Sundarban National Park: A Complete Travel Guide

Forests occupy a large portion of West Bengal. Needless to say, West Bengal is endowed with some of the best picnic spots in India, rare species of animals and birds, gigantic trees, and tea gardens. However, the Sundarbans National Park takes the cake. It is undoubtedly one of the top 10 tourist places in India. Since it is one of the biggest forests in the world, tourists visit it in huge numbers. Are you looking for ways to travel to the Sundarbans, a place to stay, or activities to do? If yes, you have come to the right place. Continue reading to plan the perfect vacation!

Head straight to the Sundarbans National Park for a Rejuvenating and Delightful Experience!

Everything You Need to Know About the Sundarbans National Park:

Amongst the largest forests in the world, the Sundarbans National Park is a UNESCO world heritage site. It is famous for its mangrove trees and Royal Bengal Tigers. The Sundarbans National Park also houses many endangered species of animals like Monitor Lizards, Olive Ridley Turtles, and Estuarine Crocodiles. Leopards, Rhinoceros, Deer, and Water Buffalos are also some animals you can find at this National Park. Moreover, Sundarbans also has some rare species of dolphins. The place has a rich historical past. Since it is one of the best natural tourist places in the world, it is a must-visit for all nature lovers.

Top 5 things to do in Sundarbans National Park:

1. Go for a Night Safari: Not every National Park permits night safaris. However, Sundarbans National Park does. It only has the facility of boat safari, and these safaris come in all price ranges. You can choose a package based on your budget. The night safaris are beautiful, owing to Phytoplanktons (a freshwater object that glows at night). If you are a sucker for all things dreamy and looking forward to a safari trip in India, going for a night safari in Sundarbans is mandatory.
   
   Pro tip: If you plan to visit the National Park during slightly cold months, carry all your winter essentials because it gets cold at night. Prior bookings are always advisable as there are limited seats available for the safari.

2. A tour of the native villages: Get to know the local culture and satiate your wanderlust by visiting the local villages. Sundarban has a rich tribal culture. There are even festivals and rituals that are unique to the people of Sundarbans. Pakhiralay, Bali, Sajnekhali, and Dayapur are some of the villages you can visit for a glimpse into the local culture of Sundarbans.
   
   Pro tip: Hire a local tour guide for an all-encompassing experience. Locals are well-versed with the native people, place, and culture. Therefore, hiring a local tour guide will only add to your experience.
   
3. Sightseeing at Netidhopani: We weren’t kidding when we said that Sundarbans enjoy a rich history, and Netidhopani is proof. A 400-year-old Shiva Temple makes for a great pilgrim site. Either you can directly visit the temple or watch it through a Tiger watchtower for a one-of-its-kind experience. A popular tourist attraction, Netidhopani is bestowed with admirable exotic flora and fauna. Therefore, if you are into history, nature, or pilgrimage sites, you will like Netidhopani.
   
   Pro tip: Since Netidhopani is closer to the Kolkata Airport and more accessible than the Sundarbans National Park, you can directly book a cab from the airport to Netidhopani.
   
4. Witness the dancing dolphins: Sundarbans house some rare dolphin species, including the Irrawady dolphins. There are sanctuaries dedicated to these dolphins in Sundarbans. Dhangmari, Dudhmukhi, and Chandpai are three of them. Visiting these sanctuaries will help you catch the magnificent sight of dancing dolphins.
   
   Pro tip: Hire and listen to the local guide while visiting these places. They know the sanctuaries inside out. Plus, they know the timings and other relevant details. Closely following their instructions will provide you with the best experience.
   
5. Take a long and fulfilling walk at the Sundarbans Forest: While it is great to go on water safaris and the likes, a walk in the forest is an absolute must for a wholesome first-hand experience. There are various trails you can take to map the forest.
   
   Pro tip: Research the various available trails in advance, and choose accordingly. Wear athleisure and comfort for going on the trail.

Ways to reach Sundarbans National Park via Air

Kolkata Airport (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport) is the nearest airport to Sundarbans National Park. It also happens to be the busiest airport in the state. Well-connected to the major cities in the country, one can easily find flights to Kolkata on an everyday basis. Not just locally, but flights from across the globe land at the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Airport. Even though it is the closest airport to the National Park, the Kolkata Airport is still 166 kilometres away from the Sundarbans National Park. However, one can easily find cabs to the destination.

While taking a cab to the Sundarbans is the most convenient option, trains and buses are cheaper. One does not have any alternative but to take the water route to reach the Sundarbans National Park. Depending on your budget, you can book a cruise or a motorboat. Even though the journey to the Sundarbans National Park may seem like a hassle, the place is worth the effort at the end of the day.

Top 10 Tips for a hassle-free and inexpensive journey, stay and visit Sundarbans National Park:

1. Plastic and plastic items are strictly prohibited. Therefore, do not carry anything that can land you in trouble. After all, no one wants to pay hefty fines for no valid reason.
2. Since the area does not have ATMs, it is advisable to carry cash.
3. Thoroughly research the various permissions you require before reaching the place, and seek them to avoid last-minute issues.
4. As iterated before, it is recommended to book a local guide so that you do not get lost in the enormity of the Sundarbans National Park.
5. The number of safaris in a day is limited. Hence, you must reserve your spot beforehand.
6. Since Sundarbans National Park is a well-known tourist spot, you must plan your trip well in time.
7. The best way of getting your hands on inexpensive air tickets to Kolkata is by booking them through an authentic site like Cleartrip.
8. April to June is the worst time to visit this magical tourist destination.
9. Last moment hotel and flight bookings can cause a big hole in your pocket. Thus, it is advisable to pre-book your stay and travel.
10. There are some exceptional deals and discounts on hotel bookings at Cleartrip. Since they have all types of lodging options, finding good deals is a cakewalk. You must check them out once!

Conclusion

If a unique family safari vacation has been on your bucket list, it is time to visit the Sundarbans National Park. It is the largest Mangrove forest in the world and home to the rare Royal Bengal Tiger. Various species of birds, fishes, and crocodiles also inhabit this place. Visiting the Sundarbans will acquaint you with the rich native culture of the place. The best time to visit this National Park is from September to March. Since the Sundarbans witness many tourists, planning the trip well in advance will come in handy. Mass bookings can help you cut down on expenses. Last moment accommodation and flight reservations will cost you a bomb. Therefore, you must religiously avoid that. Since making bookings through Cleartrip will assist you in fetching great deals and discounts, it is advisable to resort to the site.

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