Sundarbans Wildlife Photography Tour

The Tour At A Glance

• Venture into the only mangroveland of the world where tigers dwell
• 5 Full Days (Sunrise to Sunset) jungle cruises in a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Only forest in the entire Indian subcontinent to see the Buffy Fish Owl
• Tour Mentor with overall jungle experience of more than 15 years
• Photographic guidance and assistance from a leading Wildlife Photographer
• On-field Natural History learning with stress on swamp-tiger tracking skills
• Wildlife experiences that will stay with you for life

Mysterious, true to the Core

It is true that no one knows what lurks behind the dark dense forests of these mysterious mangroves. A lot of secrets lie unveiled in the tangled heart of the swamy land where rules a fabled cat. Completely surrounded by salt water on all sides, the habitat of this locale has trained them well to become seasoned swimmers. A reptile lovers paradise is this place, where the world's largest crocodiles, the salt water or estuarine crocodiles are found in abundace. Apart from crocs other reptiles such as the deadly venomous King, yes you have guessed it right, the King Cobra crawls on the forest floor in search of its prey. To reptile lover what can be more interesting than finding a king lying all coiled up on the river shore? The place is such that a species of bird i.e. Buffy Fish Owl is found only in these parts of the country.

This well balanced swamy land of the predator and the prey is open round the year and welcomes everyone at any time. The habitat, the way of living of the animals in this world's largest delta is truely intriguing and difficult, the toughest challenge being the water which encircles them. This wonder of nature never lets down its lovers rather at some bend or some corner might await a surprise.

Why bother visiting Sundarban?

The vast delta mangroves on the Bay of Bengal, formed by the super confluence of the Padma, Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers, is named Sundarbans. The major attraction for many being the Tigers of Sundarban, also called DOKKHINRAY by the locals of Sundarbans. This magrove forest has to offer so much in different seasons. Winter is the most rewarding time in Sundarbans as the tigers and crocodiles prefer to bask in the winter sun. Also, variety of migratory birds flock the mudflats and various islands of Sundarbans. Winter is the best time to see the Brown-winged Kingfisher, Black-capped Kingfisher, Peregrine Falcon, Grey-headed Lapwing, etc. Monsoon offers some very rare and exclusive winged visitors too like the Ruddy Kingfisher, Mangrove Whistler and the Mangrove Pita. Birds which can be seen round the year are Changeable Hawk Eagle (both dark and pale morphs), Crested Serpent Eagle, Osprey, Brahminy Kite, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Shikra, Buffy Fish Owl, Lesser Yellownape, White-browed Scimitar Babbler, Chestnut-capped Babbler, Collared Kingfisher and many more. Among the mammals apart from the Bengal Tiger other species like Fishing Cat, Leopard Cat, Jungle Cat, Oriental Small-clawed Oter, Irrawaddy Dolphin can be seen. Reptiles include the huge Salt-water Crcodile, Water Monitor, King Cobra, Red-tailed (Bamboo) Pit Viper etc. The visit to this mangrove forest is predominantly by motorized boat, however, there are watch towers at few islands where visitors are allowed. 

Why take this tour with us?

• Our Team boasts of a combined wildlife experience of over 35 years
• Our ground support personnels at every destination is among the best and they have extensive knowledge and understanding of their respective locations.... AND MORE

• Day 1 - As the participants will arrive from different cities, we will start from Kolkata a little late in the morning. A 3 hour journey through the rural parts of Bengal will take us to a place called Gadkhali, where the road journey will end and we will go aboard the motorized boat which will wait for us at Gadkhali Ghat. This boat will be our accommodation cum safari vehicle for the next one week. Before hunger can take its toll on our health, a sumptuous lunch will be served. Post lunch, while cruising down the rural Bengal islands we will try to do some bird-watching and look for Jungle Cats till sunset. We will check in to our camp in the evening. After freshening up we will munch on some snacks and start planning our strategies for the next one five days. After dinner  we will rest for the night in the camp.  
• Day 2 - We shall wake up early in the morning as the safari timings in Sundarban are sunrise to sunset. It will be a half an hour cruise to the forest entry point. As this is our first day inside the forest, our target will be to understand the prevailing situations. We will search of the pugmarks and other signs of a tiger on the mud-banks. Apart from trying to track the big cat, we will look for other animals and birds too. Throughout the day we will cruise through numerous creeks, canals and rivers. If required, we will also visit the watch towers of Sudhanyakhali and Dobanki. Breakfast and lunch will be served fresh and hot on the boat itself. By sundown we will come out of the forest. After freshening up we will have a small chit-chat session on the day’s happenings over some snacks and retire to our beds after having dinner. 
• Day 3 to Day 5 - Our itinerary for most of the day remains the same as previous day. However, today we are more confident about the forest and get more focused on our subjects.  
• Day 6 - This is our last day in the forest and will give our best shot. We will checkout in the morning and after the whole day cruise we will leave the forest right at the sundown and move towards Gadkhali from where we will get transferred to Kolkata by road.

Tour cost per Indian participant is Rs 41,490/- and per non-Indian participant is Rs 51,490/-  only. Single occupancy is Rs 13,000/- additional. 

This is an indicative cost that might increase if the forest administrative charges are increased for the next season.

Tour cost includes:

• All stay in AC rooms in camp on a twin-sharing basis
• All meals as mentioned in the itinerary
• Kolkata-Gadkhali-Kolkata surface transfer in AC vehicle
• All jungle cruises in a motorized vessel exclusively for the participants
• All park entry fees, guide charges, still camera charges
• Sundarban Expertise fee
• All applicable taxes

Tour cost excludes:

• Travel expenses between Kolkata and home town of the tour participant
• Any extra food item not included in the meal as per the itinerary
• Any alcoholic beverage
• Any non-alcoholic beverage not included in the meal as per the itinerary
• Laundry, phone calls, etc. personal charges
• Tips
• Anything which is not mentioned in "Tour cost includes"

TOURS - TERMS & CONDITIONS

PAYMENT TERMS & REFUND POLICY