How to Reach Sundarban National Park From Kolkata
Kolkata to Sundarban National Park -
Sundarbans National Park, the largest estuarine mangrove forest in the world, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the southern part of West Bengal, India. The park is home to diverse flora and fauna, including the Royal Bengal tiger. If you plan a trip to Sundarbans National Park, you may wonder how to reach it from Kolkata, the nearest major city. In this article, we’ll explore the various transportation options available for getting to Sundarbans National Park from Kolkata, including buses, trains, and boats. We’ll also provide tips for planning your journey and highlight some must-see sights.
By Road: The distance between Kolkata and Sundarbans National Park is approximately 100 km, and the best way to travel is by road. You can hire a taxi or take a bus from Kolkata to Godkhali, the gateway to the Sundarbans. From Godkhali, you can take a motorboat to the national park. The journey from Kolkata to Godkhali takes 3-4 hours, depending on the traffic.
By Rail: The nearest railway station to Sundarbans National Park is Canning, located around 48 km. Trains from Kolkata to Canning are available at regular intervals, and it takes about 1.5-2 hours to reach Canning from Kolkata. You can take a taxi or bus from Canning to Godkhali and then take a motorboat to the national park.
By Air: The nearest airport to Sundarbans National Park is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata. You can take a taxi from the airport to Godkhali or Canning, the gateways to Sundarbans National Park.
By Water: Water is another unique way to reach Sundarbans National Park. You can take a ferry from Kolkata to the park, a popular transportation mode for tourists. The ferry ride takes around 3-4 hours and provides scenic views of the rivers and mangrove forests. Several private operators offer ferry services between Kolkata and Sundarbans National Park.
Once you reach Godkhali, you can hire a motorboat to get to the national park. Motorboats are the only means of transportation within the park, and you can easily hire them from Godkhali. The journey from Godkhali to the national park takes around 2-3 hours, depending on the weather conditions.
It is advisable to book your transportation in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles. You can also use a travel agent’s help to plan your trip and book your ride.
In conclusion, reaching Sundarbans National Park from Kolkata is relatively easy, and you can choose the transportation that suits your budget and preference. The journey to the national park is itself an adventure, as you get to explore the beautiful countryside of West Bengal.
