SECRETS OF SUNDERBANS
SUNDERBANS ROUNDTRIP
5 DAYS
A short but exciting insight into the wondrous wilderness of the Sundarbans, the world’s largest Delta Mangrove Forest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
ANTARA DESTINATION DISCOVERIES
The colonial heritage of Bengal has inspired many a traveller to embark on a journey that depicts the region’s history through the river Ganges. On the banks of the Lower Ganges, the French, Dutch, Danish, Portuguese and English made settlements to trade, preach and farm while local rulers, saints, agriculturalists, musicians and writers created new ways of living as they encountered European commerce, tastes and power. Experience true luxury and relax while witnessing this culture with the care and hospitality of the Ganges VoyagerⅡ and its crew.
KOLKATA EMBARKATION
DAY 1
Settle into your beautifully appointed suites aboard the Antara Ganges Voyager in Kolkata (a city formerly known as Calcutta founded by the British Raj in 1773), the gateway to our journey along the world & holiest river, the sacred Ganges. Welcomed on board with a refreshing beverage followed by a safety briefing you embark between 1600 -1900 hrs from the Kolkata jetty. This evening, delight in the Cruise Director’s Gala dinner and welcome reception.
KOLKATA - NAMKHANA
DAY 2
Late night or early morning depending on tide timings, you set sail along the Hooghly River to reach the fishing port of Namkhana, the gateway of the Sundarbans. You cruise past the Diamond Harbour & Kedgeree towards the Bay of Bengal. Sunderbans are the world’s largest delta mangrove forest and habitat of the famous Royal Bengal Tiger. Visit the fishing port of Namkhana (time permitting) or sail forward towards Sunderbans to visit protected areas.
NAMKHANA – Bony Camp
DAY 3
Anchored in the Western Sundarbans today will be your first foray into this rich & unique mangrove ecosystem, scaling the Bony Camp Watchtower on an excursion to sight endangered crocodiles, terrapins, and many species of migratory Birds.
Sailing along the Malta river to the Hero Bhangra Islands keep a keen eye for Irrawaddy Dolphins & other marine life, whilst in the afternoon you will cross Mangrove creeks to scale the serene Nethidopani Watchtower & experience the spectacular nature of the surroundings, including the ruins of a 400-year-old Shiva Temple. Enjoy sundowners as you gently traverse dense Mangrove creeks towards the renowned Bali Island, a typical village whose inhabitants are engaged in farming, paddy husking, honey packing, and fishing .
SUDHANYAKHALI – DO BANKI
DAY 4
With a gorgeous sunrise, you’ll scale the Sudhanyakhali Watchtower, the most popular locale to spot the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger; this vast habitat endows invigorating possibilities of crocodiles, wild boars, axis deer, and a wide range of migratory and local birds.
Thereafter you take a small country boat through the narrow creeks to climb the Dobanki Watchtower & enjoy a canopy walk 20ft off the ground & approximately 1500ft long to reveal the riveting flora and fauna; you might also get the chance to visit the Deer rehabilitation centre.
Retire to your overnight suite experience aboard undisturbed as we set sail inland towards Kolkata awakening to a fantastic breakfast with a meandering view.
Namkhana – Kolkata, Disembark
DAY 5
Early this morning you sail back towards Kolkata enjoying breakfast and lunch on board arriving in the late afternoon.
