Today is devoted to exploring the tidal waterways of Sundarbans National Park accompanied by a local birding guide, setting out early each morning to avoid the heat of midday.
As the Sundarbans is home to around 200 different bird species, enjoy the sound of birdlife as we navigate in our small boat through this complex network of tidal waterways, mudflats and small islands populated by salt-tolerant mangroves. Kingfishers in particular are plentiful, with 9 different species found here (Common, Brown-winged, Blue-eared, Stork-billed, Ruddy, White-throated, Black-caped and Collared). The delta also offers sanctuary to threatened species such as the large estuarine crocodile, Indian python and Royal Bengal tiger, although these are seldom seen in the thick mangroves.
Activities vary by lodge, but usually centre around boat rides through the waterways - either half day or full day, with packed picnic lunch. You can also disembark and climb up a watchtower to view birds and wildlife and enjoy views over the dense mangrove forests of the delta.
On one afternoon you can experience the local Sunderbans lifestyle by visiting a local village to learn more about their crafts, lifestyle and food, and how man and tiger co-exist in such difficult terrain. You can observe their farming methods and their homes, which are constructed from mud and have very small entrances. You can also venture further afield to visit the 300-year old temple to Bon Bibi, the forest goddess to whom village fishermen and honey collectors of every caste pray for safety from tigers and crocodiles.