Sundarban Birding Photography Tours
Sundarban Wildlife Photography Tour Package
Photography Tour Sundarban National Park India
Photographing the Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a unique mangrove forest in Bangladesh and India, can be a rewarding but challenging experience. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your photography tour in the Sundarbans:
Sundarban Wildlife Photography Tour
Plan Your Timing:
Visit during the dry season (October to April) when the weather is more predictable, and the water levels are lower, making it easier to navigate the region.
Research and Prepare:
Learn about the Sundarbans’ wildlife, culture, and geography before your trip. Pack the right gear, including a camera with a good zoom lens (for wildlife), a sturdy tripod, and essential accessories like extra batteries, memory cards, and lens cleaning tools.
Wildlife Photography:
Patience is key in wildlife photography. Be prepared to spend time waiting for the perfect shot.
Use a telephoto lens to capture distant animals without disturbing them.
Practice silent shooting mode and turn off any camera sounds to avoid startling wildlife.
Safety Precautions:
Be cautious of the wildlife, especially Bengal tigers. Follow the guidance of your local guides and authorities for safety.
Boat Photography:
The Sundarbans are best explored by boat. Choose a boat with ample space for photography, and consider renting a smaller boat for more intimate access to narrower waterways.
Use a polarizing filter to reduce glare and enhance the colors of the water and foliage.
Be prepared for changing lighting conditions, as mangrove forests can be very dense, creating varying degrees of light and shadow.
Composition and Framing:
Pay attention to composition. Use the rule of thirds, leading lines, and framing techniques to create captivating images. Capture the interplay between water, land, and mangrove roots for unique perspectives.
Local Culture and People:
Respect local customs and seek permission before photographing people. Engage with the local community to capture authentic moments and gain a deeper understanding of the region’s culture.
Golden Hours:
Sunrise and sunset offer soft, warm light, which can add a magical quality to your photographs. Plan your shoots accordingly.
Pack Light and Waterproof:
Given the wet environment, use waterproof bags or camera covers to protect your gear.
Travel light, as you may need to maneuver on and off boats.
Backup and Storage:
Bring a reliable method for backing up your photos, such as an external hard drive or cloud storage, as you may not have access to power outlets for extended periods.
Respect the Environment:
Follow ethical wildlife photography guidelines. Do not disturb animals or their habitats for the sake of a photo. Leave no trace. Properly dispose of trash and avoid polluting the delicate ecosystem.
Permits and Regulations:
Ensure you have the necessary permits for photography in protected areas and adhere to local regulations.
Review and Edit:
Take the time to review and edit your photos daily during the tour. This will help you identify any issues and ensure you have the shots you want.
Sundarban College Tour – Sundarban Photography Safari
Sundarban Birdwatching Tour
Sundarban Bird Watching Tour From Kolkata
Birdwatching in the Sundarbans is a year-round activity, thanks to the park’s unique and diverse avian ecosystem. The Sundarban National Park is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, where the entire forest is surrounded by water, and the landscape consists of low-lying alluvial islands, mud banks, sandy beaches, and coastal dunes. With over 230 species of birds residing in the park, there are ample opportunities for birdwatching and photography.
The Sunderban Tiger Camp offers daily boat safaris, making it convenient for bird lovers and photography enthusiasts to observe the thriving avifauna in this ideal waterfowl habitat. Expert boatmen and forest guides navigate through the park’s intricate network of creeks and rivers, stopping at strategic locations to provide the best chances of spotting the local birdlife.
In addition to the boat safaris, the embankments, nearby villages, and areas outside the national park are also popular birdwatching locations, attracting both Indian and international visitors. Places like Jatirampur and Tibligiri Bazaar, located just half an hour away from the Sunderban Tiger Camp, are well-known nesting areas for migratory birds during the winter months.
Unlike many other regions in India, the Sundarbans offer year-round birdwatching opportunities. The year can be divided into distinct periods for birdwatching, each with its unique attractions and seasonal bird species.
- November to February (Winter)
- March to May (Summer)
- June to October (Monsoon)
November to February (Winter)
In India, November marks the onset of the winter season. During the period from November to February, numerous migratory birds flock to the forests with the dual intention of breeding and nesting. Among the migratory bird species that can be observed, you will find Northern Shoveler, Eurasian Curlew, Ruddy Shelduck, Eurasian Wigeon, Purple Heron, and more. Additionally, the region is home to indigenous birds such as the Brown Winged Kingfisher and the Black Capped Kingfisher.
March to May (Summer)
Mangrove trees in the Sundarban National Park come alive with blossoms starting from March onwards. With the assistance of our knowledgeable naturalists and forest guides, visitors can delight in spotting and identifying a diverse array of bird species that migrate to the park during this season. Among the avian treasures waiting to be discovered are the Lesser Adjutant Stork (Madan tak), Black Headed Cuckoo Shrike, Plaintive Cuckoo, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Oriental White Eye, Minivet, Long Tail NightJar, Ashy Wood Swallow, Flying Fox, Indian Roller, Grey Headed Lapwing, Pallas’s Fish Eagle, Buffy Fish Owl, Mangrove Whistler, and many more.
June to October (Monsoon)
In June, as the monsoon season commences, it signals the onset of the breeding season for many bird species in the Sundarbans. This time of year presents a captivating opportunity for bird enthusiasts to observe a variety of elusive birds, including the Mangrove Pitta, Indian Pitta, Goliath Heron, Gray Heron, Ruddy Kingfisher, Barn Owl, Collared Kingfisher, Pied Kingfisher, White Throated Kingfisher, Stork Billed Kingfisher, Common Kingfisher, and the Blue Eared Kingfisher, among others.
Things to carry for Bird watching
- Binoculars with either a neck strap/harness, but we prefer a neck harness.
- Field Guide.
- Spotting scope
- Notebook and Pencil
- Birding App
- Bird Checklist
- Hat
- Neutral coloured clothing
- Sunglasses
Birding Tours in Sundarbans Tiger Reserve
Birding in the Sundarbans with the Swamp Tiger
Equipment Needed
Long lenses (400 mm +) for bird photography. Adequate rain covers are also a must because of the frequent probability of rain.
Birding in Sundarbans, Best Bird Watching
Our Sundarban Photography Package Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of this unique and beautiful region, featuring a variety of captivating destinations:
Sundarban National Park: A highlight of the tour, the Sundarban National Park serves as a Tiger reserve and a biosphere reserve. It is home to the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger and various endangered species, including estuarine crocodiles and the famous endangered endemic waterbody terrapin (Batagur baska).
Dobanki Watchtower: Located within the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve, Dobanki Watchtower is a prime spot for spotting the magnificent Bengal Tigers. It’s part of the Dobanki camp, offering a unique wildlife viewing experience.
Sundarban Tiger Reserve: Adjacent to Bangladesh’s Sundarban Reserve Forest, this reserve is a key attraction of the tour. It was established as one of the first nine tiger reserves under the 1973 Project Tiger scheme.
Neti Dhopani Tower: Situated four hours away from Sajnekhali, the Neti Dhopani tower is a famous watchtower in Sundarban. It can accommodate up to 20 people at a time, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife and bird watching.
Sajnekhali Watchtower: Nestled amidst the lush greenery of the Sundarban forest, Sajnekhali Watchtower offers a tranquil setting at the confluence of the Gamudi and Malta rivers, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
Jhingamari Watchtower: Jhingamari, a hidden gem in Sundarban, is located in the Basirhat range. As a less-visited spot, it allows you to experience the rustic charm of Sundarban while enjoying the serene surroundings of the watchtower.
Sudhanyakhali Watchtower: Located 43 km from Canning, Sudhanyakhali is an ideal destination for nature lovers. To reach it, you’ll navigate through the narrow creeks of Gajikhali forest Island, Sarakhkhali and Sudhanokhali rivers, and Pirkhali, offering a unique adventure.
Bonnie Camp Watchtower: The Bonnie Camp watchtower, standing at 50 feet, is situated within Bonnie Camp. It is the tallest watchtower in Sundarban and overlooks a pond, a popular watering hole for local wildlife.
Bhagabatpur Crocodile Park: The Bhagabatpur Crocodile Park is the sole crocodile park in West Bengal. It is an exclusive attraction and among the best places to visit in Sundarban, offering visitors a chance to see these impressive reptiles up close.
Jharkhali: Jharkhali is a village in Sundarban under the jurisdiction of Basanti police station. It houses a tiger rescue center where tigers that have strayed into human habitats are temporarily kept before being released back into the wild.
Burir Dabri: The journey to the Burir Dabri watchtower is an enchanting experience, leading you through a maze of mangrove forest. The mangrove cage trail eventually takes you to the renowned Raimongal View Point, providing stunning panoramic vistas.
Things To Avoid in Your Sundarbanm Photography Trip Packages?
- Don’t throw plastics or Garbage in the river during Sundarban Trip.
- Sound system or loud speakers are not allowed in Sundarban jungle safari.
- Pets are not allow in your Sundarban trip.
- Wild animals Feeding is strictly prohibited in Sundarban.
- Wideography through drone is not allowed in Sundarban.
- Without valid permit you are not allow to enter Sunderban jungle safari
- Liquor or Alcohol is strictly prohibited.
Sundarban Wildlife Expedition
Best Time To Visit For Photography & Birding Tours
The best time to visit the Sundarbans for tiger and bird photography is during the period from September to March. This time frame offers the most favorable conditions for your visit. The winter months provide a pleasant climate for your photography expeditions. In contrast, the summer months bring scorching temperatures, making it an ideal time to spot tigers along the riverbanks.
Birds in Sunderban National Park | Birding in Sundarbans
Birding Tours in Sundarbans Tiger Reserve
Itinerary For Bird Watching Tour
Day 1: Kolkata to Sundarbans National Park
The tour starts in the morning from Kolkata, so if you are travelling from elsewhere you should aim to arrive the day before, and we can provide accommodation and airport transfers if necessary.
We will drive from Kolkata to the jetty at Gadhkali, where our private boat, the M B Sundari awaits. We then have a couple of hours gentle cruising down the rivers Hogol, Gomor, Durgaduani, Bidya and Gumdi, looking out for some of the six different species of kingfishers that we might find! After lunch at the Sunderbans Jungle Camp on the island of Bali, we will head out by boat and visit the Mangrove Interpretation Centre at Sajnekhali, and return via the Sudhyanakhali watchtower.
Days 2-4: Sundarbans National Park
Our three full days in the Sundarbans will involve lots more exploration of this vast area by boat. This will include the canopied walk at Dobanki, where we will hope to find Mangrove Whistler in the mangroves. We will also visit the furthest point that we can easily access, Netidhopani, where we will spend some time scanning from the watchtower. Whilst we will need some luck to come across one of the famous swimming tigers of the Sunderbans, we should definitely find some impressive basking Estuarine Crocodiles and maybe the elusive Irrawaddy Dolphins.
Day 5: Sundarbans to Kolkata
We leave back to Kolkata after lunch today, and the morning will be flexible depending on our successes over the previous days. The island village of Bali is well worth a stroll: as well as the villagers fishing, weaving and boat-making, we may see one of the resident Barn Owls roosting in a village hut!
Interested in Birds of the Sundarbans?
Are you interested in doing this tour, or something similar? Maybe the scheduled dates don’t suit you, but different dates would? Let us know by sending a message below and we will reply soon to discuss further.
