2-Day Kolkata & Sundarbans Tour: Tiger Reserve Safari

Colonial Streets by Day, Mangrove Channels by Night

A 2-day tour of Kolkata and the Sundarbans UNESCO Tiger Reserve combines a full day walking Kolkata's heritage sites (Mother Teresa's Mother House, Victoria Memorial, College Street book market, Howrah Bridge) with a full-day private boat safari through the world's largest mangrove forest. Includes guide, all meals, air-conditioned transport, and overnight accommodation in a hand-picked eco-lodge. Pickup from your Kolkata hotel is included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Full-Day Tour of Kolkata with Lunch

• Visit Mother Teresa's tomb and museum
• Explore the flower market near Howrah Bridge
• Visit St. Paul Cathedral
• Tour Victoria Memorial
• Walk on Howrah Bridge
• Visit St. John's Church
• Explore Kumartoli potter's quarter
• Browse College Street book market
• Have coffee and snacks at Indian Coffee House
• Admire Pareshnath Jain Temple
• Relax at Prinsep Ghat at sunset

Day 2: Sundarbans Jungle: Private Full-Day Safari

• Depart Kolkata for Godkhali Port
• Board private boat and enjoy welcome drink
• Cruise into Sundarbans Tiger Reserve
• Visit Gosaba island and jungle watchtowers
• Have authentic Bengali lunch on boat
• Spot wildlife during sunset cruise
• Return drive to Kolkata
• Arrive back at hotel or residence

The experience

Day one keeps you in the city. You start at Mother House of the Missionaries of Charity, spend an hour at Mother Teresa's tomb and museum, then move through Kolkata's layered past: the flower market under Howrah Bridge, Victoria Memorial (built 1906–1921 for Queen Victoria), St. John's Church from the East India Company era, and Kumartoli's traditional potter quarter where clay idols are made for festivals and export. College Street, the world's largest used-book market, gets ample time to browse rare editions and new releases. Lunch happens at the Indian Coffee House, an intellectual hub that has hosted generations of artists and students. The day closes at Prinsep Ghat on the Hooghly River, a colonial landmark with Greek and Gothic architecture where you can watch the Vidyasagar Setu bridge reflected in the water at sunset.

Day two is wilderness. A 3-hour drive from your hotel reaches Godkhali Port by 10 a.m., where you board a private, well-maintained safari boat. The boat navigates the Sundarbans' winding delta channels: the primary habitat of Royal Bengal Tigers, estuarine crocodiles, and over 270 bird species. You visit Gosaba island and deep jungle watchtowers for panoramic views, then cruise back during golden hour for final wildlife spotting. Lunch is freshly prepared Bengali food served on the boat. The return drive reaches Kolkata by 8 p.m.

The tour includes a live English-speaking guide for both days, breakfast, lunch, evening snacks and tea or coffee throughout, and an overnight stay in a hand-picked eco-lodge with a private air-conditioned room. Your air-conditioned vehicle is reserved for the full two days. The boat is equipped with certified captains, life jackets for all passengers, and standard safety kits. Dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergies) are accommodated if you note them at booking. The Sundarbans is remote. Mobile coverage can be intermittent, so bring medications, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, a hat and a lightweight jacket for early morning safaris.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle for both days with pickup from your Kolkata hotel.
• live English-speaking guide.
• breakfast on both days.
• lunch at the Indian Coffee House on day one and authentic Bengali lunch on the boat on day two.
• tea, coffee and evening snacks.
• overnight stay in a hand-picked, private air-conditioned eco-lodge or hotel.
• private boat safari with certified captain and safety equipment.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Under 10: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Tour de Kolkata

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want to combine Kolkata's colonial landmarks with a full day in the Sundarbans in one trip. The overnight lodge stay lets you experience both without returning to the city between days.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Mother House of the Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata?

Mother House is the headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity, founded by Mother Teresa. You spend about an hour there visiting her tomb and a small museum that documents her life and work. Note that the Mother's Room closes on Thursdays.

Can I see tigers on the Sundarbans boat safari?

The Sundarbans is the primary habitat of Royal Bengal Tigers, estuarine crocodiles, and over 270 bird species. Wildlife sightings depend on season and conditions, but the boat navigates the channels where these animals live. Your guide will position the boat for the best viewing opportunities, including a final wildlife spotting during golden hour on the return.

What meals are included on this 2-day tour?

Breakfast is included on both days. Day one includes lunch at the Indian Coffee House in College Street and evening snacks. Day two includes a freshly prepared authentic Bengali lunch served on the boat, plus tea, coffee and snacks. Dietary requirements including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and food allergies are accommodated if you specify them when booking.

Do I need to arrange my own transport to the Sundarbans on day two?

No. Pickup from your Kolkata hotel is included. A 3-hour drive in an air-conditioned vehicle reaches Godkhali Port by 10 a.m. The return drive departs at 5 p.m. and drops you at your hotel by 8 p.m. The same vehicle is reserved for both days.

What should I pack for the Sundarbans portion of the tour?

Bring a small overnight bag or backpack for the wilderness portion. Large luggage can be stored with the vehicle team or at your Kolkata hotel. Pack mosquito repellent, sunscreen, a hat, and a lightweight jacket for early morning boat safaris. Mobile network coverage is intermittent in the mangrove channels, so bring any necessary personal medications before you depart the city.

Is the boat safari private or shared with other groups?

The boat safari is private. You and your group have a dedicated, well-maintained vessel with a certified captain for the full day in the Sundarbans.