Sundarbans, known for its enchanting beauty and rich biodiversity, has witnessed an unprecedented surge in tourist footfall this season, resulting in a looming accommodation crisis. Thousands flock to this heritage forest annually to witness the royal Bengal tigers and immerse themselves in the natural splendor. This year has been no exception, with a significant influx of visitors, especially during the holiday season.
The situation has reached a point where most hotels are fully booked, leaving many tourists stranded without rooms, compelling a considerable number to return without experiencing the beauty of Sundarbans due to the lack of prior bookings.
The Royal Bengal Tiger, spotted deer, and the winter sight of swimming Komodo dragons typically boost enthusiasm among visitors during this time. However, the focus on the Hilsa Festival has intensified the rush even during the rainy season, crowding the Sundarbans. Since November, the tourist rush has been relentless, making accommodation and transport, including launches and boats, exceedingly scarce.
Over the last three days starting from December 23, an estimated 69,000 to 70,000 tourists have gathered in Sundarbans. The Forest Department has been taking special measures daily to accommodate tourists, yet the situation persists.
Locations like Sajnekhali, Sudhanyakhali, Dobanki, Burir Dabri, Jhingakhali Kalsi, and Boni Camp remain the primary attractions for tourists. Places like Jharkhali where the tiger rehabilitation center and the zoo situated, also witness a significant influx of day-trippers seeking to spend their holidays amidst the wilderness.
A tourist, Priyanka Singh, expressed her dismay: “After a year of work pressure, it’s disappointing not to find any accommodations available. We stumbled upon Jharkhali for a day, as neither hotels nor boats were accessible. This experience was unexpected for us regarding Sundarbans. Earlier, we used to book and spend three days here.”
The substantial crowds have also affected hotels and homestays across Pakhiralay, Dayapur, Bali Island, causing a surge in demand and price hikes. Aminur Midda from Sundarbans Tourist Boat Union said, “Despite sufficient boats and launches, the lack of hotel rooms is compelling many to return. The issue has escalated due to the influx of tourists without prior bookings.”
The excessive influx of tourists has created an unexpected crisis in Sundarbans, highlighting the need for administrative and business interventions to accommodate and manage tourists better. Ensuring stability and safety for tourists in this scenario has become a primary concern for authorities.
