Recreation in Sundarbans
In the Sundarbans, you can try a very different kind of safari than what you are used to setting out on a boat for river safaris! The riverine transport adds an extra thrill to the experience of questing after elusive creatures of the wild. In the Sundarbans, all you need is a little luck and patience! It would be no great surprise to see the amber and obsidian hide of a Royal Bengal tiger swimming alongside your cruise boat, or find the beady eyes of a crocodile somewhere on a muddy coast. The boat safaris are equipped also for all types and duration of travel so you may have your pick.
Boat Safari
The boat safari is the oldest service offered by the government here and requires you to sacrifice a little sleep for a good cause! The early hours of the day, under the golden sunshine and warm breeze are considered the best for bird watching. Keep your fingers crossed and cameras ready as you may even chance upon the graceful and sleek gaits of tigers roaming in the forest.
Good to know: Privately run boat rentals are available daily with government-mandated permits like forest entry fees and video camera fees.
Cruise Safari
You will be most comfortable relying on cruise safaris that are essentially group tours so you get the experience of a hotel on the waters and the merry company of fellow tourists. Travelling by cruise can take you to the famous points of Sudhanyakhali, Sajnekhali, Jhinga Kali, and Dobanki watchtowers. Forget the hassle of traveling as you can even choose cruises online according to your preferences.
Good to know: SunderbanChalo, VivadaSunderban, Sundarbans Jungle Camp, and Tour de Sunderban offer private cruise tours where you have the luxury of tailoring your journey to your taste!
Sudhanyakhali Watch Tower
Location:
If you are a wildlife enthusiast you are probably familiar with the places called Sudhanyakhali and Sajnekhali which are two of the earliest tourist destinations within the Sundarbans and that are famous for frequent tiger sightings. The Sudhanyakhali watchtower gives you a chance to gaze upon the forest unimpeded and perhaps spot tawny fur or amber eyes within the shrubby land. Take your leisurely time at the spot and wait for the regal beings to step into view.
Good to know: A sweet water pond nearby also attracts other animals like wild boars or deer.
Sajnekhali Watch Tower
Location:
Watchtowers at the Sundarbans offer exceptional views from higher vantage points. The Sundarbans has many special locations where you will be led to get the most out of your safaris. Sajnekhali is especially rife with the activity of birds like the kingfisher, pelicans, sandpipers, and white-bellied sea-eagle as it’s a spot that bird lovers should not miss out on.
Good to know: You can include other watchtowers of Netidhopani, Bonnie Camp, and Jhingekhali in your travel plan if you crave more of the experience.
Dobanki Watch Tower
Location:
Known for its half a kilometre canopy walk, the Dobanki Watch Tower is a site that must be visited if walking with the wild is something you desire, though 20 meters off the ground. The long walk will allow you to spot tigers freely roaming the camp, chital deer, monitor lizards, storks, raptors and so many more creatures.
Good to know: You can also visit the Bonbibi Temple to have your fill of the authentic tribal experience and pray for divine protection in these jungles.
Burirdabri Watch Tower
Location:
Although considerably distanced from Sajnekhali and other popular watch towers, the Burirdabri Watch Tower is one which sees fewer tourists but offers a splendid view of the reptiles below and a graceful vision of the Raimongal river which forms the international boundary between India and Bangladesh. The wooden bridge, mud walk, mangrove cage and the watchtower all make it a must visit site.
Good to know: The wooden Watchtower can only accommodate ten people at a time.
Bonnie Camp Watch Tower
Location:
50 feet high, the watch tower at Bonnie Camp is the tallest in Sundarbans and offers the most stunning view of the jungle with creeks flowing by and the creatures of nature roaming about in its premise. They also have cottages where overnight stay is possible. The occasional growling of tigers, barking of deer or the eerie presence of another makes the experience exhilarating.
Good to know: Sturdy boats and launches will take you to the camp in four to six hours from Sajnekhali. October till March is the best time to visit the camp.
Jhingekhali Watch Tower
Location:
The Jhingekhali watch tower allows a scenic view of the jungle with a smaller number of people hovering about. Situated on the eastern part of the Bashirhat Range, the forest is better preserved because it sees fewer visitors due to its distance from Sajnekhali. This also increases the chances of sighting tigers here.
Good to know: The watch tower is often visited in accompaniment to the Burirdabri watch tower and can hold twenty people at a time.
