Location

The national park lies in the South & North 24 Parganas region of West Bengal. Drive from Kolkata (3 hours) to Godkhali boat jetty, then chartered motorized launch boat through mangrove waterways.

History

Notified as a Tiger Reserve in 1973, Wildlife Sanctuary in 1977, National Park in May 1984, UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, and Ramsar Site in 2019.

Landscape, Geography & Habitat

Covering an expansive area of 1,330.10 sq km core (10,000 sq km total mangrove delta across India & Bangladesh), the park’s terrain features Estuarine mangrove delta, mudflats, tidal creeks, Sundari trees (Heritiera fomes), and coastal islands.

Flora

Dominant vegetation and floral species include: Estuarine mangrove delta, mudflats, tidal creeks, Sundari trees (Heritiera fomes), and coastal islands.

Fauna

Primary Mammals & Key Species: Royal Bengal Tiger (world’s only swimming mangrove tiger population!), Estuarine Crocodile (Mugger & Salty Crocs), Irrawaddy Dolphin, Ganges River Dolphin, Fishing Cat, Leopard Cat, Spotted Deer, Wild Boar, Water Monitor Lizard, Batagur Baska Turtle, and King Cobra.

Other Wild Animals & Wildlife

Avifauna & Bird Species: Records over 260 bird species. Key species include Pallas’s Fish Eagle, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Black-capped Kingfisher, Brown-winged Kingfisher, Asian Openbill, Lesser Adjutant Stork, and Masked Finfoot.

Rivers & Water Bodies

The lifeline of Sundarbans National Park is sustained by: Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna delta estuarine rivers (Matla, Bidya, Netidhopani, Raimangal rivers emptying into the Bay of Bengal).

Other Attractions

Major nearby tourist attractions, historic monuments, and viewpoints include: Sajnekhali Watchtower & Mangrove Interpretation Center (0 km), Sudhanyakhali Watchtower, Dobanki Canopy Walkway, Netidhopani Watchtower Ruins, Burirdabri Tiger Reserve.

Weather & Climate

Coastal tropical monsoon climate (15°C to 36°C) with frequent cyclonic weather.

How to Reach

• Nearest Airport: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport Kolkata (CCU) – 110 km
• Nearest Railway Station: Canning Railway Station (CAN) – 45 km / Godkhali Jetty – 55 km
• Road Connectivity: Drive from Kolkata (3 hours) to Godkhali boat jetty, then chartered motorized launch boat through mangrove waterways.

Best Time to Visit

The optimal tourism season for wildlife viewing in Sundarbans National Park is from September to March.

Accommodation

WBTDCL Sajnekhali Tourist Lodge, WBFDC Eco-resorts at Jharkhali.. Advance booking through official State Tourism or Forest Department portals is highly recommended.

Conservation Highlights

Global conservation flagship safeguarding the world’s largest contiguous mangrove forest ecosystem.

Visitor Tips

Book a multi-day launch boat safari with registered guides from Godkhali.

Did You Know?

• WORLD’S LARGEST mangrove forest delta, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
• Home to the world’s ONLY population of Royal Bengal Tigers adapted to swimming in salty sea tides.
• Derives its name from the abundant ‘Sundari’ mangrove trees (Heritiera fomes).