Best months
Per-day budget
₹2,900–4,700/day
Getting there
The Sundarbans is the largest mangrove forest in the world, spanning the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta across India and Bangladesh. The Indian part (4,260 sq km) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Bengal Tiger Reserve with the largest tiger population in India. The forest is a network of tidal waterways, mudflats and islands. The main activity is a boat safari through the creeks to spot wildlife — tigers (rare), crocodiles, spotted deer, wild boars and 260+ bird species. The Sundarbans is accessible from Kolkata through a 2-3 day boat tour or a day trip from Godkhali. It is a great destination for student backpackers looking for an affordable trip. The area is well-connected to major Indian cities by road, rail and air.
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Why go
The Bengal tiger is the top attraction — but sightings are rare (the tigers are extremely shy). The boat safari through the narrow creeks gives a glimpse of the mangrove ecosystem. The Sajnekhali Watchtower (the main visitor centre) has a museum and a watchtower for wildlife viewing. The Bhagabatpur Crocodile Park has estuarine crocodiles. The Sudhanyakhali watchtower has the highest chance of tiger sightings. The Dobanki watchtower has a canopy walk.
The Sundarbans experience is entirely on a boat — the boat serves as your transport and accommodation. The 2-3 day tours start from Godkhali or Namkhana and go through the Sajnekhali, Sudhanyakhali and Dobanki areas. The boat moves through narrow creeks lined with mangrove trees. The sunset over the rivers is beautiful. The local fishing villages on the islands have a distinct lifestyle.
How to reach
The Sundarbans is 100 km from Kolkata. Buses from Kolkata to Godkhali (the main starting point) take 3-4 hours (₹150-200). From Godkhali, a shared boat to the forest takes 30 minutes. The nearest railway station is Canning (35 km from Godkhali). Most travellers go on a pre-arranged boat tour from Kolkata.
What a day costs
| Budget tour (per person, 2D1N) | ₹2,500–4,000 |
| Food included in tour | ₹0–0 |
| Boat safari (share) | ₹300–500 |
| Forest entry fee | ₹100–200 |
When to go
October to March is the best season for wildlife. December-February is cool and pleasant (10-25°C). November and February are the peak birding months. July-September is monsoon — the forest is flooded and boat tours are restricted. April-June is hot and humid.
Suggested itinerary
Day 1: Kolkata to Sundarbans
Leave Kolkata at 6 AM. Reach Godkhali by 10 AM. Board the boat. Visit Sajnekhali Watchtower. Evening wildlife spotting at Sudhanyakhali.
Day 2: Boat Safari and Return
Morning boat safari through the creeks. Visit Dobanki Watchtower. Visit Bhagabatpur Crocodile Park. Return to Godkhali by 3 PM. Bus back to Kolkata.
Student hacks
- ▸A shared boat tour (2D1N) costs ₹2,500-4,000 per person — book through a Kolkata tour operator.
- ▸The forest entry fee ₹100-200 is included in most tour packages.
- ▸Visit in a group (4-6 people) to reduce per-person costs.
- ▸Carry your own snacks and water — food on the boat is basic.
- ▸Mosquito repellent is essential — buy before reaching the Sundarbans.
- ▸Best tiger sighting times are early morning (5-7 AM) and late afternoon (4-6 PM).
- ▸Bus from Kolkata to Godkhali costs ₹150-200 — the cheapest way to start.
Safety & permits
Indian visitors need a permit (included in the tour cost or available at Sajnekhali). The boat is the only safe way to see the forest — walking inside the forest is not allowed. The boat should have life jackets. Carry mosquito repellent — mosquitoes are heavy after sunset. The mobile network is patchy.
FAQs
How do I reach Sundarbans from Delhi?
Flight to Kolkata then bus to Godkhali (3-4 hours) then boat to the forest.
What is Sundarbans known for?
Largest mangrove forest, Bengal tiger, boat safaris and biodiversity.
How many days do I need?
2 days (1 night) — enough for a boat safari and watchtower visits.