Somewhere deep in the mangroves, the majestic Bengal Tiger stalks its prey. And the forest holds its breath as it passes by. Every once in a while, it steps out of the foliage and graces us with its presence. This most regal of all cats has adapted to live in this active delta region. But spotting one is never easy. Because the tiger is elusive and the Sundarbans, massive.
It's difficult to get a sense of scale. At times the mangroves crowd around your boat and then suddenly, it feels like you're in the middle of the sea. Yet somehow, the world's largest mangrove forest seems almost organised. The trees seem to have agreed on how tall they could all grow. The roots rise out of the ground by the thousands without crowding each other. The banks, though mucky, look neat. Nature it seems is at harmony here. Which is probably why the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest is home to an incredible diversity of life. It may be difficult to spot through the trees, but this unique ecosystem is thriving. About 284 species of birds call this biosphere reserve home. We'll try to show you as many of them as we can. Come, carry a good pair of binoculars and cruise into the wild with us.
Highlights:
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Sail into the wild on a 7-day adventure
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Explore the world's largest mangrove forest and one of the largest Tiger & Biosphere reserves in the country
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A chance to see the Bengal Tiger in a unique habitat
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See how many of the 248 bird species you can spot
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Opportunities to spot rare wild cats, otters, deer, Irrawaddy dolphins and more
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Catch a glimpse of reptiles like the saltwater crocodile, monitor lizards, king cobras, red-tailed bamboo pit vipers, etc.
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Stay in a comfortable resort at the edge of the reserve
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Experience the wonder of the raw, untamed wilderness
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Shoot amazing photos under the guidance of an optional photo mentor
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Contribute to conservation - we pledge 10% of all profits at Jokotta towards conservation efforts
Your Wild Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive and cruise
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You'll be picked up at Kolkata Airport and head off on a three-hour drive for Gadkhali at the edge of the Sundarbans.
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Your adventure begins at Gadhkhali. Here you board the boat that will be your home for the next few days. You'll cruise on the Bidya, Hogol, Gomar, Gundi, and Durgaduani rivers. You'll see mangroves stretching into the horizon. You'll spot amazing wildlife. And you'll eat delicious food.
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We'll provide lunch and dinner today.
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Spend the night in a hotel
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Day 2 & 3: The wild wetlands
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On both days, we'll cruise through the Sundarbans. Settle in, get comfortable and keep your eyes peeled for flashes of colour in the green. You could get lucky with the sighting of a Bengal tiger.
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You're likely to spot multiple types of kingfisher, drongos, minivets, peregrine falcons, osprey, gulls, lesser adjutant storks, whimbrels, etc.
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Spotted deer are usually seen aplenty, but you could also spot smooth-coated or Oriental small-clawed otters, Bengal civets and other rare mammals.
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Reptiles like estuarine crocodiles, monitor lizards, turtles, and snakes like pythons, Russell's viper, king cobra and others are also spotted in the Sundarbans.
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We'll cruise through a region of the Sundarbans called Sudhanyakali and visit the watchtower there.
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Breakfast and lunch will be served fresh and hot on the boat, because you should not have to stop a safari for a meal, and dinner will be served in the resort
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Day 4 & 5: Going deeper into the Sundarbans
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On this full-day cruise, we'll explore twister rivers and narrow creeks.
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We'll visit other regions like Do Banki and Nethi Dhopani if the tides and weather permit.
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Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided.
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Day 6: Along the Watchtower
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We'll sail to the Do Banki Watchtower and walk under the canopy there.
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This walk will offer a glimpse into the terrain of the mangrove forests; a view normally obscured by the forest canopy.
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Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided.
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Day 7: Final Rounds​
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We'll continue our safari in the morning and afternoon.
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In the evening, we'll transfer you to Gadhkali and from there to the airport.
The Firefox Adventure Gallery
Stares from a watchtower
Ready to strike
Out on a swim
tries telling a knock knock joke
Stares at its lunch
Thinks fishy thoughts
Tries hitting the octaves
The fastest bird in the world!
Inclusions:
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Accommodation in a comfortable resort
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All meals as mentioned
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Surface transfers between Kolkata and Gadhkali
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All park entry fees, guide charges and permissions
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Safaris on a motorised boat
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Exclusions:
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Flights
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Services of a photo mentor
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Any extra food or beverages not mentioned in the itinerary
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Alcohol
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Video camera charges
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Laundry, tips, phone calls
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Anything not mentioned in inclusions
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Booking and Cancellation:
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Bookings can be confirmed against 50% advance
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Balance payment needs to be completed 45 days before the trip start date
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Cancellations up to 30 days prior to trip start date will attract a cancellation fee of 50% of the trip cost
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Cancellations less than 30 days prior to trip start date will attract a cancellation fee of 100% of the trip cost
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Cancellations made specifically due to COVID-19 related reasons will be considered for partial/full refund on a case by case basis
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Want to travel for 3 nights instead? Click here for details on our 3N4D Sundarbans Getaway