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Sundarban Hilsa Festival – A Celebration of Flavours, Culture, and Nature

 

The Sundarban Hilsa Festival, locally known as Sundarban Ilish Utsav, is a unique and vibrant celebration that pays tribute to the rich cultural and culinary heritage of the Sundarbans, centered around the iconic Hilsa fish. Held annually during the peak Hilsa season—between June and September—this festival has grown into a much-awaited event for food lovers, cultural enthusiasts, and nature explorers alike.

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A Heritage Rooted in Tradition

For generations, the Hilsa fish has been more than just a delicacy in Bengal—it’s a symbol of tradition, pride, and emotional connection. The Sundarban Hilsa Festival captures this sentiment by not only showcasing a variety of signature Bengali Hilsa dishes but also weaving it with cultural festivities and eco-tourism. The festival serves as a lifeline for local communities, supporting fishermen, artisans, and tour operators, while attracting visitors from across the country and beyond.

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A Feast for the Senses

Guests at the festival are treated to a mouthwatering array of Hilsa preparations—from Shorshe Ilish (Hilsa in mustard gravy) to Ilish Pulao, Bhapa Ilish, and innovative fusion dishes. Dining under the open skies, amidst the calls of birds and the distant roar of the Royal Bengal Tiger, creates a surreal experience that blends taste with wilderness.

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Cultural Extravaganza

The festivities are enriched by traditional music, folk dances, and theatrical performances that showcase the diverse cultural heritage of the Sundarbans. These performances bring the community together and offer tourists a captivating glimpse into the life, struggles, and joy of the delta region.

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Explore, Learn, and Connect

Beyond feasting and festivities, the Sundarban Hilsa Festival offers interactive sessions where guests can learn age-old cooking techniques, traditional fishing methods, and indigenous crafts. Local artisans set up stalls featuring handmade jewelry, textiles, and wooden artefacts, providing perfect souvenirs and helping sustain local craftsmanship.

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A Journey into the Wild

What makes this festival truly special is its setting. Surrounded by expansive mangroves and crisscrossed by rivers, the Sundarbans are home to an extraordinary range of wildlife. As part of the festival, guests can enjoy boat tours, jungle safaris, and serene sunsets—offering a perfect mix of adventure and tranquility.

Hilsa Festival Tour 2025 Dates

DETAILED ITINERARY

Starting INR. 3499/-

DAY - 01

The Sundarban weekend tour begins with pick-ups at 8:00 AM and 8:30 AM will depart from P.C. Chandra Garden, Gate No.-1 followed by a 3.5-hour drive to Godkhali with a tea break with packed breakfast will be served. Upon arrival at the resort around 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM, enjoy a peaceful lunch before heading out at 4:00 PM for a boat ride through the Sundarbans Bird Jungle with a beautiful sunset view or explore Sajnekhali Mangrove Interpretation Centre. After returning by 6:00 PM, enjoy a local folk dance performance with tea and snacks at 7:00 PM, followed by dinner at 10:00 PM and an overnight stay at the resort.

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DAY - 02

8:00 AM – Begin the day with an exciting boat safari through the mesmerizing Sundarban Delta, where the beauty of this unique ecosystem will unfold before your eyes.

8:30 AM – Experience a thrilling Jungle Safari at Sajnekhali Tiger Reserve, guided by an experienced government tourist guide, offering in-depth knowledge of the area’s wildlife and natural wonders.

9:30 AM – Continue with a boat safari through the intricate network of rivers, islands, and creeks, covering Pirkhali, Banbibi Varani, Sundarkhali, Khonakhali, Choragaji, Deulvarani, Sarak Khali 1 or 2, Gazikhali, Nobanki, and Sudhanyakhali Watch Tower. Keep an eye out for sightings of wildlife such as spotted deer, crocodiles, wild boar, snakes, water monitor lizards, diverse bird species, and, if you’re lucky, the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger.

12:30 PM – Visit the Do-Banki Watch Tower, where the highlight is the 896-meter canopy walk, offering a bird’s-eye view of the jungle and wildlife from an elevated netted walkway.

1:30 PM – Head to Panchamukhni, where the Five River Junction offers a stunning convergence of waterways, creating a scenic and peaceful atmosphere.

5:00 PM – After this thrilling day of exploration, return to our Sundarban Jungle Retreat, marking the end of the exciting Sundarban National Park Safari.

7:00 PM – Enjoy a delightful serving of evening snacks accompanied by tea or coffee, while immersing yourself in the soulful melodies of live Baul folk music. Guests can hear real-life stories of survival and resilience from those who’ve faced tiger and crocodile encounters in the Sundarbans.

10:00 PM – Enjoy a delicious dinner at the resort, reflecting on the unforgettable memories of your Sundarban adventure.

 

DAY - 03

9:30 AM – After breakfast, enjoy a delightful local village walk for a couple of hours, immersing yourself in the rural charm and tranquility of the area. Afterward, return to the resort for a short break.

11:30 AM – Visit the historic Hamilton Bungalow and Rabindranath Tagore Bungalow, where you can explore the rich cultural heritage of the Sundarbans and learn about their historical significance.

1:00 PM – Transfer by boat back to the car, and begin the journey back to Kolkata/Canning Railway Station. A delicious lunch will be provided on the way.

4:00 - 5:00 PM – Arrive back in Kolkata, bringing an unforgettable Sundarban experience to a close.

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INCLUDES

  • Transportation From Kolkata By AC vehicle or pick up from Canning Railway Station (according to your package). 

  • Mechanised well maintained Boat with beds and European Toilet.

  • Accomodation in Eco-Resort (Quad Sharing) with modern amenities.

  • All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Snacks & Dinner).

  • Jungle entry fees and guide charges.

  • Boat permits and Still Camera permissions.

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EXCLUDES

  • Any Hard or Aerated Drinks.

  • Video camera charges.

  • Optional Tour.

  • Special request food menu.

  • Any miscellaneous expenses incurred by the guests.

  • Coolie Charge.

  • Non Indian guests will have to pay separately for the Permit fees inside the Tiger Reserve.

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THINGS TO CARRY

  • Specific Medicine If You Need For Cough, Cold, Stomach Upset, Etc.

  • Must carry valid photo id proof during travels.

  • Foreigners have to carry their original passport as an essential.

  • Camera / binoculars to view distance animal & landscape.

  • Light baggage that is easy to carry.

  • Comfortable footwear and light weight clothes.

  • Carry sunglasses / hat cap / sun tan lotions during your sundarban trip.

  • Preferably Carry Cash As Possibility Of Accessing ATM is Remote. Only SBI ATM is available at Gosaba.

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IMPORTANT NOTE

  • Itinerary is subject to change / alterations as the visit to the various watchtowers depend upon weather and tide conditions. However, all watchtowers and destinations as mentioned in the itinerary will definitely be covered.

  • The Food menu may be change without any prior notification.

  • Due to technical or other issues, we may be change the Vehicle or Boat without any prior notification.

DAY-1

BREAKFAST

  • Packed Veg Sandwich with Mineral Water & Fruit Juice  

LUNCH

  • Basmati Rice, Green Salad

  • Veg Dal

  • Alu Fry

  • Seasonal Veg Curry (Sukto)

  • Ilish Bhapa

  • Bagdha Chingri Malaikari

  • Chutney, Papad, and Sweet .

EVENING SNACKS

  • Chicken/Veg Pakora

  • Tea/Coffee

DINNER

  • Rice / Roti

  • Salad

  • Dal

  • Mixed Veg (Seasonal)

  • Mutton Curry

DAY-2

BREAKFAST

  • Luchi

  • Aloor Dam

  • Bread Toast

  • Boiled Egg / Omelette

  • Fruits

  • Sweets

  • Tea/Coffee

LUNCH

  • Steamed Basmati Rice, Green Salad

  • Sonamoong Dal

  • Begun Bhaja

  • Ichor Chingri / Potol Chingri

  • Shorshe Ilish & Illish Paturi

  • Chatni, Papad, and Sweet

EVENING SNACKS

  • Veg Cutlet / Veg Noodles

  • Tea/Coffee

DINNER

  • Pulao

  • Green Salad

  • Mix Veg

  • Chicken Kasha

DAY-3

BREAKFAST

  • Kachuri- Chana Masala

  • Bread Toast

  • Fruits

  • Sweets

  • Tea/Coffee 

LUNCH

  • Special Khichuri

  • Begun Bhaja

  • Bhaja Ilish (2Pcs)

  • Chutney, Papad, and Sweet

 ESSENTIAL INFO BEFORE YOU TRAVEL​​

  • Non-Indian guests must pay separately for Tiger Reserve permit fees.

  • Transport will be via A/C car or A/C Tempo Traveller, depending on group size.

  • Solo travelers are welcome – we’ll try to club you with an existing group.

  • Private tours are available upon request.

  • A minimum of 8 guests or equivalent cost is required if no group is available on your chosen date.

  • Full refund will be issued if we are unable to form a group on your booking date.

  • Date change option available in case of cancellation due to natural disasters.

  • No refunds for delays caused by vehicle/boat breakdowns, traffic jams, or other unforeseen issues not mentioned above.

  • Jungle safari routes are decided by the Sundarban Tiger Reserve and may change due to tiger conservation efforts or census.

  • Solo guests may need to pay extra for a private cottage if shared accommodation is not available.

  • Live Barbeque is available only in winters.

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