When meandering rivers gush through the dense canopy of mangrove foliage with a delta safely ensconced in the cradle of its arms, it is indeed picturesque. This sprawling reserve stands testimony to its name. Whisper of the wilderness, the royal splendour of the majestic tiger, the docile deer and the variegated fish teeming the waters make up for an experience that only needs to be felt. Watch your soul get intertwined with nature and wilderness at Sunderbans.
Sunderbans is located in the delta of Ganga, Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers in the Bay of Bengal. It covers a total area of 10000 square kilometres is home to 453 animal species including the Bengal tiger, chital deer and the fish cat among many others. The forest is rich in avian fauna life such as open-billed storks, black-headed ibis, water hens, coots, pheasant-tailed jacanas, pariah kites, marsh harriers, swamp partridges Sunderbans in addition to being rich in wildlife is also mentioned extensively in literature and folk songs. Whatever be the nature of your holiday, come soak it up in Sunderbans.
The climate in Sunderbans is mostly temperate. Winters run from October to March while March to May is arid and humid. The rest of the months the reserve enjoys monsoons with the green canopy soaked in gentle showers reeking of petrichor. Monsoon is the best season to visit because of the cloudy skies and tangerine sunsets. Also owing to monsoon a lot of animals are spotted enjoying the light pitter patter since tourists
The safari is Sunderbans is worth raving about. It is an experience that is beyond description. The safari is unique for you get to glide along the tranquil waters. Dotted with lush green mangrove trees, the tiger, more often than not, lurks amidst the dense foliage. If you are lucky, you may spot the striped cat taking a sip on an arid afternoon. Keep your eyes peeled for deer and other birds which usually lurk around the banks. There are two types of boats available for Safari in Sunderbans, AC and Non AC. Also, the duration varies between long and short. The shorter duration is for a day and if you have not got enough of the wilderness experience, book the boat for up to a week. Boats ply only between 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Make sure to carry enough sunscreen, bottled water, insect repellants to protect yourself from mosquitoes and insects.
This is one of the most important points to visit in Sunderbans, This is also the office of the head of the forest department. This spot is the entry point for tourists to obtain permission to enter the park. The tower can accommodate up to 20 people at a time. Witness the panoramic view of the park and the other attractions to watch out for Bono Bini Temple, Mangrove Interpretation Center and the tourist lodge of the Bengal Tourism. Avid birders are in for a treat for this a haven for birds. Keep your eyes peeled for pelicans, kingfishers, Lap-Wings, White Bellied Sea Eagle, Whimbrel, Curfews, and Sandpipers among others.
This is the perfect spot to catch a glimpse of the striped cat in the reserve. This watchtower enables you to witness the green carpet of mangrove forests, tiny strips of meandering rivers. Birds flock together and flutter away after taking a sip of the water. The sight is mesmerizing as the birds flutter against the azure skies. If you are lucky, you may spot the striped cat ambling majestically around the foliage. You can spot deer, native and migratory birds from here. This is an ideal picnic spot for that much-needed solace among wilderness.
When tranquillity meets cerulean waters, it makes a halcyon picnic spot. Piyali island can be reached by crossing a small bridge over the river. The island is covered with lush green paddy fields and the tranquil Piyali river gurgling around it. The banks are dotted by green mangrove forests which also is the lifeline of the nearby villages. Stroll around the island soaking in the serenity or picnic by the banks to enjoy lukewarm sunlight and gentle zephyr. Avid birders are in for a treat for migratory birds flock the islands during winters. Some other avian fauna species to watch out for are green bee-eater, collared kingfisher and tufted ducks. Tickle your taste buds with the famous mow, a sweet delicacy that is available on the way to the island via the mainland. In case you decide to stay back at Piyali, there is only one privately run lodge which allows overnight boarding. You can stroll the courtyard, indulge in some locally cooked food, birding or talk a boat ride along the river. Visit this island during winters to catch a glimpse of migratory birds.
One different aspect apart from nature in Sunderbans to watch out for is the omnipresent Banabibi idols that are strategically placed throughout the forest. According to a legend, a young boy lost his father to a tiger attack. Having grown up in a protected environment, his mother kept an eye on her son at all times. Once when he ventured deep into the forest to collect honey, he overheard his uncle talking about his prayers to the Goddess which involved killing the boy. The boy prayed fervently to the Goddess and she saved him from the attack. Hence locals believe that tigers do not attack if prayers are offered to the Goddess.
Accommodation options are plenty in Sunderbans. Some options are Royal Sunderban wild resort. The rooms are clean and breakfast is available at the hotel. The view from the windows is splendid. Sunderban tiger camp is another option to consider for this is nestled among the lush foliage. This has garnered several awards for its top-notch facilities, hospitality and food. In addition to these two options, there are several other accommodation options around Sunderbans.
Sunderbans has multiple entry points either Sonakhali via Canning, or Bagna via Dhamakhali. Entry Permits are available at Canning, Sonakhali and Bagna for STR and at Canning, Namkhana and Raidighi for the Western part of Sundarbans forest.
Air
: The closest airport to Sunderbans is Dumdum airport at Kolkata. Kolkata is connected to all major cities by air by flight. Sunderbans is located at about 102km from the airport.
By rail
: The closest railway station is at Canning located a 48km from the park
Sundarbans is accessible only by riverine waterways. Alight suburban trains from Kolkata that connect to Canning and road transport to Namkhana, Raidighi, Sonakhali and Najat from where Motor launch services are available for Sundarbans.
Waterways: Sunderbans is connected by waterways and below are the approximate times between points. The journey from. Namkhana to Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project takes 2.5 hours while the trip to Sagar Island is 2.5 hours and Jambudwip is 3.5 hours
Sajnekhali - Sudhanyakhali takes about 40 minutes and to Buridabri (Tiger Project Area) takes 5hours while the journey to Netidhopari takes about 3.5 hours and to Holiday Island about 3 hours
The journey between Sonakhali to Gosaba can be covered in an hour while Raidighi to Kalas takes about 5 hours 
