Overview
The Sundarban is the largest single block of tidal halophytic mangrove forest in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site spread across Bangladesh and West Bengal. On the Indian side it is a national park, a tiger reserve and a biosphere reserve in the Sundarban delta - one of the largest protected homes of the Royal Bengal tiger.
Five days of launch cruises through narrow forest waterways, watch towers, bird sanctuaries and village evenings. The delta holds some 334 plants, 120 fish, 35 reptiles, 270 birds and 42 mammals, and is the only habitat shared by the Royal Bengal tiger and the estuarine crocodile - with spotted deer, wild pigs and a long list of birds besides.
Stay and Meals
- Sharing, basic accommodation - hotel stay at Pakhiralay
- Nutritious vegetarian and non-vegetarian food
- The 23 and 30 November groups are a Fish Festival Special with non-vegetarian meals; vegetarian participants are equally welcome.
Program Coordinator
- Mr. Sukumar Hazra: 6289186158
- Email: wbstateyhai@gmail.com
- YHAI West Bengal State Branch, Room 14, 3rd Floor, Standard Chartered Building, 19 Netaji Subhas Road, Fairley Place, BBD Bagh, Kolkata 700001
Day-wise Schedule
Report after 3 pm at the base camp - Youth Hostel Moulali Yuba Kendra, Kolkata.
After breakfast, transfer by bus from Moulali Yuba Kendra to Sonakhali, board the launch and head into the Sundarban via Gosaba - the Hamilton and Rabindranath Tagore bungalows - Pakhiralay and the Dayapur bird sanctuary. Cultural activities by the participants in the evening. Night at Pakhiralay.
Cruise the dense forest area - Sajnekhali and Sudhanyakhali watch towers, Pir Khali, Gajikhali, Nowbanki, Deulvarani, Bonobibi Varani, the Panchamukhi river point and Dobanki watch tower. Local tribal dance in the evening, and the valedictory session. Night at Pakhiralay.
More of the forest by launch - the thrilling ride through the narrow channels of the Indian Amazon, watching for wildlife. Night at Pakhiralay.
The Vidya river, the Jharkhali tiger rescue centre and the butterfly garden, then Canning or Sonakhali and a bus transfer to Esplanade bus terminus in Kolkata, where the group breaks.
Facts & Eligibility
Who Can Participate
- Only YHAI members.
- Without the admit card, a valid membership card or receipt and a medical fitness certificate, your registration is not confirmed.
- Bring four copies of your voter or Aadhaar card to submit at registration at the base camp.
How to Reach the Base Camp
- Nearest railway stations: Howrah, Sealdah, Kolkata, Santragachi and Shalimar.
- Nearest airport: Dum Dum.
- Bus or taxi to the State Youth Centre, Youth Hostel Moulali, 142/3 A.J.C. Bose Road, Kolkata 700014.
How to Join
- Book online through the schedule and seats listing at www.yhaindia.org.
What to Bring
- Shirt and trousers, windcheater and inner garments
- Shoes and slippers, sun cap, sunglasses and sun cream
- Torch, water bottle and water purifier
- Toilet paper, soap, Vaseline and the medicines you normally use
- Pen and notebook, camera, address proof and photo ID
Safety and Security
Extensive preparation goes into planning the routes for your safety, and field staff visit the area to check every detail. Even so, the West Bengal State Branch cannot be held responsible for accidents, illness or other unforeseen casualties. Anything you choose to do beyond the programme is at your own cost and risk, and only after the programme ends and you have checked out.
Additional Notes
- Smoking, alcohol and narcotics of any description are strictly prohibited during the programme.
- Camera charges and entry tickets at some places are paid by participants.
Batch Dates
Reporting Point: State Youth Centre, Youth Hostel Moulali, 142/3 A.J.C. Bose Road, Kolkata 700014
Cancellation Policy
If you cannot join, you receive a 50% refund - Rs. 4,500 - provided your request reaches us clearly seven days before your reporting date, not counting the reporting day itself. After that no refund application is considered.
- An unforeseen event, strike or natural calamity is not treated as a cause for cancellation.
- Refunds are paid 30 to 40 working days after the programme finishes.
- Cancellation must be done online only - no other medium is accepted.
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