The short answer
Haliday Island Wildlife Sanctuary: what visitors should know first
Visit only as an add-on to a Sundarbans boat trip and only if an operator or the forest office confirms that it is open to tourists. Expect to see it from the boat, with no facilities, and rely on permits arranged by the operator.
History and context
The story behind Haliday Island Wildlife Sanctuary
Haliday Island Wildlife Sanctuary lies within the Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve on the Matla river. Published sources differ on its date of establishment and on its area, giving figures between about 3.5 and 6 sq km, and visitor rules are not clearly published.
Useful facts
Haliday Island Wildlife Sanctuary facts at a glance
- Location
- Matla river, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal
- Experience type
- Boat-based wildlife viewing
- Known for
- Spotted deer, wild boar, macaques and mangroves
- Size
- Small island; sources give roughly 3.5 to 6 sq km
- Visitor note
- Access and permits not published; confirm with the reserve office
Why it matters
Why Haliday Island Wildlife Sanctuary is worth your time
The sanctuary shows a quieter face of the Sundarbans than the tiger reserve's main watchtowers. It is on the Matla, a major tidal river of the delta, and its forest of mangroves and tidal creeks is part of the biosphere reserve that includes the Sundarbans National Park, Lothian Island and Sajnekhali.
Its value to a visitor is atmosphere and context: the sense of how the delta fringes the Bay of Bengal, and a chance to see deer and birds at the water's edge. Sources vary on its size, giving figures of roughly 3.5 to 6 sq km, which is a reminder that it is a small, little-developed place and not a conventional attraction.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Matla river scenery
Wide tidal water and mangrove edges give the clearest sense of the delta's southern fringe.
- 02
Deer and boar at the water
Spotted deer and wild boar are the animals most often described on the island.
- 03
Rare tiger visits
Tigers have visited only occasionally, so treat a sighting as a bonus.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Haliday Island is one of the smaller protected areas of the Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve, sitting on the Matla river where it nears the Bay of Bengal. Most visitors will reach this area by road from Kolkata to Canning or Koikhali, then by boat. It makes sense only when you are already on a multi-stop Sundarbans cruise, not as a stand-alone trip.
Ask your operator before booking whether the island is part of the itinerary, whether landing is allowed and what permits are needed, since this is controlled forest and permits are usually handled by the operator or the forest office. Keep voices low and watch the mudbanks and the tree line during high tide. Spotted deer, wild boar, barking deer and rhesus macaques are the animals described for the island; tigers visit only occasionally and sightings are rare.
Carry water, sun protection and a hat, because long stretches on the river have no shade and no toilets. Binoculars help, as most sightings are from a distance.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Ask your operator whether the island is on the itinerary
- Confirm permits and landing rules with the Sundarban Tiger Reserve office
- Carry water, a hat and binoculars
- Travel in the dry season and check tide timings
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Matla river, South 24 Parganas, on the southern edge of the Sundarbans; reached from Canning or Koikhali, a long day by boat
- Time needed
- Part of a full-day or overnight boat cruise
- Best time
- November to February, at high tide in the morning
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- Little or no walking is required if you view the island from the boat, but boarding at jetties involves steps and uneven planks, and there is little shade or comfort on long river journeys.
- Tickets and access
- Access to the sanctuary, any landing permission, boat hire and fees are not published; confirm with the Sundarban Tiger Reserve office, WBTDC or a licensed operator before you book. Permits for the reserve areas are normally arranged through operators.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Haliday Island Wildlife Sanctuary
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices are live on the partner site.
Travelling with parents?
Little or no walking is required if you view the island from the boat, but boarding at jetties involves steps and uneven planks, and there is little shade or comfort on long river journeys.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Where is Haliday Island?
It is on the Matla river in the South 24 Parganas part of the Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve, near the Bay of Bengal.
Can I land on the island?
Landing rules and permits are not published. Ask a licensed operator or the Sundarban Tiger Reserve office.
Will we see tigers?
Tigers visit only occasionally, so sightings are unlikely. Deer and boar are more commonly seen.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
