India-Tourist-Places.com

Archive for the ‘Sunderbans’ Category

The Sundarbans is formed by an alluvial archipelago of 54 islands, made by the waters of Ganges, Brahmaputra and the Bay of Bengal. The Sundarban National Park got its name from the Sundari trees found here in abundance. Sundarbans’ also shares its boundaries with the Sajnekhali Bird Sanctuary.

Sundarbans National Park in India is one of the world’s largest deltas and the mangrove forest formed by the confluence of three rivers- the Ganga, the Brahmaputra and the Meghna- covering an area of 2,585 sq km wildlife sanctuary, which extends into Bangladesh too. The Sundarbans Wildlife Sanctuary, the world’s largest estuarine sanctuary is really worth a visit. With a series of densely forested islands and saline water channels, Sundarbans is home to 270 Royal Bengal Tigers along with the spotted deers, wild pigs, monkeys, herons, kingfishers and white-bellied eagles.

The most unique feature of the Sundarbans is the tigers in the park apt at swimming and are strictly amphibious! The Park is also famous for its conservation of the Ridley Sea Turtles. The other wild animals found in the Sundarbans National Park are estuarine terrapins, Olive Ridley turtles, estuarine crocodiles, Ganges dolphins, water monitors and a wide variety of birds, fish and crustaceans. One of the major tourist attractions is the Sajnekhali Visitors’ Centre, which has a crocodile enclosure, a shark pond, a turtle hatchery, and a Mangrove Interpretation Centre.

Sudarban National Park’s Wildlife

The Sundarbans forest houses Royal Bengal Tigers in plenty. At the Sundarbans you are elated to watch Chital Deer and Rhesus Monkey. The aqua fauna in the park 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 Sundarbans.

Sunderban Jungle camp is a comfortable wildlife lodge located at Bali island in the Sunderban area, opposite the Tiger reserve. The camp is run as an acclaimed wildlife and social project, and is designed for low impact, eco friendly foot print.

The camp consists of six bungalows which are grouped around an amply fishing pont. All bungalows offer a sleeping area with convenient king size beds and a shower bath with western style toilet attached.

Facilities : The camp makes use of solar water heating and for lighting as well, enhancing eco friendly practices. The fans are also operated by generator-energy on demand. The dining area, situated next to the pont, is kept open. On the “Fishermen’s Deck”, one can sit on a terrasse above the pont. A bamboo bridge connects the bungalows on the other side of the pont with the dining area.

Dining : The traditional Bengali Cuisine, as served in the Camp, is uncommon in the big cities. For many Bengali visitors the food is one reason for the return visits. Whenever possible, fresh regional ingredients are used. Mostly a meal is based on rice or chapati-breads, combined with different vegetables, fish, or meat. The Sunderbans are a paradise for those loving Seafood – fish, crab, and prawn.

Area : 1,330 sq km (park);2,585 sq km (reserve)
Altitude : 0-10 m above sea level
Languages : Spoken Bengali, Hindi, English
Annual Mean Rainfall : 1,108 mm (Canning)
Maximum Temperature : Summer 42°C
Minimum Temperature : Winter 9.2°C

Sundarbans in West Bengal is the estuarine phase of the Ganges as well as Brahmaputra river systems. This littoral forest is the only ecological habitat of the tiger of its kind not only in India but also in the world except in Bangladesh. The typical littoral forests of Sundarbans comprises of a host of trees species adopted to the peculiar estuarine condition of high salinity, lack of soil erosion and daily inundation by high tides. The tidal forms and the mangrove vegetation in Sundarban are responsible for dynamic eco-system vigorous nutrient cycling both terrestrial and aquatic. The whole eco-system is sensitive to changes in salinity and the continuous cycle of erosion and deposition is affecting the plant communities giving rise to dynamic floristic changes. The plant communities are continuously adjusting to the new conditions.

Sundarbans Tiger Reserve provides characteristic type of habitat suitable for animals inhabiting vast tidal swamp area. Because of their intimate association with the estuarine environment, sizeable portion of aquatic and semi-aquatic animal communities are inter-related with the animals inhabiting the land areas. The uniqueness of the habitat is said to have contributed to certain behavioral trends, which are characteristic of Sundarbans tigers only. It is considered that man-eating propensity of tiger in this area is hereditarily acquired over a period of generations in the process of consumption of saline water.

History

The word “Sunderban” is derived from sundari and ban, which, when combined, means “the forests of sundari”-an obvious reference to the large mangrove trees.

The 1,330 sq km area of Sunderbans was established as a National Park on May 4, 1984. The Sunderbans had earlier been designated as a Tiger Reserve in December 1973. After this, a wildlife sanctuary was created in 1977.

The word “Sunderban” is derived from sundari and ban, which, when combined, means “the forests of sundari”-an obvious reference to the large mangrove trees.

The 1,330 sq km area of Sunderbans was established as a National Park on May 4, 1984. The Sunderbans had earlier been designated as a Tiger Reserve in December 1973. After this, a wildlife sanctuary was created in 1977.

Tourist Attractions

Moving through the largest estuarine delta in the world is quite a thrilling experience. The flora and fauna of the region are the major attractions here. The mangrove forest presents a unique ecosystem. The wildlife includes the world famous Royal Bengal Tiger, a major attraction in the tiger reserve. Some of the other attractions include chital, crocodile, monkeys, estuarine and marine turtle, dolphins and various kinds of birds. The Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project besides being a hatchery and a sanctuary is the home to the biggest estuarine crocodiles.

Located in the 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, the Sunderbans National Park is the largest estuarine sanctuary in the world. Part of the world’s largest delta formed by the rivers Ganges and the lower Brahmaputra, Sunderbans is famous worldwide as home to the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger. The park is blessed with great scenic beauty and a rare wealth of wildlife, including many endangered species. The tourist Attractions in Sunderbans are excitingly diverse and the park offers the perfect setting to experience the magic and mystery of wilderness.

Spotting wild animals in their natural habitat is almost always a matter of luck. But the wildlife in Sunderbans is so rich and varied that the odds will remain tilted in your favor when you visit the Sunderbans Tiger Reserve in West Bengal. Most popular among the tourist attractions in Sunderbans is the Royal Bengal Tiger. Sunderbans is the only ecological habitat of the tiger of its kind not only in India, but also in the world except in Bangladesh. The Tiger Reserve has the largest concentration of wild tigers in the world. It is home to about 270 Royal Bengal Tigers which have adapted remarkably well to the swampy habitat.

A part of the world’s largest delta formed by the confluence of the rivers Ganga, Brahmaputra and Meghna, the Sunderbans is a vast tract of forest and saltwater swamp stretching for about 160 miles along the Bay of Bengal from the Hooghly River Estuary in West Bengal to the Meghna River Estuary in Bangladesh. Sprawled over an area of 4262 sq. kms in India, Sunderbans is the largest estuarine sanctuary in the world, and habitat to some of India’s most amazing wildlife species.

The Sunderban Tiger Project was formed in 1974 and covers an area of 2585 sq. kms, of which the core area covers 1330 sq. kms and is a national forest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Home to the largest concentration of wild tigers in the world, the Sunderbans National Park in West Bengal received National Park status on May 4, 1984. The park comprises a network of estuaries, tidal rivers, and creeks intersected by many channels, with flat, marshy islands covered with thick forests in between. The littoral forest at the Sunderbans Tiger Reserve is the only ecological habitat of the tiger of its kind not only in India, but also worldwide except in Bangladesh.

Some other tourist attractions in Sunderbans include:

Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project
Also among the tourist attractions in Sunderbans is the Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project, a hatchery and a sanctuary, which is also home to the biggest estuarine crocodiles.

Netidhopani:
The picturesque beauty of Netidhopani is enhanced manifolds by its mangrove forests and teeming wildlife populace. Furthermore, the ruins of a 400-year-old temple here is also among the major draws for tourists.

Halliday Island:
Lying to the south of the Sunderbans Tiger Reserve, are the Halliday Island Wildlife Sanctuary — the last retreat of the Barking Deer, and the Lothian Island Wildlife Sanctuary — a haven for bird viewers.

Kanak:
The shallow waters and beaches at Kanak is one of the well known resting places of the Olive Ridley Turtles in Sunderban. During their breeding season, these turtles migrate from a long distance to the shallow coastal waters. It is believed, that the turtles travel upriver a distance of about 100 km from the sea mouth into the Sunderban.

Here are few of the interesting places to see in Sunderbans..

Project Tiger : The Tiger Reserve covers an area of about 2585 sq. kms.It has one of the largest tiger population compare to any other Indian parks.The place harbours 269 Royal Bengal Tigers which serves a great attraction to the tourist worldwide.

Ganga Sagar (Kapil Muni Ashram) : This place serves as an important destination culturally and spiritually.The place also has a beach which adds to the beauty of the placet.It is located on an island in the Sunderbans. The tourist can reach the place directly from Kolkata by taking road journey and then by vessel, or by chartered luxury vessels taken from Kolkata itself.The place is a lovely destination which combines pilgrimage and fun altogether.

Canning : Canning serves as one of the entry points to Sunderbans.It is located at 54 kms southeast of Kolkata. ‘Canning’ was built in 1858 as an alternate port.The place encompasses a small fishing fleet.The private boats are available on hire.Tourist can enjoy boating and fishing in the place.

Frazerganj : Frazerganj includes white sand beach which is entirely different from the other beaches.The importance of the beach lies in its pristine purity and charm.Tourist can reach the place from Kolkata by three hours road journey. The place is also renowed for displaying the migratory birds and pisciculture.

Close encounter with the Wild : The tourist can enjoy while cruising through the brackish kharris flanked by dense mangrove forests all around.The luxury launch M.V. Chitrarekha and M.V. Madhukar is available for the purpose.Tourist can enjoy the two-day river cruise with one night on board with your family and friends. The tourist can view the forest vibrant from the wide open upper deck.Tourist can enjoy sumptuous Bengali lunch consisting of delicacies like fish & prawns.The place also organise foot-tapping dance session in evening party and retire. A general river cruise requires no approval. But to visit places outside the core area permission should be taken from the authorities.

Sunderbans is located at the lower end of the Gangetic West Bengal.It is world’s largest delta covered by mangrove forest and vast saline mud flats. The land consists of 54 tiny islands crisscrossed by innumerable tributaries of Ganga.Sunderbans, the place that got its name from
Sundari trees, consist of a large flora population like Genwa, Dhundal, Passur, Garjan and Kankra.The place is inhabited by Royal Bengal Tigers. It also harbours jungle cats, fishing cats, Axis deer, wild boar, Rhesus monkeys, mongooses and the largest estuarine crocodiles in the world.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit the place is from September to March.The luxury tours to the place are carried on all over the year but the monsoon season holds its own importance over tourists .From September to March the chances of tiger-sighting is more than any other time.