Our Latest Blog

"Where the land whispers tales of tides, tigers, and timeless legends."

The Sundarbans, a magnificent and vast part of nature, is the proud owner of the world’s largest tidal halophytic mangrove forest. This amazing ecosystem is located in the delta area formed by the confluence of the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers and is spread across two countries: India and Bangladesh. In India, this amazing part of the Sundarbans is located in the southern part of West Bengal and encompasses many areas of the South 24 Parganas district.

The name “Sundarbans” literally means “beautiful forest”, named after the native “sundari” trees that grow there in abundance. But it is much more than a forest; rather, it is a dynamic, complex ecosystem made up of river systems, tidal currents, winding creeks and dense, green mangrove forests that thrive in this special environment.
Importance:

• It was officially recognized and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
• The Royal Bengal Tiger, an intriguing and elusive animal, roams the region.
• This tiger is a unique species, as it is remarkably well adapted to living in mangrove habitats.
• It also has an extraordinary ability to swim in saltwater, proving its resilience and adaptability to challenging conditions.
• It shelters and sustains over 260 bird species, including saltwater crocodiles, spotted deer, wild boars, and several endangered species.
• These endangered species include the Gangetic dolphin and the estuarine crocodile, both of which are in dire need of conservation strategies to help maintain their survival.

 Mythology & Legend:

• The people of the Sundarbans revere Bonbibi, the forest goddess who is believed to protect them from the tiger god Dokkhin Rai.
• According to legend, Bonbibi, born in Mecca, came to the forest to protect humans from the demon Dokkhin Rai, who took the form of a tiger and preyed on humans.
• “You may be strong, but in the Sundarbans, you bow to Bonbibi before the beast.”
• Even today, locals offer prayers before entering the forest, asking for protection from tigers and natural dangers.

Major attractions in Sundarbans:

1. Sundarbans National Park

• The central area of ​​the Biosphere Reserve and a tiger reserve.
• Enjoy an exciting boat safari through narrow creeks and winding waterways, which provides you with a wonderful opportunity to see great wildlife like tigers, secretive crocodiles, gliding snakes and colorful birds.

2. Sajnekhali Watchtower

• A good place for tiger sightings, with a nature interpretation center and Bonbibi Temple.

3. Sudhanyakhali Watchtower

• Another spot for wildlife photography. Tigers, deer and monitor lizards are frequently spotted in the nearby reservoir.

4. Dobanki Canopy Walk

• A 496-meter-long canopy bridge in the forest, standing above the ground. It provides a bird's-eye view of the wild animals and the dense forest.

5. Ruins of Netidhopani

• A very ancient Shiva temple believed to be over 400 years old. Also, with local mythological connections.
• Tigers are often seen near this mysterious, sacred site.

Special features of the forest:

• Breathing roots: Sundari and mangrove trees have special pneumatophores (breathing roots) that grow above the soil level for respiration.
• Tidal influence: The forest is submerged in tidal waters twice a day, creating a dynamic ecosystem that is constantly changing and teeming with life.
• Adaptive fauna: From aquatic fish to semi-aquatic crabs and saltwater snakes - evolution is evident at every step.

Community Celebrations and Traditional Practices:

Bonbibi Festival (Festival of the Forest Goddess):

• Celebrated once every year in all the villages of the Sundarbans during January-February.
• The villagers dress up, perform village plays (Bonbibi Palgaan) to narrate stories of survival in the forest, human courage and divine mercy.
• It is a blend of Hindu and Islamic cultures, and represents cultural harmony.

Makar Sankranti at Gangasagar

• Although not within the Sundarbans itself, the festival of a holy dip is celebrated at the confluence of the Ganges and the Bay of Bengal on the nearby Gangasagar Island.

Rituals and Beliefs of Devotees:

• No one enters the forest without praying to Bonbibi. People also offer offerings of honey, fruits and small toys.
• Most tribal societies believe that if a tiger attacks, it is actually an incarnation of divine wrath or punishment for doing something wrong.
• Because of this strong belief, all actions taken within the forest are strictly governed by a sense of spiritual discernment and a deep respect for nature and its creations.

Local Cuisine & Food Uniqueness:

• Shutki Maach (Dried Fish Curry) – A local delicacy cooked with minimal spices.
• Crab Curry & Prawn Malai Curry – Freshwater and estuarine crabs cooked in thick coconut gravy.
• Khejur Gur (Date Palm Jaggery) – Made in winters, used to make sweets like patali and nolen gurer sandesh.
• Honey – Wild honey collected from forest bees is highly prized and risky to gather.

Only licensed honey collectors with spiritual training and Bonbibi’s blessing enter tiger zones for honey.

Weather Note:

• Best Time to Visit: November to February (winter months offer pleasant climate and better visibility).
• Summer (April-June): Hot and humid; tigers tend to rest in shaded areas.
• Monsoon (July–September): Avoid travel due to high tides and cyclone risks.

How to Reach:

• Nearest Airport: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata (~120 km)
• Nearest Railhead: Canning
• From Kolkata, travel to Godkhali via road (~100 km), then take a motorized boat to enter the forest area.

Recommendations and tips for travel:

• Always use the services of local licensed guides and licensed boats.
• Carry mosquito repellent, sun lotion, binoculars and light woolen clothes for winter.
• Strictly follow all the rules of the forest department - no plastic, no noise, no smoking.
• Raw nature - be mentally prepared for primitive habitat, sudden weather changes and the sounds of wild animals.

Nearby attractions:

• Gosaba Island: A picturesque and rural village with a historical background of colonization.
• Hamilton Bungalow and Beacon Bungalow: Associated with Daniel Hamilton, who brought development to the area.
• Kalash Island: Adjacent to it, the Bay of Bengal is famous for its Olive Ridley turtle nests.
• Henry's Island is a quiet and peaceful beach resort located near the famous Sundarbans.

Sundarbans is not just a vacation spot; It is a deeply spiritual experience in which ancient myth and the unending beauty of nature coexist.

In this magical land, human souls and nature have learned to coexist in harmony and balance with each other, each playing their own important role in the environment. Here in this land, every soft sound of a leaf or every ripple echoing in the water tells a complex story of existence that is imbued with deep spirituality, calling every traveler to pause and reflect on the deep connections that connect us with nature.

"In a great and mysterious world divided by tides and tigers, it is not the roar of thunder that occupies the land, but a deep silence that rules all."