Jharkhali|Jharkhali Watchtower|Jharkhali Tiger Rehabilitation Centre
Jharkhali is being promoted as New Gateway to the Sunderbans, the world's largest mangrove forest. It is emerging as a favourite hot spot among tourists intending to visit the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve because of its vantage location to explore the World’s largest Mangrove Forest.
Because of it proximity to the various watchtowers situated in and around the core area of the Sunderban National Park, this place is the ideal gateway to cover the watchtowers of Dobanki, Netidhopani under the Sundarban Tiger Reserve Area as well as the Watchtowers and camps of Bonnie Camp, Kalash Dweep , Haliday Island and Kalash Beach under the Sundarban 24 Parganas Forest Division.
It is situated on the West, North West of the Sunderbans Tiger Reserve. Jharkhali is emerging as a favourite among tourists intending to visit the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve owing to its location to explore the World’s largest Mangrove Forest.
It is being promoted as the next most popular "Gateway to the Sundarbans" after Canning and Godhkhali.
The establishment of the Tiger Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre at Jharkhali is also one of the reasons for its fast popularity. Besides the Rehabilitation Centre there is also a Watch Tower, a Children's' park as well as a Butterfly Garden.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Jharkhali:
Q. Where is Jharkhali?
A. Jharkhali, falls under the South 24 Parganas Forest Division of the Sundarbans. It is about 100 kms from Kolkata. However, from Jharkhali, the major attractions of Sundarbans can be visited ONLY by hired boat or launch.
Q. How to reach Jharkhali from Kolkata?
A. Jharkhali, which falls under the South 24 Parganas Forest Division of Sundarbans is about 100 kms from Kolkata. It can be reached directly from Kolkata by private and reserved vehicle in about 3:00 to 3:30 hrs. Again, a cheaper option is to travel the distance partly upto Canning by local train from Sealdah and thereafter reach Jharkhali by public transport like bus, auto or Tata Magic. This entire exercise may take upto 4:30 - 5:00 hrs as a result of the various changes one has to make. However, from Jharkhali, Sundarbans can be visited ONLY by hired boat or launch
Q. Which is the best time to visit Jharkhali?
A. Jharkhali, is the entry point to a number of tourists attractions of the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve as well as the Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve. It is the entry point to Bonnie Camp, Kalash Camp or Kalash island Tour as well as Dobanki and Netidhopani, crossing wide rivers. These rivers have a lot of rolling and waves even during normal times. The situation becomes dangerous during the months of April till September, when the trip can be undertaken only in sturdy boats and Launches. Hence, Jharkhali as part of the Kalash Camp tour is best visited during the months of October till March. However, as stated earlier, only big and safe boats and launches are suitable for the other months.
Q. What is the cheapest way to go from Kolkata to Jharkhali?
A. The cheapest way to go from Kolkata to Jharkhali is to travel partly by local train and partly by bus or local autos. Train services are available from Sealdah to Canning and the Train fare is INR 20 per person. Therafter one can hire a shared auto which can cost upto INR 40 per person to reach Jharkhali Jetty. Thereafter, to conduct the Sundarbans tour, one can hire Boat services ONLY upon prior and advance booking.
Q. What is the quickest way to go from Kolkata to Jharkhali?
A. The quickest way to get from Kolkata to Jharkhali is by private vehicles which can reach Jharkhali in about 3:00 - 3:30 hrs. The cost can vary between INR 2500 to INR 4500 one way depending upon the type of vehicle used.
Q. Can you hire a boat from Jharkhali to visit Kalash Camp?
A. There are no Regular and organised Boat Rentals service from any of the Entry Point jetties. You can call Boat Owners directly o book or hire boats in advance from Jharkhali. You can also join Fixed day Tour packages operated by tour operators in case you do not want to personally charter or hire a boat.
Q. What are the stay options at Jharkhali?
A. The Jhar Bungalow of the Forest Department is one of the stay options at jharkhali. there are a number of hotels and homestays available at Jharkhali. Also many adventurous visitors also like to spend the night on the boat.You can call Boat Owners directly to book or hire boats in advance for overnight stay from Jharkhali.
Q. What are the places to visit near Jharkhali or around Jharkhali?
A. A tour of Jharkhali is often combined with Kalash Island and Bonnie camp. A few adventurous also visit Bhagabatpur Crocodile project as well as the Lothian Wild life Sanctuary. This trip and circuit takes a minimum of two to three days depending upon where you start the tour from.
Q. How many days are required to visit South 24 Parganas Division Forest (Sundarbans) circuit from Jharkhali?
A. The major attractions of the South 24 Parganas Division Forest (Sundarbans) circuit comprises of the Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project, Kalash Camp, Bonnie camp, Jharkhali and the Kalash island area. To cover this area a minimum of two to three day is required. However, a longer duration tour of 3N 4D is desired.