As with the rest of tropical Asia, mosquito-borne diseases including but not limited to Malaria and Dengue Fever are present within the Sundarbans at varying levels dependent on the season the Wet season representing the greatest risk. It is important to note that the most feared animal by both locals and tourists within the tropics is the mosquito and represents a greater threat than any man-eater could. Also, as with any rural part of India, drinking water should be limited to bottled only and always use your best judgment when choosing what to eat.
While as a tourist you are unlikely to face any danger from the local wildlife, it is wise to be informed that two of the most potentially dangerous animals on Earth reside within the Sundarbans. The Sundarbans is well known as the only place left where Bengal Tigers still hunt and kill humans, and they do it regularly. That being said, these victims are always locals who live within the Sundarbans and rely on it for survival, hence there is a "live and let live" policy between man and tiger. Saltwater Crocodiles also inhabit the Sundarbans and are well known to be the largest and along with the Nile Crocodile most aggressive reptile on Earth. In the Sundarbans you are unlikely to be in crocodile territory without a large boat, so the risk is minimal. As you can see, while living in the Sundarbans is extremely dangerous, very little risk is posed to the average tourist. Snakes exist, but are primarily either shy or nocturnal, unless you plan on venturing off into the bush alone you don't have much to worry about.
fees/permits
Divisional Forest Office
Circuit House Road, Khulna, +20665 is the place to apply for the mandatory permit.For visiting the tiger reserve West Bengal, India, permission is given by:
Field Director,Sunderban Tiger Reserve,Port Canning.
Entry Permits can be obtained from Bagna, Canning and Sonakhali for STR Sundarban Tiger Reserve and at Namkhana, Canning and Raidighi for Western region of Sunderban Forest.
For permits, foreigners can contact:The Joint Secretary Forest,Govt. of West Bengal, 4th Floor, G-Block,Writers' Building,Kolkata- 700 001.Tel: 225-5601 Ext: 411/754.