Travel Guide Sunderbans

130 km south of Kolkata. Unesco World Heritage Site since 1997, the Sundarbans National Park is a vast mangrove forest straddling India and Bangladesh, home to the famous Royal Bengal tigers (103 individuals in 2016). For a two-day, one-night tour, allow around Rs. 5,000 per person. From Kolkata, given the journey (first by bus, then by boat), it's impossible to do it all in one day, and an overnight stay is necessary. If you don't like boats, don't! On the other hand, if the place is a change of scenery, let's be honest: don't go there hoping to see a tiger, or you're likely to be disappointed, as it's very rare to spot one in this luxuriant vegetation. That said, you'll be able to observe other animals, including monkeys, crocodiles, deer and various bird species. It's a unique place that's much easier to visit through a specialized agency. Beware of local agencies offering to take you there: they are often rip-offs. Instead, turn to the Bengal Tourist Board, which organizes excursions. You'll need to find out the dates (contact details in the "Practical info" section in Kolkata).