Nothing can beat the sight of Subdarban in monsoon. This popular Indian destination turns into a magical kingdom with mangrove forests, majestic rivers, and other forms of bio-diversity, particularly during the monsoon season. The rains breathe life into the landscape, making it lush and vibrant. Planning a trip to this UNESCO World Heritage Site during the monsoon can be an exhilarating adventure. From the fantastic boat safaris to the energetic Illish festival, the destination has a lot in store.
While the heavy rains might pose a few challenges, the rewards of witnessing the Sundarban in its full glory are well worth the effort. This guide covers everything you need to know to make the most of your monsoon trip to Sundarban.
Why Visit the Sundarban During Monsoon?
Touring Sundarban in monsoon is an experience on its own. The scenic beauty remains unparalleled, with straight-out-of-painting panoramic views. The forests seem greener and rejuvenated while the rivers swell, creating a maze of waterways perfect for boat rides. The monsoon season also brings a sense of peace, as you will face fewer tourist crowds.
Highlights of Monsoon in the Sundarban
Get ready for a never-before experience if you are contemplating a trip to Sundarban in monsoon. From full-grown flora and fauna to diverse wildlife, the following highlights are a must-experience during your trip:
- Lush Greenery: Fresh leaves cover the mangroves, giving them a lively green top layer. This makes the whole forest look more lively and dense, which is visually fascinating.
- Waterways: The rivers and the streams are at the peak of their water flow, which makes boat safaris an ideal activity. Sailing through these channels provides an opportunity to enjoy the surroundings of the Sundarban and its stunning view.
- Wildlife: The chances of spotting wildlife increase as animals come out to enjoy the rain. And if you are lucky enough, you can even get a glimpse of the famous Royal Bengal Tiger. The greenery and abundant water sources attract various species, making it a prime time to see diverse wildlife.
- Bird Watching: Bird lovers can capture a number of migratory birds that are found in this region. During the monsoon season, many species of birds flock to this area, hence enhancing the biodiversity of the place.
Activities to Enjoy on Your Monsoon Trip to the Sundarban
The Sundarban offers a variety of activities that are enhanced by the monsoon season. Scroll through the amusing activities that will rage your adrenaline while offering you a remarkable experience.
Boat Safaris
Monsoon is one of the best times to take boat safaris while exploring Sundarban National Park. Flooded conditions give another vantage point to the mangroves since the rivers and creeks are full. Day trips are considered to be the best as it is possible to see more wildlife early in the morning through to the late afternoon: crocs, deer, and, if fortunate, the Royal Bengal tiger. Make sure you have a guide with you so you can fully enjoy the view.
Bird Watching
Many migratory birds descend upon Sundarban in monsoon season. Some of the species one can easily capture include the kingfisher, heron, egret and, of course, the majestic Brahminy kite. Put on a pair of binoculars and a bird guidebook to enhance your bird-watching moment.
Village Tours
Take a tour of the nearby villages and interact with the residents to get a feel of the life of the people of Sundarban. The people are friendly and receptive. You may interact with them about local traditional practices, fishing methods, and even the difficulties encountered during the monsoon period. Such tours provide a glance into the everyday life of the local people, their culture and their accord with the environment.
Nature Walks
Monsoon season is the best time to go on a nature trail in Sundarban. The freshness of the environment after the rainfall and the flowers act as a vase of beautiful scenery. You should accompany a guide on such walks since the path can be somewhat confusing, and it is better to have a guide. These walks are perhaps one of the most interesting and close-up encounters with the mangrove forests and a variety of species that inhabit the area.
Fishing Expeditions
Love fishing or want to learn the best techniques to impress everyone around you? Join the local fishermen for a fun and thrilling ride to the river and bring home some excellent fishing methods they use. The rivers are full of fish during the rainy season, and you can even get an enlarged view of the underwater creatures. You might even catch some delicious dinner for yourself on such an expedition.
Photography Tours
The trip to Sundarban during the monsoon season offers stunning views of the place. Tourists who are passionate about photography will especially have a good time as the place will afford them superb opportunities to capture scenic landscapes, colourful wildlife, and other cultural icons of the place with their camera lens. If you like taking beautiful aerial shots, consider signing up for a photography tour that can guide you to the best spots for photography.
Night Safaris
Sundarban can also be a fun place to be in at night due to night safaris. Not just this, you can engage in many more fun activities at night, and this is why night safari is arranged with the help of professional guides.
Illish Festival: A Must-Visit Extravaganza for Hilsa Lovers
Perhaps the best thing about visiting Sundarban in monsoon is the delight of the Illish Festival. Popularly enjoyed, this festival focuses on the fish called ‘Hilsa,’ which is particularly favoured during the monsoons. “Ilish” is a common name for the Hilsa fish in Bengali and some other languages spoken in South Asia. The fishermen enjoy the festival enthusiastically, savouring the tasteful Hilsa fish.
- Culinary Delights: There are lots of Hilsa preparations at the festival, ranging from smoked Hilsa to Hilsa curry. The fish is famous for its taste, and people should enjoy eating it during the rainy season.
- Cultural Performances: Experience live music performances and folk dances that present the cultural richness of Sundarban.
- Community Feasts: Join the local community in the celebration of monsoon harvests through feasts that involve both the locals and tourists.
Local Cuisine
Sundarban is famous for its delicious and exotic food, but one must agree that the aroma and taste simply become yummier during the rainy season. Here are some must-try local dishes to feed your famished soul in Sundarban in Monsoon.
- Chingri Malai Curry: A mouth-watering dish that is usually prepared using prawns and coconut milk to prepare a special curry.
- Bhapa Ilish: This dish involves cooking the Hilsa fish by steaming it while the mustard paste and spices enhance the taste of the dish.
- Panta Bhat: Fried fish seasoned with green chillis, onions, and fried rice (prepared by fermenting rice grains) – indeed a tasty dish to enjoy in the rain.
- Macher Jhol: A curry made with light fish and vegetables that are available in season.
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip
Travelling in the monsoon season may require you to take some precautions and be fully prepared to face the changing moods of the rainy weather. Here are some essential tips to ensure a safe trip:
- Weather Check: Temperatures could change suddenly, so make sure you check the weather forecast before planning a trip.
- Local Guidance: It is better to hire a local guide for the trip, as they are well-versed in the route and the waters and can guarantee the safety of the travellers.
- Safety Gear: During boat riding, ensure you wear your life jackets and follow all the safety measures required on the boat.
- Respect Wildlife: Hunting wild animals is prohibited and should not be interfered with without permission from the authorities.
- Stay Informed: Always make sure you are informed about the local news and any alerts concerning weather or possibly violent animals.
Plan Your Trip Now!
Sundarban in monsoon season, transitions into a rich and lively paradise. Boat safaris, bird-watching trips, and tasting Illish fish at the festival – there is much to do and enjoy. Arrange your journey using this guidebook and dive into the magic of Sundarban in the rainy season.
With its stunning natural beauty, diverse wildlife and distinct cultural encounters, the Sundarban is a stand-out monsoon escapade. So get your bags ready, brace yourself for the rains and explore one of India’s most picturesque destinations.