Sunderban Tiger Camp, Sundarbans

This lovely green safari-style hotel is open all year round. Don’t be fooled by the name – it’s pretty hard to spot a Bengal tiger nowadays – but there’s certainly plenty to see and do all the same. Sunderban Tiger Camp isn’t flashy or sleek. However, it is the best place to rest your weary head when exploring the Sundarbans.

The Sundarbans is a truly spectacular mangrove forest in far eastern India, also comprising a small part of western Bangladesh. This is where many rivers meet and create a complex connection of waterways, mangrove forests, tiny islands, and mudflats. There’s a large but rather elusive tiger population, and hundreds of rare and beautiful bird species in this very special UNESCO World Heritage listed part of the world. Come to the Sundarbans to learn about the local culture and history, to travel through the waterways by boat, and to get up close and personal with nature. At the camp itself, you can spend some time in the games room or library, hire a dingy boat or a bike, spot birds on the private lake, or chill out at the bar. A winter highlight is the toasty bonfire and cultural shows in the evenings.

There are 21 rooms and plenty of space, so you won’t find it crowded. Choose from tents, bamboo huts, executive rooms, executive cottages, and deluxe air-conditioned mud cottages. The interiors of all the rooms are intricately hand-painted, and there are some beautiful artworks on display. Electricity and water is sourced by way of solar cells, generators, and rainwater harvesting.

It’s not a five-star luxury, and you’ll need to specify if you want hot water, but it’s functional, practical, and charming. Come here to learn about the area’s unique history and culture and to stay comfortable while you traverse the Sundarbans.