Myself and my family availed the experience of enjoying the Sunderban one day tour through Sonakshi Travel. It was a marvelous experience. The tour Manager and all the staffs... read more on board were very cordial and co-operative. The food served was abundant and of good quality and taste. We didn't felt when the whole day passed away. Complete value for money. I would recommend everyone should have a try with Sonakshi Travels.
S DGMarch 17, 2022
The trip didn't start well may due to too much rush in December. But once we moved to resort the trip became mind blowing. The hospitality is good from local... read more people. The jungle visit was great and we could see so many animals
Kunal BasuMarch 17, 2022
Well done nice arrangement staff very courteous Helpful Hygienic resort keep it up All the best
Dr. Sikka & associatesJanuary 17, 2023
I had travelled along with my 2 kids and my parents to Sundarban on 13th of nov. The tour was organised by Sundarban Travel. We had opted for 1N 2D... read more package. Here are few points I would like to mention regarding the tour. PROS: 1) The tour organiser, Mr Talukdar gave us a very clear account of the package and there were no hidden cost. 2) We were appointed a manager ( Mr Subrata) during the tour, who was very polite in his dealings. Since I was travelling with my 4 yr old daughter, I had requested him to make few extra arrangements ( in meal) for her β¦.for which I never had to remind him again and all my requirements were taken care off. 3 ) since we were only 3 families travelling on one boat, we had enough space to ourselves as compared to other boats I saw during the trip were overly crowded. 4) Food was good and the preparation was quite homely. 5)As we had to spend considerable amount of time on the boatβ¦. I was little apprehensive about the cleanliness of the washroom on the boat. But to my surprise, the washroom was sparkling clean. CONS: 1) Though the hotel we were made to stay was very well locatedβ¦ but the rooms were very basic. Rooms are newly made but not very well maintained. The floor of the rooms felt like they were not dusted and mopped in days.There were cobwebs here and there and bathroom had few centipedes. To my opinion..rooms could have been better than what was provided. Overall, it was a well organised trip and Mr Talukdar kept checking on us during the trip which I truly appreciate. We thoroughly enjoyed. And I would certainly recommend Sundarban Travel to my friends and family.
Vaishali SenguptaMarch 17, 2022
I travelled on 20th November from Ghatal along with 4 friends.Found the details of it from internet. It was an amazing experience. Properly sanitize boat and clean rooms. Behaviour of... read more the stuff were very polite (Special mention- dipankar da).They did everything with professional manner with touch of heart. Strongly recommend them.
ataur rahamanMarch 17, 2022
If you want well organized, decent, value for money trip, you can opt for this group. Staffs are well behaved and boats, rooms are clean. We went with full... read more family including senior citizens and kids and had a nice experience. Thank you Mr. Talukdar and team.
Koushik PandaApril 17, 2022
I travelled with my cousin-brotherβs family on 31st Dec to 2nd Jan 22. I got very good support from Sonakshi travel, we were 7 adult and 2 kid. The complete... read more team, tour manager Subrata, boat captain Bapi da and our guide Tanmoy da was very cooperative and helpful. Our stay was in Sobuj Deep Resort, the location is next to the river and rooms are quite good in size, there 4 bedrooms can accommodate 2 families with one kid comfortably. The facilities and services of boat and resort was excellent. My objective was to spend some time with family in the nature, and a wild wish if we could spot the graceful royal Bengal tiger in the wild was 100% fulfilled. When I was researching for this tour, I found Sundarbans travel (Sonakshi travel) rated 4.5 among all, and I am not disappointed as well. Next time when I will visit Sundarbans again my choice will be Sundarbans travel. All over experience βThe tour is mind blowingβ.
Kaustav ChatterjeeMarch 17, 2022
Could have earned a 5 star rating but small issues prevent Sonakshi from earning a perfect score. I shall give you 8.5 out of 10. My scoring: 1. Arrangements &... read more tour confirmation 7/10. I paid advance for booking after checking the availability. But after making the payment, I was informed the required dates are not available and I had to change my dates. Communication of programs are also not up to the mark. 2. Transfer from Kolkata to Gadkhali & Return 8/10. Onward journey driver was new and not carrying proper documents for Vehicle. Stuck at Ghatakpukur for more than 30 minutes in a police checking. Return journey was better but the vehicle given was too old. 3. Boat Arrangements from Gadkhali 10/10. Good & comfortable. Well decorated boat with well behaved staffs. 4. Accommodation 10/10. Very good place selection and enjoyed the staying. This point you will get a bonus point. 5. Food 8/10. First day lunch was awesome but next meals were just below par. Lacking variety. I came to know few other agencies are offering more variants in their service. Finally thanks to all your staffs in the boat and in the hotel. Specially mentioning Tapas, Bapi, your cook and Subrata for their service.
Sibagi GhoshMarch 17, 2022
Traveled on 29th December 2022 with family. Wonderful experience. Recommend the overnight stay at 3 Star instead of cheaper accommodation. Food is home-cooked and awesome... INNOVA horn needs to be... read more dismantled as the driver uses it impulsively :) Definitely recommended...
Indraneil GhoshJanuary 17, 2023
Overall it's a very good experience.. Tasty food..with good behaviour and very good arrangements.. Nice boat with clean and clear service's..and lastly the most important things is the cottage was... read more very beautiful β€οΈππ»
Sandeep MukherjeeMarch 17, 2022
Had an amazingly refreshing experience with my family. Every single thing from food preferences to car - boat transitions was very well taken care of. Enjoyed the hospitality of the... read more staff ( Bapida, Bhaskarda and Uttamda). Special thanks to Talukdar Babu for taking care of everything. Highly recommended.
rupendu banerjeeMarch 17, 2022
Sonakshi Travels made the Sundarban trip comfortable and easier than expected. Very helpful and courteous staff members with on time service and super delicious food. The staff members took personal... read more care of every group member as per the need, especially the elderly ones. I travelled with the parents and the staff members made the trip super comfortable for them as well. Thanks to each one of them!! ππ Would highly recommend Sonakshi Travels for the Sundarban trip.
Shuchita MitraMarch 17, 2022
I would like to convey my sincere gratitude & thanks to Suvabrata of SonakshiTravel for providing me & my family members including my sonβs family from US an exclusive riverine... read more trip of Sundarban ( 3D&2N).The trip was tailor made for our need.The staff members were very courteous & looked after all the nitty gritty to make the trip a memorable one.The food used to be prepared as per our requests & was relished by all members.The night stay arranged in the 5 star resort was superb and in an hospitable atmosphere.The resort has the added feature of being located in a natural surroundings of flora and fauna. It provided attractive play areas for kids. On top of everything, it was pocket friendly & no hidden cost was involved. Would strongly recommend SonakshiTravel for this riverine trip.
Arun BiswasJanuary 17, 2023
Whole trip was so good, good food, awesome experience. Very very good for family weekend trip or if you are group of friends or alone. Sonakshi travel is just awesome... read more in a single word. Those who want fresh oxygen I suggest they should go Sundarbon and stay in Sabujdeep. Also get good village experience.
Sounava SamantaMarch 17, 2022
Memorable Experience. Spend a quality time with family. Thank you so much to Sonakshi Travels for arranging such a lovely trip. ππ€
Gourav GhoshJanuary 17, 2023
Excellent residence, good food,nice tour management.worth to see Sunderban with Sonakshi.
pramod tembhurnikarFebruary 17, 2023
We had a wonderful tour of Sunderbans thanks to Sonakshi tours & Mr Talukder. I travelled to Sunderbans with my daughter on 2 & 3 rd Nov & since no... read more group tours were available Mr Talukder arranged a customized tour for us & we were a little apprehensive as the two of us would be traveling alone . But he assured us about our safety & other facilities & truly everything was beyond our expectations. Right from our pickup, boat tours, hotel accommodation & food everything was well arranged. We have come back with sweet memories. Thank you Mr Talukder & every one at Sonakshi tours.
Leena MhatreMarch 17, 2022
The trip was a magnificent one. The scenic views of the environment accompanied by the warm behaviour of the staffs made the tour more beautiful. The food, the folk performances... read more and the boat ride were upto another level. Thank you so much for this wonderful treat. Looking forward to visit again. π
CHANDNI NASKARDecember 17, 2022
Awesome n unique place looking very difficult to visit but Sonakshi Travels made our tour very easy n comfortable. Also resort was also the best ππ. All supporting staff on... read more boat as well as car was also good. We thank you very much and want to refer in future to our friends n relatives.
K. MadhuNovember 17, 2022
Amazing experience no doubt! Well behaviour, punctual and good gesture My whole family enjoys the trip! Thanks to the team
Tripti DasJanuary 17, 2023
We are fully satisfied .Your arrangement is so good that there is no point of dissatisfaction on the trip. The boys managed properly and well behaved.
Partha Sarathi MajumderFebruary 17, 2023
Excellent service , superb hospitality at low budget. Surely value for money.
Dipanjan BiswasMarch 17, 2022
Trip to Sundarbans was awesome and memorable one. Sonakshi Travel agent's services were good and food was very delicious. They have met our expectations and people on houseboat has also... read more served us very well. Thank you for all your services.
Shaily GuptaMarch 17, 2022
We have booked sunderbon travel with sonakshi travel sonarpore we have enjoyed a lot it is because sonaksi every thing exceptionally good right from the day of arrival to the... read more date of departure our resort also exceptionally good I sincerely thanks to all cruise staff and manager to Mr. Talukdar.
Ashis RoySeptember 17, 2022
Really it has been a great tour. Thanks to Sonakshi Travels for such a beautiful arrangement right from pick-up to Drop and breakfast to dinner food. It was... read more a 21 heads office tour for two days and one night . Basically, it was a farewell to our General Manager. Ministry of Defence. Government of India. Following may noted for further: Promised were executed π―% Timely availability of traveler on pick-up point. Food quality and quantity was very good. Comfortable night stay. Room condition was good. Arrangment of Folk dance π was supab. Recommended for the tour.
Umesh PaswanJanuary 17, 2023
It was amazing to be in Sundarban with my colleagues under Sonakshi Travels very recently...on the behalf of my team i would like to thank the travels...everything like food,service, rooms,hospitality... read more was excellent..inspite some language problem staff were very very humble n cooperative n always willing to serve to our satisfaction...i surely will recommend my friends/ relatives to visit the place once in lifetime through Sonakshi Travels...πππ
Munna DewanJanuary 17, 2023
Total trip was very well arranged, exactly as per the mentioned itinerary. My daughter thoroughly enjoyed the trip. The cottage was neat and clean and evening dance performance by the... read more local people was truly a fun filled surprise.
Pronami SarkarMarch 17, 2022
Today I returned from the trip and I am excited to pen down some memorable moments and places where improvement is required. 1) Pick Up bus - We took the... read more bus that was allotted to us for taking us to the boat and we boarded it from Science City. It was a traveller and its was quite spacious and we travelled witout any problem. One thing that need to be looked upon is that there should be a helper with the driver in orderto contact the tourist for boarding the bus. The driver was speaking in his mobile while which can lead to a few problems. 2) Launch/Boat - It was quite big, spacious, the bathrooms were clean and the crews on board are very welll behaved. My 3 year old son really enjoyed the boat ride throughout the journey. 3) Resort - Some maintenance work is required in the rooms of the resort where we stayed at night. Things like ceiling fan regulator was not working, the flush in the wash room was not working and the room are not properly cleaned. It seemed to me that the room where I stayed was cleaned a long time back. 4) Food - The foods that were served to us was very well cooked. They were not at all spicy, not at all stale. Every time we were served hot and fresh foods. They also arranged food for my 3 year old son as per his requirement. 5) Employees/Crews - They are very well behaved, helpfull and always serving us by giving their level best.
20th Millenium KidMarch 17, 2022
superb experience every step of the way. it was our first sunderban trip and we didn't know what to anticipate but we were taken care of right from pickup to... read more end point by professional guides who displayed very courteous behavior. definitely talukdar ji will be my preferred choice for all trips in future as well.
Auditro Hi-Fi SystemsDecember 17, 2022
Awesome Suvabrata - Sonakshi ( Travels) This was our first ever domestic trip with a tour operator. We enjoyed a memorable holiday at the Sunderbans with family & friends from... read more 10th to 12th of December, 2021 ( 2 nights 3 days package). I take pleasure in sharing my/ our experience with Mr Suvabrata ( Sonakshi Travels to us means Mr Suvabrata). # Mr Suvabrata, a perfect gentleman, with polite behaviour, understanding/ empathetic & extremely helpful nature. # Well organized & hastle free tour. # Polite & helpful staffs. # Punctuality is a batch.... whether it's transport, food, sight seeing, arrival or departure, everywhere time schedule was perfectly maintained. # Well designed itinerary & all places covered providing flexibility to the visitors. # Neat & clean car & boat. We were lucky to have a boat for ourselves. Hearty thanks to Mr Suvabrata for the unexpected surprise. # Place of stay was clean, beautiful & comfortable with all basic necessities including hot water. # Delicious food was served both veg & non-veg. # Pocket friendly package. No hidden charges or extra money demanded. Words will fall short to express my appreciation for MR SUVABRATA (SONAKSHI TRAVELS) & his TEAM. No one ( staffs) wore a frown throughout the trip & left not a single area for complaint. Once again I, on behalf of my family & friends, convey my wholehearted thanks to Mr Suvabrata & team. Looking forward to join you for some other trip.
Manisha Roy Chowdhury GhantiMarch 17, 2022
We two families went for sundorbon tour from 10 to 12 Dec 2022. The tour was arranged very nicely right pick and drop at sealdah. Hospitality ,management and behavior... read more of staff was very good
DEV KUMAR PYNEDecember 17, 2022
It was an excellent experience with Sonakshi Travels. From every respect they managed our trip in a very well manner and during our trip, each and everyone from Sonakshi they... read more did a fantastic job. Wish them all the very best.
Avik RoyJanuary 17, 2023
Awesome tour on 23Dec21 to 25Dec21 of SUNDORBAN Excellent of Mr Talukder for tour management, no comments for making foods, cottage are upto date for living boat is outstanding ,... read more boat is undercover with green carpet,so it'is looking beautiful,all management are peaceful Jumur dance is wonderful our all member danced with Jumur dancers we are all coming a sweet memories. Thanks to continue Mr Talukder.
Avijit SarkarMarch 17, 2022
Loved every bit of the trip. The tour through the forest was thrilling. The staff were very hospitable and the food was delicious. The services on the boat and the... read more cottage were excellent. Subrat dada was extremely well informed about the forests. His knowledge helped us a lot. Extremely gratefulπ
Shradha Suman SatpathyMarch 17, 2022
Hassle free booking. Very reasonable price.excellent services by staff. Resort selected was amazing.
Sandhya BhideDecember 17, 2022
Nice Sunderban cruise with excellent quality food, excellent stay at Sunderban residency. Tour is booked with Sonakshi travels. Many many thanks to Shubhoda, Sonakshi team
Raghavendra MunghateDecember 17, 2022
Beautiful and Serene. Superb hassle free experience. We had to do nothing and all the arrangements were made by the operator and were on time. Very polite and friendly... read more staff. Just one regret with the govt to allow more routes inside core jungle to increase footfall at Sunderbans. All you can see is Deer. However i would surely visit again.
navin jayaramanMarch 17, 2022
Nicely coordinated arrangement from pickup to drop. Courteous staff, well organised, nice food with homely test. We enjoyed the trip a lot. Many thanks to Mr. Subhabrata & all his... read more team members for making our trip memorable one.
Alaya NayakMarch 17, 2022
I have just completed a trip of 3 days 2 nights of Sunderban today with Sonakshi travels. I am extremely happy to share my reviews that Sonakshi travels... read more are very well organised to set up this Sunderban tour in terms of fooding lodging and irrespective every things which relates to this particular tour. Me and my family has a mind blowing experience. Thanks Subhabrata Talukdar to you and to your team for giving us a memorable experience.
Sagar BanerjeeJanuary 17, 2023
We planned to visit Sunderban for 2 night / 3 days package from Durgapur. Found the name of Sonakshi Travel (Sonarpur ,south 24 pargana) from internet.Finalised programme through phone call... read more with Mr.Suvabrata Talukder.We were 13 heads (including 3 senior citizen and 2 child of 5 years old).It was a programme from Howrah to Howrah (railway station). Yesterday (13th November 2021) we returned from our trip. Overall experience was awesome.Communication with Mr. Talukder over phone before journey came in reality through the entire tour in every respect. Manager Subrata and other staff of boat along with the staff of the resort was very helpful and polite . Behaviour of the staff was very good. Food quality was really good .Not to much spicy but tasty , quantity was sufficient.The resort we stayed (Sabujdieep) was good /clean/safe and a small walking from jetty where we dropped from boat.One evening we enjoyed tribal music and dance in the resort. We along with my co- travellers enjoyed the tour with amazing experience ,kept beautiful moments and memories for life time with us. Everything was perfect. Arrangements in every angle was Wonderful. I strongly suggest and recommend everyone to enjoy your tour with this Sonakshi Travel (Sonarpur).
Anjan RayMarch 17, 2022
Red Collared Dove (Streptopelia tranquebarica ) β A Comprehensive Study
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Columbiformes
Family: Columbidae
Genus: Streptopelia
Species: Streptopelia tranquebarica
The Red Collared Dove (Streptopelia tranquebarica ), also known as the Red Turtle Dove , is a small pigeon species native to South and Southeast Asia . It is recognized for its distinctive rufous-colored plumage , sexual dimorphism, and preference for open woodlands and agricultural landscapes.
Morphology & Physical Description
Size & Structure:
Length: 20β23 cm
Wingspan: 35β40 cm
Weight: 100β140 grams
Plumage & Coloration:
Male:
Distinct reddish-brown (rufous) plumage on the body
Black collar on the hindneck (hence the name “collared dove”)
Grayish-blue head with a slightly paler face
Pinkish underparts
Female:
More dull brownish-gray , lacking the male’s vibrant reddish hue
Collar is either faint or absent
Juveniles: Similar to females but more muted in color
Beak & Eyes:
Beak: Small, slightly curved, and black
Eyes: Dark with a narrow pale ring around them
Legs & Feet:
Short and pinkish-red , well-adapted for perching and walking
Habitat & Distribution
The Red Collared Dove is a terrestrial bird commonly found in:
Grasslands, farmlands, and open forests
Scrublands and mangrove edges
Urban gardens and parks
Geographical Range:
Native to South Asia, Southeast Asia, and parts of China
Found in India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia
Occasionally sighted in parts of the Middle East and introduced to some Pacific islands
Presence in the Sundarban
The Sundarban , a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest tidal mangrove forest , provides an important but secondary habitat for the Red Collared Dove . Though not a primary mangrove species , it is found in:
Fringe areas of the Sundarban , especially scrubby clearings and dry edges of the mangrove forest
Agricultural lands, villages, and human settlements near the Sundarban buffer zone
Sandy riverbanks and small grass patches within the forest
Seasonal Occurrence:
More commonly seen during winter when some individuals migrate from northern India and China
During the monsoon season , it prefers drier, elevated areas
While not a dominant bird species in the Sundarban , its adaptability allows it to utilize mangrove outskirts and nearby farmlands effectively.
Diet & Feeding Behavior
The Red Collared Dove is a granivorous bird , primarily feeding on:
Seeds and grains (especially rice, millet, and wheat)
Small fruits and berries
Insects and small invertebrates (occasionally)
Foraging Strategy:
Mostly feeds on the ground , pecking for seeds and fallen grains
Often seen foraging in pairs or small flocks
Can adapt to urban and semi-urban environments , frequently visiting farms
Breeding & Nesting
Breeding Season: March to August (peaking in summer)
Nesting Site: Prefers trees, shrubs, and sometimes man-made structures
Nest Type:
A simple, loosely built platform of twigs
Usually placed on a low tree branch or a bush
Eggs:
Two white eggs per clutch
Incubation period: About 14 days , with both parents sharing duties
Fledgling Period:
Chicks fledge within 12-15 days after hatching
Parents continue feeding them crop milk initially
Vocalization & Communication
The Red Collared Dove has a soft, repetitive cooing call , which sounds like:
“coo-COO-coo” (gentle and rhythmic)
Used for territorial marking, mating, and communication within flocks
Its call is less harsh than other dove species , making it distinguishable in mixed bird habitats.
Special Adaptations
Highly Adaptable: Thrives in open fields, human-modified landscapes, and natural habitats .
Efficient Seed Eater: Helps in seed dispersal , benefiting the ecosystem.
Strong Flying Ability: Capable of short-distance migrations and seasonal movements .
Camouflaged Plumage: Provides protection from predators , especially in agricultural fields.
Threats & Conservation Status
Natural Threats:
Predation by birds of prey , including hawks and eagles
Nest predation by snakes and small mammals
Human-Induced Threats:
Habitat destruction due to deforestation and urban expansion
Pesticide exposure affecting food sources
Hunting and trapping in certain areas
IUCN Status: Least Concern (LC)
The Red Collared Dove has a large range and stable population , so it is not currently at risk .
However, localized declines due to urbanization and habitat fragmentation need monitoring.
Conclusion
The Red Collared Dove (Streptopelia tranquebarica ) is a small, adaptable pigeon species , recognized for its rufous plumage and black collar . While it is not a core species in the Sundarban , it does frequent the forest’s edges, farmlands, and buffer zones , making it an occasional but notable part of the region’s bird diversity.
Key Takeaways:
Found near but not deep inside the Sundarban mangroves
Prefers open scrublands, villages, and semi-arid regions
Plays an important ecological role in seed dispersal
Conservation efforts should focus on preserving its open woodland and farmland habitats