The Queen of Fish Takes Centre Stage at the Sundarban Hilsa Festival
Presented by: Sonakshi Travels
The arrival of monsoon brings more than just raindrops to the lush mangroves of Sundarban—it signals the arrival of Hilsa, the undisputed Queen of Fish in Bengali cuisine. And what better way to honour this iconic delicacy than through the grand celebration of the Sundarban Hilsa Festival?
Hosted every year in the magical riverine backwaters, the Sundarban Hilsa Festival 2025 promises a delightful blend of gastronomic adventure, scenic beauty, folk culture, and sustainable tourism. Organized with passion and precision by Sonakshi Travels, this vibrant event has emerged as one of the most eagerly awaited food festivals in Eastern India.
📍 What is the Sundarban Hilsa Festival?
The Sundarban Hilsa Festival is a unique cultural and culinary extravaganza dedicated to the much-loved ilish (Hilsa fish), held annually in the lush estuaries and mangrove islands of Sundarban during peak Hilsa season—from July to September.
💡 Unlike conventional food festivals hosted in city venues, this festival is experienced amidst rivers, forests, boats, and eco-resorts. Imagine relishing piping hot ilish bhapa or doi ilish as you float through the Matla River or listen to Baul music under a moonlit mangrove canopy.
🎯 Highlights of the Sundarban Hilsa Festival 2025
The Sundarban Hilsa Festival 2025 has been designed by Sonakshi Travels to cater to foodies, nature lovers, culture seekers, and families alike. Here’s what makes it special:
🍽️ A Regal Ilish Menu
✔️ Over 15 iconic Hilsa preparations
✔️ Cooked by Sundarban’s best traditional chefs
✔️ Buffet-style and à la carte options
✔️ Recipes include:
-
Bhapa Ilish (Hilsa steamed in mustard)
-
Shorshe Ilish (Hilsa in mustard curry)
-
Doi Ilish (Hilsa in yogurt-based sauce)
-
Ilish Polao (Fragrant Hilsa pilaf)
-
Ilish Bhuna (Dry-fried Hilsa with spices)
-
Ilish Tok Jhal (Tangy-spicy Hilsa)
🌿 River Cruise + Stay + Meals
🚤 Cruise through the creeks of Sajnekhali, Dobanki, and Sudhanyakhali
🛏️ Stay in eco-friendly resorts or floating cottages
🍴 All meals included: Breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner—all Hilsa-themed
🎭 Cultural Shows & Village Life
🎶 Enjoy Baul, Jhumur, and Bonbibi folk performances
🏡 Participate in village cooking sessions
📷 Take photo walks through mangrove trails and riverside hamlets
🐟 Why Hilsa Deserves a Festival?
Known as the “Queen of the River,” Hilsa is not just a fish—it’s an emotion, especially in Bengali culture. From Durga Puja offerings to wedding menus, the ilish is a must.
🧠 Did You Know?
-
Hilsa migrates upstream from the sea to lay eggs
-
Its rich Omega-3 fatty acids make it heart-friendly
-
Bengal’s love for Hilsa is recorded in poetry, music, and folklore
Sundarban ilish utsav celebrates this cultural heritage while promoting eco-tourism and sustainable fishing practices.
🗺️ Festival Location: The Heart of the Delta
The Hilsa Festival tour Sundarban takes place at multiple points across the Sundarban Biosphere Reserve, including:
📍 Godkhali (Entry point from Kolkata)
📍 Gosaba (Home of Sir Hamilton’s bungalow)
📍 Dayapur (Popular for eco-tourism resorts)
📍 Jamespur (Fishing village known for Hilsa)
📍 Sajnekhali (Watchtower & mangrove interpretation center)
All locations are covered in carefully curated Hilsa Festival Packages by Sonakshi Travels.
🚢 Types of Hilsa Festival Tour Sundarban Packages
To suit every preference and budget, Sonakshi Travels offers the following customized Hilsa Festival tour Sundarban packages:
🔹 1N/2D Hilsa Festival Package
-
AC/Non-AC accommodation
-
4 Hilsa meals
-
Boat safari to 2 watchtowers
-
Cultural night
🔹 2N/3D Premium Hilsa Tour
-
Deluxe riverside cottage stay
-
7+ signature ilish dishes
-
Private boat
-
Tribal dance and bonfire
-
Village life experience
🔹 Day Tour (Hilsa Special)
-
Ideal for short trips from Kolkata
-
3-course Hilsa lunch on boat
-
Brief village stop
-
AC car pickup from Kolkata
Every Sundarban tour in this period becomes a celebration of ilish, thanks to the expert planning by Sonakshi Travels.
🐅 Bonus Wildlife Excursions Included
Apart from gastronomic delights, the Sundarban Hilsa Festival 2025 also includes exploration of the region’s rich biodiversity.
🎯 Included Activities:
-
Visit to Sajnekhali, Sudhanyakhali, and Dobanki watchtowers
-
Chance to spot:
🐅 Royal Bengal Tigers
🐊 Estuarine Crocodiles
🦅 Migratory Birds
🐬 Ganges River Dolphins -
Mangrove interpretation by forest guide
-
Visit to crocodile conservation pond
These natural experiences make the Sundarban ilish utsav not only a food tour but also a complete nature retreat.
🍃 Eco-Tourism & Sustainability
Sonakshi Travels ensures that the Hilsa Festival tour Sundarban is conducted with full respect to local ecology and community interests.
✅ Locally sourced Hilsa (no illegal overfishing)
✅ Biodegradable utensils for food service
✅ Solar-powered resorts and boats
✅ Community involvement from cooking to dancing
✅ Limited tourist numbers for each slot to preserve natural balance
🛎️ Inclusions in All Packages
🛥️ AC/Non-AC river boat
🛏️ Accommodation (cottage, hut, or resort)
🍽️ All Hilsa-based meals + tea/snacks
📜 Entry permit & guide fees
🎭 Cultural programs
🚗 Kolkata to Sundarban pickup-drop (optional)
All packages for the Sundarban Hilsa Festival are handled end-to-end by Sonakshi Travels, making your trip smooth and delightful.
🗓️ Best Time to Attend: July to September
The best period for the Sundarban Hilsa Festival 2025 is from mid-July to early September, when the rivers are teeming with the freshest Hilsa.
🌧️ Monsoon season adds beauty to the delta:
-
Misty mornings with boat rides
-
Rain-kissed mangroves
-
Fresh water mixed with saline tides, perfect for ilish spawning
Tip: Weekdays are better for fewer crowds. Book early with Sonakshi Travels to get the best resorts and dates.
📸 Instagram-Worthy Moments
📷 Snap and share your experiences:
-
Hilsa thali on a floating boat
-
A smiling chef holding a fresh catch
-
Bonbibi dance performances
-
Raindrops on mangrove leaves
-
A tiger pawprint on muddy forest trails
Use hashtags like #SundarbanHilsaFestival, #IlishUtsav2025, and tag Sonakshi Travels to be featured!
💬 Guest Reviews from Previous Editions
🗣️ “A once-in-a-lifetime Hilsa journey through paradise. Every meal was heavenly. Thank you Sonakshi Travels!” – Piyali Ghosh, Kolkata
🗣️ “Ilish bhuna on a boat, Baul singers around the fire, and river dolphins… this festival is magic.” – Rahul Sinha, Mumbai
🗣️ “My kids loved the folk music and the fish. We’ll come back next year!” – Anjali Das, Bangalore
📞 Contact & Booking Details
✨ Ready to be part of the most delicious monsoon tour of the year?
Agency: Sonakshi Travels
📱 Call/WhatsApp: 7980469744
📍 Location: Kolkata (pickup available)
🛥️ Departure Point: Godkhali Jetty
🎟️ Book early, seats fill fast!
💼 Why Book With Sonakshi Travels?
✔️ 12+ years of experience in Sundarban tourism
✔️ Government-permitted boats and guides
✔️ In-house chefs and hospitality staff
✔️ Community-focused and eco-conscious
✔️ Rated 4.9★ by over 800 guests
✔️ Customizable packages for solo, family, or group tours
Sonakshi Travels is the most trusted name for Hilsa Festival tour Sundarban, blending food, forest, and folk in perfect harmony.
📝A Festival Like No Other
The Sundarban Hilsa Festival 2025 is not just a tour—it is a celebration of culture, cuisine, and community. It brings together nature and nurture, tradition and taste, excitement and elegance.
Whether you’re a Hilsa enthusiast, a wildlife lover, or a city dweller craving rustic charm—this festival will leave your heart and tastebuds full.
🌿🐟🌊
🛥️ Don’t miss your seat on the boat where the Queen of Fish reigns supreme.