Burirdabri & the Watchtower: The Other Root of Sundarban Tour – Where India Meets Bangladesh in the Mangrove Wilderness

Introduction: The Untouched Frontier of Sundarban

While most Sundarban tour itineraries focus on the popular watchtowers of Sajnekhali, Sudhanyakhali, and Dobanki, there exists another route – a path less traveled that leads to the extreme southeastern frontier of the Indian Sundarban. This is the realm of Burirdabri, a remote camp and watchtower that offers perhaps the most unique and unspoiled experience in the entire Sundarban Tiger Reserve .

Burirdabri is not just another watchtower; it is the last point of Indian territory in this direction, located near the international border with Bangladesh . The journey here takes you deeper into the core forest area, past remote islands and beats, to a place where the wilderness feels truly untouched and the only sounds are those of the forest .

For those seeking to go beyond the standard tourist trail and experience the Sundarban in its most raw and authentic form, Burirdabri is the destination. It represents the "other root" of Sundarban tourism – a path for the adventurous, the patient, and the truly nature-loving traveler.

Location and How to Reach

Burirdabri is situated in the extreme southeastern part of the Sundarban Tiger Reserve, deep within the core forest area. It is accessible only by authorized forest boats, and the journey is long but incredibly rewarding .

The route typically starts from Godkhali, the main road head, followed by a boat journey through Gosaba, then past islands and beats like Morichjapi and Jhila, before finally reaching Burirdabri near the Raimangal River .

Key Information at a Glance (2026 Updates)

Important Notes:

• Burirdabri falls within the core Sundarban Tiger Reserve area and requires mandatory forest permits 

• Only authorized forest boats are permitted; private boats cannot enter without permissions 

• Due to its remote location, Burirdabri is not included in short 1-day or 2-day tours; it requires extended itineraries of 3 nights/4 days or more 

The Main Attractions

1. The Mud Walk

The experience at Burirdabri begins with a unique mud walk – a trail through the soft, muddy terrain that leads from the landing point towards the watchtower . This is not just a walk; it is an intimate encounter with the ground-level life of the mangrove forest.

As you carefully tread along the path, you can observe the fascinating ground fauna up close . The mud is alive with activity – colorful fiddler crabs scuttling sideways, snails slowly making their way, and various molluscs half-buried in the soft earth . This is a world often missed from boat safaris, revealed only to those who take the time to walk this unique trail.

2. The Mangrove Cage Trail

Following the mud walk, you enter the mangrove cage trail – an elevated, netted pathway that takes you through the dense mangrove vegetation . This cage protects visitors while allowing them to feel completely immersed in the forest.

Walking through this trail, you are surrounded by the tangled roots and branches of the mangroves at eye level. The experience is both thrilling and surreal – you are inside the forest, yet safe from its larger inhabitants. The cage trail eventually leads to the wooden watchtower.

3. Burirdabri Watchtower

The watchtower itself is a simple wooden structure with a capacity of just 10 people at a time . This small capacity ensures that the experience remains peaceful and uncrowded, allowing for quiet contemplation and wildlife watching.

From the top of the tower, you are rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view . The dense mangrove forest stretches out in all directions, and directly in front lies the wide expanse of the Raimangal River.

4. Raimongal View Point

This is the crowning jewel of Burirdabri. The Raimongal View Point offers a view that no other watchtower in the Indian Sundarban can provide – a glimpse into the neighboring country .

The Raimangal River forms the international boundary between India and Bangladesh at this point . From the watchtower, you can see the Bangladesh Sundarban on the opposite bank – the same mangrove forest, the same wilderness, but in another country. It is a powerful and moving sight, a reminder that this great forest belongs to no single nation but is a shared heritage of humanity.

The Journey: What Makes Burirdabri Special

The Longest Route

Burirdabri is the farthest watchtower in the Indian Sundarban accessible to tourists . The journey from Sajnekhali takes approximately 4-5 hours by boat one way . This long journey through the heart of the mangrove forest is itself a major part of the experience.

As you cruise deeper and deeper, the signs of human habitation fade away. The creeks become narrower, the forest grows denser, and the sense of being in a true wilderness intensifies. You pass through remote beats like Morichjapi and Jhila, known for their high wildlife activity .

Untouched Wilderness

Because of its distance and the longer time required to visit, Burirdabri receives far fewer visitors than the more accessible watchtowers. This means that the area remains largely untouched and pristine. The experience here is one of solitude and deep connection with nature.

A True Frontier Experience

Standing at Burirdabri, you are at the edge of Indian territory. The feeling of being at a frontier – a boundary between nations, but also between the human world and the wild – is palpable. It is a place that inspires awe and respect for the vastness of the Sundarban.

Wildlife at Burirdabri

The Burirdabri area is rich in biodiversity, and the combination of mud walk, cage trail, and watchtower offers multiple opportunities for wildlife sightings .

Best Time to Visit

Seasonal Guide

Why Winter is Best

Winter provides the most comfortable conditions for the long boat journey and the outdoor mud walk. The skies are clear, offering the best views from the watchtower, and wildlife activity is higher during the cooler hours of the day.

The Experience: What to Expect

The Journey (Day Trip from a Base Camp)

Burirdabri is typically visited as a full-day excursion from a base resort near Sajnekhali or Pakhiralay .

• Early Morning (6:00-7:00 AM): Departure by boat, carrying packed lunches

• Morning: Cruise through the creeks, passing through Jhila, Morichjapi, and other beats

• Late Morning (around 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Arrival at Burirdabri camp

• At the Camp: Disembark, begin the mud walk, explore the cage trail, climb the watchtower, spend time at the Raimongal View Point

• Lunch: Usually a packed lunch, either on the boat or at a designated spot

• Early Afternoon: Begin the return journey

• Late Afternoon (around 4:00-5:00 PM): Arrival back at the resort 

The Sights and Sounds

• Visuals: Dense mangroves, wide rivers, tiny crabs on the mud, the vastness of the forest from the tower, the distant shore of Bangladesh

• Sounds: The call of birds, the rustle of leaves, the gentle lapping of water, the scuttling of crabs, and profound silence

• Feelings: Awe at the remoteness, excitement at the frontier, peace in the solitude

Sample Itinerary Including Burirdabri

3 Nights / 4 Days Sundarban Tour Package (Covering Burirdabri) 

Day 1: Arrival and Sunset Cruise

• Morning: Depart Kolkata → Godkhali (3-4 hours drive)

• Afternoon: Board boat → Resort near Pakhiralay/Sajnekhali, check-in, lunch

• Evening: Village walk or sunset cruise, folk dance performance

• Overnight at resort

Day 2: Sajnekhali, Sudhanyakhali & Dobanki

• Morning: Visit Sajnekhali Watchtower and Mangrove Interpretation Centre

• Full day houseboat safari through creeks like Pir-Khali, Banabibi Varani

• Visit Sudhanyakhali and Dobanki watchtowers

• Evening: Return to resort, dinner, overnight stay

Day 3: Burirdabri – The Frontier Experience

• Early morning departure for Burirdabri (packed lunch)

• Journey through remote creeks, passes Jhila, Morichjapi

• Arrive at Burirdabri: Mud walk, mangrove cage trail, watchtower, Raimongal View Point (views of Bangladesh Sundarban)

• Lunch on boat

• Return to resort by late afternoon/evening

• Overnight stay

Day 4: Village Experience and Return

• Morning: Village walk, interaction with locals

• Visit Hamilton Bungalow (optional)

• Afternoon: Depart from resort → Godkhali → Kolkata

What to Carry for the Burirdabri Trip

Important Tips for Visiting Burirdabri

Before You Go

• Book the right package: Ensure your tour package explicitly includes Burirdabri; it is not part of shorter tours 

• Check the day: Burirdabri is closed on Fridays 

• Prepare for a long day: The round trip to Burirdabri takes a full day; be prepared for an early start and late return

During Your Visit

• Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes for the mud walk 

• Walk carefully on the muddy trail, especially during wet conditions

• Respect the fragile ecosystem – do not litter, do not disturb the crabs and snails

• Maintain silence to increase chances of wildlife sightings

• Follow your guide's instructions at all times

• Be patient – wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but the experience itself is rewarding

What to Leave Behind

• Plastic waste – Sundarban is a no-plastic zone 

• Loud music – it disturbs wildlife and ruins the experience for others

• Unrealistic expectations – tigers are wild and elusive; enjoy everything the forest offers

Burirdabri vs. Other Watchtowers

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is Burirdabri famous for?

A: Burirdabri is famous for its unique mud walk, mangrove cage trail, and the Raimongal View Point, which offers panoramic views of the Bangladesh Sundarban across the Raimangal River .

Q2: How do I reach Burirdabri?

A: Burirdabri is accessible only by authorized forest boats. The journey starts from Godkhali or Sajnekhali and takes approximately 4-5 hours by boat through remote creeks .

Q3: What is the entry fee for Burirdabri?

A: The entry fee is ₹60 for adults and ₹20 for children .

Q4: What are the visiting hours?

A: Burirdabri is open from 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Saturday. It remains closed on Friday .

Q5: Can Burirdabri be visited in a 2-day tour?

A: No. Due to its remote location and the long travel time required, Burirdabri is only included in extended itineraries of 3 nights/4 days or more .

Q6: What is the mud walk at Burirdabri?

A: The mud walk is a trail through the muddy terrain that allows visitors to observe ground-level fauna like fiddler crabs, snails, and molluscs up close .

Q7: Can I see Bangladesh from Burirdabri?

A: Yes. From the Raimongal View Point at the watchtower, you can see the Bangladesh Sundarban across the Raimangal River, which forms the international boundary .

Q8: Is forest permission required for Burirdabri?

A: Yes. Burirdabri falls within the core Sundarban Tiger Reserve area, and mandatory forest permits are required. These are typically arranged by the tour operator .

Q9: What wildlife can be seen at Burirdabri?

A: Visitors may spot tigers, spotted deer, wild boar, crocodiles, water monitor lizards, dolphins, and a wide variety of birds, in addition to the ground fauna on the mud walk .

Q10: Is the mud walk difficult?

A: The mud walk can be slightly challenging, especially during wet conditions. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, and visitors should have basic walking ability .

Q11: What is the capacity of the watchtower?

A: The watchtower has a capacity of only 10 people at a time, ensuring a peaceful and uncrowded experience .

Q12: Are there facilities at Burirdabri?

A: Yes, there are tourist toilets and sitting arrangements available at Burirdabri camp . However, no food is available, so visitors must carry their own.

Q13: Is Burirdabri safe for senior citizens and children?

A: Yes, but with some care. The mud walk and cage trail may be slightly challenging, so comfortable walking ability is recommended. Assistance and slow-paced exploration can be provided .

Q14: What makes Burirdabri different from other watchtowers?

A: Burirdabri offers a unique combination of a mud walk, a mangrove cage trail, and the only viewpoint in the Indian Sundarban from which you can see the Bangladesh Sundarban across the border .

Q15: When is the best time to visit Burirdabri?

A: The best time is from November to February when the weather is pleasant and wildlife activity is high.

The Other Root: Why Burirdabri Deserves a Place in Your Sundarban Journey

Most visitors to the Sundarban return with stories of Sajnekhali, Sudhanyakhali, and Dobanki. These are the classic destinations, and for good reason. But there is another story waiting to be told – the story of the other root, the path that leads to Burirdabri.

This is a journey for those who want to go deeper. It is for the traveler who understands that the true essence of a wild place is often found not in its most accessible corners, but in its most remote frontiers. The long boat ride to Burirdabri is not a hindrance; it is a pilgrimage. Each passing hour takes you further from the familiar and deeper into the ancient, untamed heart of the Sundarban.

The mud walk, where you bend down to watch the miniature world of crabs and snails, connects you to the forest in a way that no watchtower can. The cage trail, where you walk surrounded by the tangled roots of the mangroves, makes you a part of the ecosystem, not just an observer.

And then, the view from the watchtower – the wide Raimangal River, the endless green stretching to the horizon, and across the water, the Bangladesh Sundarban. In that moment, you understand something profound: that nature knows no borders. The tigers, the crocodiles, the birds – they move freely between India and Bangladesh, citizens of a kingdom far older and more enduring than any nation-state.

Burirdabri is not the easiest destination in the Sundarban. It requires time, patience, and a willingness to venture off the beaten path. But for those who make the journey, the reward is immense – an experience of the Sundarban at its most raw, most beautiful, and most real.

This is the other root. Walk it, and you will never forget it.