Sundarban 3 days 2 night tour our experience
We had an amazing time on the Sundarban 3 Days 2 Night Tour, exploring the jungle, seeing wildlife, and enjoying nature.
August 26, 2024
Introduction
Our recent trip to Sundarban was nothing short of a magical adventure, filled with thrilling encounters, serene landscapes, and cultural experiences that left us with memories to cherish for a lifetime. We chose to travel with Sundarban Mondal Travels, and their exceptional service and well-organized itinerary made our journey smooth and enjoyable. In this blog post, we’ll take you through our Sundarban tour experience from start to finish.
How We Found Sundarban Mondal Travels
Our journey began with a casual scroll through Facebook, where we stumbled upon an advertisement for Sundarban Mondal Travels. The ad highlighted their Sundarban tour packages, with a special mention of their 3 Days 2 Nights tour starting from Canning. Intrigued by the itinerary and positive reviews, we decided to contact them. The booking process was seamless, and their team was incredibly responsive, providing all the necessary details and answering our questions promptly.
Day 1: The Adventure Begins
Morning: Arrival at Canning Station
The first day of our journey started early in the morning. We arrived at Canning Station by 8:30 a.m., where we were warmly welcomed by the Sundarban Mondal Travels team. As we gathered, we realized we were not alone; there were several other tourists, equally excited to explore the mysterious Sundarbans. The team ensured that everyone was comfortable and provided a brief overview of the day’s itinerary.
Transfer to Godkhali and the Start of Our Boat Journey
At around 9:45 a.m., we were transported from Canning Station to Godkhali by auto-rickshaw. The ride was short and enjoyable, as we chatted with fellow travelers and anticipated the adventure ahead. Upon reaching Godkhali, we saw our tourist boat ready to set sail. The boat was spacious and well-equipped, ensuring a comfortable ride for all of us.
As the boat began its journey into the Sundarban delta, we were treated to a delicious breakfast of luchi and alurdom, served on board. The monsoon season added a unique charm to the experience, with the cool breeze and light drizzle enhancing the beauty of the surrounding rivers and mangrove forests.
Exploring Gosaba: Rabindranath Tagore Bungalow and Beacon Bungalow
Our first stop was the quaint village of Gosaba, where we visited the Rabindranath Tagore Bungalow and Beacon Bungalow. The historic significance of these sites, coupled with the serene environment, made for an enriching experience. Walking through the bungalow where the Nobel laureate once stayed was surreal, and the Beacon Bungalow offered a glimpse into the past with its colonial architecture.
Arrival at Pakhiralay and Evening Entertainment
After our visit to Gosaba, we had lunch on the boat, which consisted of a delightful spread of local delicacies. As we continued our journey, the landscape transformed, with the dense mangrove forests coming into view. By late afternoon, we arrived at Pakhiralay, where our hotel for the night was located.
The evening was filled with cultural festivities. We were treated to a traditional Jhumur dance performance by the locals, a vibrant and lively dance that is an integral part of Sundarban’s culture. The performers, though living in humble conditions, were full of energy and enthusiasm. Their dance was not only entertaining but also a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by the local communities.
After the performance, we enjoyed a light tiffin, followed by dinner at the hotel. The day ended with us reflecting on the rich cultural heritage of Sundarban, as we prepared for the exciting adventures that awaited us the next day.
Day 2: Exploring the Heart of Sundarban
Early Morning: Entering the Sundarban Tiger Reserve
The second day began at the crack of dawn. We were advised by the tour agency to be ready early for our excursion into the Sundarban Tiger Reserve, the largest mangrove forest in the world and the legendary land of the Royal Bengal Tiger. After a quick cup of bed tea and biscuits, we boarded our boat, ready for the day’s adventure.
Our first stop was the Sajnekhali Wildlife Sanctuary, a place teeming with diverse flora and fauna. We saw the iconic Sundari trees, which are the namesake of Sundarban, and were fortunate enough to spot some rare species of turtles basking in the morning sun. A crocodile also made a brief appearance, adding to the thrill of our visit.
From the watchtower at Sajnekhali, we could see the vast expanse of the Sundarban mangrove forest stretching out in all directions. The dense, impenetrable jungle was awe-inspiring, and the thought of the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger roaming somewhere within the thickets sent a shiver of excitement through us.
Visiting Sudhanyakhali Watch Tower and the Bana Bibi Temple
Next, our boat took us to the Sudhanyakhali Watch Tower, another popular spot for wildlife viewing. Here, we visited the Bana Bibi Temple, dedicated to the forest goddess revered by the locals. Bana Bibi is considered the protector of those who venture into the forest, and her story is deeply intertwined with the folklore of Sundarban. The temple, though small, was a powerful symbol of faith and survival.
The watchtower at Sudhanyakhali offered another opportunity to see the mangrove forest from a higher vantage point. The area was enclosed with iron nets, a necessary precaution to protect visitors from potential tiger attacks. While we didn’t spot a tiger, the atmosphere was charged with the possibility, making the experience all the more exhilarating.
The Long Boat Journey Through the Heart of Sundarban
After our visit to Sudhanyakhali, we embarked on a long boat journey through the narrow canals that cut through the jungle. This part of the tour was perhaps the most captivating. As we navigated through the dense mangroves, we were able to see the forest up close, with its twisted roots and thick foliage creating a mystical environment.
The silence of the forest was occasionally broken by the calls of birds and the rustling of leaves, possibly caused by a deer or a water dragon moving through the underbrush. We passed through several iconic spots, including Pirkhali 1, 2, 3, and 5, Gaji Khali, Bono Bibi Varoni, Dewul Varoni, Sarakkhali, Choragaji, and Dobanki.
At Dobanki, we climbed the watchtower, which offered a panoramic view of the surrounding forest. The highlight of this stop was the canopy walk, a suspended walkway that allows visitors to walk above the forest floor and see the jungle from a unique perspective. It was an exhilarating experience, made even more special by the vastness of the forest stretching out beneath us.
Unfortunately, we didn’t spot any tigers or large crocodiles during our journey, but the sheer beauty and mystique of Sundarban made the trip worthwhile. The monsoon season added a lushness to the landscape, with the greenery appearing even more vibrant against the backdrop of dark clouds.
Evening: Return to Pakhiralay and Local Exploration
By late afternoon, we returned to Pakhiralay. After freshening up at the hotel, we decided to explore the local market and nearby areas. The Pakhiralay bazaar was bustling with activity, offering a variety of local handicrafts, souvenirs, and fresh produce. It was a great way to experience the everyday life of the people who call Sundarban home.
As the day drew to a close, we reflected on the incredible experiences we had. Despite not seeing a tiger, the day had been filled with unforgettable moments, from the serene boat rides to the encounters with wildlife and the vibrant culture of the Sundarban people.
Day 3: Farewell to Sundarban
Morning: Departure from Pakhiralay
The third day of our tour began with a relaxed morning. After enjoying bed tea and biscuits, we had a leisurely breakfast at the hotel. The schedule for the day was light, allowing us to take in the peaceful surroundings one last time before heading back.
We took a short local village tour, where we learned more about the traditional ways of life in Sundarban. The villagers were warm and welcoming, eager to share their stories and way of life with us. It was a humbling experience, and we left with a deep appreciation for the resilience and spirit of the people living in this remote part of the world.
Final Boat Ride and Return to Canning
By mid-morning, we packed our bags and prepared to leave Pakhiralay. Our boat was ready to take us back to Godkhali, marking the end of our Sundarban adventure. The return journey was bittersweet, as we soaked in the last glimpses of the mangrove forests and riverbanks.
As we cruised along the river, we passed by some of the spots we had visited earlier, the memories of our encounters with wildlife and the stories of the local people still fresh in our minds. The ride back was calm and reflective, a perfect way to end our journey.
Upon reaching Godkhali, we were transported back to Canning Station by car, where we bid farewell to the Sundarban Mondal Travels team. Their professionalism and dedication had made our trip seamless and enjoyable, and we were grateful for the care and attention they had provided throughout our stay.
We took a short local village tour, where we learned more about the traditional ways of life in Sundarban. The villagers were warm and welcoming, eager to share their stories and way of life with us. It was a humbling experience, and we left with a deep appreciation for the resilience and spirit of the people living in this remote part of the world.
Conclusion
Our 3 Days 2 Nights Sundarban tour with Sundarban Mondal Travels was an extraordinary experience, filled with natural beauty, cultural insights, and thrilling encounters with the wild. From the moment we contacted them to the final farewell at Canning Station, every aspect of the trip was well-organized and executed with precision.
Sundarban is a place of unmatched beauty and mystery, and this tour allowed us to explore its depths in a way that felt both adventurous and safe. Whether it was the enchanting boat rides through the mangroves, the visit to historic bungalows, or the exhilarating wildlife sightings, each moment of the trip was memorable.
For anyone looking to explore the Sundarbans, we highly recommend Sundarban Mondal Travels. Their expertise and commitment to providing a quality experience ensure that your journey into the world’s largest mangrove forest will be one to remember.
