Sundarbans Boat Safari

UNESCO – SUNDARBANS TIGER RESERVE

5 NIGHTS - 6 DAYS

SUNDARBANS TIGER RESERVE:

The Sundarbans National Park is a National Park, Tiger Reserve, and a Biosphere Reserve in West Bengal, India. It is part of the Sundarbans on the Ganges Delta, and adjacent to the Sundarbans Reserve Forest in Bangladesh. The delta is densely covered by mangrove forests, and is one of the largest reserves for the Bengal tiger.

It is also home to a variety of bird, reptile and invertebrate species, including the salt-water crocodile. The present Sundarbans National Park was declared as the core area of Sundarbans Tiger Reserve in 1973 and a wildlife sanctuary in 1977. On 4 May 1984 it was declared a National Park. It is a UNESCO world heritage site in scripted in 1987.

The park is surrounded by a buffer zone of 885 square kilometres. This also mainly consists of mangrove forests. The core area of the park has its own natural boundaries with the river Matla on its West, the river Haribhanga on its East, with Netidhopani and Gosba in the North.

The four Sundarbans national parks have been lumped together as they all share common features of the estuarine mangrove ecosystem. The main attractions of the Sundarbans are the Tiger, of which the delta harbour large reptiles like the Monitor Lizard, Estuarine Crocodile and the Olive Ridley Turtle, for which there is a conservation programme in the Indian park. The Leopard, Indian Rhinoceros, Javan Rhinoceros, Swamp Deer, Hog Deer and Water Buffalo have all become locally extinct from the delta in recent decades.          

Sundarbans has achieved its name from the Sundari Trees. It is the most exquisite variety of tree that is found in this area, a special kind of Mangrove tree. It has specialised roots called pneumatophore which emerge above ground and help in gaseous exchange i.e. respiration. During the rainy season when the entire forest is waterlogged, the spikes rising from the ground has their peak in the air and helps in the respiration process.  

Fauna:

The Sundarbans forest is home to more than 400 tigers. The royal Bengal tigers have developed a unique characteristic of swimming in the saline waters, and are famous for their man-eating tendencies. Tigers can be seen on the river banks sunbathing between November and February. Apart from the Bengal tiger, Fishing cats, Leopard cats, Macaques, Wild boar, Indian grey mongoose, Fox, Jungle cat, Flying fox, Pangolin, Chital, are also found in abundance in the Sundarbans.

Avifauna:

Some of the birds commonly found in this region are openbill storks, black-capped kingfishers, black-headed ibis, water hens, coots, pheasant-tailed jacanas, pariah kites, brahminy kite, marsh harriers, swamp partridges, red junglefowl, spotted doves, common mynahs, jungle crows, jungle babblers, cotton teals, herring gulls, Caspian terns, gray herons, common snipes, wood sandpipers, green pigeons, rose ringed parakeets, paradise-flycatchers, cormorants, grey-headed fish eagles, white-bellied sea eagles, seagulls, common kingfishers, peregrine falcons, woodpeckers, whimbrels, black-tailed godwits, little stints, eastern knots, curlews, golden plovers, northern pintails, white-eyed pochards and whistling teals.

Aquatic fauna:

Some of the aquatic animals found in the park are sawfish, butter fish, electric rays, silver carp, starfish, common carp, horseshoe crabs, prawn, shrimps, Gangetic dolphins, skipping frogs, common toads and tree frogs.

Reptiles:

The Sundarbans National Park houses a large number of reptiles as well, including estuarine crocodiles, chameleons, monitor lizards, turtles, including olive ridley, hawksbill, and green turtles, and snakes, including python, king cobra, rat snake, Russell's viper, dog faced water snake, checkered keelback, and common krait.

Endangered species:

The endangered species that lives within the Sundarbans are royal Bengal tiger, saltwater crocodile, river terrapin, olive ridley turtle, Ganges River dolphin, hawksbill turtle and mangrove horseshoe crab.

Marine Mammals:

Bryde’s whales, Irrawaddy dolphins, Ganges river dolphin, Chinese White Dolphins, Finless porpoises, Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins, spinner dolphins, pantropical, false killer whales and rough toothed dolphins.

Sundarban Expedition – In Search of Legendary Royal Bengal Tiger.

Sundarban National Park is home to reach flora and fauna. This is home to the world's largest mangrove forest and one of the largest reserves of Royal Bengal Tigers.

The Region is also famous for an array of fauna that consists of 428 bird species, World famous Royal Bengal tiger along with other threatened species like Saltwater Crocodile, Leopard Cat, Jungle Cat, Fishing Cat, King Cobra and Green pit viper. For many reasons, Sundarban National park is considered the best wildlife safaris in INDIA.

This swampy eco region is open for travel enthusiasts around the year from sunrise till sunset.

Every photographer's dream is to capture the mighty beast of mangrove once in his/her life. The mysterious mangroves welcome all and sundry but what lurks underneath is once in lifetime experience. Tiger Sighting is dependent on luck. But it will make in reality if you are planning in a Right but ethical way. The Tern Travellers, a group of wildlife enthusiastic people is doing this job very passionately for the last 10 years.

This site is bisected by a complex network of tidal waterways, Small islands, Mudflats, and Salt-tolerant Mangrove forests. At present, this largest mangrove forest is one excellent example of ongoing ecological processes.

The challenging habitat and environment put the wild in a difficult and tough situation as they fight the water and swampy land. But you don't have to worry as our guided photography tour will put you on the pedestal as you capture the mannerisms of the royal stripes strolling in the vast land of Sundarban.

Sunderban delta is riveting, thrilling, and mysterious so will be your trip a roller coaster ride with guaranteed enriching moments.

Region                         Sundarbans, Kolkata

No of Days                   Ex – Kolkata    06 Days

Grade                          River Cruise safari easy

Type                            Wildlife Safari

• 5N accommodation in houseboat
• All Permission, Guide Charges, Entry
• Return ground transfers by AC Vehicle from Kolkata
• Meals as per mentioned in the itinerary.
• Boat Transfers
• Boat safaris, permits, guide fees, boat charges
• Professional Wildlife naturalist host of the trip
• Mineral Water 
• GST 5%
• Convenience fee
• Return 3 tier AC train ticket from Mumbai (Ex Mumbai option)**

• Additional / personal use of vehicle.
• Tips to crew/guide
• Extended stay due to weather conditions or any situation not in human control.
• Any personal expenses, room service and special orders, mineral waters, non-alcoholic beverages, tips, phone calls, laundry etc.
• Any extra excursions or sightseeing apart from the above specified itinerary.
• Cost incidental to any change in the itinerary due to bad weather, ill health, roadblocks and/or any factors beyond control.
• Camera fees.
• Airfares/Rail fares (Ex Kolkata option)**
• Anything Specifically NOT mentioned in includes.

What is so Exceptional about our Wildlife Expeditions Safari Boat?

Our sole love of this Sundarban Wildlife Photography in India Tour for the Wildlife Expeditions is our very own creation – our cruise – “LA FIESTA,” a camouflaged, totally unnoticeable object build to hide in the woods. This helps us to move even closer to our creatures without getting noticed. Our skilful and competent workers have put a lot of effort to build this specialized boat, keeping in mind the nature of the forest.

Features to look for when on the cruise for the Wildlife Expeditions –

• 6 Cylinder Boat – Our cruise is a 6 cylinder boat with less vibration- making it a perfect match for a wildlife photographer to take that clear Our visitors can take their best shot without any engine noise and no shaking whatsoever
• No seepage issues because of the brilliant work is done towards the construction of the
• Our “LA FIESTA” comes with an added advantage called the smooth reversible gear, helping the cruise to move in all directions within spilled This always helped our photographer visitors take that quick shot whenever required.
• The inbuilt Genset and Back-up battery helps our wildlife photographers take those uninterrupted photographs for days without running out of those batteries and posting the photos on time while keeping their laptops and phones charged all the
• Our Cruise is divided into two decks – Upper and Lower – Lower Deck is solely prepared to keep in mind the need to rest after a hectic shoot
• Though in a system of the dormitory, we have 4 Cabin, separating it help of curtains on each side and window on the other side, ensuring privacy while you are charging up for the next morning of the best safari in India.
• Our Upper Deck also has a tent for up to 4 visitor simultaneously

• Mammals like – Royal Bengal Tiger, jungle cat, Fishing cat, Leopard cat, Oriental Small-Clawed otter, Oriental Small-clawed Otter, Irrawaddy Dolphin, Spotted deer, mouse deer
• Reptile Like – Estuarine crocodiles, Water Monitor Lizard, King cobra, Red-tailed (Bamboo) Pit viper
• Winter birds like Brown-winged kingfisher, black- capped kingfisher, Peregrine falcon, Grey-headed Lapwing,
• Monsoon birds like Ruddy kingfisher, Mangrove pitta, Mangrove Whistler
• Birds which can be seen round the year are – Collared kingfisher, Lesser adjutant stork, Brahminy kite, Changeable hawk eagle, Crested serpent eagle, osprey, Shikra, White-bellied sea eagle, Lesser Yellow nape, Changeable Hawk Eagle (both dark and pale morphs), White-browed Scimitar Babbler, Chestnut- capped Babbler, and Buffy Fish Owl

• Wildlife safaris/Bird watching is a matter of luck and opportunity. No guarantee of any sighting is made. Neither of our associates will quote that, although we try our best to spot and show you as much as nature allows us to.
• Birdwatching is a hobby and not a race, hence request all birders to maintain discipline at all times.
• Bird watching is an art of silence and key observation.
• Avoid Pointing out directly to a bird that might flush the bird away.
• Do not get too close to a bird for a photograph that you flush it away.
• Birdwatching should be enjoyed by binoculars and the fun is to spot them, identify them and if you still have some time with the bird photograph them.
• Never enter the forest with an intention of spotting a single species, it will only disappoint you. The forest is a gift packet with a lot to surprise with. Listen to our naturalist for more wonderful experience.
• Our walks are not target species specific (Unless specified)
• We explore everything we find uncommon and need to be explained.
• Any demand for spotting a single species in any jeep will not be entertained by the guide or the tour leader as there are other travellers who would want to see the birds etc.
• Respect & honour everything that is in the forest and it has to offer you.
• Enjoy being in the forest and you will feel much happier away from the concrete chaos.
• Respect the local, tribes, guards, guides, drivers, officers and all animals.
• Front seat of the Gypsy is always reserved for the Guide or Guard.
• No extra room will be made for photographers, respecting other travellers. (For photographers it is recommended to opt for higher options)
• No littering in the forest strictly. (what goes comes back the same way)
• Camera fees & guide tips to be paid separately & directly.
• Kindly follow the instructions given by the tour leader and the guide for your own safety.
• If you are looking for a Sundarban wildlife tour then this is a complete 6 days Wildlife Photo Safaris tour with no halts cruising through the major creeks of the national park of Sundarban attempting to cover the major and the minor sighting
• This wildlife photography tour is designed by the joint effort of a team for the best wildlife holidays, comprising of expert photographers, naturalists, and a local
• We will be accompanied by the crew a member who was either a fisherman or a honey collector before, their experience enriches in this Tiger Safari India Tour.

• A Hat
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• A dust protection mask
• Personal Bottle (To avoid plastic use – 1LtrsX2)
• Small backpack for safaris (10Ltrs)
• Bird books
• Sun screen
• Only dull coloured clothes (Green, brown, Beige, Camouflage)
• Camera (At owners risk) with proper equipment for photography (As per need)
• Fleece/Jacket (temperatures drop in the forest to below 10 degree Celsius
• Binoculars
• Energy bars for safaris

Recommended Equipment

• Telephoto lenses preferably above 400mm
• Wide – angle lenses for landscapes and habitat shots
• Extra Camera batteries and memory cards
• Binoculars
• Mosquito repellents
• Sunscreen lotions 
• Forest – friendly clothing