Sundarban Tiger Reserve, located in the vast Sundarbans mangrove forest in West Bengal, India, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Established in 1973, it spans approximately 2,585 square kilometers and is renowned for its unique mangrove ecosystem and rich biodiversity. The reserve is home to the elusive Bengal tiger, adapted to its aquatic habitat, and other species such as spotted deer, saltwater crocodiles, and various bird species. The intricate network of waterways and tidal islands supports diverse flora and fauna. Conservation efforts focus on protecting the endangered tiger population and preserving the delicate balance of this vital ecosystem.
West Bengal, East India
Other (Elephant, Boat)
Kolkata railway station
Morning, Evening
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport
Royal Bengal Tiger, Leopards, Fishing cats, Leopard Cats, Saltwater Crocodile
3,000 - 5,000 Average Safari Price *
July, August, September
3,000 - 5,000 Average Safari Price
Safari Price depends on operators and services and may exceed the average price shown
Currently Closed
Core Zone Open
Buffer Zone Open
Sundarban Tiger Reserve, nestled in the Sundarbans mangrove forest of West Bengal, India, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its unique ecosystem and extraordinary biodiversity. Covering an area of about 2,585 square kilometers, the reserve is an integral part of the world’s largest delta formed by the confluence of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers. This mangrove habitat is distinguished by its complex network of tidal waterways, mudflats, and small islands, creating an intricate and dynamic landscape.
The Sundarban Tiger Reserve was established in 1973 to protect the critically endangered Bengal tiger, which has uniquely adapted to the aquatic environment of the mangroves. The tigers here are known for their swimming abilities and have developed a diet that includes fish and other marine animals. This reserve is one of the few places where tigers live in close proximity to humans, leading to unique challenges in human-wildlife conflict management.
In addition to the Bengal tiger, the reserve is home to a myriad of wildlife, including spotted deer, wild boar, saltwater crocodiles, various species of birds, and the rare Irrawaddy dolphins. The mangroves themselves are a diverse group of halophytic trees and shrubs that thrive in the brackish water environment, playing a crucial role in the coastal ecosystem by protecting against erosion and supporting marine life.
Conservation efforts in the Sundarban Tiger Reserve are focused on habitat preservation, anti-poaching measures, and community engagement programs. These initiatives aim to protect the tiger population and the overall health of the mangrove ecosystem, which is vital for both wildlife and local communities. The reserve also attracts researchers and ecotourists, contributing to the awareness and financial support necessary for ongoing conservation efforts. The Sundarban Tiger Reserve remains a vital sanctuary for biodiversity and a symbol of nature's resilience and complexity.
There are 140 plant species under 59 families and 101 genera which have been reported from theentire Biosphere region. These comprise of true mangroves or major elements, minor elements of mangroves or/and mangrove associates, shrubs, non-halophytic non-mangrove associates, halophytic herbs, shrubs, weeds and epiphytes and parasitic plants
The Tiger Reserve is home to a large number of endangered and globally threatened species like the tiger (Panthera tigris tigris), fishing cat (Felis viverrina), estuarine crocodile (Crocodilus porosus), Gangetic dolphin (Platanista gangetica), and Irrawady Dolphin (Oracella brevirostris), king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah), water monitor lizard (Varanus salvator) and other species. It harbours significant populations of the river terrapin (Batagur baska), which was once believed to be extinct. It is the nesting ground for marine turtles like Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) and Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata).The mangroves serve as nurseries to shell fish and fin-fishes and sustain the coastal fisheries of the entire eastern coast. A close network of rivers, channels and creeks intersect the whole area, which has resulted in formation of innumerable islands. Wildlife of the mangrove forests helps in maintaining ecological balance as the plants and animals are directly interdependent on each other. The tiger on the land and crocodiles in the water are two top consumers in this eco-system. The birds, mammals, reptiles, fishes and micro organisms associated with the mangroves represent the characteristics of this estuarine habitat.
The entry point to Sunderban Tiger Reserve is either Sonakhali via Canning, or Bagna via Dhamakhali. For visiting South 24 Parganas Forest Division, on the western part of river Matla, the entry points are Namkhana, Raidighi or Jharkhali via Canning/Basanti.. Entry Permits are available at Canning, Sonakhali and Bagna for STR and at Canning, Namkhana and Raidighi for Western part of Sunderban Forest. By Air : Dum Dum (166kms), is the nearest airport at Kolkata. By rail : The nearest railhead is at Canning, 48 kms away.The nearest town is Gosaba, 50 kms away. Sundarbans is accessible only by riverine waterways. From Kolkata there are suburban train to Canning and road transport to Namkhana, Raidighi, Sonakhali and Najat from where Motor launch services are available for Sundarbans. Road : Above mentioned embarkation points from Kolkata are: Namkhana (105 km), Sonakhali (100 km), Raidighi (76 km), Canning (64 km), Najat (92 km). Waterways : Approximate time taken between various points are : 1. From Namkhana – Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project (2.5 hours) Sagar Island (2.5 hours) Jambudwip (3.5 hours) 2. From Sajnekhali – Sudhanyakhali (40 minutes) Buridabri (Tiger Project Area) (5 hours) Netidhopari (3.5 hours) Holiday Island (3 hours) 3. From Sonakhali – Gosaba (1 hour) 4. From Raidighi – Kalas (5 hours)