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Explore the world's largest Mangroves

The Sundarbans is the largest delta in the world. Here, the 2 mightiest rivers of India - Brahmaputra & Ganges - along with the river Meghna, drain their waters into the Bay of Bengal thus creating the world’s largest mangrove forest and a biodiversity hotspot.

The word “Sundarbans” comes from the mangrove species Heritiera minor locally known as Sundari. This habitat is made up of 56 islands of mangrove forest which harbours countless species whose behaviour is rooted in the tidal patterns of the area.

Not only a home for wildlife, the Sundarbans delta also provides for almost 4 million people, many of whom visit the forest daily for firewood and honey collection. Accounts of conflict with "man-eating" Royal Bengal Tigers are chilling and it gives the otherwise gentleman-like tiger, a notorious reputation.

It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a Tiger Reserve and an Important Bird Area of the world and over 300 bird species, 40 mammal species, 35 Reptiles Species & 08 amphibian species have been recorded here in these 10000 sq.km of forest.

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When to visit the Sundarbans :

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  • The area of Sundarbans is a high rainfall area – about 2800 mm of rain on average annually – and it rains heavily here from April to September.

  • An ideal time to visit is between October & March.

  • Best time for birders would be from December till mid-March.

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The Sundarbans, India.

Sundarbans Birding Travel Guide

How to Reach
the Sundarbans

How to Reach
the Sundarbans

  • Approximately a 04 hour drive from airports at Kolkata or Calcutta International Airport well connected by both. domestic, as well as international flights.

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How Many Nights to Spend at Sundarbans for a Birding Tour ?

How Many Nights to Spend at Sundarbans for a Birding Tour ?

  • At least 02 nights, up to 05 nights.

What are the Types of Safaris at the Sundarbans?

What are the Types of Safaris at
the Sundarbans?

  • Here, the only way to explore the mangroves is through a privately hired boat or to join a group on a larger boat. The drawback of the larger boats are that they cannot get through all the creeks and narrow channels, hence a smaller boat safari is preferred.

Mammals at Sundarbans

Mammal Highlights

  • Royal Bengal Tiger

  • Irrawady Dolphin

  • Indo-gangetic Dolphin

  • Fishing Cat

  • Smooth Coated Otter

  • Small Clawed Otter

Reptiles at Sundarbans

Reptile Highlights

  • Saltwater or Estuarine Crocodile

  • Water Monitor Lizard

  • King Cobra

  • Rock Python

  • Olive Ridley

  • Green Seat Turtle

  • Hawksbill Turtle

  • Leatherback Turtle

  • Loggerhead Turtle

Birds at Sundarbans

Birding Highlights

  • Mangrove Whistler

  • Mangrove Pitta

  • Collared Kingfisher

  • Brown-Winged Kingfisher

  • Masked Finfoot

  • Spoonbill Sandpiper

  • Black Capped Kingfisher 

  • Ruddy Kingfisher

  • Stork-billed Kingfisher, Pied Kingfisher, Greater Adjutant, Black-necked Stork, Buffy Fish Owl,  White-bellied Sea Eagle, Pallas’ Fish Eagle, Whimbrel, Grey Headed Fish Eagle, Pacific Golden Plover, Common Shelduck, Swamp Francolin.

03 Night Tour of the Sundarbans

Related Tours

There's plenty of interesting places to travel to in India, if you're interested in birding at the Sundarbans :

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