Travel Portal India -» Wildlife Places in India -» Sunderbans National Park

Sunderbans National Park

The vast swampy delta of the two great Indian rivers, the Brahmaputra and the Ganga, extends over a vast area. Mangrove forests, swamps and forested islands are interwoven with a network of small rivers and rivulets. The Sundarbans National Park, covering about 1330.10 sq. km., forms the core of this area.

This mostly estuarine mangrove forest is the habitat of nearly 200 Royal Bengal tigers. Bangladesh lies to the east of the Park and it is estimated that the combined population of tigers in the region could well be about 400 in number.

Adapting itself to the saline and watery environment, the tigers at the Park are good swimmers and practically amphibious! Traversing the mangroves by motor launch is quite an experience, for the area is completely unspoilt and very different from the more conventional wildlife park.

The estuarine crocodile is often seen along the mud banks but owing to the dense undergrowth the tiger is rarely sighted. The Park is also noted for its conservation of the Ridley sea truffle.

The undiscovered greenery
Sunderbans, the place that owes its name to Sundari trees, consist of a large flora population like Genwa, Dhundal, Passur, Garjan and Kankra.

Apart from these trees, inpenetrable Goran trees between 1.8 mtr and 3.6 mtr high covers almost the entire region. One of the most remarkable feature of this place is the bayonet like roots of mangrove forests that stick out above the water level.

Nature apart, if you want to feel the essence of spirituality then this is the place to be. A place of Ma Bonobibi (the goddess of the forest) to Shiber Kumir (Lord Shiva's Crocodile) or from Dakshinaroy (an ogre, the ancester of all tigers) to Kapil Muni (an incarnation of Vishnu).

General Information

Best time to visit :
Between September to March. Specially in winter to catch a view of the migratory birds.

Accommodation :
M V Chitrarekha has excellent arrangements for onboard stay. One can also avail the facilities of tourist lodges at Sajnekhali, Bakkhali and Piyali for overnight stay.

Nearest town :
Gosaba (50 km)

How to get there :
Come to Sajnekhali by motorboat departing from Canning which is accessible by train and bus services from Calcutta. Cruise along in M V Chitrarekha (weekly journey from October to March) for a life time experience. One can also get private boats from Canning, Gosaba and Basanti. Raidighi, Basanti, Namkhana and Najatare are all connected by roadways from Calcutta.




Sunderbans National Park, Wildlife Places in India Reservation Form

(* represents compulsory fields) * Name :   * Address :   * Phone : (Include Country/Area Code)   * Your Country :   * E-Mail Address :   * Type the Characters * Intended Month & Year of Visit   Duration of Travel in India (Approx.):   No. of People Travelling:   00 01 02 03 04 05 Adult         00 01 02 03 04 05 Children * Any specific requirements: