- Best Time to Visit Sundarbans Tiger Reserve
The area of Sundarbans is a high rainfall area – about 2800 mm of rain on average annually – and it rains heavily here from April to September.
An ideal time to visit is between October & March. Best time for birders would be from December till the end of February.
Sunderbans: A Birder's Wetland Wonderland
The Sunderbans, a vast mangrove forest delta shared by India and Bangladesh, is a unique ecosystem teeming with life. While renowned for its Bengal tigers, this region also boasts an incredible diversity of avian species, making it a birder’s paradise.
A Unique Avian Habitat
The Sunderbans’ intricate network of rivers, creeks, and tidal flats creates a diverse habitat for a wide array of birdlife. The mangrove forests, mudflats, and saltwater marshes support a rich ecosystem that attracts both resident and migratory birds.
Raptors of the Mangroves
While the Sunderbans is primarily known for its waterbirds, it also supports a decent population of raptors. The White-bellied Sea Eagle and the Pallas’s Fish Eagle are the stars of the show. These magnificent birds can often be seen soaring over the mangrove canopy, scanning the waters below for prey.
A Symphony of Waterbirds
The Sunderbans is a waterbird enthusiast’s dream. The vast wetlands are home to a plethora of herons, egrets, and ibises. The majestic Black-necked Stork and the imposing Greater Adjutant are common sights. The elusive Masked Finfoot, a shy waterbird, can be spotted in the quieter reaches of the mangrove forests.
Kingfishers are another highlight of the Sunderbans. The colorful Collared Kingfisher, the striking Brown-winged Kingfisher, and the charismatic Black-capped Kingfisher are among the many species that can be observed.
Birding in the Sunderbans can be challenging due to the region’s unique environment. The dense vegetation and unpredictable weather conditions can make spotting birds difficult. However, the rewards are immense. The chance to encounter rare and elusive species, such as the Mangrove Pitta and the Mangrove Whistler, makes the challenges worthwhile.
Highlight Species of Sundarban Tiger Reserve
- Masked Finfoot
- Mangrove Whistler
- Mangrove Pitta
- Collared Kingfisher
- Brown-Winged Kingfisher
- Spoonbill Sandpiper
- Black Capped Kingfisher
- Ruddy Kingfisher
- Stork-billed Kingfisher
- Pied Kingfisher
- Greater Adjutant
- Black-necked Stork
- Buffy Fish Owl
- White-bellied Sea Eagle
- Pallas’ Fish Eagle
- Whimbrel
- Grey Headed Fish Eagle
- Pacific Golden Plover
Types of Safaris in Sundarban Tiger Reserve
Boat Safaris :Here, the only way to explore the mangroves is through a privately hired boat or to join a group on a larger boat. The drawback of the larger boats are that they cannot get through all the creeks and narrow channels, hence a smaller boat safari is preferred.
How to reach Sundarban Tiger Reserve
By Air : Approximately a 03 hour drive from airports at Kolkata or Calcutta International Airport well connected by both. domestic, as well as international flights.
