A Seasonal Culinary Adventure in the Heart of the Mangroves
Package Name: Sundarban Ilish Utsav Tour
Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights
Season: July to September (Hilsa Season)
Starts From: Kolkata / Canning / Godkhali
Sundarban Ilish Utsav Tour
Overview
Here’s a complete Sundarban Ilish Utsav Tour you can offer through Sundarban Tour and Travels, focused on the seasonal attraction of Hilsa (Ilish) fish – a Bengali delicacy and favorite among food lovers.
Package Highlights:
- Unlimited Hilsa (Ilish) delicacies in various traditional Bengali styles
- Scenic boat ride through Sundarban’s rivers and creeks
- Visit to Sajnekhali Watch Tower and local villages
- Stay in eco-friendly resort or boat accommodation
- Bonfire and cultural evening with folk music
- Guided forest entry with registered guide
Itinerary
Special Hilsa Menu Includes:
- Ilish Bhapa (Steamed Hilsa in mustard sauce)
- Sorshe Ilish (Hilsa in mustard curry)
- Doi Ilish (Hilsa in yogurt sauce)
- Ilish Pulao
- Fried Hilsa with onion and green chilli
- Ilish Peti-Begun Jhol
- Dessert: Mishti Doi / Rosogolla
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Early morning pickup from Kolkata or Canning (AC Car)
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Arrive at Godkhali, board the boat with welcome drinks
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Breakfast onboard while cruising through the rivers
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Visit Gosaba – Tagore Bungalow & Hamilton Sahib’s Bungalow
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Cruise through creeks and enjoy a scenic village walk
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Lunch: Special Ilish Menu (Ilish Paturi, Ilish Fry, Sorshe Ilish)
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Arrive at resort / AC boat – check-in & rest
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Evening snacks with tea
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Cultural performance / Baul music by local artists
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Dinner: Doi Ilish & Ilish Bhuna
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Overnight stay in boat/resort
Morning tea & forest cruise to Sajnekhali / Sudhanyakhali / Dobanki
Entry into Sundarban Tiger Reserve (with permit)
Watchtower visit & wildlife spotting (crocodile, deer, birds, etc.)
Back to boat for breakfast
Continue cruising through narrow creeks and canals
Lunch: Ilish Pulao, Ilish Tel Jhol, Ilish Peti-Begun Jhol
Relax on deck or take a riverside village walk
Sunset from the river viewpoint
Evening snacks with local stories and folklore
Dinner: Bhapa Ilish with steamed rice & chutney
Overnight stay in boat/resort
Early morning boat ride – birdwatching & sunrise views
Breakfast onboard
Local shopping stop (honey, handicrafts, etc.)
Final Lunch: Surprise Ilish Special Combo
Return cruise to Godkhali
Transfer back to Kolkata/Canning
Tour ends with unforgettable memories!
Cost
The Cost Includes
- Pickup & Drop from Kolkata/Canning (AC vehicle)
- Boat charges and forest permits
- All meals, snacks, and Hilsa dishes
- Accommodation (AC rooms or boat cabins)
- Guide charges & entry fees
- Cultural evening
The Cost Excludes
- Personal expenses (shopping, tips, etc.)
- Extra Hilsa dishes (if outside fixed menu)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Anything not mentioned in inclusions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ilish Utsav, also known as the Hilsa Festival, is a special celebration dedicated to the king of fish – Hilsa (Ilish). It features a variety of delicious Hilsa dishes prepared in traditional and innovative styles, attracting food lovers from all over.
The festival usually happens during the monsoon season (July to September), which is considered the best time to enjoy fresh Hilsa.
It is organized in various restaurants, hotels, and resorts, especially in Bengal and coastal regions. Some Sundarban tour packages also include an Ilish-themed menu during this season.
You can enjoy a variety of Hilsa delicacies, such as:
- Ilish Bhapa (Steamed Hilsa with mustard)
- Shorshe Ilish (Hilsa in mustard gravy)
- Doi Ilish (Hilsa in curd sauce)
- Ilish Pulao
- Fried Hilsa with seasonal sides
Yes, advance booking is highly recommended, especially on weekends, as seats are often limited due to high demand.
While the main highlight is Hilsa dishes, some venues also serve vegetarian options for accompanying guests.
Prices vary depending on the venue and menu selection. On average, a Hilsa set menu may start from ₹XXX per person.
Yes! Some Sundarban tour operators arrange special Ilish Utsav-themed cruises or packages during the Hilsa season.
Some venues offer takeaway or parcel services for selected Hilsa dishes. Availability depends on the organizer.
You can book directly through the restaurant, hotel, or tour operator’s website, or call their booking helpline.
