Sundarban Adventure Tourism is slightly different than other wild travels because Sundarban forest has its unique persona and the flora and fauna of this forest is different than other national parks or dense forests like Similipal or Dooars.
Why Sundarban Forest is unique?
Sundarban is a mangrove, Forest. In fact, it is one of the largest deltas in the world. The river triad Ganges, Meghna, and Brahmaputra is responsible for forming it. Sundori trees are one of the prime floras here and people believe that from the name of Sundarban is formed from Sundori Trees.
One of the exceptional features of Sundarban Mangrove Forest is its low land area and high tide impact that fills water in these wetland and low areas. Proximity to giant rivers and pre-existing network of rivulets has created a unique water network in the forest area.
It’s a dense forest where a waterway is available
Sundarban Adventure Tourism is not about knowing the Mangrove or watching the wildlife. Besides a unique mangrove Forest, the Delta is the native house of Royal Bengal Tiger, the fiercest Big Cat globally known for its magical beauty and lethal nature. Sundarban tiger reserve the most authentic place to get a glimpse of this deadly beast who is locally called as Baramiyan.
Sundarban Adventure Tourism includes the scope of viewing exotic and endangered animals. For example, you may view here Royal Bengal Tiger, saltwater crocodile, Ganges River dolphin, River Terrapin, Olive Ridley Turtle, and Hawksbill Turtle. Nature and wild lovers will enjoy a good time here.
Sundarban Adventure Tourism- The tale of Safari
Primarily, the main attraction of the forest is its wildlife viewing and enjoying its unique Mangrove vibes. Travelers and sundarban enthusiasts can join the safari with boat riding and watchtower tours.
Boat Safari: Explore the Mangrove by boating through canals
Boat Safari in Sundarban is a unique process of seeing jungle from a safe distance. Boat safari in Mangrove is a daylight event where the expert boatmen take their boats via the canals and water-filled low land areas during the high tide. The travellers can watch the core areas of jungle from a distance and get glimpse of wild animals. The chance of viewing Royal Bengal Tiger is minimum but you can glance here the paw marks or the tentative dens of the tigers from a safe distance from the boat.
Watchtower Tour: Watch The forest high above the ground
Watchtowers are the safe elevated places in the Mangrove Forest, where tourists can get a drone view of the forest around. Strategically, near all the watchtowers in Sundarban you can find pit where either wild animal often come to lick salt or to drink water. The wise location selection of the forest department is definitely as advantage for the tourists.
Some of the most visited watchtowers in Sundarban are Sajnekhali Watchtower, Burir Dabri Watchtower, Sudhanyakhali Watch Tower, Netadhopani Watchtower, Dobanki Watch Tower, Bonnie Camp Watch Tower and Jhingekhali Watch Tower. In peak travel seasons, all the watchtowers get crowded, however, if you want to enjoy Sundarban Adventure Tourism in its real vibes, off season visit will give you better experiences.
- The most awaiting experiences in watchtower tours are canopy walk, mud walk.
- From Sajnekhali and Dobanki watchtowers, you can spot large estuarine crocodiles basking in the sun, and you can see Water monitors (giant lizards) are often seen crawling along the muddy banks.
- Dobanki and Jhingekhali watchtowers offer close views of deer grazing in open patches. Wild boars and rhesus macaques are also frequently seen near these locations.
- Bonnie Camp and Burirdabri watchtowers provide excellent birdwatching opportunities.
Bonbibi Temple: The Mystic Deity of The Tigerland
Bonbibi is the guardian deity of the Sundarbans. Her temple is found deep in the mangrove forests. She is worshipped by both Hindus and Muslims. Legends say she was sent by Allah to protect people from Dakshin Rai, the demon king of the jungle.
Fishermen, honey collectors, and woodcutters pray to her before entering the forest. They offer sweets, rice, and flowers. No animal sacrifice is allowed. People believe she keeps the Royal Bengal Tiger away. Every year, villagers perform Bonbibi Jatra, a folk drama about her story. Her worship is a symbol of harmony and faith.
Bonbibi temples are spread across the Sundarban, but you can visit the most popular temples near Sajnekhali, Netadhopani, and Bonnie Camp watchtowers. You may plan with your our operator if you can visit any of these temples.
Cruising In Sundarban River: The Enchanting Wild Adventure
Cruising in the sundarban riverbed is a journey through nature’s wild beauty. Boats glide through narrow creeks and wide rivers. Dense mangroves surround you on both sides.
The water is apparently calm, but the forest feels eerie. You may spot a crocodile relaxing in the sun. Birds like kingfishers and herons fly over the water. Lucky travelers may see a paw mark of the Royal Bengal Tiger near the banks. Fishermen in small boats throw nets into the river. The air smells fresh and salty. At night, the silence is eerie yet peaceful. Sundarban cruising is an adventure filled with thrill and wonder.
However, cruising in Sundarban safe during summer and winter. In monsoon, it is a risky journey because of the volume of water in the rivers for rain and flood. In Autumn the intensity of high tide is scary and weather often remain unpredictable from May to September. A well planned Sundarban Adventure Tourism is never complete without the cruising experience.
Hire Bicycle and Explore the Villages Around
If you want to explore the villages near the fierce mangrove Forest, you may hire a bicycle to roam around. It is an authentic way to feel the Mangrove vibe.
Don’t forget to ask your local guide to accompany you and always maintain a respectful gesture toward locales and their customs. If you find any of the customs are mere superstition, it is better to maintain a restrain.
You may have started wondering by now about finding a licensed and expert Sundarban tour operator who can organize a well planned Sundarban tour for you. Look nowhere else, you are at the right place. Contact/browse sundarbantigerroarresort.com for latest updates on Sundarban adventure Tourism and mangrove Safari programs.
