Head to Tora Eco Resort to explore the amazing biodiversity of the Sundarbans in West Bengal alongwith a true village life experience on Bali island. The Eco resort gets its name from Tora, a Mangrove species (Aegialitis rotundifolia) found here.
A unique community tourism project, this eco resort & life experience centre offers accommodation in ethnic cottages designed in local rural style of architecture and made of local materials. The area is surrounded by lush green villages, gardens and pond overlooking the sanctuary on the bank of river Gumdi.
The resort has supply of electricity powered by solar energy, safe drinking water, clean & palatable local food. The people of Bali village will be your host, they will take you around the village and forest or on a cruise through the creeks and tell you the story of the Sundarbans.
Did You Know? The Sundarbans, shared between India and Bangladesh, is the largest mangrove forest in the world. The place has probably derived its name from mangrove tree species “Sundari “ that grows in the region.
Bali island, Sundarbans, West Bengal is under Gosaba Block of South 24 Parganas District. The island has 15 villages with about 37000 inhabitants. Fishing, honey collection, farming was their main occupations. With limited resources and growing population and needs, school dropout, illegal trade and constant pressure on the youth to look for alternative employment became rampant.
The WWF and West Bengal Forest department came in as part of their conservation attempts to wean people from dependence on forest resources and provide alternate source of income to the local people through community tourism and conservation activities. Bali nature and wild life conservation society.
Chief promoter of the society, Anil Mistry a conservationist, donated a piece of land on which 4 ethnic cottages were built. From 2013 the Society joined hands with VIVADA, to lead this community based eco resort.
Along with Vivada and Anil Mistry, is Lt. Col. Shakti Ranjan Banerjee (Rtd) a wild-lifer and naturalist who was the first initiator of this movement as Regional Director of WWF. He will play a major role in shaping up the young minds on forestry and conservation as well as training up the locals as forest guides, naturalists and in hospitality.
Things to Do
Sundarbans River Cruise
- River Cruise through the Mangrove Forest along with Creek Ride
- Visit to the Watch Towers and Nature Interpretation Centre
- Experience Mud walk through Mangroves
- Explore Wildlife & Bird Watching
Village Life Experience at Bali
- Village Walk & Local Market Tour
- Country Boat & Local Engine Van Ride
- Community Projects & Volunteering Opportunities
- Enjoy Folk Theatre “Banabibi Yatra”
- Experience Farming & Fishing in the Village
6 Ethnic Mud Cottages
- 3 real village cottages – 170 sq ft in size
- 3 comfort village cottages – 250 sq ft in size.
The cottages are ethnically designed to allow plenty of fresh air and ventilation. The cottages are non air-conditioned, as there is no electricity and the centre runs on generating sets. Also most Indian village homes do not have air conditioners, But being a mud and thatched roof, the rooms are quite cool and fresh. Every cottage has a attached shower and toilet with hot and cold water, kettle for coffee or tea and daily house keeping.
Dining Area
A large open area overlooking the a fishing pond. It is a semi fine dining of a Bengali home.
Kitchen
A large kitchen with free entry and view just like a Bengali home. From traditional Bengali meal to Indian cuisine but milder to suit all palate is served. Simple continental menu is also available. Like a home tradition, the guests are encouraged to visit the market, buy and even learn the Bengali way to cook.
Community Centre
Being community based project, the community centre acts as the nodal office for all development work. Village plays and wild life films are screened here. This doubles up as conferencing area and activity area. For any information or participation in any community programme the guests can contact the staff at the community centre.
Source: http://www.toraresort.in
