A Scent That Binds Memory and Soul
Some memories don’t just live in the mind—they linger in the air, in the skin, in the breath between the rains. And one such memory, etched forever in my senses, was born in the quiet, magical folds of the Sundarbans.
“There’s a smell—fish, woodfire, rain—that only exists during the Sundarban Ilish Utsav .” Not before. Not after. Only then . Only there .
It was my first time attending the Sundarban Hilsa Festival 2025 , and I came seeking taste, thrill, and escape. What I found instead was something far deeper—a communion with a land that speaks in steam, spice, and silence.
This is my story—not just of travel, but of feeling . Of rediscovery. Of smelling something so real, so rooted, it changed how I understood home.
🐟 Hilsa: The Fragrant Pulse of Bengal’s Rainy Soul
In Bengal, ilish isn’t merely a fish—it’s a festival by itself. And during monsoon, it becomes a sacred ritual.
As the Hilsa Festival tour Sundarban begins in July and flows into September, the rivers turn silver with migrating hilsa, and so does every heart touched by it. The festival isn’t limited to cuisine—it’s about rhythm, heritage, and honor.
🍃 Ilish here is cooked not under fluorescent lights, but beneath palm-thatched roofs and skies that weep lovingly. The smoke is real. The firewood is crackling. And the air is thick with anticipation.
At ইলিশ উৎসব সুন্দরবন , I tasted:
Bhapa Ilish steamed with mustard and chili in banana leaf
Shorshe Ilish where every bite spoke of heritage
Doi Ilish simmered in curd, sour and divine
Ilish Pulao , rich with golden rice and river song
And with each dish came that unmistakable aroma—one that you cannot bottle, only remember.
🛶 Boats That Float Through Time
Our journey started at Canning , where our group boarded a traditional Sundarban launch boat arranged by Sonakshi Travels . The wood creaked beneath our feet. The river, Matla, welcomed us like a grandmother with stories to tell.
🌀 As the boat slipped into the narrow riverways flanked by dense mangroves, a light drizzle began. And with it, the first whiff of hilsa being cooked onboard reached us.
It was unlike any scent in a restaurant—because it was real. A mix of:
🐟 Fresh fish caught an hour ago
🔥 Wood smoke dancing in monsoon air
🌧️ Rain tapping softly on the boat canopy
We sipped on tea served in clay cups, the heat and scent mixing with the mist. And just like that, we were no longer city-dwellers. We were dreamers afloat in a mangrove reverie.
🌳 Into the Deep Green: Where Tigers Walk Silently
Beyond the food and boats, the Sundarbans has a way of teaching humility. The world’s largest mangrove forest doesn’t roar—it whispers. And you must learn to listen.
One morning, we ventured to Sajnekhali Wildlife Sanctuary . As our guide pointed at tiger pugmarks in the mud, a strange chill ran down my spine—not of fear, but of awe.
🦜 We saw kingfishers with turquoise wings, wild boars hiding in the undergrowth, and crab-eating foxes trotting at a distance.
🐅 And though we didn’t see a tiger, its presence pulsed in the wet air. Like a secret the jungle chooses not to share.
There too, by the ranger’s kitchen, someone was cooking ilish. The smell floated through the green stillness. A reminder that in the Sundarban Hilsa Festival , nature and nourishment live side by side.
🧡 The Villages: Stories Cooked Over Flame and Heart
What sets the Sundarban Hilsa Festival 2025 apart isn’t just location. It’s people.
🏡 In one village, near Gosaba, we visited a local family’s home where a grandmother was cooking ilish bhuna over firewood. Her hands moved in rhythm with ancient memory. She didn’t measure spices—she felt them.
We sat on clay floors, eating with fingers. Rain pattered on the tin roof. The fish melted in our mouths. No Michelin star could offer the richness of that moment.
💬 “This is not festival for tourists,” she said. “This is prayer for us.”
And suddenly, I understood. The smell —that fish, fire, and rain—isn’t accidental. It’s sacred. It’s the soul of the ইলিশ উৎসব সুন্দরবন .
🍛 Cooking on the Boat: Where Time Tastes Different
As our boat docked by a quiet creek that evening, the crew set up a clay stove near the stern. Hilsa was marinated in mustard paste, wrapped in banana leaf, and placed gently on the flame.
🟡 The sky turned orange. The mangroves glowed. And from that humble pot came the smell .
It wasn’t just hunger—it was longing. For simplicity. For roots. For food that knows who you are, even when you don’t.
We sat in silence, eating bhapa ilish and rice on leaf plates. The rain had stopped. The fish, flaky and warm, tasted of everything good I’d forgotten.
🧠 A Sensory Realization: What the Ilish Taught Me
I came for a festival. I left with a philosophy.
💭 What makes the ilish so special here? Not just the recipe. It’s the rain . Not just the taste. It’s the people . Not just the boat. It’s the stillness .
I realized I didn’t need luxury. I needed meaning. And I found it in:
A child offering me a piece of fish from his plate
A woman teaching me to grind mustard on a stone slab
A guide singing a folk song as the storm gathered in the distance
That smell—fish, woodfire, and rain—taught me that real beauty cannot be bought. It must be lived.
🌅 A Fragrance That Never Leaves
The Sundarban Hilsa Festival 2025 is not just a celebration of food. It’s a scent. A season. A slow return to something ancient and warm.
Even now, back in Kolkata, when rain hits the hot streets and someone fries fish in the alley below, I stop. I close my eyes. And I’m back on that boat.
🌧️ The smell. 🐟 The steam. 🔥 The hush of the river.
It’s not a trip. It’s a transformation.
And if you ever find yourself wondering what magic smells like—it smells like ilish, woodfire, and rain.
📞 Call to Action: Book Your Journey with Sonakshi Travels
🎉 Are you ready to experience the smell, taste, and soul of Bengal’s most heartfelt celebration?
Join the Hilsa Festival tour Sundarban this monsoon with Sonakshi Travels :
✅ Private boat accommodations ✅ Daily hilsa feasts cooked fresh ✅ Village stays and forest excursions ✅ Local stories, music, and memories ✅ Eco-friendly and emotionally rich itineraries
📲 Limited seats available for the 2025 edition!
🔗 Website : https://sundarbantravel.com/sundarban-hilsa-festival-2025/ 📞 WhatsApp : 7980469744
🛶 Come for the festival. Stay for the feeling. Let the smell of fish, woodfire, and rain carry you home. Sundarban Hilsa Festival 2025 — with Sonakshi Travels.
When the Sun Dipped into the River and the Hilsa Sizzled in Mustard Oil, I Knew I’d Remember Sundarban Hilsa Festival 2025 Forever
Tour was extreme entertainment. Awesome hospitality of tour operator. Excellent boat service with varieties of food of our own choice. Sincerity, hospitality and services during tour added an extra pleasure
prabhat kumar banerjeeSeptember 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 grateful🙏
Shradha Suman SatpathyMarch 17, 2022
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
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
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 👍👍. 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
Excellent residence, good food,nice tour management.worth to see Sunderban with Sonakshi.
pramod tembhurnikarFebruary 17, 2023
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
Experience of Sundarban tour with Sonakshi Travel was a nice experience indeed. The driver, the tour manager and the support staffs were very friendly and cooperative. And also the other... read more members of the group were also very social and supportive. Thanks for gifting a pleasant memory for a long time.
Biplab SarkarJanuary 17, 2023
It is nice experience. Though this trip was for a group of thirteen people, but the other group cancelled their trip. But the tour operator took me and my wife... read more for the tour. They provide us a car and launch for this trip. It was very organised trip.
Faiz AhmedMarch 17, 2022
I travelled with my family to Sundarbans recently..While the tour itinerary was clearly called out, the service also matched good standards..If you are someone who likes home cooked simple... read more food with rustic touch...You're at a right place..Being at a place which is remote, Dinner variety options may be limited but enough to satisfy you..I had Aged people n kid travelling with me and they were taken good care..The accommodation & boat ride were very comforting n all the staffs, tour guide were helpful..I will recommend them to Families, friends for sure.
Arunima RoyMarch 11, 2023
I travelled to Sunderban during 3rd to 5th December, 2021 along with my other 3 family members. In view of the threat of cyclone “Jawad” during that period, Sonakshi Travels... read more customised their programme for our convenience at their best. The boat waiting for us at Gadkhali was decent, neat & clean. The cooperation and helpful gesture of the Boatman Bapibabu and crew Pulak charmed us. The trip through the creeks and distributaries of the rivers of Sunderban became more enjoyable with the excellent taste of food cooked by Bhaskar in the running boat. The property named “Sabuj Dwip” under Lahiripur Gram Panchayat where we were parked at the day-end, was a resort having cottages with clean Rooms, modern Bathrooms & standard amenities including Generator along with a few shortfalls like lack of Geyser, AC, Toilet-shower, Kitchen/Kitchenet, Waste paper bin, Wall Hangers etc., though all such lacuna were covered by the sincere and hearty efforts of the servicemen. The owner may solve these minor problems by purchasing items of trivial value like Emersion Heater, Toilet-shower, Electric Cattle, Waste paper basket & Wall hangers. On 5th December, when the cyclone turned its face to Sunderban, the superb teamwork of Sonakshi rescued us through an alternative safe land-route maintaining our all urbane comfort upto the satisfaction. The courteous behaviour and delicious tasty food are the value-added satisfaction of this trip over the honest, humble and sincere approach of the owner Shuvabratababu which is highly appreciable. I highly recommend Sunderban Trip through this Travels.
Snehansu GangopadhyayMarch 17, 2022
I travelled with my cousin-brother’s 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 “The tour is mind blowing”.
Kaustav ChatterjeeMarch 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
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 ….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 boat…. 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 located… 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
Well done nice arrangement staff very courteous Helpful Hygienic resort keep it up All the best
Dr. Sikka & associatesJanuary 17, 2023
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
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
Travelled with family on 20th and 21st November 21. An excellent and memorable experience of Sundarban tour. Right from excellent location, facilities and services of resort, meeting with nice local... read more people, beautiful presentation of dance and songs to beautiful boat and boatmen with guide. A journey with100% fulfilment. Willing to go again and again. Thanks a lot Sundarban Travel Jyotirmoy Chakraborty Chairman Ispat Cooperative Hospital
JYOTIRMOY CHAKRABORTYMarch 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
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
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
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
Memorable Experience. Spend a quality time with family. Thank you so much to Sonakshi Travels for arranging such a lovely trip. 😊🤘
Gourav GhoshJanuary 17, 2023
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
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
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 💯% 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 💃 was supab. Recommended for the tour.
Umesh PaswanJanuary 17, 2023
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
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
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 ❤️👍🏻
Sandeep MukherjeeMarch 17, 2022
We had a very good time with Sonakshi Travels during our entire tour from 27th to 29 th December in Sunderban. The behavior, punctuality and overall service of the accompanying... read more staff is always up to the mark. Thank you all.
Rupak BhattacharjeeJanuary 17, 2023
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
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!! 😊🙏 Would highly recommend Sonakshi Travels for the Sundarban trip.
Shuchita MitraMarch 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
Excellent service , superb hospitality at low budget. Surely value for money.
Dipanjan BiswasMarch 17, 2022
Recently we visited Sundarban and it was awesome experience. Sundarban Travel organized the tour plan and we enjoyed their hospitality throughout the tour. Their polite behaviour, and support created the... read more homely environment, mainly we are extremely impressed the condition of the boat, cleanliness and food quality was superb. Except the chilli chicken preparation ( not upto the mark), the taste of the food was just like home made food. Resort location was good but not in good quality, need to look into this to provide the best service. Also the car condition is not good. Apart from these we enjoyed a lot throughout the tour. Special thanks to Mr.Talukdar and Team for organizing our memorable trip.
Amit SasmalMarch 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
I would like to convey my sincere gratitude & thanks to Suvabrata of SonakshiTravel for providing me & my family members including my son’s 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
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
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