Sundarbans Travel Guide: Exploring the World’s Largest Mangrove Forest

Introduction to the Sundarbans Mangrove Forest

The Sundarbans is a breathtaking expanse of mangrove-covered forest islands spread across the delta of the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers. Crisscrossed by a labyrinth of tidal canals that finally spill into the Bay of Bengal, this region hosts the world’s largest mangrove forest and is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This extraordinary ecosystem is home to Royal Bengal tigers, water birds, dolphins, crocodiles, snakes, and some of the most resilient communities on earth. Beyond its beauty, the Sundarbans acts as a vital natural barrier against cyclones originating in the Bay of Bengal.

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Where Is the Sundarbans Located?

The Sundarbans lies in eastern India and Bangladesh, forming part of the world’s largest delta system. Its unique geography blurs boundaries between river and sea, freshwater and saltwater, land and water.

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How to Reach the Sundarbans from Kolkata

Kolkata is the nearest airport and serves as the main gateway to the Sundarbans.

Check my reel here.

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Day 1: Kolkata to Gadkhali Ferry Ghat Journey

The journey begins with a two-and-a-half-hour bus ride from Kolkata to Gadkhali Ferry Ghat. Leaving behind the congested, polluted cityscape, the road winds through the outskirts dotted with paddy fields, mustard farms, banana orchards, rustic houses, and ponds frequented by ducks.

Gadkhali Ferry Ghat is a hive of activity. Porters rush about carrying luggage, tourists search for their assigned boats, and small stalls sell tender coconuts, chickoos and local fruits. The sharp smell of diesel fills the air, making the moment the boat departs especially welcome.

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Boat Ride from Gadkhali to Bali Island

The 1.5 hour boat ride from Gadkhali to Bali is scenic and calming. Mangroves line both sides of the waterways, birds are frequently sighted, and the journey itself feels like a gentle immersion into the Sundarbans ecosystem.

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Where to stay at Bali island

Sunderbans Jungle Camp - highly recommended

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Village Walk in the Sundarbans

Life in the Sundarbans villages is simple, sustainable and closely tied to nature. Rice is grown in muddy soils, bottom-feeding fish are caught from murky waters, and vegetables and fruits are cultivated locally. These largely self-sufficient communities were minimally affected during the COVID pandemic.

As dusk settles, the sky turns pink and reflects off tranquil waters, with silhouettes of boats and mangroves creating a postcard-perfect scene. Bird calls echo as we walk back to the hotel.

Imbibe the experience here.

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Day 2 & 3: Sundarbans Tiger Reserve Boat Safari

Full-Day Boat Safari Experience in the Sundarbans

A boat safari through the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve is unlike any wildlife experience elsewhere in India. Boats navigate narrow tidal creeks while trained guides spot birds and animals concealed within the mangroves.

If a tiger, crocodile or otter is sighted, the information is shared instantly via phone, and nearby boats gather to catch a glimpse of the animal.

A sneak preview on the Sundarbans boat safari here.

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Facilities on Sundarbans Safari Boats

The safari boats are well-equipped, comfortably accommodating 12–15 tourists. They offer cushioned seating, beds for rest, clean toilets, and a kitchen serving hot meals throughout the day-long safari.

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Dobanki Camp: Elevated Walkways in the Mangrove Forest

Dobanki Camp (Day 2) features elevated pathways that allow visitors to walk through dense mangrove forests without disturbing wildlife. Watch-towers provide excellent viewpoints for observing birds and animals.

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Sudhanyakhali Beat and Mangrove Arboretum

Sudhanyakhali Beat (Day 3) houses a mangrove arboretum that functions like a botanical garden. Display boards explain the unique adaptations that allow mangroves to survive in saline, oxygen-poor marshlands.

Stilt roots and pneumatophores help mangroves breathe, while reverse osmosis allows them to filter salt and absorb freshwater. Mangrove fruits are missile-shaped; seeds germinate while still attached to the parent tree and drop vertically into the mud, ensuring successful growth.

Check out our list of bird sightings here.

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Mangrove Species in the Sundarbans Ecosystem

The Sundarbans supports 26–34 true mangrove species, along with numerous associate species such as Sundari, Gewa and Baen. In total, over 300 plant species form this unique, salt-tolerant ecosystem.

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Bon Bibi: The Forest Goddess of the Sundarbans

Bon Bibi is the guardian deity of the Sundarbans and holds deep significance for local communities, irrespective of whether they identify as Hindu, Muslim or follow another faith.

Her legend, centered on protection from tigers and jungle dangers, is performed through Bon Bibir Palagaan, a traditional folk theatre. These stories - often depicting her triumph over the tiger deity Dokkhin Rai - beautifully blend Hindu and Muslim traditions and symbolise coexistence with nature.

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Literary Perspective on the Sundarbans

“Here there are no borders to divide fresh water from salt, river from sea, even land from water. The tides reach more than two hundred miles inland, and every day thousands of acres of mangrove forest disappear only to re-emerge hours later.”

— Amitav Ghosh, The Hungry Tide