Camping in West Bengal

If this holiday season, you wish to escape in wilderness away from the vibrant city life, then going for camping in West Bengal sounds good. The camping scene in this state has picked up in the recent years. For its verdant ranges and valleys, and lush green cover, the place has emerged as an ideal hideout to camp amid nature.

About West Bengal

Located in the eastern part of the country, West Bengal is referred to as the cultural capital of India. From the mangrove forests of Sunderbans to the northern highlands of the Himalayas, this state has a plenitude of extreme beauty. It is one of the preferred tourist destinations for its range of wonderful attractions. Those who are planning for camping in West Bengal, the picturesque setting of the place is sure to provide with great opportunities of relaxing in the lap of nature.

Popular Places for Camping in West Bengal

Sunderbans: Spread over an area of about 2585 sq. km that extends into Bangladesh, Sunderbans is one of the largest mangrove forests in the world. Literally meaning the forest of Sundari (a mangrove species), this forest reserve is listed among UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Formed by the confluence of three rivers – Ganga, Meghna and Brahmaputra, this swamp forest is also the largest estuarine sanctuary. Sprawling across a series of dense forests and numerous water channels, it is a home to largest population of Bengal tigers. Being a labyrinth of mangrove channels, which extends from West Bengal to Bangladesh, this whole ecosystem is divided into two regions.

• Sunderbans Freshwater Swamp Forests: These forests are both tropical and subtropical moist broadleaved brackish swamps. Because of large scale human settlement and deforestation, this region is near to extinction.

• Sunderbans Mangroves: With 20400 sq. km of area, this region is the largest mangrove ecosystem of the world. Of the 50 mangrove species in the world, 26 are found in this region.

Sunderbans is particularly noted for Bengal tigers, but also provides shelter to a wide variety of other flora and fauna. Other creatures of the region include Gangetic dolphins, Olive ridley turtles and crocodiles, and a good number of avifauna, crustaceans and marine animals. Thus, Sunderbans offers a good opportunity of camping in West Bengal, with some of its best accommodation facilities. Sunderban Tiger Camp is one of the best camps that you can opt for.

Located amid lush green surroundings and calm environs, Sunderban Tiger Camp, with its comfortable lodging facilities, awaits your visit. The camp provides four types of accommodations, which are bamboo huts, tents, deluxe mud cottages and executive rooms and cottages. In all, the camp boasts 21 rooms, which are well-equipped, and designed by keeping in mind the needs of travellers. The rooms feature luxury beds, soft mattresses, sitting area and a balcony. All rooms have en suite bathrooms, well-equipped with deluxe bath amenities and having 24-hour facility of running hot and cold water.

Other room amenities include bottled water, tea and coffee maker, intercom and room service. You can enjoy dining either at your room or at the restaurant, which is designed like a thatched bamboo hut. Under the star-studded sky, you can either enjoy the snug warmth of the place near bonfire or witness the enchanting beauty of the surroundings from your balcony. With all the comfort and luxury, this camp lets travellers experience wilderness amid the pleasant ambiance and environs.

Distance

• By Air: You can reach Sunderbans from Kolkata, which is well connected from other major cities by flights.

• By Rail: The nearest railhead to this place is Port Canning, which has well connectivity with Kolkata by rail network.

• By Road: From Port Canning, a number of regular buses go to Sonakhali, Najat, Raidighi and Namkhana, and from all these places, the camp can be easily reached.