Probably one of the most unique landscapes in India, this vast mangrove forest is a wildlife sanctuary that is home to the Royal Bengal tiger, salt water crocodiles, dolphins and many species of birds. It is a UNESCO world heritage site. The landscape is surreal  miles of muddy water with trees and vegetation standing on stilts. The most unique experience is living on a boat, eating freshly caught fish for your meals, and going to sleep with the sounds of tigers roaring to each other. If you are lucky you may see a tiger swimming across the water. You can also live in the state tourism guesthouse at Sajnekhali (the entry point to the sanctuary) and take a guided boat cruise across the waters.

How to get to Sundarbans:

Nearest airport: Kolkata (onwards by taxi or car)

Nearest station: Canning local trains arrive here from Sealdah.

By road - drive to Sonakhali by the Basanti main road that branches off from the Eastern Metropolitan Bye-pass, Kolkata (2 hour journey).

When to go - The park is open all year round but the best time to visit is Sept to March.

Permits available at Canning or the Sajnekhali Range Office

Set in the picturesque hill forests call the Dooar's this is West Bengal's largest National Park. It is one of the best places to see the Indian rhinoceros, apart from Kaziranga in Assam. You can also see several types of deer, bison, elephant, tiger, leopard and sloth bear, as well as many species of birds. Two fast flowing rivers, the Teesta and the Torsa, flow through it. The best way to see wildlife here is on elephant safaris organised by the Forest Department.

How to get to Jaldapara:

Nearest airport: Bagdogra (onwards by taxi or coach)

Nearest station: New Jalpaiguri.

By road - drive to Siliguri, on to New Jalpaiguri and Bagdogra.

When to go - The park is open from Sept 15 to June 15.

Permits available from:

Asst Wildlife Warden, Madarihat. Tel: 03563-262239.

West Bengal Forest Development Corporation, 7^th Fl. Arya Mansion, 6A Raja Subodh Mullik Square, Kolkata. Tel: 033-22370060-61.