Sundarbans National Park, which has received a UNESCO World Heritage Status, is one of India’s most famous sites of wildlife. The Tiger Reserve is located on the Ganga River, Brahmaputra River, and Meghna River Delta. A Sundarbans tour is a lifetime experience.
Sundarban from Kolkata can be reached in various ways. Sundakhali via Canning or Bagna via Dhamakhali is the entry point into the Sundarban Tiger Reserve. The entry points are Namkhana, Raidighi, or Jharkhali via Canning / Basanti to reach the South 24 Parganas Forest Division on the west side of the Malta River. The STR is located in Canning, Sonakhali, and Bagna, and the west Sundarban Forest is located in Canning, Namkhana, and Raidighi.
How to Reach Sundarbans: Quick Overview
- Distance from Kolkata to Sundarbans: Approximately 100 to 130 kilometers, depending on the entry point.
- Modes of Transportation: Air, Train, Road, and Boat.
- Key Entry Points: Godkhali, Namkhana, Canning, and others.
By Air: Kolkata to Sundarbans
By air, The Sundarban is not accessible quickly. The airport is situated 120 km from the Sundarbans safari starting point in the port of Godkhali, and to arrive at the Sundarban national park in India, the closest airport is Kolkata.
You can also rent a taxi or a bus from the airport in Kolkata to Godkhali, which will take approximately 3 hours by road.
- Nearest Airport: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata.
- Distance to Sundarbans: About 120 km to the main entry point at Godkhali.
- Travel Options from the Airport: Taxis or buses to Godkhali, then a boat to Sundarbans. The journey by road takes approximately 3 hours.
By Train: Exploring the Rail Routes
By train, Sealdah is the nearest train station and Canning is the nearest train station. One of the major junctions of West Bengal is Sealdah Railway Station on the major northeastern rail route and linked by regular train to the different cities of India.
Then you can travel from other parts of India via the Sealdah train junction, then take approximately an hour and a half to reach the Canning by local trains. To reach Godkhali’s entrance to Sundarbans, you can also board the safari by private taxi or public transportation at Canning.
Main Railway Stations for the Journey:
- Sealdah Station, Kolkata: Connects to various cities across India.
- Canning Station: The closest station to Sundarbans, about an hour and a half from Sealdah by local train.
From Canning to Sundarbans: Public transport or taxis to Godkhali, followed by a boat journey.
By Road: Kolkata to Sundarbans
By road visitors of Sundarbans, who would like to travel through the road, can take public transport from Kolkata to Canning, then Canning and Godkhali. It’s safer to book a cab or a bus because there’s a lot of public transport. It’s approximately 120 km to Canning and 64 km to the road from Kolkata to Godkhali.
You can board a boat in Godkhali to discover the area. Your journey is an unforgettable experience by boat on the meandering banks and the mystical Sundarban waterways.
Distance:
- Kolkata to Canning: Approximately 120 km.
- Kolkata to Godkhali: Around 100 km, the main gateway to Sundarbans.
Travel Options: Public buses, taxis, or personal cars. From Godkhali, take a boat to enter Sundarbans.
Detailed Distance and Travel Time
To help plan your trip, here are specific distances and approximate travel times from Kolkata to Sundarbans and key points in between:
- Kolkata to Godkhali: 100 km, about 3 hours by road.
- Canning to Sundarbans: Varied distances depending on specific destinations within Sundarbans; generally, it’s about 50 km.
- Canning to Godkhali: Around 30 km, with travel time of about 1 hour.
- Behala to Sundarbans: Approximately 80 km, 2.5 hours by road.
- Howrah to Sundarbans: Nearly 110 km, roughly 3.5 hours by road.
- Sealdah to Sundarbans via Train: Train to Canning then road/boat to Sundarbans, overall 4-5 hours.
Attractions in Sundarban
The Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its unique biodiversity and as the habitat of the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger. Beyond its tigers, the Sundarbans offers a plethora of attractions that make it a compelling destination for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and adventure seekers. Here’s a detailed list of attractions in the Sundarbans:
Royal Bengal Tigers
- Highlight: The Sundarbans is world-famous for its population of Royal Bengal Tigers, which have adapted to an almost amphibious lifestyle, swimming between islands to hunt for their prey.
- Best Experience: Safari tours offer the chance to spot these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Mangrove Forests
- Overview: The region is characterized by its extensive mangrove forests, which are among the largest in the world.
- Importance: These forests play a crucial role in protecting the inland areas from cyclones, erosion, and salinity.
Bird Watching
- Variety: Home to a wide range of bird species, including migratory birds that visit during winter.
- Popular Spots: Sajnekhali Watch Tower and the surrounding areas are prime locations for bird enthusiasts.
Sajnekhali Watch Tower
- Features: Offers panoramic views of the park and a chance to observe wildlife, especially birds, from a safe vantage point.
- Nearby Attractions: The Sajnekhali Bird Sanctuary and the Mangrove Interpretation Centre.
Sudhanyakhali Watch Tower
- Advantage: Known for frequent tiger sightings, along with views of other wildlife like axis deer and crocodiles.
- Layout: Includes a pond where animals come to drink, increasing chances of sightings.
Dobanki Canopy Walk
- Experience: A 500-meter canopy walk at a height of about 20 feet from the ground, offering a unique perspective of the forest.
- Wildlife Viewing: Allows visitors to view wildlife from a safe and elevated position.
Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project
- Specialty: A crocodile breeding farm located on Bhagabatpur island, accessible by boat from Namkhana.
- Attraction: Home to a large population of Estuarine Crocodiles.
Netidhopani
- Heritage: Features ruins that are believed to be a 400-year-old temple, adding a touch of history to the natural beauty.
- Wildlife: Also a good spot for tiger sightings and observing other fauna.
Kanak
- Unique Feature: Known for its nesting grounds of the Olive Ridley Turtles.
- Seasonal Visit: The best time to visit is during the turtle nesting season.
Boat Safaris
- Core Experience: The primary mode of exploring the Sundarbans, offering an up-close experience with the mangroves and water channels.
- Options: Various routes and packages available, ranging from day trips to multi-day excursions.
Local Villages
- Cultural Insight: Visiting the local villages provides a glimpse into the lives of the communities that live on the edge of this vast mangrove forest.
- Sustainable Tourism: Opportunities for homestays and experiencing local cuisine and crafts.
These attractions, combined with the unique ecosystem of the Sundarbans, offer a diverse and enriching experience for visitors.
Read Also: 10 Best Places to See Tiger in India
Practical Tips for Travelers
- Best Mode of Transportation: For convenience and a scenic journey, taking the train to Canning and then a combination of road and boat to Sundarbans is highly recommended.
- Travel Time: Plan for at least half a day of travel from Kolkata to Sundarbans, considering all modes of transportation.
- Boat Journey: The boat ride from Godkhali to Sundarbans is not just a mode of transport but an integral part of the experience, offering stunning views of the mangrove forests and rivers.
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