Sundarban Tour Packages

If the concept of eco-tourism floats your boat, quite literally in this case, then Sundarban or the Sundarbans might be the right fit for your vacation needs. It is recognised around the globe for housing the world’s largest mangrove forest and also for being the home of the magnificent Royal Bengal Tigers. Officially called the Sundarbans National Park, it is a national park, biosphere reserve and tiger reserve in the Indian state of West Bengal. The national park is a part of the Sundarban delta, which stretches its bounds to the neighbouring country, Bangladesh, as well. The Sundarban has always been a major crowd-puller in West Bengal, making it a well-known destination for weekend getaways. Besides, tourists from all across the country and major parts of the world, love to visit this popular destination for eco-tourism. The place not only features a diverse flora and fauna but also a vibrant culture. On your Sundarban trip, you can catch a glimpse into the daily life of the locals there along with several key attractions, which mainly revolve around its wildlife. And now, with the availability of affordable Sundarban holiday package options, visiting this renowned destination is within everyone’s grasp.

If you think tourism in West Bengal is only about its beaches, hill stations and cities, then you are wrong. It goes beyond all of these, and the Sundarban National Park is a great example of that. Exploring the majestic forests to witness wildlife and other elements of nature run its course is truly a thrilling and fulfilling experience. The associated boat rides, cosy stay options, local culture, bustling rural markets, etc., are some other components that make Sundarban tourism complete. Whether you are planning a short honeymoon, solo trip, eco-tour or group travel, the Sundarban National Park can be a great fit in terms of destination. Plan your trip with professionally designed Sundarban tour packages by Thomas Cook to make your holidays memorable. Our Sundarban tour packages are available at different price ranges, offering interesting itineraries with included amenities like meals, accommodations, sightseeing, etc.

Learn about the destination, popular Sundarban tour packages, best places to visit, activities to add to the Sundarban itinerary, famous local foods to try, etc., on this page.

Table of Contents

• Most Popular Sundarban Tour Packages
• Best time to visit Sundarban
• How to reach Sundarban
• Best places to visit in Sundarban
• What to Eat in Sundarban
• Shopping in Sundarban
• Things to do in Sundarban
• Interesting facts about Sundarban
• People also ask about Sundarban Tour Packages

Most Popular Sundarban Tour Packages

The Best Time to Visit Sundarban

It is generally advised that you learn about the best time to visit Sundarban prior to looking for Sundarban tour packages online. It will give you a clear idea of what to expect from your trip and help you choose the best option from the available Sundarban tour packages. Here’s a detailed season-wise Sundarban tourism experience;

Sundarban in Summer

Considering a tour of Sundarban in summer? Here’s what you need to know. The summer season in this region starts around early March and extends till May. The national park and its surrounding area experience overall uncomfortable weather due to the unbearable heat and humidity. Most tourists avoid Sundarbans tours during summer as temperatures during the day can range anywhere between 30°C-42°C. In addition, the heat waves and scarcity of water in the region during summer are also dealbreakers for many. However, some believe that it is a good time for Sundarban tourism to witness tigers as they come out of the dense forests to quench their thirst under the rising heat. You may also get some pretty deals and discounts on transport, accommodation and Sundarban tour packages due to the low tourist crowd. Find Sundarban tour packages for all themed tours on Thomas Cook.

Sundarban in Monsoon

After summer comes the mesmerising monsoon season in the region, which brings frequent rain showers. This season starts around June and lasts till October, making the entire Sundarban region come to life. The dense forest, the wildlife and the river get a major glow-up, making it the best time to visit Sundarban for the wildlife and nature. The average temperature in this season hovers between 25°C-35°C, which is perfect for tourist activities. However, the only downside of this season is the overflowing river, which makes transportation via boats, extremely difficult and risky. Hence, you can avoid a tour of Sundarban during this season. Looking for ideal Sundarban travel package options on a budget, check out our website.

Sundarban in Winter

The winter season is popularly considered the best time for Sundarbans tours. It begins in November and ends in February, featuring a pleasant overall weather condition. The relief from high heat and humidity is not just ideal for wildlife but also for exploration and various outdoor activities. This period is the best time to visit Sundarban for sightseeing, forest exploration and wildlife observation. The water in the river also stays at an optimal level, making boat transportation in the region smooth-flowing. In addition, winter is a key time to spot Ganges river dolphins in the Sundarbans. As it is a busy season for tourism, make sure to book hotels, transfers and Sundarban holiday package options in advance. Book Sundarban tour packages for winter from Thomas Cook for a memorable vacation experience.

How to Reach Sundarban?

One of the main aspects of a tour of Sundarban is the journey involved with the trip. Everything, from reaching the starting point to exploring the region, will add to the overall trip experience. There are quite a number of ways to reach the Sundarbans in West Bengal, and you can find a detailed explanation in the following;

By air

For a tour of Sundarban, air travel can be a great choice for individuals visiting from other Indian states. The Sundarbans doesn’t have an airport of its own and the nearest one is the Netaji Subhas International Airport at Dumdum, Kolkata, roughly 112 km away. It is served by both domestic and international flights from reputed airlines, such as Jet Airways, IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, etc., and is connected to all major Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and so on. For travel reference, a direct flight from New Delhi to Kolkata takes around 2 hours. After landing at the airport, tourists can cover the remaining distance to any of the embarkation points for the Sundarbans tours by taxi or bus.

By rail

For your tour to Sundarban, you can consider travelling by train. Even though the destination doesn’t have its own rail station, there is a popular one located just 48 km from it in Canning. Many trains operate from and to this station, especially from Sealdah (Kolkata). After reaching the Canning rail station, tourists can continue their journey to any of the embarkation points for the tour of Sundarban from where they can opt for the motorboat service. For such easy access, a one day trip to Sundarban is now a reality.

By road

If tourists prefer, they can consider road travel to cover the majority of the route for their Sundarban tour. The best route for road travel is to reach Kolkata, from where they can get a rental car or hire a taxi or bus to reach any of the embarkation points. Buses to these embarkation points are available from Esplanade, in Kolkata, and Howrah, while taxis for hire are available from anywhere.

The Waterways

The waterways are an essential part of Sundarban travel, as the National Park is only accessible via riverways. That is why, after reaching any of the embarkation points, namely Sonakhali, Namkhana, Canning, Raidhighi, Najat, etc., tourists will need to get on a motor boat and cover the remaining distance to the destination. For Sundarban travel time reference, it takes around 2.5 hours to reach Sagar Island and the Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project and 3.5 hours to reach Jambudwip from Namkhana.

Best Places to visit in Sundarban

If you consider yourself a nature lover or are interested in wildlife observation, there’s no better place to visit than the majestic Sundarban in West Bengal. Home to a wide number of tourist attractions, in the form of natural attractions, historical landmarks, etc., that you can add to your Sundarban tour plan. Consider opting for Sundarban tourism package options by Thomas Cook for an epic journey amidst the wilderness.

Here are some interesting and popular places to visit in Sundarban, West Bengal;

Netidhopani

Netidhopani is, without any doubt, one of the most famous places to see in Sundarban. It is a place surrounded by nature, history and the essence of mythology. One of its main attractions is the Netidhopani Watch Tower, which can accommodate up to 20 people at once and offers a stunning view of the region. It also offers a great vantage point for viewing the 400-year-old Shiva Temple, known as Netidhopani Temple, which has an interesting local legend associated with it. Note that you will need to avail permission in advance to visit Netidhopani from Sundarbans Tiger Reserve Authority. It is often a common inclusion in many Sundarban travel package options.

Kalash Camp

Part of the national park, the Kalash Camp is one of the top must-visit places in Sundarban. Nestled at the Chulkathi-1 Block of S. 24 divisional forest of the Sundarbans, it is often the starting point of Sundarban sightseeing tours that commence from the Ramganga or Namkhana side. It is famous for its sweet water pond, accommodation options and the Kalash Camp Watchtower. The Kalash Island Beach is located a bit towards the south, at the Malta River estuary. Previously tourists were allowed to land on the beach on low tide, however, recently it has been prohibited. One can enjoy the beauty of Kalash Island from their boat. During winter, it is a great place for observing Olive Ridley Turtles and many coastal birds. Find Sundarban tourism package options featuring this attraction on our website.

Bhagatpur Crocodile Project

In recent years, the Bhagatpur Crocodile Project has become a common inclusion of many Sundarban tours. Referred to as one of the most interesting places to see in Sundarban, it is truly a tourist attraction of its kind. The lush mangrove forest at the Saptamukhi River system’s confluence adds to the visual charm of the place. The site is home to many estuarine crocodiles and Batagur Baska tortoises, making it a must-visit site in the Sundarbans. One can easily reach this site from Namkhana, as well as Sajnekhali. Explore the Bhagatpur Crocodile Project and similar tourist attractions with the Sundarban travel package options by Thomas Cook.

Sajnekhali Watchtower

Sajnekhali is one of the main Sundarban tourist places that you can check out. It houses the Sajnekhali Permission Issue counter, Batagur Baska Pond, River Terrapin Hatching Centre, a crocodile pond, Bono Bibi Temple, and the Sajnekhali Museum. Besides, its most renowned attraction is the Sajnekhali Watch Tower, which makes the site one of the best Sundarban tourist places. From the tower’s summit, tourists can witness captivating views of the surrounding region. It also offers scope for wildlife observation, especially birdwatching. Get exciting deals on Sundarban travel package options on Thomas Cook.

What to Eat in Sundarban?

What’s even a vacation without good food to munch on? If you like Bengali cuisine, you will love what Sundarban has to offer. From delectable non-veg dishes to month-watering desserts, there’s a lot to choose from. Here are some local foods to try in Sundarban;

Posto Bora

Despite its simplicity, Posto Bora has a loyal fanbase among locals and tourists alike. Enjoyed across every household in Sundarban, it is a fried snack item made from ground poppy seeds mixed with ground dal, boiled potato and different kinds of fillers. It is a food you can munch on while on your boat journey or during your snack time with some tea or coffee. Make sure to try it during your tour of Sundarban.

Noksi Bori

Noksi Bori is one of the local specialities that tourists must try during their Sundarban tour. Also called “Gohona Bori”, as its shape resembles jewellery, Noksi Bori is basically a dried dal dumpling, made from black lentils, poppy seeds and a handful of local spices. It is a heart-filling snack that you will surely find delicious. For a 2-night/3-day trip, the starting Sundarban tour package price is INR 48,499.

Machh Bhaja

Visiting Sundarban and not trying Macch Bhaja is going to be a major miss for non-veg lovers. It is a fried fish dish made with different types of fish found locally. One of the prime choices for fish for Machh Bhaja is Hilsa, which will surely secure a special spot in your heart and tastebuds. Another popular Machh Bhaja is Amudi fry, often served alongside Handia. It is a must-try food item during a tour of Sundarban.

Sundarbani Crab dish

Known by various names in the region, this dish is a favourite among tourists who visit Sundarban. To prepare it, crab meat is taken out of its shell and mashed into a smooth textured paste, mixed with burnt tomato, mustard oil, green chilli, garlic and onion. It is a unique item that will bless your tastebuds when grabbing lunch or dinner in Sundarban. So, make sure to prepare your Sundarban tour plan accordingly. For a 3-night/4-day trip, the starting Sundarban tour package price is INR 65,999.

What to Shop in Sundarban?

There aren’t major shopping malls or stores in Sundarban, so in terms of shopping, the choices are quite limited. Despite this, there are a handful of interesting items that you can buy from the village markets during your Sundarban trip. So, include shopping for the following items in your Sundarban trip plan;

Honey

One of the most famous things to buy during a Sundarban tour is local honey. Renowned for its organic nature and delicious taste, people from all over India like to order honey from Sundarban. So, during your Sundarban trip, consider buying it directly from the region for a better deal.

Where to buy: You can shop for honey from the local sellers in the villages or ask your boatman or tour guide for a reference on where to find it. It is recommended you make a 2-3 day Sundarban tour plan to be able to enjoy shopping as well as sightseeing.

Brown Rice

Another popular local item that tourists like to buy during their Sundarban tour is brown rice. The region is famous for being one of the best places to produce brown rice, which is said to be healthy and delicious. If you are a health-conscious individual or know someone who takes good care of their health, brown rice could be a good purchase.

Where to buy: You can contact the local fishermen and farmers through your tour guide to buy brown rice.

Handicraft and souvenirs

Sundarban is filled with skilful and highly experienced artisans, who produce and sell a variety of goods. From dress articles and handicrafts to souvenirs and similar products, you can find various things at reasonable prices during your Sundarban tour.

Where to buy: The local villages and markets in the region have sellers who deal in handicrafts and souvenir goods while on your Sundarban tour. There should be shops and markets around resorts in Sunderban.

Things to Do in Sundarban

Sundarban offers an array of fun and thrilling adventures that you can be a part of during your trip. Here are some examples of popular things to do in Sundarban;

Go for birdwatching

One of the most interesting things to do in Sundarban during a trip is to go on birdwatching tours. The region is home to several distinct species of birds, including the likes of Caspian Tern, Paradise Flycatcher, Open Billed Stork, Osprey Herring Gull, etc. If you are into photography, then capturing these beautiful creatures in their green habitat will translate into some great pictures that you can cherish forever. Sajnekhali Bird Sanctuary is one of the best Sundarban places to visit for this activity. To make the most out of your birdwatching session, consider hiring a Sundarban tour guide. Note that the cost of Sundarban tour package will increase if you include additional activities.

Try your luck at spotting Ganges River Dolphins and Royal Bengal Tigers

Not just crocodiles, tortoises or spotted deer, every time you visit Sundarban, you have a decent chance at spotting Ganges River Dolphins and Royal Bengal Tigers in the wild. Though the probability of witnessing these majestic creatures is rare, the search itself makes for an interesting and thrilling experience. Hiring a Sundarban tour guide will give you better chances at spotting these majestic creatures. As this activity is a core element of all Sundarban tours, make sure to keep your senses sharp during the exploration. Looking for a Sundarban luxury tour package? Check out the planned trips offered by Thomas Cook.

Experience the Gangasagar Mela

Sundarban is renowned for hosting the revered Gangasagar Mela on Sagar Island. It is a massive mela with devotional association, attracting visitors from various corners of West Bengal. This spiritual fair takes place during winter, especially in mid-January, so plan your trip accordingly. You can also opt for a Sundarban one day tour just to attend this fair. Get Sundarban tourism package options for any season on Thomas Cook.

Enjoy the views from the watchtowers

Sundarban is home to a number of watchtowers, most of which are common inclusions of an average Sundarban tour itinerary. So, during your Sundarban sightseeing trips, consider checking out these watchtowers to grab some phenomenal 360° views of the surrounding area. They also offer great vantage points for witnessing the regional flora and fauna from a safe distance during a Sundarban day tour. Some of the best places to visit in Sundarban for this watchtower experience are Sudhanyakhali Watch Tower, Sajnekhali Watch Tower, Do Ban Ki Watch Tower, and Netidhopani Watch Tower. Visit Thomas Cook to find detailed planned trips along with the specified cost of Sundarban tour package per person.

Interesting facts about Sundarban

Whether you are visiting the Sundarbans for the first time or a repeat visitor, knowing about the destination in advance can help enhance your trip experience. It will not only increase your interest in the location but also give you important tips that you can use. Here are some interesting and lesser-known facts about Sundarban that you should know;

• Sundarban is the largest coastal mangrove forest in the world, with a total area of 10,000 square kilometres. Out of which, 40% lies in India, while the other 60% is in Bangladesh.
• The Sundarbans is actually 10 times bigger than Venice City in terms of total area.
• The forest is home to a total of 102 islands, and only 54 of them are inhabited.
• The name of the forest, Sundarban, is given after the large mangrove trees that reside in the region, called Sundari trees (Heritiera littoralis).
• The forests and its islands are accessible only via an interconnected network of waterways. It is also the prime mode of transport that tourists are going to use to explore the region. It makes for a soothing sightseeing and journey experience.
• Recent reports suggest that there are around 100-120 Royal Bengal Tigers residing in the Sundarban forest. They are the main tourist pullers when it comes to Sundarban tourism. Many tourists plan a Sundarbans day trip only to catch a glimpse of these fantastic beasts.
• The largest fishery board in the country is none other than the Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve, famous for its fish production and brackish water fishes.
• If you are into photography, make sure to carry a telephoto lens as most of the wildlife you will come across will be at a distance, deep into the forest.
• Winter is the best time to visit Sundarban for spotting Ganges River Dolphins in the region.
• You will need to have permission from the office of the field director, Sundarban Tiger Reserve, in order to enter Sundarban Tiger Reserve.