Safari in Eastern Plateau & Coastal Wetlands
Discover the rich biodiversity of India's eastern states, from the iconic Sundarbans mangroves to the elephant-filled plateaus and vibrant coastal wetlands.
Eastern Plateau & Coastal Wetlands Parks Map
Explore safari parks across Eastern Plateau & Coastal Wetlands
Eastern Plateau & Coastal Wetlands Safari Parks
Explore safari parks in Eastern Plateau & Coastal Wetlands
Altadighi National Park
Altadighi National Park is a protected area in India.
Betla National Park
Betla National Park is a protected area in India.
Bhitarkanika National Park
A Ramsar site and a significant mangrove ecosystem in Odisha, Bhitarkanika is famous for its saltwater crocodiles, including giant specimens, and its nesting olive ridley sea turtles. It's also a haven for migratory birds and a unique destination for estuarine wildlife viewing.
Buxa National Park
Buxa National Park is a protected area in India.
Similipal-Hadagarh WLS/Tiger Reserve
One of the largest tiger reserves in India, Similipal is known for its vast sal forests, grasslands, and stunning waterfalls. It's home to tigers, elephants, gaur, and a rich biodiversity, offering a more remote and immersive wilderness experience.
Simlipal National Park
Simlipal National Park is a protected area in India.
Singalila National Park
Singalila National Park is a protected area in India.
Sunderbans National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sunderbans is the largest mangrove forest in the world and the only mangrove habitat for Bengal tigers. Visitors explore this unique ecosystem by boat, spotting tigers, saltwater crocodiles, and a rich diversity of avian life in a truly wild and remote setting.
Valmiki National park
Valmiki National park is a protected area in India.
Compare Parks in Eastern Plateau & Coastal Wetlands
Side-by-side comparison of safari parks in Eastern Plateau & Coastal Wetlands
| Park | Area | Wildlife | Lodges | Crowds | Malaria | Airport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunderbans National Park | - | 291 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | VEBA (106km) |
| Bhitarkanika National Park | - | 237 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | VE62 (104km) |
| Similipal-Hadagarh WLS/Tiger Reserve | - | 228 | - | Quiet | Moderate | VEKJ (80km) |
| Altadighi National Park | - | 98 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | RGH (11km) |
| Betla National Park | - | 144 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | VE54 (34km) |
| Buxa National Park | - | 354 | - | Quiet | Moderate | VEHX (25km) |
| Simlipal National Park | - | 240 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | VECK (81km) |
| Singalila National Park | - | 417 | - | Moderate | Moderate | TPJ (42km) |
| Valmiki National park | - | 527 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | MEY (22km) |
162 species recorded in Eastern Plateau & Coastal Wetlands22 threatened
We love the sheer contrast of this region. One moment you're navigating the labyrinthine waterways of the Sundarbans, the air thick with the scent of salt and mud, the next you're on a high plateau, the wind carrying the calls of unseen wildlife. The sunsets over the delta are sensational, painting the sky in fiery hues that reflect on the water. It's a place that demands you slow down and absorb its wild, untamed beauty.
Terrain & Altitude
A dramatic landscape of rolling plateaus and vast, low-lying coastal plains dissected by intricate river systems.
Sea level - 1,000m above sea level
Vegetation
Dominated by dense mangrove forests along the coast and deciduous forests and grasslands on the higher plateaus.
Water Sources
The region is defined by the mighty Ganges delta, numerous rivers, tidal creeks, and seasonal monsoon-fed wetlands.
Unique Features
The unparalleled expanse of the Sundarbans mangrove forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest single block of tidal mangrove forest in the world.
Navigating India's Eastern Plateau and Coastal Wetlands often involves a delightful blend of road and boat travel, a unique aspect we truly appreciate. We always recommend factoring in ample time for transfers, especially when connecting between different protected areas, as distances can be deceiving and local logistics require patience. Don't underestimate the charm of the journey itself-it's part of the adventure.
Nearest Airports
Kolkata (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport - CCU)
Approx. 100km / 3-4 hour drive to Sundarbans embarkation points (Gadkhali/Sonakhali), followed by boat transfer.
Excellent domestic connections from major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bangalore. Limited international flights from Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
Bhubaneswar (Biju Patnaik International Airport - BBI)
Varies; for coastal wetlands like Chilika Lake, it's approx. 120km / 2.5-3 hour drive. For Bhitarkanika National Park, expect a 160km / 4-5 hour drive to the nearest boat jetty.
Strong domestic connectivity to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Bangalore, making it a convenient hub for Odisha's sites.
Driving Routes
From Kolkata
The drive to Gadkhali or Sonakhali, the main embarkation points for Sundarbans, is mostly on decent roads. From there, the journey continues by motorized boat, which is the only way to truly explore the mangroves. We recommend arranging transfers through your lodge for seamless travel.
From Bhubaneswar
The route involves driving to Gupti or Khola, the entry points for Bhitarkanika, followed by a boat ride into the park. Roads are generally well-maintained, but local traffic can extend travel times. A 4WD isn't strictly necessary but can be more comfortable.
Temperature
18.3°C
65°F
Rainfall
21.6 mm
Light rain
Humidity
74.4%
Sunshine
9.6 hrs/day
Data source: Open-Meteo Archive API
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