The Sunderbans is mysterious, vast, untamable, and perhaps the last true wild frontier in the Indian sub-continent. Experience the world’s largest estuarine forest, a landscape dominated by great tidal creeks and waterways, and home to unique birds and animals, including the famous swimming tigers.

Explore the vibrant city of Calcutta with an informative local guide, visit many museums and monuments, enjoy the Heritage Walk and tram tour, and immerse yourself in this city’s vibrant history.

You will be welcomed at a community-run guesthouse when you reach the Sunderbans, and will interact meaningfully with the inhabitants of this village, particularly as you volunteer alongside them. And you may get to see one of the elusive tigers on one of your wildlife cruises!

Highlights

Sunderbans Woman in India

  • Fascinating insights into rural Indian life
  • Developing a comradeship with your hosts and villagers by volunteering along side them
  • Wildlife boat cruises with trained naturalists to identify birdlife, and possibly tigers
  • A rural theatrical performance so you can learn more about the community’s rich culture and history
  • Personal tours of Calcutta by expert local guides

Unique Aspects

You have the opportunity to participate in various volunteer projects in a rural context, such as mangrove planting to help prevent flood damage, helping to build a conservation center, or teaching English. You will interact with local people, experience unique culture and traditions, and learn the basics of local language. This village demonstrates the benefits of sustainable tourism, as it is a story of tiger poachers turned into tiger conservationists as they can see the advantages of conserving tigers. The income from tourism also means that the residents don’t need to seek risky sources of income.

Best Time to Go

October through March

Accomodations

Three-Star Lodging in Calcutta; simple locally run guesthouse in the Sunderbans.

Duration

Minimum 11 days; itineraries and length of journey customized to meet your specific needs.

Sustainable Elements

  • Community development through conservation and education
  • Your very presence in the Sunderbans provides income which reinforces the importance of conserving tigers rather than hunting them
  • Local guides throughout
  • Volunteer project embraced by the community
  • Locally owned hotels and guesthouses
  • All food is locally sourced
  • Small group sizes to minimize local impact
  • Carbon offsetting for international flights

Cost

For personal pricing to meet your budget needs, please e-mail Wiser World Travel, or call 303-443-0604, USA toll free 1-877-743-0604.

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