Preface
The
Sunderbans, extending over an area of 1,000,000 hectares,
is the world's largest delta, formed by the Ganges,
Brahmaputra and Meghana rivers.The vast swampy delta
extends over areas comprising of mangrove forests, swamps
and forest island, all interwoven in a network of small
rivers and streams. The Sundarbans National Park, home of
the Royal Bengal Tiger and the largest mangrove forest in
the world, form the core of this area. The Sundarban
region has got its name from Sundari trees, once found in
abundance here.
Rivers
The Ganges and the Brahmaputra form this alluvial
archipelago of 54 islands watered by the Bay of Bengal.
The islands Goasaba, Sandeshkali and Basanti form the
northern boundary of the Sundarbans; on the south is the
sea; to the west side of the Sunderbans park is the Matla
and Bidya rivers and to the east is the international
boundary of Bangladesh.
Sunderbans
Exquisiteness
Fascinating life forms await you in this largest estuarine
delta in the world. In April and May, the flaming red
leaves of the genwa, edge the emerald islands. The crab
like red flowers of the kankara and the yellow blooms of
khalsi add to the dazzling display. As you penetrate into
the forests of Sundarbans, this fairyland unfolds its
mysterious beauty.
Major Wildlife Attractions of Sundarbans
The Sunderbans forest is home to more than 400 tigers. The
Bengal Tigers have adapted themselves very well to the
saline and aqua environs and are extremely good swimmers.
As you enter the adventurous wild land of the Sundarbans
you'll be thrilled to see the chital dear and rhesus
monkey. The aqua fauna of Sunderbans include variety of
fishes, red fiddler crabs and hermit crabs.
There are crocodiles, which can be often seen along
the mud banks. Sunderbans National Park is also noted for
its conservation of the Ridley Sea Turtle. There's is a
incredible variety of reptiles also found in Sundarbans,
which includes king cobra, rock python and water monitor.
The endangered river Terrapin, Batagur Baska is found on
the Mechua Beach, while the Barkind Deer is found only in
Holiday Island in Sunderbans.
Vital Destinations - Sunderbans National Park
The Sajnakhali Sanctuary : The Sajnakhali
sanctuary, famous for its rich avian population, is
regarded as a part of the Sunderbans National Park. The
kingdom of birds at Sajnekhati enchants your eyes. The
most sought after sights by a bird watcher are seven
colourful species of Kingfisher, white-bellied Sea Eagle,
Plovers, Lap-Wings, Curfews, Whimbrels, Sandpipers and
occasional Pelican.
Netidhopani : At Netidhopani, the ruins of a 400
year old temple and legends lend mystery to the
atmosphere.
Bhagabatpur : Bhagabatpur is famous for having a
hatchery of the largest estuarine crocodiles in the world.
Kanak : Kanak is the nesting place of the Olive
Ridley Turtles.
Haliday Island : Haliday island is famous as last
retreat of Barking Dear in India.
Piyali
: Piyali is the gatway to Sundarbans, 72-kms from
Kolkatta by road and close to Sajnekhali, Sudhanyakhali,
Netidhopani through waterways. A small river Piyali flows
through the green paddy fields and mingles with river
Matla. Picturesque Piyali delta makes an ideal romantic
holiday destination. A beautiful tourist complex with
accommodation and recreation facilities is also situated
over here.
Kaikhali : On your way to Sunderbans you cannot
afford to miss Kaikhali Island, where nature is so alive
and so colorful. An ideal picnic spot.
Favorite Time to Visit Sunderbans Tiger Reserve
The ideal time to visit the Sunderbans national park is
during the months of September and May. Winter make the
time to see the mighty Royal Bengal Tiger sun-bathing on
the river banks.