There are only 13 inhabitable islands in the Sundarbans,which is a union of 38 smaller sanctuaries. It has high salinity, low oxygen and no fresh water, with terrain ranging from sandy beaches and mangrove forests to freshwater marshes, tea estates and mixed deciduous forests.

This region has several diverse ecosystems and habitats which combine to create a unique ecosystem. Kalas Island is one such unique ecosystem. This small landmass is part ofKalassa, a larger island which includes Kantamalghat, a settlement which is home to around sixty residents. Most of them are fisherfolk who keep saltwater tailed macaques as pets or as guard dogs against thieves.

They have access to fishing boats, sailing canoes or motorboat ferries and make regular trips throughout their day especially at peak times when there is enough demand or traffic.

This island is also home to some incredible species of flora including several species that are found here exclusively.Also, wildlife including spotted deer, Nilgai antelope, Bengal foxes, civets, Indian grey mongooses and Asiatic black bears are sighted here frequently.

How to reach Kalas Island

Kalas Island is connected to the mainland by a 6 km long bridge that is open to foot traffic only. From here you can either hire a boat and ferry to Kalas or travel by speed boat from Major Dhaka Dighi jetty in South 24 Parganas. This boat journey takes around 20 minutes.

If you are travelling by boat from the mainland, you will have to walk across Kalas Island Bridge. A boat ride back to Shantiniketan is around 45 minutes long. Bear in mind that this boat does not return at midnight.

Things to do on a day trip to Kalas Island

On your tour of Bonnie Camp Kalas Island Sundarban, you must visit:

Crocodile Farm: Thiscrocodile farm is a famous and highly visited attraction of Kalas Island. It is a popular tourist attraction situated on this island’s eastern side. There are around 12 safe and well-maintained crocodile pens here. They are placed in a mangrove forest so you get to see crocodiles up close and personal in a different manner.

Botanical Park: If you visit thiscrocodile farm, you will notice that adjacent to it is abotanical park named Dr. Bhaskar Ghose Park. This park is a beautiful mangrove forest with several rare species of flora and fauna like red mangrove and Indian pippali tree.

Tea Estates:Kalas Island region is also famous for its high-quality black tea. It is grown in areas around Sundarbans in tea estates of Kantamalghat, Kalas and Sadra. You can visit these tea estates on a day trip. Kalas Island Tea Estates are located on its western side and you can reach them by a motorboat.

Conclusion

Plan your trip to Sunderbans in advance, after considering weatherand tourists’ traffic forecasts. You can have a dip in the sea, visit Kalas Island Botanical Park or spend time on the beach.