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The Sundarbans provides the best weekend outing in case you are in Kolkata and feeling like escaping to the raw nature. These are all possibilities; imagine as you sail through twisting rivers, uncommon birds and even glimpse at the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger. A short distance out of the city and this is a magical land of mangroves and water channels and a rich wildlife. But by what means can you get away to Sundarbans out of Kolkata? Here's a detailed guide.
Travelling by road Kolkata to Godkhali
When you are visiting the Sundarbans, your trip will typically start with a road trip to Kolkata to Godkhali that forms the primary entry point to the Sundarbans. There is a distance of approximately 100 kilometers, and it is approximately 3.5 to 4 hours by car. The travelers get the chance to use the services of private taxis, shared cars, or buses traveling between Kolkata and Godkhali. Science City, Esplanade and Baruipur are the most popular pick-up points.
It is a scenic drive with a glimpse of village life, green fields and markets in the locality. Most Sundarban tour operators offer transport in their package, including the cost to Kolkata to Godkhali, and in this case, you do not need to organize the transport separately.
Train Route to Sundarbans
In case you like trains, you can board a train at Sealdah Railway Station into Canning, the closest railhead to Sundarbans. The journey by the train lasts approximately 1.5 hours and is relatively cheap. At Canning, you must rent a car or shared transport to get to Godkhali (Approx 29 km away). This is the route that is favored by low-end passengers seeking a low cost option to access the delta.
Boat Ride into the Heart of Sundarbans
It is after you get to Godkhali that the real adventure starts. It is here that one can access only by boat into the Sundarbans. Depending on the size of the group, tour operators can set out the motor launches or smaller boats.
The ride takes you deep into the mangrove creeks, and this is where the true charm of the Sundarbans unfolds.
Boats often stop at watchtowers like Sajnekhali, Sudhanyakhali, or Dobanki. If you are lucky then you can see tiger here or else spot dear, crocodile etc.
Alternative Route: By Sundarban tour package
To travelers who do not require the hassles of planning every step of the trip, the most convenient way is to book a Sundarban tour package at Kolkata. Such packages are usually a set of pick-up in the city, transportation to Godkhali, boat tours, meals, accommodation and guided tours - making it a hustle free affair.
Final Thoughts
It is not that hard to access the Sundarbans once you are in Kolkata, indeed, it is the adventure itself. You can decide to travel by road, by train, or an entire tour package, and each one of them is attractive. It takes a few hours to exchange city traffic with river breezes, mangrove forests and a wilderness like no other.
Therefore, the next time you go on a short journey out of Kolkata, get your course set towards sundarban tour booking. Even the journey is memorable as the destination.