Area : 4262 sq. kms. Altitude : Sea Level. Temperature
Summer: Winter:
Max: 42C, Min. 37C; Max: 29, Min. 9.2.
Best season
September to March. July to September for Sajnekhali Bird Sanctuary.
The Sundarbans are a part of the world's largest
delta formed by the rivers Ganges,Brahmaputra and Meghna. The whole
tract reaches inland for 60-80 miles (100-130 km).
It is dominated by mangrove forests and gets its name from the Sundari (Heritiera foams)
trees. Situated at the mouths of the Ganges, Sunderban spreads over 54
islands and two countries (India's West Bengal and Bangladesh) and is
part of the world's largest delta region.
Sunderban
covers an area of 4262 sq. kms in India. The Sunderban Tiger Project
was started in 1974 and has an area of 2585 sq. kms. The core area is
1330 sq. kms and is a national forest and UNESCO world heritage site.
Sunderban is home to the largest number of wild tigers in the world.
Flora in Sundarbans National Park
Fascinating life forms await you in this largest estuarine delta in the
world, Sunderbans. 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 Sundarbans 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 Sundarbans include variety of
fishes, red Fiddler Crabs and Hermit Crabs.
There are
crocodiles, which can be often seen along the mud banks. Sundarbans
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.
How to Get there
Air : The nearest airport is Kolkatta, at 112-kms.
Rail : Canning is nearest railhead, at a distance of 48-kms.
Road : Road
transportation is available from Kolkatta for Namkhana (105-kms),
Sonakhali (100-kms), Raidighi (76-kms), Canning (64-kms), and Najat
(92-kms), which are all near the Sunderbans and have access to the
riverine waterways leading to it.
Waterways : Sundarbans
are accessible only by riverrine waterways. Motor launch facilitiy are
available from Namkhana - Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project- Sagar Island
-Jambudwip; from Sajnekhali - Sudhanyakhali-Buridabri-
Netidhopan-Holiday Island; from Sonakhali - Gosaba; from Raidighi -
Kalas.
Attractions In Sundarbans
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.
General Info / Tips
Permits : For Foreigners for Tiger Projects & Sajnekhali,
Contact: Secretary, West Bengal Forest Department, Writer's Blidge, INDIA, Kolkatta - 700001,
