Dobanki



Dobanki Camp

DOBANKI WATCH TOWER|DOBANKI CANOPY WALK|DOBANKI|DOBANKI CAMP

The Dobanki Watch Tower in the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve is one such Watch Tower which has a perennial demand among visitors and anyone who visits Sundarbans wants to visit the Dobanki watch Tower and canopy walk. This demand stems from the fact that many tourists come to Sundarbans with a premonition that they would be able to see tigers only if they visit Dobanki Watch Tower. Alas, that is not the case. 

Tourists visiting Sundarbans should never visit Sundarbans with such an expectation as they should understand that Tigers are not held in captivity in the Sundarbans National Park. One should visit Sundarbans to appreciate the natural wonder that Sundarbans is. 

The Dobanki Watch Tower is one such Watch Tower in the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve. The Royal Bengal Tiger has a strong presence in and around this Watch Tower and its vicinity offers abundant scope of sighting the Royal Bengal Tiger in its natural habitat. Having said that, one should also understand that a strong presence of the Royal Bengal Tiger does not guarantee a sighting. 

Apart from the Dobanki watch Tower, there is also a Canopy Walk at Dobanki. The Dobanki Canopy walk is about half a kilometer long, 496 meters to be precise and at a height of about 20 ft from the ground. It resembles a flyover with a 12 ft high side fencing of grill and strong net in the form of a canopy to protect tourists from wildlife. This walkway offers a beautiful view of the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve forest. Here too, like the other camps, there is a sweet water pond. 

Apart from the elusive Royal Bengal tiger, Chital Deer, Otter, Monitor Lizards, Wild Boars and a variety of birds and storks like the Adjutant Storks, Jungle Fowl, Eagles, Raptors as well as Falcons can be sighted here. Also, during the winter Whistling Ducks can also be seen in and around the sweet water pond. Other than the Dobanki Watch Tower and the Dobanki Canopy walk, there is also a Bonabibi temple as well as the Residential Administrative Quarter of the Guardians of the Sundarbans. A visit to the Sundarbans is incomplete without a visit to the Dobanki Camp, Dobanki watch Tower and the Dobanki Canopy walk.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Dobanki Watch Tower & Dobanki Canopy Walk

 Q . Where is Dobanki Watch Tower? 

 A. Dobanki Watch Tower as well as Dobanki Canopy walk is part of the Dobanki Camp which is located on an island of the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve, India.It is also a tourist attraction because of the famous Canopy walk. It can be reached ONLY by hired boat or launch. 

Q. How can one reach Dobanki? 

A. One can reach Dobanki only by boat or launch. These boats or launches are available from Godhkhali, Jharkhali or other locations like Canning and Sonakhali. However prior permission to enter Dobanki camp is issued from Sajnekhali as well as Jharkhali.Boat Rental can be arranged by calling Boat Rental Owners. 

Q. Where are the Boat starting points for visiting Dobanki Watch Tower? 

A. Sundarbans Tiger Reserve has a number of Entry Point Jetties.These are at Canning, Sonakhali, Godhkhali as well as Jharkhali. Boat services can be availed from these jetties ONLY upon prior and advance booking. 

Q. Can I go directly to Dobanki? 

A. Dobanki can be visited only after obtaining Entry Permission. Entry permissions are issued from Sajnekhali as well as Jharkhali. So one can visit Dobanki only after obtaining requisite permission. 

Q. Where can you hire a boat in advance to visit Dobanki? 

 A. There are no Regular and organised Boat Rentals service from the Entry Point jetties. You can call Boat Owners directly to book or hire boats in advance to visit the Sudhanyakhali Watch Tower.

Q. How far is Dobanki from Godhkhali? 

A. To visit Dobanki, Entry Permission and Recognised Guides have to be obtained from Sajnekhali. So one has to visit Sajnekhali before visiting Dobanki. Sajnekhali can be reached from Godhkhali by boat in 2:30 - 3:00 hrs, depending upon tide conditions. Thereafter, one can reach Dobanki in 2:30 - 3:00 hrs. 

Q. How far is Dobanki from Jharkhali? 

A. To visit Dobanki, Entry Permission and Recognised Guides have to be obtained from Jharkhali.So one can visit Jharkhali before visiting Dobanki. Sajnekhali can be reached from Godhkhali by boat in 1:30 - 2:00 hrs, depending upon tide conditions. Thereafter, one can reach Dobanki in 2:30 - 3:00 hrs.

Q. Will I see the Royal Bengal tiger if I visit Dobanki? 

A. Sundarbans is the home of the Royal Bengal Tiger in its natural habitat. They are not held in captivity at Dobanki. So visiting Dobanki does not guarantee a Tiger sighting. However, chances of sighting the Royal Bengal Tiger is highly enhanced if you visit Dobanki. 

Q. How many days are required to visit Dobanki? 

A. Dobanki can be reached from Sajnekhali in 2:30 - 3:00 hrs depending upon the tides. However, a visit just to visit the Dobanki camp would be a futile effort unless one visits the narrow creeks and canals in the vicinity of the Dobanki camp. So, a minimum of 2 night 3 days tour is a bare minimum to visit the Dobanki Camp area and its vicinity. However, a longer period tour of 3N 4D is desired. 

Q. Which is the best time to visit Dobanki Watch tower? 

A. Dobanki Watch Tower is in close proximity to Panchamukhani, meaning the conjunction of five rivers. This place sees a lot of waves even during normal times. The situation becomes dangerous during the months of April till September, when the trip can be undertaken only in big boats and Launches. Hence, Dobanki is best visited during the months of October till March. However, as stated earlier, only big boats and launches are suitable for the other months.