The Sunderbans is a vast area covering 4264 square kms in India alone, with a larger portion in Bangladesh. 2585 sq. kms of the Indian Sunderbans
forms the largest Tiger Reserve and National Park in India.
The word "Sunderban" is derived from sundari and ban, which, when combined, means "the forests of sundari"- an obvious reference to the large mangrove trees.
The Sunderbans are a part of the world's largest delta formed by the rivers Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna. Situated on the lower end of the Gangetic West Bengal,
22.000 N - 89.000 E, it is also the world's largest estuarine forest.
The environment is clean and pure and with cool, comfortable climate. The camp has been set up with paramount importance to safety and hygiene.
Best season:
Due to its proximity to the Bay of Bengal, Sunderban experiences very high humidity. Rainfall is quite heavy during monsoon, which last from mid-June to mid-September. After the monsoons, fair weather prevails until mid-March.The best season to visit the Sunderban is between October to March.
Accommodation:
There is Eco Lodge at Bali Island named Sunderbans Camp.06 ethnic cottages(03 triple bedded+03 four bedded) that respect local rural architecture and constructed with local materials. Spotless rooms with modern bath. Large dining. A fishing deck.
Surrounded by lush green village gardens, trees, pond-over looking the sanctuary on the bank of river Gumdi.
Powered by pollution-free solar energy with powerful generator back up(battery can be charged). Safe drinking water and clean, local food.
Food:
There is Eco Lodge at Bali Island named Sunderbans Camp.We serve local dishes specially and tastefully cooked for you by our trained local chef. Much variety is not possible owing to the remoteness of the area, yet best possible food is provided under strict hygienic supervision.
Vegetables come from the organic gardens of the village, fresh fish and crab from the rivers and ponds, chicken from the village farms and fresh honey from the honey collectors' houses.
How to get there:
By Air:The nearest airport to reach Sunderbans is the Netaji Subhash International Airport in Kolkata, located about 112 kms from the Sunderbans Tiger Reserve. Indian Airlines and a number of private airlines connect Kolkata with the rest of India and major destinations overseas. From Kolkata, you can board a bus up to Basanti or Sonakhali, wherefrom you can reach the reserve through a boat ride.
By Rail:
The nearest railhead from Sunderbans is Canning Port, about 44 kms away. Canning is connected to Kolkata, which has an excellent rail network with all major cities in India. If you are wondering how to reach Sunderbans from Canning, there are two options you can avail of. Travel to either Basanti or Sonakhali from here and thereafter take a boat to Sajnekhali.
By Road:
Sunderbans National Park can be conveniently approached by road from Kolkata, the nearest town. An excellent network of roadways connects Kolkata with Namkhana, Raidighi, Sonakhali and Najat. From here you can proceed by motorboats through the sanctuary.
By Water:
The interiors of Sunderbans Tiger Reserve are accessible only through waterways. Regular motorboat services are available to reach Sunderbans from the embarkation points at Namkhana, Raidighi, Sonakhali and Najat.
Sundarbans is accessed from Kolkata ( Calcutta) by traveling either towards the South East or the South West. The South West route takes one through Diamond Harbour to Kakdwip and Namkhana.
You can take a boat from these places or from Gangadharpur and visit Lothian Island and surrounding areas.
The South Eastern route is more popular. You drive 86 kms through wetlands and agricultural land to reach Sonakhali.
You can take a 3 hour boat ride from Sonakhali jetty to Sajnekhali Tourist Lodge or cross over to Basanti.
From Basanti you can take an auto-rickshaw ride to Gadkhali (11kms). At Gadkhali take the ferry to cross the Bidya river to arrive at Gosaba.
A Cycle Rickshaw ride will take you to Pakhiralaya in about half hour. Sajnekhali is across the water from Pakhiralaya.
