Sunderbans Cruise

3 Nights and 4 Days

Day 1:
Check in at the Millennium Park Jetty by 8 AM. M.V. Paramhamsa will cast off at 08.30 AM.

The cruiser sets sail for seven to eight hours along the beautiful Ganges towards the south, passing through various heritage sites to reach Namkhana, a fisherman’s cove and the Gateway to Sunderbans. Unwind, relax, soak in the beauty of the river; read books in the library; interact with the on-board Wildlife specialist or take a massage based on Ayurveda.

The busy fishing harbour will give an insight into the lifestyle of the fisherman. Buy fresh fish and other sea food (as available) to be cooked at the live kitchen counters for your dinner.

After interacting with the fishermen, the cruiser enters Sunderbans to navigate through the narrower creek of Hatania – Doania river. You will have first glimpse of the dense mangrove and the vast river system with several creeks flowing into the main rivers.

In the evening, you will have choices – watching wild life film shows with special reference to Sunderbans, watching traditional dances of this region, a talk with a wild-lifer and a dinner with music from modern and traditional Bengal.

Cruiser will drop anchor at Namkhana for the night.

Day 2:
Experience a spectacular sunrise at dawn, while cruiser sails east. Live through the lifestyle of Sunderbans, their traditions, culture along with the rich bio diversity of the region as well and as the Estuarine Crocodile Project at Bhagabatpur. Later, go for a morning walk through the dense mangrove at Lothian Island Sanctuary amidst chirping of birds.

Visit the watchtowers, go for a canopy walk at some of the forested islands such as Dobanke, Sajnekhali and Sudhanyakhali along with a wild-lifer, who will guide you to experience the forest, sight animals and birds; explain various mangrove species and tell the interesting stories of the islands, the mangrove and wildlife.

After sunset, enjoy a traditional mythological folk drama, Bono Bibir pala, a rich folklore performance of Sunderbans. Have a customary Bengali meal while recorded folk songs of Bengal mesmerize the dining hall, and end your day in star gazing from the skydeck; soak in the serenity and tranquility.

Day 3:
Observe another spectacular sunrise across the dense mangrove. Disembark on Bali island to witness the life style of the Sunderban villagers and their activities such as rice husking, honey packing etc. Thereafter, the cruiser turns back from the Sunderbans on its journey back to Kolkata, sailing south and then towards the west, through wide rivers, Bidya, Matla, Thakuran and Saptamukhi, which are almost as wide as a sea.

Our next stop is at Lothian Island, where there is an interesting forest trail/Bhagwatpur crocodile project if not covered on the second day. Vessel crosses Namkhana depending on tide and anchors on River Hoogly. Dinner is served on the cruiser with music.

Day 4:
The vessel again heads back home reaching Kolkata in the forenoon, depending on the tide.

Itinerary/Timings may vary depending on tidal and weather conditions.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: E-mail: Deepak Singh, Spiritual Journeys, Inc., 101 Lexington Street, Belmont, MA 02478, USA. Ph: 508-358-4267.