Sundarbans adds dawn boat safaris with trained eco-guides

Four dawn boat routes into the Sundarbans will begin operating from Godkhali this week, adding an early-morning window that forest officials say reduces crowding at the main jetties.

Each boat carries a maximum of eight passengers and one guide certified by the forest department's eco-tourism wing. Departures are scheduled between 5:10am and 5:40am, with return before 10am. Officials said the early slot also improves the chance of sightings along the tidal creeks without disturbing the afternoon movement of wildlife.

Bookings are being accepted only through registered operators, and the department has asked visitors to carry identity documents matching their permits. Safari permits remain subject to daily caps set by the range office.