Eastern Wetlands and Mangroves
What you'll see
The journey, one day at a time
Into Mangalajodi
Drive in from Bhubaneswar to the edge of Chilika and settle in for dawn on the marsh. Poled-boat birding through the reeds for tens of thousands of waterbirds, guided by former poachers turned protectors.
Marsh by boat
Poled-boat birding through the reeds for tens of thousands of waterbirds, guided by former poachers turned protectors. Mangalajodi's birds are safe because protecting them now feeds the community, through guiding and tourism, better than poaching ever did. It is one of the clearest examples in India of conservation aligned with local livelihood — and the reason the marsh is alive with birds rather than empty.
On to Bhitarkanika
Transfer to Bhitarkanika and settle in, with an afternoon outing to get your bearings.
Crocodile creeks
Boat days through the mangrove creeks for the giant saltwater crocodiles, with monitors, kingfishers and the heronry.
Crocodile creeks
Cruising the channels for crocodiles and birds, with the chance of the Gahirmatha turtles nearby.
On to Sundarbans
Transfer to Sundarbans and settle in, with an afternoon outing to get your bearings.
Mangrove by boat
Boat days through the tidal creeks of the world's largest mangrove, watching for crocodiles, birds and the rare sign of a tiger.
Mangrove by boat
Cruising the channels for the mangrove's wildlife, the tiger almost always unseen.
Mangrove by boat
Boat days through the tidal creeks of the world's largest mangrove, watching for crocodiles, birds and the rare sign of a tiger.
Departure
A final morning in onward — a last outing or a slow start as time allows — before the transfer onward and the journey home.
The season changes what you see.
Winter
Migratory waterbirds in their greatest numbers — the signature season.
Shoulder
Edges of migration, still good with fewer crowds.
Hand-picked camps & lodges
Sand Pebbles Jungle Lodge
A standout jungle lodge at Bhitarkanika, set up for boat days in the crocodile creeks.
Mangalajodi Eco Cottages
A standout eco-lodge at Mangalajodi, on the marsh for dawn boat birding.
Sunderban Tiger Camp
A standout tented camp at Sundarban, set up for boat days in the mangrove.
Estuarine Village
A polished villa, set up for boat days in the crocodile creeks.
Godwit Eco Cottage
A polished eco-lodge, on the marsh for dawn boat birding.
Eco Village Resort
A polished eco-lodge, set up for boat days in the mangrove.
Make it yours.
Add nights, swap a park, extend to the coast — this route is a starting point, not a fixed menu. Tell us how you travel and we'll route the rest.