Sajnekhali Abhayaranya, The Sunderbans

সজনেখালি অভয়ারণ্য, সুন্দরবন
Sunderbans, covering an area of 2,585 sq. km and extending into Bangladesh, is situated between Calcutta and the final outpouring of the river Ganga.
The name 'Sunderbans' means 'beautiful forests' and is derived from the 'Sunderi' trees. Designated as a World Heritage site, it is part of the Project Tiger since it still preserves the natural habitat of about 300 Bengal tigers. The tigers here are bigger and richer in colour than elsewhere in South Asia and are strong swimmers known to attack fishermen. It is advisable to always travel in a group and follow the signboards and suggestions put up at various points. Royal Bengal Tiger, leopards, spotted deer, monkeys, wild boar, large estuarine crocodiles, crabs, hundreds of species of marine wildlife, various kinds of birds and snakes are some of the attractions. The park is also noted for its conservation of the Ridley sea turtles. However, in spite of its huge population, the park is wonderfully peaceful.
The nearest airport is at Calcutta. If you were to travel to the Sunderbans from Calcutta by road, it would be around 112 kms. The bus takes you to Basanti, from where you hire a boat to the Sajnekhali Lodge. Alternatively, from Basanti, take a public ferry to Gosaba, then travel across the island by 'van (flat-bed) rickshaw' (5 km) which enables you to see interesting village life. Finally take a boat to Sajnekhali (3 hours). The town of Canning is the nearest railhead, 48 kms away from the park, then take a boat to Docghat where you can get shared autos or a bus to Basanti, where you take another boat. However, from Canning you can get a private boat direct to Sajnekhali Lodge.

There is accommodation available at Sajnekhali. There are forest rest houses and forest lodges here, that have to be booked in advance.
The restaurant at the lodge serves simple meals, but if you buy local fish, do have it cooked.
Being an area very close to the sea, the Park enjoys moderate climate throughout the year. The summers are reasonably hot and humid. The monsoon is very active and it rains almost throughout the season (between June and August). The winters are comfortable and pleasant. The best time to visit is from September to May.
Carry torch, binoculars, mosquito repellent, bottled water and dry snacks. For the summers light cotton garments are good enough and for the winters moderate to heavy cotton garments will do.
Sajnekhali sanctuary is regarded as a part of the Sunderbans National Park and is essentially a bird watcher's paradise. The best time to visit this is from July to September. The visitor's centre has a crocodile enclosure, shark pond, turtle hatchery and an interesting Mangrove Interpretation Centre. Boats are available for excursions - you need a guide and boat permits. To the south of the Sunderbans are two other sanctuaries, at Lothian and Halliday islands, reached from Namkhana (three hours by bus from Calcutta). The West Bengal Tourism Development corporation organises a two day tour by coach and a three day cruise by launch with luxury facilities. The launch service is closed during the monsoon.
To visit this Park you need a permit (valid for 4/5 days), available from WB Tourist Office, BBD Bagh, Calcutta. Here you can book accommodation, and take some proof of the Lodge reservation, if booked through a private travel agent. For permission to walk in the fenced-in areas of the forest and to visit the several watchtowers, open from dawn to dusk, contact : The Field Director Sunderbans Tiger Reserve, P.O Canning, Dist : 24 Parganas (South), West Bengal, India