Kalash

Kalash Camp

Kalash|Kalash Camp Watchtower|Kalash Island|Kalash Camp Sundarban

Kalash Camp lies in the Chulkathi-1 Block of the South 24 divisional Forest of the Sundarbans. It is a much sought after camp visited mostly by those who approach or start their Sundarbans tour from the Namkhana side or the Ramganga side of the Sundarbans. 

Kalash Island beach on the other hand lies further south at the estuary of the River Matla. Initially or even a few years back tourists with armed guards are permitted to get down on the beach during low tide.  But as of now, getting down on the beach is strictly prohibited and those who visit Kalash Island can only enjoy the beauty of the beach from the boat. Hence, proper timings in consonance with an understanding of timings of the tides is an important factor to visit Kalash Beach. 

During winters, the beach is the breeding ground of the Olive Ridley Turtles that arrive in great numbers on this beach for nesting. 

Kalash Island is also the home to many varieties of coastal birds and is specially a good place to spot uncommon waders. The Great Stone-curlew or Great Thick-knee (Esacus recurvirostris) is sighted on the beach. Access by boat to this beautiful beach is usually from the Forest Department's Kalash Camp. A visit to Kalash Island combines the Sundarbans experience with bird-watching. 

There is no staying option at this camp, One can stay overnight in a boat or launch. However, an excursion can be done in a 3 Night or 4 Night Trip. You can call us on : +91 9903295920 ; +91 8585007393

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)  on Kalash camp and Kalash island:

Q.Where is Kalash Camp?

A. Kalash Camp, or the Kalash Camp Beat falls under the South 24 Parganas Forest Division of Sundarbans. It can be reached ONLY by hired boat or launch

Q. How can Kalash Camp be reached?

A. Kalash Camp can be approached from Namkhana, Ramganga the as well as Jharkhali side. All the three starting points can be reached from Kolkata by surface transport in 3:00 to 4:00 hrs. Thereafter one can reach the Kalash Camp as well as the kalash Island ONLY by boat or launch after obtaining Entry Permission. Entry permissions are issued from Jharkhali Range Office or Kaikhali Forest Office. Entry permits are often prearranged by Tour Operators if tourists visit Kalash Camp as part of our Composite Tour Packages

Q.Is Kalash Camp same as Kalash Island?

A. Kalash Camp and Kalash Island are two different places. The Kalash island can be visited after visiting the Kalash Camp. The Kalash Camp camp houses a watchtower, a sweet water pond and a few accommodation options (Booking closed at present).Both the destinations can be reached ONLY by hired boat or launch

Q. Where are the Boat starting points for visiting Kalash Camp?

A. To reach Kalash camp there are a number of Entry Point Jetties.These are at Namkhana, Ramganga, Canning, Sonakhali, Godhkhali as well as Jharkhali. One can also start the journey from Kaikhali. Boat services can be availed from these jetties ONLY upon prior and advance booking.

Q. Where can you hire a boat in advance 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 to book or hire boats in advance to visit the Kalash Camp Watch Tower. 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. How far is Kalash Camp from Godhkhali?

A. To visit Kalash Camp, Entry Permission and Recognised Guides have to be obtained either Jharkhali Range Office or Kaikhali Forest Office.So one has to visit Jharkhali Range Office or Kaikhali Forest Office before visiting Kalash Camp.Jharkhali can be reached from Kolkata directly by vehicle in 3:00 - 3:30 hrs, depending upon road conditions. From Godhkhali, one can reach Jharkhali by boat in 1:30 to 2:00 hrs. Thereafter, one can reach Kalash Camp from Jharkhali in about 3:30 - 4:00 hrs.

Q. What are the places to visit near Kalash Camp or with Kalash Camp?

A. A tour of Kalash Camp is often combined with Kalash Island and Bonnie camp. A few adventurous also visit Bhagabatpur Crocodile projest as well as the Haliday & Lothian Wild life Sanctuary if one starts from the Namkhana side. 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 the Kalash Camp from Sajnekhali zone?

A. Kalash Camp can be reached from Sajnekhali in 8:30 - 8:30 hrs depending upon the tides. However, a visit just to visit the Kalash Camp would be incomplete unless one visits the narrow creeks and canals in the vicinity of the Kalash Camp as well as the Kalash camp and Kalash. So, a bare minimum of 2 to 3 day is a bare minimum to visit the Kalash Camp Circuit area and its vicinity.

Q. How many days are required to visit South 24 Parganas Division Forest (Sundarbans) circuit?

A. The major attractions of the South 24 Parganas Division Forest (Sundarbans) circuit comprises of the Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project, Kalash Camp, Bonnie camp 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.

Q. Which is the best time to visit Kalash Camp Watch tower?

A. Kalash Camp Watch Tower can be reached after crossing wide rivers. These rivers have a lot of 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, Kalash Camp 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.