Sajnekhali
The reserve's main base, reached by boat, with a watchtower, a raised platform for looking over water and trees. One guide says most boat trips start or end here.
Sources differ on this, or we have only one, so check locally.
2 to 3 daysHow long to stay
Budget to mid-rangeRough cost
Couples, FriendsWho it suits
West BengalEast India
Is this for you?
This is a slow boat trip through silent tidal forest, and you'll spend it watching riverbanks for crocodiles, deer and birds. A tiger is rarely seen, so skip it if that's the only thing you'd come for. You'll like it if you enjoy quiet water and early starts and can accept simple comfort. You need a permit, so book through a licensed tour operator.
When to go
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Go in the coloured months. The black ones are best avoided.
What to do
Sudhanyakhali and Dobanki towers
Watchtowers include Sajnekhali, Sudhanyakhali, Dobanki and Netidhopani. One source says a one-night package may cover two or three, and that most sightings are at Sudhanyakhali. Tigers are rarely seen.
Sources differ on this, or we have only one, so check locally.
Days on the water
You'll spend a day or two on a small boat in tidal creeks, because waterways are the only way into the forest. Watch for crocodiles, deer and birds.
What to eat
You eat what the boat cook makes, mostly plain Bengali fish, rice and lentils, and the cook decides how good it is. We can't confirm any restaurants worth naming, so your meals come with your tour. Ask for vegetarian food when you book.
Amudi fry
A soft-boned local fish, spiced and deep-fried, a little like anchovies. A boat snack if your cook has it.
Crab mola
Crab meat mashed with mustard oil, charred tomato, garlic and green chilli. One food writer's find, so ask your cook.
Fish curry and rice
Simple Bengali river fish curry, or jhol, with rice and lentils. It's your usual boat lunch, eaten on deck.
Luchi and aloo
Luchi, puffed fried bread, with spiced potato. A common breakfast on the boats, often with a boiled egg alongside.
Vegetarian
Getting there
Almost everyone goes from Kolkata. By car it's about 3 to 4 hours to Godkhali Ferry Ghat, though guides disagree on the distance (82 to 120 km). Or take the train from Sealdah to Canning, about 1 hour 15 minutes, then about 28 km by road to the jetty. From Godkhali a boat goes to Sajnekhali: you can only enter the reserve by water.
Where to stay
Gosaba An island base on the usual boat route in, with simpler stays, says one guide. You're further from the main base.
Sources differ on this, or we have only one, so check locally.
Sajnekhali Closest to the reserve's main base, with resorts and houseboats, according to one guide. It costs more than Gosaba.
Sources differ on this, or we have only one, so check locally.
Worth knowing
Permit
Book a licensed operator and have them confirm in writing who issues your foreigner permit and what they need from your passport, because sources disagree on the desk. Reserve contacts: 03218-255280, sundarbantigerreserve@gmail.com; never reach the jetty without a permit.
Sources differ on this, or we have only one, so check locally.
Opening
Confirm with the reserve before booking June to September: it shut 15 June to 15 September in 2025 and we found no 2026 dates. The Bangladesh Sundarbans is separate, shut 1 June to 31 August.
Safety
Don't swim or dangle your hands in the water, and check your boat has life jackets and safety equipment. One source says crocodiles and bull sharks live in these creeks; tigers are rarely seen.
Sources differ on this, or we have only one, so check locally.
