How to Reach Sundarbans National Park – A Complete Travel Guide

Sundarbans National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of India’s most captivating natural reserves. Known for its majestic Royal Bengal Tigers, dense mangrove forests, and unique wildlife, this deltaic region lies at the confluence of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers.

If you're planning a trip to this mystical wilderness, here’s a detailed guide on how to reach Sundarbans National Park by air, train, and road.

✈️ By Air: Nearest Airport to Sundarbans

The nearest airport is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU), Kolkata — approximately 120 km away.

✅ Airport Code: CCU✔ Distance to Sundarbans Entry Point (Gosaba/Godhkhali): ~3.5 to 4 hours by road📌 Taxis, cabs, and private vehicles are easily available from the airport to reach Godhkhali Ferry Ghat — the gateway to Sundarbans.

🚆 By Train: Nearest Railway Stations

There is no direct train to Sundarbans, but you can travel to nearby stations and continue by road and ferry.

Option 1: Canning Railway Station (CG)✅ Nearest railhead to Godhkhali ferry point✔ Local trains from Sealdah Station (Kolkata) run frequently to Canning📌 From Canning, take a shared auto or private cab to Godhkhali (~45 km / 1.5 hours)

Option 2: Kolkata Railway Stations (Sealdah/Howrah)✅ Good for long-distance travelers✔ From Sealdah, board a local train to Canning📌 Howrah is another option for interstate trains, followed by road travel to Canning/Godhkhali

🚗 By Road: Drive or Cab to Sundarbans

You can drive from Kolkata to Godhkhali Ferry Ghat, the primary launch point for boat safaris into Sundarbans.

✅ Distance: Approx. 100–120 km✔ Travel Time: 3.5 to 4 hours📌 Route: Kolkata → Baruipur → Canning → Basanti → Godhkhali📌 Best to hire a cab or book a package tour that includes pickup and ferry

🛶 Final Leg: Ferry Ride to the Heart of Sundarbans

From Godhkhali, the only way into the core areas of Sundarbans is by boat or motor launch.

✅ Many tour operators offer shared or private boats✔ Most boat tours cover Sajnekhali, Dobanki, Sudhanyakhali watch towers📌 Overnight houseboats and eco-stay packages available

🧭 Travel Tips

• 🌦 Best time to visit: November to March (cooler, drier months)

• 📅 Book tours in advance, especially during peak season

• 📞 Carry a local SIM – mobile networks may be patchy in deep forest areas

• 🧳 Pack light but carry essentials like mosquito repellent, sunscreen, binoculars, and ID proof

• 
  

🌿 Experience the Mystique of Sundarbans

Sundarbans is more than just a destination — it's an experience of raw nature, silence, and hidden wonders. Whether you’re chasing the thrill of spotting a tiger or soaking in the peaceful mangroves, your journey begins the moment you plan how to reach this unique biosphere.