Sunderbans National Park, India

Jungle Highlights :Royal Bengal Tiger, Ridley Sea Turtle

Situated in the south-east of Kolkata in the 24-Paraganas, The Sunderbans National Park is the world's largest delta. This area's name has been derived from the Sundari trees, which can be found here in abundance. Water bodies' criss-cross the forest has made this place a perfect habitat for the world's most fierce creature, The Royal Bengal Tigers. 'Sunderbans Tiger Reserve' came under tiger project in 1973. The status of World Heritage Site has been achieved by Sunderbans National park in 1997.
Major wildlife attractions in Sunderbans National Park
With a population of over 400, Royal Bengal Tiger is the main attraction in Sunderbans National Park. Some of the rare animal species include Spotted Deer, Wild Pigs, Rhesus Monkeys, Herons, Kingfishers, White Bellied Eagles, Ridley Sea Turtle, Chital Dear etc.

Reptiles like King Cobra, Rock Python, Water Monitor, crocodiles etc are easily seen resting along the mud banks.



A variety of fishes, red Fiddler Crabs, Hermit Crabs, Batagur Baska etc. constitute the whole aqua fauna world of this wildlife reserve.

A long list of migrant bird which include Open Billed Storks, White Ibis, Water Hens, Coots, Pheasant Tailed Jacanas, Pariah Kites, Brahminy Kites, Marsh Harriers, Swamp Partridges, Red Jungle Fowls, Spotted Doves, Common Mynahs, Jungle Crows, Jungle Babblers, Cotton Teals, Herring Gulls, Caspian Terns, Gray Herons, Brahminy Ducks, Spotted Billed Pelicans, Large Egrets, Night Herons, Common Snipes, Wood Sandpipers, Green Pigeons, Rose Ringed Parakeets, Paradise Flycatchers, Cormorants, Whistling Teal etc. can be seen here.

Things to do in Sunderbans National Park
The best time for enjoying a safari is during the winters, between September and March. The only way to spot the wild residents of this is by boat.

Boat Riding
Core areas of the sanctuary only can be accessed by riverine waterways. The best and the safest way to visit Sunderbans on conducted tours. Get the services from Canning, Gosaba or Basanti.

Other Attractions of Sunderbans National Park
The Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project, the crocodile-breeding farm is accessible through Namkhana. The West Bengal Tourism Department organizes conducted tours to the Sunderbans to this place by their motor launches.

Sajnekhali has a Mangrove Interpretation Centre here. Netidhopan, which has the ruins of a 400-year-old temple, Holiday Island is a retreat of the barking deer and Kanak and the nesting place of Olive Ridley Turtles are some other places which you can visit while you are on your tour to Sunderbans National Park.

Jungle Resorts in Sunderbans National Park
At Gosaba, Bali Islands, Piyali and Bakkhali you will find few lodges. These lodges will offer you very well supported and comfortable staying option at a very economic. If you want to stay at the premises of the Sunderbans Tiger Reserve, then Sajnekhali Tourist Lodge is the only option for you. Apart from this other options include Sunder Chital Tourist Lodge situated just outside Sunderbans National Park. These lodges also run by the Government.

Important Information
The best time to visit- September to March
The park remains open all round the year.
Entrée Fee - Rs. 15 for Indians and Rs. 150 for Others
Best time to visit September to March
Park timings are 7 AM to 5 PM
Other Fees Rs. 100/boat/day plus Rs. 45 for 3 crew members
Camera Rs. 300 (video) & still free,
Guide Rs. 200

Distances from Major cities
Delhi - 1350 km
Mumbai -1710 km
Kolkata -112 km
Bangalore - 1605 km

How to reach Sunderbans National Park
Dumdum Airport is the nearest airport. Dumdum airport is well connected with other national and international airports. You will get easy bus transportation for the near by places like Namkhana (105 km), Sonakhali (100 km), Raidighi (76 km), Canning (64 km), and Najat (92 km), from where you have to take waterways to reach the wildlife reserve. You also can reach there by reaching Basanti via Canning. From Canning take motorboat to Sunderbans National Park. Nearest railhead Canning is just 48 Km.