Sunderbans National Park
Area: 1,330sq km
Status: World Heritage Site & Biosphere Reserve
Established: 1984 as National Park
Best Time to Visit: November to February
The Sunderban Tiger Reserve is carved out of an estuarine delta formed by the Holy Ganges River in East India. The estuary is a swampy mangrove theatre that receives low and high tides. In the mudflat's grow esoteric plants with roots pointing vertically upwards. The forests are spread over ten thousand square kilometers in India and Bangladesh. The tiger reserve is situated in India and is under the management of Project Tiger and the West Bengal State Government. The Delta is formed by the super confluence of Brahmaputra, Meghna and Padma Rivers.
The area between the Hoogly River and Teulia River constitutes the National Park. It is a bio diversity rich region with mind boggling number of floral species. the estuary has created a unique water way system inland and has given rise to a unique ecosystem that comprises of saline water, mud flats, mangroves and dense forests beyond. The rich floral wealth and bizarre habitat supports unique animal and aquatic life. The tigers of Sunderbans have learned to live and hunt in a region which is subject to constant low and high tide phenomena. The interconnected tidal waterways make the entire area accessible to the boats.
Compared to other reserves in the world, this park has the largest population of Bengal tigers leopards, spotted deer, wild boar, salt water crocodile, Olive Ridley turtles, sharks, Gangetic
dolphin, fishing cat, otters,
monitor lizard and many more.
The tigers are seen rarely since the forest is very dense and it is difficult to move around in vehicles. The forests are covered on boats since the tidal waterways make boating possible all over the park. The estuary support wide variety of reptiles like the salt and fresh water crocodiles and the rare Gharial.
Like other parks tiger tourism is getting popular in Sunderbans. In spite of negative impact of predation in human fishermen many tourists visit the reserve. The amazing biodiversity thrills the visitor and a tiger sighting is absolute experience. There are many lodges and resorts for accommodation in the park.
How to reach?
The park is 166 km from Kolkutta DUM DUM Airport. Canning is the nearest head. Canning is connected to Kolkutta by rail. From here one gets road transport to Namkhana, Raidighi, Najat and Sonakhali townships. From these places motorboat services are available for incursions into the park.
India Footprints offers package tour to Sunderban at affordable price. Contact us for more information.
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