We had a 2D/1N trip to Sundarban via an agency, Sundarban Chalo in end of January 2020.
Sundarban does not need an introduction, but let me put a small intro. In the delta of rivers (Ganga, Meghna and Bramhaputra) Sundarban is a reserved forest, full of mangrove trees and a world heritage site enlisted by UNESCO. The reserved forest area is intersected by multiple tidal streams and channels, and shared between India and Bangladesh. So jungle safari here is completely different from any mainland reserved forest or wildlife sanctuaries. The safari is done over boats, across the rivers, channels and tidal streams, and if your luck favors you can see gorgeous Royal Bengal Tiger in the wild.
Our tour started at 8 am as we were picked up from the front of Indian Museum in a van. We reached Godkhali ferry ghat in 3.5hrs, from there we reached Gosaba by ferry and they dropped us in a hotel at Pakhiralay by auto. Pakhiralay is southern part of Gosaba island, and just opposite to Sajnekhali divided by Datta river.
As we reached Sundarban Chalo Tour Cottage, they immediately served lunch - Rice, dal, fulkopir rasa, fish, chatni. After the post lunch lyad they took us for a ferry ride across the river in between Pakhiralay and Sajnekhali. We enjoyed the sunset from the ferry and by then it was dark we were returned to Pakhiralay. The area is now commercialized and you can get most things in the shops.
Here you can see local honey is being sold widely. We were recommended to Rangabeliya Mohila Industrial Co-operative Society. They sells local honey in good quality. This honey has a distinct smell while you are having it.
Then we had snacks, tea while enjoying local folk dance & bonfire. They serve early dinner (rice/roti, chicken) as next day we are going for a whole day boat safari.
At sharp 7 am, they served tea, biscuit and hot water for bath. We checked out from the cottage at 8 am and boarded in the boat from Pakhiralay. Breakfast and lunch at later time were served in the boat.
We had Mr. Monoranjan as guide in the boat, he is a very good spotter, as well as knows lots of Sundarban incl. history, geography, flora and fauna.
In the boat safari we stopped at 3 watch towers - Sajnekhali, Sudhanyakhali and Dobanki. Through the streams the boat journey is very exciting - felt like heading for anaconda hunt. During the journey across the water one can see salt water crocodiles, wild boars, spotted deers, different types of bird and by sheer luck Royal Bengal Tiger. Sadly we didn't get a chance to see the king of Sundarbans. Monkeys are abundant here, they are not very human friendly, so don't try to feed them.
By 5:30 pm we were dropped at Godkhali ferryghat and from there we reached Kolkata by 9pm via van.
Contacts:
Sundarban Chalo
Mr Vivek Nayek
https://sundarbanchalo.com/
Boat Safari Guide Mr Monoranjan 97346 42432
You can contact Mr Monoranjan for a tour. He will arrange boat, hotel (if needed or opt for night stay at boat which would be more exciting).
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