East India Wildlife Tour

Where the land meets the sea at the southern tip of West Bengal lies the Indian Sunderbans, a stretch of impenetrable mangrove forest of great size and bio-diversity. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sunderbans is a vast area covering 4264 square km in India alone. The Indian Sunderbans forms the largest Tiger Reserve and National Park in India. A paradise for birdwatchers, the list includes such rarities as the Masked Finfoot, Mangrove Pitta and the Mangrove Whistler.

The Sunderbans are a part of the world's largest delta formed by the mighty rivers Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna. Situated on the lower end of the Gangetic West Bengal, it is also the world's largest estuarine forest. The Sunderbans is criss-crossed by hundreds of creeks and tributaries. It is one of the most attractive and alluring places remaining on earth, a truly undiscovered paradise.

Fascinating life forms await you in this largest estuarine delta in the world. In April and May, the flaming red leaves of the genwa edge the emerald islands. The crab-like red flowers of the kankara and the yellow blooms of khalsi add to the dazzling display. As you penetrate into the forests of Sunderbans, this fairyland unfolds its mysterious beauty.

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Wildlife of Sundarbans
The Sunderbans forest is home to more than 250 tigers. The Bengal Tigers have adapted themselves very well to the saline and aqua environs and are extremely good swimmers. As you enter the adventurous wild land of the Sunderbans you'll be thrilled to see the chital deer and rhesus monkey. The aqua fauna of Sunderbans include a variety of fishes, red fiddler crabs and hermit crabs.

There are crocodiles, which can be often seen along the mud banks. Sunderbans National Park is also noted for its conservation of the Ridley Sea Turtle. There is an incredible variety of reptiles also found in Sundarbans, which includes king cobra, rock python and water monitor. The endangered river Terrapin, Batagur baska is found on the Mechua Beach, while the Barking Deer is found only in Holiday Island in Sunderbans. More information about Sunderbans on http://www.nationalgeographic.co.in/explore/otbt/sunderbans.aspx

The MB Sundari
This meticulously maintained and charming river launch is an experience in itself. This self-contained floating abode can sleep eight in comfort. The bathrooms are fully equipped with running water and showers. Complete electricity back-up is provided. The kitchen serves delicious Indian and western meals. You sit in the canopied upper-deck on comfortable chairs and watch the wonders of the Sunderbans go by.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Calcutta-Sunderbans National Park
Meals: lunch, dinner and tea service
When you arrive in Kolkata in the morning you are met and transferred by a comfortable vehicle to the jetty at Sonakhali. The 2½ hour drive takes through the lush-green rural Bengal landscape, dotted with its picturesque villages and quaint markets. Our personal boat, the M.B. Sundari awaits you here. You cruise down the rivers Hogol, Gomor, Durgaduani, Bidya and the Gumdi. As you sip tea or coffee, our resident naturalist explains the many mysteries of the Sunderbans. On this stretch alone you can see six different types of Kingfishers! A couple of pleasant hours later you arrive at the Sunderbans Jungle Camp on the Island of Bali. Here a sumptuous lunch awaits you and after a short rest in the well-appointed cottages we take you down to Sajnekhali, to see the Mangrove Interpretation Center and return via the Sudhyanakhali watchtower. You can either dine aboard the boat or at the resort.

Day 2: Sunderbans National Park
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner and tea service
This day we take you on a full day cruise. We leave just after breakfast and head towards the canopied walk at Dobanki. We then proceed to the furthest point-Netidhopani, where you can see age-old excavations and view game from the watchtower. If you are lucky you can spot the famous swimming tigers of Sunderbans. We keep a sharp watch for basking Estuarine Crocodiles and the elusive Irrawady Dolphins. Lunch is on board and we return late in the evening after watching the spectacular sunset. In the evening the local village troupe enacts the opera based on the popular myth of the Goddess Bonobibi.

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Day 3: Sunderbans National Park-Calcutta
Meals: breakfast, lunch and tea service
We take you on a tour of the island village of Bali, where you can watch local residents conducting their everyday chores- fishing, weaving and boat-making. A short cruise in country boats along the narrow canals completes the Sunderbans experience. After lunch we transfer you back to Kolkata.

These itineraries are subject to change

Please let us know the number of people travelling on this tour and we will send you the total cost. We also specialize in customizing the tour. Should you need any changes we would be happy to modify the itinerary.

The tour may include arrangements such as accommodation, travel, meals, permit, guides, activities etc. or services as required by the client.

How to book

The booking of this itinerary is with Asian Adventures, B-9, Sector 27, Noida 201301. India
Te1: (+91 11) 44128785. Email: wildindiatours@vsnl.com

To confirm your booking please send a 25% deposit by wire transfer to Standard Chartered Bank, Account No 52805001839 which is in the name of "Asian Adventures", using Swift Code "SCBLINBBDEL". Branch address: M-1 NDSE Part I, New Delhi-110049. India. Or you can send a cheque payable to Asian Adventures at F-313, Lado Sarai, New Delhi - 110030. India

Cancellation charges are 30 days before arrival date 25%, 21 days before arrival date 50%, 15 days before arrival date 90%, 7 days before arrival date 100% of the total itinerary cost.

Remaining balance to reach Asian Adventures at least 30 days before tour commencement by wire transfer (to bank account stated above) or by sending a cheque made payable to Asian Adventures to the above address. Alternatively you can pay the balance in cash upon arrival.