The Sundarbans National Park, nestled in the delta region of the Padma, Meghna, and Brahmaputra river basins in the state of West Bengal, is the world’s largest mangrove forest. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sundarbans forest interestingly straddles both India and Bangladesh. The name Sundarbans in the Bengali language translates to “beautiful forest” and now happens to be one of the most sought-after destinations in the country.

A national park since 1984, its unique flora and fauna, along with an enchanting tapestry of biodiversity, captivates visitors from across the world. With Kolkata, erstwhile Calcutta, being the nearest airport city, one can also enjoy the local cab ride from Kolkata to Gadkhali. It’s one of the few points from where ferries are taken towards the numerous islands of the Sundarbans delta on the Indian side of the border.

Places to Visit in Sundarbans National Park

The most attractive and unique characteristic of the Sundarbans National Park is the mangrove trees with roots protruding from the soil that looks like an amazing and intricate latticework. The mangrove forest, with predominantly Sundari and Gewa trees, is the main reason for the Sundarbans’ unparalleled scenic beauty and is among the best places to visit in the Sundarbans National Park. With the changing tidal waves, the water level keeps changing frequently, making the area an ever-shifting landscape. This is why botanists, geographers, wildlife enthusiasts, and nature lovers are fascinated with the Sundarbans and are quite regularly found visiting this mangrove forest.

An abundance of creeks, tributaries, waterways, and islands, render it as one of the most appealing and alluring national parks to exist. The coveted orange and black striped Royal Bengal tiger of Sundarbans and the Gangetic River dolphin can be spotted while taking a boat safari through these creeks and rivulets. As the tigers are a bit more elusive, the boat rides take visitors into the core areas deep inside the jungles. The dolphins, however, can be spotted in the more open waters.

The flora and fauna of the Sundarbans National Park make it a haven for nature lovers. The Sajnekhali Bird Sanctuary is another top attraction in Sundarbans, especially for bird watchers. The white-bellied sea eagle, Asian dowitchers, plovers, lapwings, kingfishers, pelicans, and as many as 200 other bird species can be spotted here. There are also various kinds of reptiles such as the saltwater crocodile (gharial), water monitor lizard, and many types of snakes like the green whip snake, common cobra, and rat snake, to name a few. The river terrapin (Batagur baska) is another endangered reptilian species endemic to the Sundarbans.

Things to do in Sundarbans National Park

There are a host of fun and adventurous things to do in Sundarbans, making a visit here wholesome and enriching. Going atop the Sudhanyakhali watchtower is one such activity that tourists really enjoy. The tower, strategically located within the National Park, can accommodate up to 25 people at a time and offers panoramic views of the vast terrain of mangroves that are simply amazing.

For those guests seeking cultural insights, one can get a glimpse of the local lifestyle through folk dance performances and the “Bonbibi Pala Gaan” (dance-drama show). The latter is connected with the worship of the “Bonbibi,” the guardian spirit of Sundarbans mangroves. Visitors can see the other side of life in the region by exploring local villages, witnessing local art forms, and learning about the unique lifestyle of the people living in harmony with this biodiverse ecosystem. However, it is advised to do this with proper guides and prior permission taken from the forest department.

It is important to note that walking inside the Sundarbans forests, unlike other national parks, is strictly prohibited due to potential dangers. However, exceptions are made around designated spots and upon a guide’s instructions. This is when unique activities like mud walks and canopy walks can be tried out by adventure enthusiasts. The mud walk at Burir Dabri Forest Camp offers a chance to witness a variety of fauna such as snails, crabs, and other mollusks. It even leads to the Raimangal viewpoint, overlooking the Raimangal River, which serves as the international boundary between India and Bangladesh.

There are plenty of guest houses and hotels in and around Sundarbans National Park, so staying amidst this natural wonder can be the most memorable holiday ever.

The Best Time to Visit Sundarbans National Park

It is usually considered that the winter period (end of October to end of February) is the best time to visit the Sundarbans National Park. During this time, the weather is relatively mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging between 10°C to 23°C. This is when the water levels are suitable for boat safaris, and it is easier to spot animals. Many migratory birds also flock to the Sundarbans during these winter months.

Monsoon can be best avoided because the water becomes more turbulent, the rivers are swollen and the air gets thick with humidity. But one can be assured of finding more favorable conditions if one visits the Sundarbans National Park during the pre-monsoon (March) or post-monsoon period (September-October).