Kingdom
of Royal Bengal Tigers, Sunderbans national park is located at the South
Eastern tip of the 24 Paraganas district in the state of West Bengal. Sundarbans
is not only a National Park but also a tiger reserve, a World Heritage site and
a Biosphere reserve. The name Sundarban can be literally translated as
"beautiful forest" in the Bengali language (Shundor,
"beautiful" and bon, "forest"). It may have got its name
from one of the mangrove plants known as Sundari (Heritiera Minor) that are ubiquitously
found in abundance in the Sundarbans National Park. The forest covers around
10,000 sq.km of land of which a major portion is in Bangladesh, while the
Indian portion is estimated at around 4264 square km. Around 1/3rd area of Sunderban is covered with water.
The
Sundarbans are a part of the world's largest delta formed by confluence of the
rivers Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna. The delta is densely covered by mangrove
forests, and is one of the largest reserves for the Bengal tiger. The aqua
fauna of Sunderbans include a variety of fishes, red fiddler crabs and hermit
crabs. There are crocodiles, which can be often seen along the mud banks. The
national park is also noted for its conservation of the Ridley Sea Turtle. The
present Sundarbans National Park was declared as the core area of Sundarbans
Tiger Reserve in 1973 and a wildlife sanctuary in 1977. On May 4, 1984 it was
declared a National Park.
The
Sunderbans is criss-crossed by hundreds of creeks and tributaries. It is one of
the most attractive and alluring places remaining on earth, a truly
undiscovered paradise for anyone. Situated on the lower end of the Gangetic
West Bengal, it is also the world’s largest tidal water forest which densely
populated and to enter the jungle visitors have to book and get permission from
Forest Department of India. The jungles are still managed by administration
since 1966. Here travelers can take pleasure of wildlife as forest is spread in
huge area.
Islands
such as Goasaba, Sandeshkali and Basanti form the northern boundary of the
Sundarbans whereas on the south lies the Bay of Bengal; the Matla and Bidya
Rivers form the eastern boundary and the to the west side of the Sunderbans
National Park is the international boundary of Bangladesh.
Main
Attractions of Sundarban:
Major
attraction of Sundarban is Nilkamal recognized as Hiron Point also. Hiron point
is used to watch vociferous wild animals. The Spot Tin Kona is one island where
deer can be seen easily.
Piyali: Piyali is the main
gateway of Sundarbans, near Kolkata and Sajnekhali, Sudhanyakhali, Netidhopani
through waterways. A small river Piyali criss crosses the green paddy fields
and joins river Matla. It has become a perfect holiday and picnic destination.
Dublar
Char Island: This
eye-catching island is famous for picturesque scenery. Fishing and various fish
fauna are available at this island. It is famous for fishing and is a place for
fishermen with abundant of fish fauna. One can here enjoy fishing. The Island
has all the natural beauty of any of the world renowned Islands. It is an
attractive island where herds of spotted deer are often seen to graze. A casual
walk around the Island provides the tourist with the chance of spotting many
wild animals. With water all around and with lots of fish fauna, Dublar Char
offers unique experience to the enthusiastic visitors.
Hiron
Point: The
place is also known as Nilkamal, is next tourist location for spotting dears
and Tigers. Monkey’s, tigers, crocodiles and deer are other main animals
available at Hiron point. This place attracts many tourists owing to its natural
beauty.
Katka: Safari of jungle is
available at Katka where travelers can watch Tigers and numerous birds. At
Katka, one can see variety of wild animals’ right from tigers to deer, birds
and many kinds of monkeys.
Sajnakhali
wildlife Sanctuary: It
is a 362 sq km area in the northern part of the Sundarbans delta in South 24
Parganas district, West Bengal, India. The area is mainly mangrove scrub,
forest and swamp. It was set up as a santuary in 1976. It is home to a rich
population of different species of wildlife and migratory birds. The most
distinguishing feature of the sanctuary are the seven colourful species of
Kingfisher, White bellied Sea Eagle, Plovers, Lap-Wings, Curfews, Whimbrels,
Sandpipers and occasional Pelican.
Bhagabatpur: Bhagabatpur is renowned
for having a hatchery of the largest estuarine crocodiles in the world.
Kanak: Kanak is the nesting
place for the Olive Ridley Turtles.
Holiday
Island: The
last habitat of the Barking Deer in India is the Holiday island thronged by the
tourists every year.
Few
more like Tin Kona Island and Sundarban National Park are other tourist spots
of Sundarban.
Reaching
to Sundarban:
Reaching
Kolkata is good option as the city is linked to many big cities of India. At a
distance of only 112 kms from Kolkota makes it a primary station to reach
Sundarban.
By
Train: Passenger and express trains from Kolkota is available for Sundarban.
By
Air: closest air hub for Sundarban is “Dum Dum airport” located at Kolkota.
Distance is only 166 kms from Dum Dum to Sundarban.
By
Bus: West Bengal state transport is having buses for Sundarban form many
cities. Buses from Kolkota (166 kms away), Raidighi (76 kms away), Najat (92
kms away) and Namkhana (105 kms away) are available.
