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.
