Sundarbans Wildlife Photography Expedition – DCP Masterclass in the Mangroves

Overview

4 nights 5 days of Wildlife Photography Masterclass Expedition to the mystical mangrove forests of Sundarbans National Park, home to the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger and rich estuarine biodiversity.

DCP Experts

DCP Safety

Entry fees

Meals

Stay

Transport

About The Tour

Join DCP Expeditions for an immersive 4 nights 5 days Wildlife Photography Masterclass Expedition to the legendary Sundarbans National Park, the world’s largest tidal halophytic mangrove forest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This expedition takes you deep into the unique estuarine ecosystem of West Bengal, offering incredible opportunities to photograph its enigmatic wildlife and breathtaking landscapes.

The Sundarbans is famed as the last stronghold of the Royal Bengal Tiger in a mangrove habitat. But beyond the tiger, the region is teeming with an astonishing variety of birds, reptiles, and aquatic mammals, thriving in the labyrinth of creeks, tidal rivers, mudflats, and mangrove swamps.

Our masterclass mentor will guide participants through the challenges and techniques of photographing in this dynamic landscape — from tiger tracking on boats, to capturing saltwater crocodiles, mudskippers, monitor lizards, and rare birds like the Mangrove Pitta and Black-capped Kingfisher. Whether it’s mist rising from tidal channels or golden light filtering through the dense mangrove canopy, every moment offers a surreal frame waiting to be captured.

Explore the magical Sundarbans like never before — with planned boat routes, expert guidance, and a community of passionate photographers.

Target species

Royal Bengal Tiger, Saltwater Crocodile, Smooth-coated Otter, Water Monitor Lizard, Mangrove Pitta, Black-capped Kingfisher, Brown-winged Kingfisher, Collared Kingfisher, Lesser Adjutant, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Mudskippers, Fiddler Crabs, Jungle Cat

Quick Information

Route:

Kolkata – Sundarban – Kolkata

Start Point:

Kolkata

Duration:

4 nights 5 days

End Point:

Kolkata

Inclusions

A wildlife photographer's paradise
A forest extremely rich in biodiversity
One of the largest reserves of Bengal Tiger
A/C accommodation for 4 nights and 5 days.
Veg and non-veg breakfast, lunch and dinner during the stay.
Pick and drop from and to Kolkata
All park charges, entry fee etc.
DCP Masterclass Mentor for 5 days.
Local Guide charges

Exclusive learnings

Understanding composition, elements of art and the principles of art.
⁠How to use your images to make money.
⁠How to take award-winning images.

Experts

Ripan Biswas

Masterclass Mentor - Wildlife Photography

Ripan Biswas is the first Indian to win three times at London’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year — widely known as the “Oscars of Wildlife Photography.” A passionate mentor, Ripan has earned global recognition, with honours from Sanctuary Asia, Nature inFocus, Asferico, Nature Photographer of the Year, Bird Photographer of the Year, and more. His work has also appeared in world-renowned magazines like BBC Wildlife. With over a decade in India’s jungles—photographing everything from tiny insects to apex predators, Ripan brings unmatched field experience. He has led workshops at premier institutions, including the Indian Statistical Institute, British Council, Kolkata, and the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre, Mumbai. A passionate mentor, Ripan loves to share his knowledge and help others create extraordinary images of the wild.

The nearest airport is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata. Our team will pick you up from the airport.

The nearest major railway station is the Sealdah Railway Station. Our pickup is from Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata. Please coordinate with our admin team for logistics to reach pickup location on time.

Our pickup is from Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata. Please coordinate with our admin team for logistics to reach pickup location on time.

Getting Ready

Things to carry:

Telephoto lenses – preferably above 300 mm
Carry fully charged batteries for your camera / flash.
Carry battery charger. Carry extra pack of camera batteries
Carry backup memory cards / HDD storage drives, Laptop
Carry a bean bag to stabilize your gears while shooting from safari vehicle
Carry a big towel / cloth to protect your gear from dust
Carry a big cloth / bandanna / scarf to protect you from the dust
Carry good sun glasses to protect your eyes from heat
Sun screens (above SPF 30) are very important
It is advisable to carry basic first aid along with you.
Please carry Odomos to keep you protected from mosquito bites.
Carry a pair of good binoculars

Equipment available on rental - please mail us at rentals@dcpexpeditions.com.

Itinerary

Day 1

We would advise all participants to reach Kolkata on previous night as we depart early by 8:30 am to ensure that we maximize our time in the wild. There are several flights which arrive Kolkata early in the morning. We will arrange for your pickup from airport and we will all travel together via TATA Winger. It will take approximately 3 hrs to reach Godkhali (Gateway to Sundarban). This is only a transit and our expedition starts once we leave the jetty. Breakfast will be served when we will reach the boat. We will be doing photography all the way through the mangroves. Lunch will be served on the boat. We will anchor for the night. Night stay will be in A/C accommodation in a hotel. Our expert will have an informal discussion over the photographs taken during the day.

Day 2 - 4

We will leave early in the morning by 5 am for boat safari. Full day photography. All meals on boat. In the evenings, our mentor will have image review sessions, guidance on framing and composition and digital image processing tips and tricks.

Day 5

Full day photography. Return to Godkhali by 3:00 pm and drop to airport by 6:30 pm for departure.

Field Learnings

Bird and mammal photography from moving boats: techniques and stability.
Composition tricks and exposure metering in dynamic light conditions.
Understanding subject behavior in mangrove ecosystems.
Creative storytelling using landscape and wildlife elements.
Hands-on guidance on autofocus modes and custom settings for boat-based shooting.
Ethical practices in photographing shy and endangered species like the Royal Bengal Tiger and Fishing Cats.

Package Cost

IIndian nationals:
Twin sharing: INR 35,000 per person inclusive of all taxes
Single occupancy: INR 42,500 per person inclusive of all taxes

Foreign nationals:
Twin sharing: US$ 540 per person inclusive of all taxes
Single occupancy: US$ 655 per person inclusive of all taxes

Gold members - Upto 5% off
Silver members - Upto 3% off

WhatsApp to ask for a payment link.

Cost includes

Accommodation for 4 nights and 5 days
Veg and non-veg breakfast, lunch and dinner during the stay.
Pick and drop from and to Kolkata
All park charges, entry fee etc.
DCP photography expert for 5 days.
Local Guide charges
All taxes and service charges

Cost does not include:

Mineral Water, Soft Drinks, Laundry Charges, Phone Calls, Tips etc.
Any kind of insurance, Medical or/and Emergency Charges.
Any extra meals not included in the above itinerary.

Map

Sundarbans National Park

Policies

Cancellation policy

All cancellations before 30 days of the event date - 100% credit
All cancellations between 20 - 30 days of the event date - 50% credit
All cancellations within 20 days of the event date - No credit possible

FAQ's

Can I get a single room accomodation?

Yes, if available. Then you have to pay some extra charge.

Can a non-photographer join the expedition?

Yes certainly. However, the cost will remain the same

Design Your Custom Tour

Sundarban National Park – Wildlife Photography Masterclass Expedition, Dec 2025

₹ 35,000₹ 42,000

₹35,000₹ 42,000