Description
An exciting journey through the wildlife of Sundarbans of India.
Overview
Among the key bird species:
The key bird species which we generally look forward to in the monsoon season are Ruddy Kingfisher, Mangrove Pitta and Mangrove Whistler. Species which we generally look forward to in the winter season are Brown-winged Kingfisher, Black-capped Kingfisher, Grey-headed Lapwing, Blue-faced Malkoha and Peregrine Falcon. Three other key species Buffy Fish Owl, Changeable Hawk Eagle (dark morph) and Loten's Sunbird are seen round the year, though in monsoon the sighting frequency is more.
We have also documented Amur Falcon in the month of November and April, while they were on passage migration!
Among the mammals:
Bengal Tiger, Fishing Cat, Leopard Cat, Spotted Deer, Rhesus Macaque, Oriental Small-clawed Otter, Irrawaddy Dolphin and Little Indian Field Mouse can be seen. Jungle Cat is seen mostly during the winter months; outside the forest, near human habitation.
Among the reptiles:
Salt-water Crocodiles, Water Monitor, Red-tailed (Bamboo) Pit-viper, King Cobra, Monocled Cobra, Dog-faced Snake, Variable Coloured Vine Snake etc. among the reptiles too can get spotted.
Last but not the least, expect surprises as this is Sundarbans, the mysterious mangroves! We have documented (seen only once) species like Oriental Turtle Dove, Plum-headed Parakeet, Zitting Cisticola, Indian Roller, Black-winged Kite, Greater Short-toed Lark, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Olive Ridley Turtle etc. inside the forest which are very unusual sightings.
Best Season:
Sundarbans is open round the year but we would suggest the winter months (Nov-Mar) for general tourists and July-Mar for hardcore wildlife enthusiasts. Apr-June should be avoided as these are severe storm times in this delta. Winter is the best time for lesser cat sightings. Tiger sightings keep on happening round the year.
Note:
- The overnight stays can be either on a basic boat, premium boat or in a resort and the costing will be according to that.
- For thispackage you can arrive at Kolkata on Day 1 itself but should plan to leave Kolkata a day later after the last day of the tour.
Inclusion
- All stay on the boat/resort as per the selection
- All meals as mentioned in the itinerary
- Packaged drinking water for the entire tour duration
- Kolkata-Gadkhali-Kolkata surface transfer in exclusive AC vehicle
- All jungle cruises in a motorized boat exclusively for your group
- All park entry fee, guide charges, still camera charges
- Service of a Sundarbans Wildlife Expert (if opted for that specific package)
All applicable taxes
Exclusion
- Travel expenses between Kolkata and home town of your group
- Any visa charges
- Any travel insurance etc.
- Any extra food item not included in the meal as per the itinerary
- Any alcoholic beverage
- Any non-alcoholic beverage not included in the meal as per the itinerary
- Laundry, phone call, etc. personal charges
- Tips
- Anything which is not mentioned in "Tour cost includes"
Itinerary
Morning pick up from Kolkata and transfer to Gadkhali with breakfast on the way, board boat and afternoon birding along Durgaduani and Sonagaon with lunch on board, evening visit to forest office to obtain permit and guide, overnight on boat/resort with dinner (B,L,D)
Full day cruise inside the forest exploring various creeks and canals with visits to watch towers / canopy walk, breakfast and lunch on board, overnight on boat/resort with dinner (B,L,D)
Full day cruise inside the forest exploring various creeks and canals with visits to watch towers / canopy walk, breakfast and lunch on board, evening drop at Gadkhali and transfer to Kolkata (B,L)
Accommodation
1.Premium Boat stay:
The sleeping space is in the lower deck of the boat. 3 non-AC cabins are available on a twin-sharing basis. Cabins are basic but neat and clean with a fan attached in each. Space below the beds can be used as storage space. However, since space is limited on the boat we suggest guests not to carry too much luggage. Two toilets are there, both having a western style WC, a wash basin and a small bathing space. Fresh water is available only in the wash basin and bathing space. Lighting will be by solar power. There are charging points available but limited use is advisable. Cooking will be done in the boat itself. Upper deck will be used for day time viewing.The boat is covered from the top, so not to worry about getting drenched in the rain.
2.Basic Boat stay:
The sleeping space is in the lower deck of the boat which is like a dormitory type sleeping space with 4-5 beds. Everything is basic but neat and clean. Space below the beds can be used as storage space. However, since space is limited on the boat we suggest you not to carry too much luggage. A western style toilet is there along with a wash basin and a small bathing space. Fresh water is available only in the wash basin and bathing space. Lighting will be by solar power. Cooking will be done in the boat itself. Upper deck will be used for day time viewing.The boat is covered from the top, so do not worry about getting drenched in the rain.
3.Resort:
Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms:
- Advance 50% payment to book your seat
- 100% balance payment at-least 120 days before the commencement of tour
Refund policy in case of cancellation:
- 50% of total cost if cancelled 121 days or more before the commencement of tour
- No refund if cancelled 120 days or lesser before the commencement of tour
Please note: Date of cancellation will be the date of written (email) communication of intent to cancel, received by us. Refund amount will be calculated excluding the date of commencement of tour.
Terms & Conditions:
By agreeing to participate in any of Trippyigloo tours, the participant confirms to understand and voluntarily agree to all the terms and conditions, including the below mentioned:
- Fitness to complete the Tour is the sole criterion for participation.
- Participants are advised to consult their physician in case they have any kind of medical history of hypertension, cardiac issues or any other ailments.
- Tour mentor's decisions during the tour are final and binding.
- Trippyigloocannot be held responsible for injuries, damages or losses caused to any participant due to acts of god,terrorist activities, social or labour unrest, local laws, abnormal conditions or developments or any other conditions or omissions outside the control of Trippyigloo
- All participants travelling with Trippyigloomust complete and sign a Risk Release Agreement before the commencement of tour.
- All disputes are subject to Kolkata jurisdiction only.
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