Royal Big Cats prowl

Location : 112 km from Kolkata, in Piyali, West Bengal

Go there for : Bengal Tiger and Ridley Sea Turtle

Area : 1330.10 sq km

Best Sightings : Nov-Mar

Park Closed : Never

STD Code : +91 - 3218

Spread over some 1330.10 sq-km and composed of some 54 alluvial islands, Sunderban is world’s largest delta located in Piyali, West Bengal, formed by the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghana rivers and watered by the mighty Bay of Bengal. Some 120 km away from West Bengal Capital Kolkata, Sunderban’s claim to fame are its priceless reserve of the world famous Royal Bengal Tiger.

During the spring, the the leaves of Genwa and the red Kankara flowers carpet the swaps red and tiny yellow blooms of Khalsi flake the entire locale, bejeweling the swampy islands and with the growl of the Bengal Tiger in the backdrop, the jungle looks too beautiful to be true.


Attractions Widlife Attractions: The Bengal tigers have adopted themselves excellently to the aqua and the saline environs of the Sunderbans. At present there are about 200 Bengal Tigers that inhabit the national park. They are expert swimmers (can swim up to10 km), hunt for fish and can also steal honey from the bee hives. The best spots for tiger sightings are Sajnekhali, Sudhanyakhali, Netidhopani and Haldi. As you explore the jungles, you have chances of spotting a variety of fascinating wildlife like the rhesus monkey, wild pigs, wild boars, chital, swamp deer and so on. If you have never seen what a river terrapin looks like, here is your chance. The endangered Batagur Baska (river terrapin) is seen at the Mechua Beach, while the barking deer is found at Holiday Island in Sunderbans. The Olive Ridley Turtles nest at the Kanak island shores during the winters. The swampy marshlands and dense mangrove forests at the Sunderbans offer an ideal habitat for the various interesting bird species.

There is a museum where they have preserved heart, lung, kidney of the Tiger in Formaldehyde solution, along with many other reptiles. Do not miss it!

Piyali: Piyali is a small river that is considered the gateway to Sundarbans, 72 km from Kolkatta by road. This along with Kaikhali make ideal romantic holiday destination. A beautiful tourist complex with accommodation and recreation facilities is also situated over here.

The Sajnakhali Sanctuary: Protected from all sides by netted wires, the Sajnakhali Sanctuary complex houses a museum, a watchtower and the Herbivore Acclimatization Center. It is actually a part of the Sunderbans National Park and boasts of a very significant avian influx. Don't miss out the Canopy Walk to its south-west where you can stroll through the mangrove thickets.

Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project: A few hours drive from Namkhana will bring you to a hatchery of the world's largest estuarine crocodile, flanked by the Saptamukhi River.

Netidhopani: At Netidhopani, discover the ruins of a 400-year-old temple.

Bhagabatpur: This little spot boasts of the hatchery of the largest estuarine crocodiles in the world.

Haliday Island: Haliday Island is famous as last retreat of barking dear in India.

Safaris The WBTDC organizes guided tours- mostly of a duration of two or three days, starting and ending at Kolkata. They're a good way of visiting Sunderbans without some of the adventure which accompanies making your own arrangements. Within Sunderbans, the only way to get around is by boat; you can take a boat ride, along with an official from the Project Tiger office.


Travel Info

• Foreign tourists have to get a permit for entry into the park from West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation in Kolkata.
• Park charges Entry Fee: Rs. 15 (Indians) & Rs. 150 (foreigners), Boat Fee: Rs. 100/boat/day plus Rs. 45 for 3 crew members, Camera: Rs. 300 (video) & still free, Guide : Rs. 200
• Park timings are 7 AM - 5 PM.
• Be careful with the drinking water and carry all the basic medicines along.
• Carry all the essentials including mosquito repellent cream, light clothes, sun hat, thick rubber sole boots etc.
• Get prior information about the park and take an experienced local guide along.
• Prior permission is required, which can be obtained from the Forest Officer at Khulna
• The entry fees and other charges are to be paid at the relevant forest stations.

Getaways Gosaba (50-kms): If you have time visit this quaint village of fishermen near the Sunderbans and buy Tiger Prawns and Honey, the best in quality. These were erstwhile denizens of Sunderbans who lived on fish and honey, and got relocated in Gosaba due to a noble Englishmen Sir Daniel Hamilton, effort and now their survival depends on our co-operation.

Kolkata (120 km): Kolkata, aka Calcutta, is the West Bengal Capital, third largest urban agglomeration in India. With attractions like Victoria Memorial and Howrah Bridge (Rabindra Setu), this is one of India’s tourist hot-hubs. Go there for a look and feel of a different and unique cultural India.


Hop next to: Darjeeling, Gangtok, Guwahati