For those who are planning a Sundarban tour for the first time from Kolkata, it can be an exciting experience. Sundarban is one of the most peculiar mangrove habitat in the world, featuring meandering waterways, a diversity of life and scenic beauty besides the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger. With a first time visit to the island, knowing what to expect, what to see on the boat safari, where to stay and what to do during the day can make it a lot more fun.
How to Reach the Sundarbans from Kolkata
The majority of Sundarban tours from Kolkata leave in the early morning from the city. The route mostly goes through the outskirts of Kolkata and then leads to Godkhali, one of the principal gateways leading into the Indian Sundarbans.
The road distance between Kolkata and Godkhali is approximately 3 to 4 hours including the traffic and road condition. From Godkhali, visitors get down from the car and board a boat for a trip into the Sundarban.
The first time guests experience the adventure of boat travel, the experience will happen right after they arrive on the road. The hustle and bustle of the city gradually fades as the boat travels down the waterways, eventually becoming surrounded by rivers, creeks, mudflats and thick mangrove swamps.
Learning for the Boat Journey
The boat plays a crucial role in the Sundarban experience. Much of the wildlife viewing is done from the water in this jeep safari as opposed to a jeep safari.
Depending on the itinerary and permit safari routes the boat goes through bigger rivers as well as narrow channels and creeks. Birds, crocodiles, deer, monkeys, and other wildlife can suddenly drop in along the banks, so be sure to have your camera handy.
The transformations of the landscape are also interesting. Landscape and documentary photographs are provided by mangrove trees, mudflats and fishing vessels, and traditional riverside villages.
Sundarban Safari Experience
Sundarban safari is all about patience. The one highlight of the trip is the Royal Bengal Tiger, but it is never a given. The forest is wild, dense and constantly changing with the tides.
Visitors, especially first timers, are advised to have a genuine wildlife experience rather than just spotting a tiger. The safari can be an unforgettable experience, with spotted deer, wild boars, crocodiles, monitor lizards and many species of birds among the many creatures that can be encountered.
The early mornings or late afternoons offer good opportunities to catch sight of and photograph wildlife. Being still and aware of your surroundings can help you to sense any movement that you may not have been able to see.
Accommodation in the Sundarbans
In a Sundarban tour, there is normally a simpler process of accommodation as compared to a city hotel. Resorts, lodges and homestay properties will provide a comfortable place to stay and a chance to experience the local environment.
A lot of people like to stay in properties with greenery and not luxury city facilities. The atmosphere is an important part of the experience and after a day out on the waterways.
A Sundarban Tour
Eating is invariably a major aspect of the Sundarban experience. Many trips will offer a breakfast, lunch, evening refreshments and dinner or all four depending on the tour.
The food is mostly Bengali in style with rice, dal, vegetables, fish and other local dishes. If you have special dietary needs, let your tour operator know beforehand as appropriate measures will be taken.
First Time Visitors: What to Bring?
Pack light but make sure you have the essentials. Useful: comfortable cotton clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, insect repellent, comfortable walking shoes and personal medicines.
If you value taking pictures, bring extra batteries, memory cards and appropriate telephoto gear. A waterproof bag or protective cover is a good idea as well, since you will be spending a lot of time on the water.
What is Special about a Sundarban Tour?
A tour of the Sundarban from Kolkata is more than just a weekend getaway. It includes road trips, boating, nature, mangrove, and a chance to experience a new environment from the “city”
The first rule for first time visitors is to have realistic expectations. It's the nature, tides and luck that make wildlife sightings possible in the Sundarbans, but even if you don't see a tiger you can still enjoy the beauty of the Sundarbans.
If you plan your trip well, are accompanied by an expert guide and have a pleasant stay in the lodges, you can have a great wildlife and nature trip when you start your first trip in the Sundarbans.
