal tiger sightings. Also, you can see deer, wild boars, and various birds.

• Dobanki Canopy Walk: An Elevated canopy walk above the mangroves. You can spot animals in the wild safely.

Afternoon: Have lunch on the boat/cruise amid nature. Continue the cruise journey through scenic creeks and rivers (narrow waterways like Bonbibi Bharani and others)

Evening: Return to your stay. Relax and enjoy a bonfire (seasonal) or you can just have a beautiful stargazing session.

Day3: Explore Lesser-Known Spots

Early Morning: Take a boat and head towards the Netidhopani watchtower. Also, visit the ancient temple ruins and enjoy the deep forest views. 

Afternoon: Explore quieter places like Bonbibi Bgarani, Jharkhali, Kalash Island, etc. 

Evening: Enjoy the sunset view from your boat and return to your resort. 

Day4: Return 

Morning: After breakfast, take a short boat trip to explore nearby bird-viewing sights.

Optional: Visit Hamilton Sahib’s Bungalow or any small village market for shopping. 

Late Morning: Return to Godkhali by boat/ferry. From here, drive back to Kolkata and by late afternoon or early evening, you will reach Kolkata. 

Sundarbans Trip Cost Guide 

Travel Costs (Kolkata to Sundarbans)

• By Private Cab (shared): Rs1000-Rs1,500 per person

• By Train, Sealdah to Canning+Local Vehicle to Godkhali: Rs150-Rs200 per person

• By Private Car(Non-Shared): Rs3500-Rs4500 per person

• By Boat Transfer: Rs1000-Rs1500 per Person

Accommodation (Per Night)

Budget Stay: Rs1000-Rs1800 per person

• Sundarban Tiger Roar Resort: A dorm 
• Sundarban Gateway Resort
• Eco Stay Homestays in Dayapur or Satjelis

Mid-range Stay: Rs2000-Rs4000 per person

• Sundarban Wild Camp
• Banani Resort by WBTDC(govt.)
• Jungle Camp Resort

Luxury/Premium Stay: Rs4500-Rs8000+ Per Person

• Sunderban Tiger Camp(Luxury Cottage)
• Waxpol Jungle Lodge
• Tourist Lodges with private boats and all meals

Sundarban Local Food and Cuisine Guide

Meals are included in most Sundarban boat safari tour packages. If not then,

• Meals: Rs.200-Rs.400 per day

Don’t forget to try Bengali thali and fresh fish. 

Extra Expenses

• Entry Fees, shopping, and tips: Rs 1000-Rs.1500+

Total Estimated Cost (Per Person)

• Budget Trip: Rs.5000-Rs 7000

• Comfort Trip: Rs.8000-Rs 12,000

• Luxury Trip: Rs20,000+

Sundarbans Tour Packages(for 4 Days/3Nights)

Note: Pricing might vary during peak seasons (like weekends or holidays)

Some Sundarbans Travel Tips For You:

• For better experiences, choose a pre-arranged tour package that includes transport, a boat, a stay, food, and forest permits.
  
  
• There are various stay options depending on your budget (Eco-resorts, floating hotels, and government forest lodges)
  
  
• Try to carry cash, as finding an ATM in the middle of a forest can be a difficult task and the mobile network is erratic here.
  
  
• Don’t forget to pack sunscreen, mosquito repellent, binoculars, and waterproof bags.
  
  
• Hire a local guide to enhance your knowledge and support the local economy.
  
  
• Be a responsible tourist don’t litter and be respectful towards the ecosystem.

Sundarbans is where legendary tales, wildlife, and raw nature meet. From spotting the rare Royal Bengal to exploring through the twisting waterways, the experience is thrilling and humbling. Sundarbans is not just going to be like any ordinary trip, it’s a journey into the deep heart of nature. 

1. Why Visit Sundarbans?

Ans: To see the world's largest Mangrove forest, catch glimpses of rare wildlife such as the Royal Bengal Tiger, and explore tranquil river channels. 

2. What to pack for a Sundarban Jungle Safari?

Ans: You must Take Lightweight clothing (prefer full-sleeved to avoid insect bites), comfortable shoes, a sun hat, Sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, and some necessary medicine.

Extras: Binoculars(for wildlife watching), Camera, Raincoat (if visiting during monsoon), torch/flashlight, and snacks. 

3. Are there any possibilities of seeing a Royal Bengal Tiger?

Ans: Although the Royal Bengal Tiger is elusive, sightings do happen. However, there are more wildlife to see such as saltwater crocodiles, deer, and exotic birds.

4. Is Sundarbans safe for solo travelers?

Ans: Yes, it’s safe when you go with a licensed tour guide. Proper safety measures are made for tourists. 

5. Do I require a permit to visit the Sundarbans?

Ans: Yes, you must get a forest permit usually arranged by your tour agents or guide. 

6. What are the Top 5 things to carry for a Sunderban adventure trip?

Ans: Insect repellent, comfortable clothing, sunscreen, binoculars, and camera.