How to Reach Sundarban

West Bengal’s most extensive mangrove coast, Sundarban, is accessible by various means. Known as a home to diverse wildlife and exotic resorts, Sundarban is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It’s a destination for those seeking peace of mind and seeking solace in nature. The simplest way to reach this national park is to board a train from Canning, located around 48 km away. Sundarban’s unique ecosystem, featuring the iconic Royal Bengal Tiger and a variety of other flora and fauna, makes it a must-visit. To have a comprehensive idea of how to reach Sundarban, check the details here.

By Air

Netaji Subash International Airport at Dumdum, Kolkata, is the closest airport to Sundarban. It is 112 km away from the Sundarban Delta. But how to reach Sundarban from Kolkata? For that, you need to further your journey via railway, roadway, waterway, or a combination. From the airport, you can hire a cab or take a bus to Sealdah Railway Station to continue your journey by train, or you can travel to one of the road transport hubs for bus or car services.

By Rail

Travellers can take a train from Sealdah Railway Station (Kolkata) to Canning to reach Sundarban. It is the fastest and most convenient way to travel to the mangrove forest. Trains to Canning are frequent and offer a comfortable journey. Once you reach Canning, you can take a bus ride to Sonakhali, Namkhana, Najat, or Raidighi.

These towns are well-connected by road and offer frequent boat services to the Sundarbans.

Once you know the train timings, you can better plan your Subdarban tour based on the availability of trains. These train schedules are subject to change and delays, so check the latest schedule beforehand to stay updated.

  1. Sealdah-Bangoan Local (Train Number: 33827):
    • Departure from Sealdah: 11:28 AM
    • Arrival at Bangaon: 1:25 PM
    • Runs Daily
  2. Sealdah-Canning Local (Train Number: 33823):
    • Departure from Sealdah: 08:42 AM
    • Arrival at Canning: 10:37 AM
    • Runs Daily
  3. Sealdah-Canning Local (Train Number: 33825):
    • Departure from Sealdah: 10:05 AM
    • Arrival at Canning: 11:44 AM
    • Runs Daily

By Road

Want to know how to reach Sundarban from Kolkata by road? You can find bus services from both Howrah and Esplanade to Canning, Raidighi, Najat, Namkhana, and Sonakhali. Choosing cab services is also an option. Take a motor boat from either of these places to Sundarban, as they are accessible throughout the day.

The main transportation includes buses and cabs that take you from Kolkata to Canning. Take boats from there to reach Sundarban.

By Bus

In case you choose bus transport, various buses travel from Kolkata to Sundarban. Government and private buses are available daily for places such as Canning, Raidighi, Najat, Namkhana, and Sonakhali. These buses have basic facilities available and are very comfortable for travelling. On reaching these destinations one has to board a motorboat to cross the water channel to get to Sundarban. The bus ride offers a delightful glimpse of the Sundarban area and countryside.

By Car/Bike

Travel by car allows you to control the rhythm of the trip and take breaks whenever it is convenient. After reaching Kolkata, you can start driving to any of the start points like Sonakhali, Namkhana, Najat, or Raidighi. Travel by road is generally comfortable because the roads are tarred and in good condition. It is also advisable to hire a car with a driver, especially if you are unfamiliar with the roads. Once you get to the location, you are free to disembark your car and take a motorboat to the Sundarbans. A car drive to Sundarban is one of the most enthralling rides one can experience, as visitors also get to tour other interesting places on their way.

Waterways

Travelling through waterways is one of the most thrilling ways to cover the Kolkata to Sundarban distance. The boat ride offers a unique experience that instantly gets into your feels. In just a few minutes, you feel the calmness of the river, and you are in the middle of Sundarban. If you are up for this soulful journey, take a taxi or bus from Kolkata to places that run boats for travel.

  • Godkhali: This is one of the primary starting points for a journey that covers most of the waterway to reach Sundarban. From there, normal boat services are available, which take one through the several meanders of the river and the farther stretches of the Sundarban mangrove forest.
  • Raidighi: This point is even connected through a road from Kolkata and provides a starting point for boats meant for Sunderban.
  • Sagar Island: Sagar Island is another embarkation point, a 5-hour drive from Kolkata. One has to hire boats from here to get to the Sundarbans.
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