This is the largest mangrove forest in the world and not that far from Rajarhat , which was once a small village outside Calcutta. I born and brought up there and spent first 18 years of my life in Rajarhat , still I did not visit Sundarban. So it was always in my bucket list. December is always peak time to visit Sundarban, still I had no option. So I booked a 2 night / 3 day tour from local Calcutta tour company called “Chuti Chuti”.
Day 1 – Gosaba Becon Bunglow & Rabindra Nath Tagore Bunglow, Hamilton Sahib Bunglow, Birds Jungle, Pakhiralaya.
I started from Sealdah Railway Station at 8.28 AM By Canning local, and reached Canning around 9.50 AM. We were then picked up from Caning Railway Station by Auto heading towards Sonakhali ferry ghat to board on launch.As we board the Sundarban launch or Sundarban cruise and head towards our first destination, Gosaba, the windy Matla Rive rand the green vegetation upon its delta is undoubtedly to take your heart away from the din of the city life.
The Sundarban launch ride is a huge attraction in itself and does not feel like any other mundane journey. Before we even know it, we reached Gosaba, and our Sundarban tours got a head start.The first was the Beacon Bungalow. It is one of the most historical Bunglow and is famous because it was Tagore’s abode during his Sundarban tour.
Next, we headed towards another of the major bunglow that is Hamilton Bungalow. Sir Daniel Hamilton is called the father of Sundarban, and he is said to have established the largest cooperative society in Sundarban.
Then our Sundarban trip moves towards the Pakhir Jungle. This place is a real paradise for bird lovers and amusement, even for the general lot. The thousands of birds from various species arrive and fly around the island, making it a beautiful destination. This makes Sundarban tour more attracted that aims to bring you closer to the rulers of the sky.
During this journey, we spotted many types of kingfisher, black cormorants, egret, pond heron, Brahmani eagles, magpie robin, green bee-eaters and above all getting introduced to the lovely mangroves, with surreal creatures like the mudskipper, fiddler crabs etc. We enjoyed the enchanting evening with local Folk Cultural program along with Tea and Snacks. Dinner was served on cruise/ Hotel.
Day 2 – Sajnekhali Tiger Reserve ( Watch Tower ), Do Banki ( Watch Tower ), Pirkhali, Gazikhali, Duel Varani, Bonbibi Varani, Panchamukhani (5 River Junctions).
Early morning, we started Sundarban delta Safari through the boat. Entire day Sundarban jungle Safari was guided by Govt tourist guide, who joined with us from Sajnekhali Tiger Reserve. We will started our thrilling Sundarban boat Safari through various rivers, Islands & narrow Creeks covering Pirkhali, SarakKhali, Gazikhali, Deul Bharani, Banbibi Bharani. In this Tiger Reserve area we saw animals like spotted deer, crocodile, wild boar, snakes, water monitor lizard, different types of birds, and also Royal Bengal Tiger ( if you are lucky but I was not).
Next we visited Do – Banki Tiger Reserve area & Watch Tower. The 498-meter canopy walk at Do – Banki allows you to view wildlife from an iron fencing enclosure; this place is something that deserves a visit from every wildlife photographer and other travellers. Have a birds-eye view of the wildlife of Sundarban from this watchtower, and from here you can see animals in their natural habitats.
Sundarban forest authority has covered this full area with proper protection. Fantastic surrounding beauty and freshwater pond attract tigers, deer, and other wildlife towards them… After that we visited Panchamukhni ( Five River Junction ) through Boat.
In the afternoon after this thrilling Sundarban National Park safari we will reach Pakhiralaya village for marketing.
Don’t forget to buy a bottle of raw honey cultivated by the villagers of Pakhiralaya village. You may not find there any luxury vehicles, but you can only get there autorickshaw. Each home has its own pond, and they use it for their personal uses.
Day 3 – Sajnekhali Tiger Reserve & Musuem (W.T), Sudhanyakhali Tiger Reserve (W.T), Sarakkhali 1, Sarakkhali 2.
Early morning, we will started Sundarban Houseboat Safari. We explored the mystical forests while cruising through the dense woods and backwaters. Early Morning we visited Sajnekhali Tiger Reserve. We, the city people often get bored in the hustle-bustle of city life, and our eyes lust to see greenery along with pollution-free air. If you are same, then come to Sajnekhali tiger reserve. Sajnekhali is not only famous for its extended areas of the green field, but it is also home of Royal Bengal Tiger and varied species of birds.
There is also to see a nature interpretation centre here and crocodile pond beside the centre.
We had our delicious breakfast in launch. After the breakfast we visited the Sudhanyakhali Tiger Reserve & Watch Tower. We started our Sundarban jungle safari through Sarakkhali island. Lunch was served on the launch deck. After the lunch we headed back towards Sonakhali.
In the evening I headed back ti Kokkata in same way
