Sundarbans, the largest estuarine delta system in the world is criss crossed by seven main rivers and innumerable watercourses that lock islands which are a part of the world's largest mangrove forests, within their banks. Home to endemic Flora and Fauna, the Sundarbans are famous for the Royal Bengal Tigers who display unique adaptive behaviour in their unique habitat. Although, to the keen observer, these primitive lands and waters shaped by the tidal ebbs and flows, have a lot more to offer.
Pickup from Kolkata at dawn on preferred choice of vehicle and drop at Godkhali (65 kms). Day long search for birds and other wildlife on private boat, exploring the various channels and creeks and rivers with the help of expert wildlife guide, trip leader and forest guide. Visit Sajnekhali and Sudhanyakhali watch towers to get a good look of life’s movements wthin the forest. Overnight halt at Bali Island or our private boat according to preference.
Birding, Wildlife Search and Photography: 1 to 2 days.
With our main focus on the various birds and other wildlife, we will explore the region further through the network of water bodies, trying to stay as close to the waters edge as possible with the tidal variations in mind. The various islands/watch towers we will visit within this period are Pirkhali, Sajnekhali, Sudhanyakhali and the Canopy walk at Dobanki. Depending on the number of trip days, optimization of route with respect to target species to be done in referral with you and our field experts.
The 2 separate routes are
Bali Island -> Sajnekhali-Sudhanyakhali -> Bali Island
OR
Bali Island -> Pirkhali-Dobanki -> Bali Island
Overnight halt at Bali Island or our private boat according to preference.
Departure Day: We will revisit from Bali Island to either of Sajnekhali-Sudhanyakhali or Pirkhali-Dobanki depending on spots visited in the previous 1-2 days and wildlife expectations. Drop off in Godkhali at sundown and back to Kolkata in aforementioned vehicle. We bid goodbye here.
Sundarbans Tiger Reserve
Area and Topography:
FLORA:
The Sundarbans feature two ecoregions;
Sundarbans freshwater swamp forests – characterized by tropical moist broadleaf forest, this region sits behind the Sundarbans mangroves and represents brackish swamp forest with less pronounced salinity.
Sundarbans mangroves – characterized by 35 of the 50 types of mangroves in the world, this region is home to the Sundaritree (Heritierafomes)which is believed to give the region its name. Apart from the Sundari, the other prominent mangroves are Goran (Ceriopsdecandra), Keora (Sonneratiaapetala), Kankra (Bruguieragymnorhiza), Hetal (Phoenixpeludosa), Dhundhul (Xylocarpusgranatum) etc.
FAUNA:
Mammals (50 species)– Apart from the endangered Royal Bengal Tigers, this is home to leopards and small cats viz. fishing cat and jungle cats. Spotted deer are the only species of deer here. Rhesus Macaques, Wild Boars, Grey Mongooses and Great Indian Fruit Bats are found in abundance.
Birds (more than 356 species) – At least nine species of Kingfishers are found over here which is the most anywhere in the world. They are Black-throated KF, Stork-billed KF, Common KF, Pied KF, Collared KF, Black-capped KF, Brown-winged KF (endemic to Sundarbans), Ruddy KF and Blue-eared KF. Grey-headed Fish eagles, Ospreys and Brahminy Kites are the main raptors on the lookout for fishes, much like the kingfishers.The Mangrove Whistler is a bird typical to the region and so is the Mangrove Pitta. The globally threatened Lesser Adjutant Storks in flight are a common sight and there are healthy chances of seeing it trudging along the mud banks during low tide. The water bodies are important wintering grounds for many ducks.
Reptiles & Amphibians – There are 61 species of Reptiles and Amphibians. Saltwater/Estuarine Crocodile is the largest of its kind in the world. They can be seen basking under the morning sun during low tides. Their nemesis are the Water Monitor, who, though much smaller are great stealers of crocodile eggs and try to do their best in winning this fair battle of survival before the crocs can hatch. Sundarbans are home to many species of snakes including the Python, King Cobra, Russel’s Viper and Red-tailed Pit Viper with the waters having many species of sea snakes. The region hosts a fair few species of turtles, toads and frogs.
Others – The Sundarbans are home to 350 species of commercially important fishes among others. This is one of the last resorts of the Gangetic River Dolphin. The most common sights in the area are the various species of crabs who graze the mudflats along with the Gobioid Mudskippers, a variety of fish who can breathe with their skin from the moist soil while out of water and even climb trees with the help of their fins.
There is no scheduled batch right now. But you can request to start one on cost sharing basis. We will offer dynamic pricing, as more people join you pay less.
Flights are there from all the major International Airports To Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Airport in Kolkata. Sundarbans is just a 3 hour drive by road. Flight tickets can be cheap if booked well in advance.
Road
Sundarbans can be easily accessed by road from Howrah Junction. It is just 110 Kms (3 hours drive) from Kolkata with well connected roadways.
Train
Howrah is one of the largest Railway Junctions in India and has rail connectivity throughout India. Sundarbans can be accessed by car or there are inter-city trains connecting Kolkata and Sundarbans. There are local trains regularly plying between Sealdah (another major station in Kolkata) and Namkhana.
Stay on 2-3 sharing basis in Guest House or Home stay.
All meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) after we welcome you on arrival day and before we bid goodbye on departure day. Veg/Non-Veg as per preference.
Wildlife and Forest Fees based on your Nationality
Services of experienced field guide with due knowledge of terrain and movement of wildlife. Birder is to Guide ratio would be equal to or less than 5:1.
All transportation from pickup on arrival till drop for departure.
All Service Taxes
Exclusions:
Any personal equipment or gear.
Any charges for a camera, if required.
Any insurance.
Anything is not mentioned in above inclusions.
Cancellation:
Cancellation prior to 30 days from the start of the event– full refund.
Cancellation between 30 days and 15 days to the start of the event– 50% refund.
Cancellation less than 15 days to the start of the event– No refund, but if you want to do the same or any other itinerary sometime later within a year, you can avail 50% of the cost paid as a discount on new Itinerary Fee.
There will be a deduction of 3.09% as bank processing charges on all refunds.
To cancel the registration, an email intimation needs to be sent to explore@rockyfeet.org/ explore@rockyfeet.com
T Shirts | Socks | Undergarments | Thin Nylon Ropes for multi-purpose use | Toilet Paper Roll | Towel | Soap Papers | Head lamp / Torch | Batteries & charger | Water Bottles | Light weight Pants | Personal Medical & First Aid Kit | Tickets & bookings | Photo Identity Card
Specialized Gear
Ruck Sack/ Day Pack | Sleeping Bag (Provided) | Trekking Shoes | Snow Gaiters | Trekking Stick/pole | Camera | Binocular/ Spotting scope. |
Fitness
A fitter person can enjoy the nature better. To get prepared, involve into brisk jogging, cycling, walking or any other sort of cardiac exercise routine at least 45 days prior to the event.
Enrolled participants need to submit a duly filled medical report of basic wellness authorized by certified physician.
Safety & Medical
Acclimatization Guidance; mandatory medical health check-ups of all participants prior to activity start day.
Duly prepared First aid box including oxygen cylinder.
All major safety gears related each category of sports are mandatory to use.
Contingent to be accompanied by certified & capable trainers and guides
Availability of Doctor facilities by a registered medical practitioner.
Emergency evacuation services available (*at own cost)
Responsible Traveller
‘Responsible Traveller & outdoor ethics’ – session for the participants on acclimatization day.
Bio & Non-Biodegradable waste segregation at Campsite.360 degree waste management at the event.
Cleaning & collection team at the end of the event, in case required for big team size.
Leave no trace, bring only memories.
Giving Back
As a part of ‘An Earth Day Resolution’ project, We will plant 2 trees for each traveler traveled with us.