Goa has its wonderful beaches, Rajasthan has its vibrant desert life and Himachal Pradesh has its scenic mountains. Truly, India is as delightful as a country can get, no matter which direction you choose to travel to. However, some destinations are a little more special than others. And the reasons are many and worth exploring. The Sunderbans in West Bengal is one such must-visit destination that offers a magical experience, especially if you are a nature lover.
The Sundarbans is a delta spread over India and Bangladesh and is the world’s largest halophytic mangrove forest. In simple words, it is a unique coastal wetland ecosystem where the plants thrive in an excessive concentration of salt in the soil.
It is a delta formed by two great rivers, the Ganga and the Bramhaputra, and it converges in the Bengal basin, covering a vast area of around 10,000 square km. And here’s the most special part about the Sundarbans—the Royal Bengal Tiger calls it home!
For instance, did you know that there are close to 101 tigers in the Sundarbans? This makes it one of the world’s largest tiger populations in a single area. And the thrills don’t just end here. A wide range of animals like the salt water crocodile, dolphin, macaque, civet, otter and birds like Brahminy Eagle can be seen here.
Travellers who want to explore this wonderland are welcome to the Sundarbans National Park and Tiger Reserve, a tiger and biosphere reserve located in the delta. It was established in May 1984 and covers an area of around 1355 km, making it a stunning place to visit with friends or family! So, let’s explore the various places in the Sundarbans that you can see and fall in love with.
If the thought of seeing a tiger or two in its natural habitat excites you, then going on a tiger safari at the Sundarbans is a must. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Sundarbans is recognised for being a vital conservation area for the Bengal Tiger population.
The majestic Royal Bengal Tiger calls the Sundarbans home, with its largest population inhabiting this forest. An estimated four tigers can be expectedly seen in every 100 square kilometers of the forest area.
Going for a tiger safari here will give you an opportunity to witness these elusive, majestic creatures in all their glory. The sight of the massive cat with its striking orange coat and black stripes will surely leave you in awe.
While on the safari, you can also see the iconic Sundari trees after which the mangrove forest is named. These trees, known for thriving in the salty waters of the delta, cover vast acres of land and create a stunning backdrop for your wild adventure.
A wonderful way to explore the mighty Sudarbans is through a boat ride. As you will glide through the deep waters of the River Matla or River Bidya in a large boat, you’ll witness the beauty of the mangrove forests that stretch as far as the eye can see. These dense forests are home to various species of flora and fauna, including crocodile, deer and birds and the boat ride will allow you to catch a glimpse of many such creatures.
The boat takes visitors through narrow creeks and canals in the water so that you can view this unique ecosystem up close. A truly unforgettable ride, the boat tour is as thrilling as a safari and not be missed when visiting the Sundarbans.
Located within the Sundarbans National Park is the Sajnekhali Wildlife Sanctuary known for its stunning biodiversity. If you are an animal lover, you will love all that this sanctuary has to offer. It is a true paradise for anyone interested in birdwatching; from the migratory Asian Openbill Stork to the native White bellied Sea Eagle, you can spot a large number of beautiful birds. And if you are really lucky, you can even spot a Finfoot!
In addition to the birds, you can also spot other wildlife, such as crocodile, wild boar, chital, fox, pangolin and spotted deer etc, with winter being the ideal time to catch most of these creatures in their natural habitat.
Ghoramara Island is another intriguing destination within the Sundarbans. For starters, this island is gradually sinking due to the rising sea levels, thus making it an important place to study climate change and its effects on coastal ecosystems.
Despite its challenges, Ghoramara remains a beautiful place, offering a glimpse into the life of the native people who live here. The island is a perfect spot for photography and nature walks, especially for those travellers who want to go back home with some gorgeous photos of India’s unique eco-heritage.
The Sundarbans is a place of stunning natural beauty. It is a unique place where land, water and wildlife come together in splendid harmony. So, whether you’re embarking on a tiger safari, exploring the interesting mangrove forest or visiting geographically important spots like Ghoramara, there’s something for everyone. The Sundarbans is not just a place to visit; it’s an experience and education rolled into one!
The best time to visit the Sundarbans is between October and March, as the weather is cooler. One can see more animals in this weather.
On your Sundarbans tour, you can expect to see the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger. Other wild animals are also in plenty. The unique mangrove forest and beautiful bird species are also must-see things.
The Sundarbans can be accessed by road from Kolkata, followed by a boat ride through the waterways to the park and surrounding areas.
Tiger safari is one of the best ways to spot Bengal tigers in their natural habitat. You can also enjoy the beauty of the Sundari trees during the safari.
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