It is not so much for its beauty that the forest makes a claim upon men’s hearts, as for that subtle something, that quality of air that emanation from old trees, that so wonderfully changes and renews a weary spirit. —Robert Louis Stevenson


When nature beckons you to the magnificent Sundarbans, with its thousands of meandering streams, creeks, rivers and blocks of Littoral forests…..the beauty lies in its unique natural surroundings …..

“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks”…. home to the Royal Bengal Tiger, Sundarban National Park with35 reptiles, 270 birds and 42 mammals species is a regale spread for Wildlife photographers and enthusiasts.


Photo courtesy: sundarbantigerreserve.orgPhoto courtesy: wordpress
Location


Country – India ; State – West Bengal ; District – South 24 Parganas

Reminiscence of the past

According to Historians, settlement in the impenetrable mangrove forests of Sundarbans began during the Mughal Era of Aurangzeb and continued through the British period.

The vestiges of the founding fathers like Lord Canning, Sir Daniel Hamilton and others are major local attractions for tourists and history enthusiasts.


The story of the Locale

Most of the local people are either settlers from Medinipur district of West Bengal, erstwhile Bangladesh or tribal population of Central India. The language mostly spoken is the Bengali dialect of Medinipur.

Major occupations of the people are fishing, honey collecting and agriculture. Fisherman and honey collectors have to penetrate deep into the forest, and this is when tiger-man conflicts take place. As a result there has been a major shift in occupation, many young men are moving to the cities and other states as migrant labourers.

Folk-lore and folk-festivalsare intertwined with the lives of the people of Sundarbans.

Bana-Bibi to the Muslims and Bana-Durga for the Hindus, the Goddess of the forest is worshipped by people venturing into the forest for livelihood. Bana-Bibi pala is the most commonfolk-lore of the Sundarbans which is enacted with reverencefrom time to time.

Durga Puja, Basanti Puja, Gajan, Charak and Raas are the other popular festivals of Sundarbans.


Why choose Anahita The River Retreat

Nestled in this unique wilderness and natural surroundings Anahita The River Retreat, Sundarbans, is a perfect blend of the aesthetics of nature and modernity. Listed among the best resorts of Sundarbans, this 2 acre property with a quaint little cottage amidst a lush green garden, makes you want to be out where things are this simple and every breath is a reminder that there is beauty and magic left in this world.

Location:

https://goo.gl/maps/Z8B5pyWSYxk7KhBw9

One of the main advantages of this property is its prime location. Right on the banks of the canal Durgaduani, at a stone’s throw away from the Bidya forest office and having its own private jetty, accessibility becomes a cake walk in this otherwise hostile terrain. 

 

The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach…

The best way to know a country is to have the local cuisine..
Crabs, Hilsa, Bhetki, Datne, Lobsters, Chingri… We love to Serve and serve with love. This hotel in Sundarbans creates a niche in your heart for serving mouth-watering scrumptious meals from its kitchen. The banquet hall décor gives you a sneak-peek into the folk-art of Rural Bengal.
Catch your fish and eat it too…

Natural ponds loaded with fishes awaits to test your angling skills.

Sitting at the edge of the water, listening to the gentle sound of water and the wind softly rustling the leaves, the burdens of life are far away.

 

Revive, refresh, rejuvenate…create memories in one of the best hotels in Sundarbans… Come, Experience life @ Anahita The River Retreat, Sundarbans.

Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influence of the earth. —Henry David Thoreau

How to reach:

Kolkata to Gadkhali Ferry Ghat (Sundarbans):

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Science+City,+JBS+Haldane+Ave,+Mirania+Gardens,+East+Topsia,+Topsia,+Kolkata,+West+Bengal+700046/Godhkhali+Jetty,+5Q9Q%2B973,+SH+3,+Mazidbari,+West+Bengal+743312/@22.3652152,88.4525714,11z/data=!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x3a0276a208cb6793:0x676bbf22d04354e8!2m2!1d88.3960564!2d22.5401381!1m5!1m1!1s0x3a018b4d17274747:0xedbd515e25775639!2m2!1d88.7881849!2d22.1683948!5i1

By Road: From Science City Kolkata, take the Basanti Highway and drive down straight to Gadkhali Jetty

By Air: From Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata, reach Gadkhali by Road

By Train: From Sealdah Station, Kolkata, take the Canning Local, alight at Canning Station take the Bus or reserve an Auto to Gadkhali.

Must-haves in your Back-pack:

  1. Identity card with address proof
  2. Light cotton clothes
  3. Comfortable shoes preferably sneakers or sport shoes
  4. Flash-light or Torch-light
  5. Umbrella
  6. Emergency medications

Package Tours of Sundarbans:- (For those who love to travel in groups)

Include Pick-up and Drop Kolkata, Room Tariff, All Meals, Local sight-seeing, Jungle Safari, Guide Fee, Jungle Pass, Cultural Shows

3 days and 2 nights– This is the most popular package amongst the touristsof Sundarbans.

Day 1: 7 am – 7:30 am Pick-up at P C Chandra Gardens or Science City Kolkata; 9:30 am – 10:00 am – Board the Boat atGadkhali Ferry Ghat; Breakfast on board the boat (provided guestsarrive before 11a.m.); Lunch on board the boat (1:30pm – 2:00pm); Guests can straight away go for Local Sight-seeing, and check-in at our homestay. Cultural show by local artists; One-Act Play/Songs performed by local singers; Snacks & Dinner will be provided in the property.

 

Day 2: Pick-up at Anahita Jetty for jungle safari; Breakfast on board theBoat; pass and guide to be arranged from Bidya Range OfficeBoat safari to cover: -Sundarkhali, Banobibi Bharani, ChoraGazi, Deul Bharani, Dobanki watch tower back to AnahitaORPass and guide to be arranged from Sajnekhali Range OfficeBoat Safari to cover: -Sajnekhali, Sudhyanakhali, Bonobibi Bharani, ChoraGazi (Pirkhali 5), Sundarkhali, Dobanki Watch Tower back to Anahita. Snacks & Lunch to be provided in the boat; Cultural show by local artists:-, One-Act Play/Songs performed by local singers; Snacks & Dinner will be provided in the property

Day 3: Breakfast at Anahita;Pick-up at Anahita Jetty for GadkhaliDeparture @9am

 2 days and 1 night tour package:

Day 1: 7 am – 7:30 am Pick-up at P C Chandra Gardens or Science City Kolkata; 9:30 am – 10:00 am – Board the Boat at Gadkhali Ferry Ghat; Breakfast on board the boat (provided guests arrive before 11a.m.); Lunch on board the boat (1:30pm – 2:00pm); Guests can straight away go for Local Sight-seeing, and check-in at our homestay. Cultural show by local artists; One- Act Play/Songs performed by local singers; Snacks & Dinner will be provided in the property.

 

Day 2: Pick-up at Anahita Jetty for jungle safari; Breakfast on board the Boat; pass and guide to be arranged from Bidya Range OfficeBoat safari to cover: -Sundarkhali, Banobibi Bharani, ChoraGazi, Deul Bharani, Dobanki.ORPass and guide to be arranged from Sajnekhali Range OfficeBoat Safari to cover: -Sajnekhali, Sudhyanakhali, Bonobibi Bharani, ChoraGazi (Pirkhali 5), Sundarkhali, Dobanki Watch Tower.

Snacks & Lunch to be provided in the boat. Boat will reach Gadkhali jetty by 5 pm. Drop at Kolkata by 7:30 pm.