Glide deep into the world's largest mangrove delta aboard a private motorised launch, scanning tidal waterways for Royal Bengal tigers, saltwater crocodiles, and Irrawaddy dolphins. This UNESCO World Heritage ecosystem is utterly unlike anywhere else on Earth.
What to expect
Depart Kolkata (Canning) by road, then board a private, covered wooden launch with a naturalist guide and forest tracker. Drift through cathedral-like mangrove corridors where the only sounds are kingfishers and water. Watchpoints at Sudhanyakhali and Sajnekhali offer elevated tiger-sighting platforms. A picnic tiffin lunch with Bengali home-cooked dishes is served on deck as spotted deer graze the mudflats. Return to Kolkata by dusk.
Good to know
Kolkata (Diamond Harbour) is the nearest cruise anchor point — allow a full 10-hour day. Indian e-Tourist visa must be valid; forest permit is arranged by the operator. Monsoon season (June–September) is not ideal; October–March offers best tiger sightings. Book private launch at least two weeks ahead.