Sunderbans National Park – Sunderbans Wildlife Sancturay
The Sunderbans national park is spread over and area of 1,000,000 hectors and is also known as the worlds largest delta. It is formed by the rivers Ganges, Meghana and Brahmaputra. The swampy delta is covered with a number of mangroves which covers a large area of the swamp. The forest and swamp are together linked to form a tangled network of rivers and streams. It is also a home for the one of the largest big cats the royal Bengal tiger and also a home to the largest mangrove covered area in the world. The forest has derived its name from the sundari trees that once did cover a much larger portion in these forests.
The archipelago of nearly 54 islands that are continuously watered by the Bay of Bengal is a dump of alluvial soil mostly contributed by the Ganges and Brahmaputra. The northern boundary of the Bans is formed by the islands of Basanti, Sandeshkali and Goasaba. The forest is surrounded by the sea to its south and the west side is surrounded by the Matla and Bidya rivers and east is run along with the international boundary of Bangladesh.
This largest delta is a home to some of the most fascinating wildlife. The flaming red colored leaves of genwa edge the islands during the period of April and May. The scene is more beautified by the red flowers of kankara and yellow flowers of khalsi. Deep into the forest the mystery of the fairyland is explored.
The forest is a home to more than 400 members of these big wild cats. The Bengal tigers have well adapted themselves to the saline and aqua life of the sunder bans and thus are also an extremely good swimmers. One would always be thrilled on seeing the Chital deer and the Rhesus monkeys in the deep forest. A number of fishes, red fiddler crabs and hermit crabs are also found along the water bed.
Mud banks may most of the time be occupied by another predator called as the crocodile. The forest is also known for the conservation of the ridley sea turtles. A number of other reptiles are also found in this region including the king cobra, rock python, and monitor lizard.
Vital Destinations
Bengal Tiger The Sajnakhali Sanctuary – the region is very much famous for its rich bird population and is also regarded as a part of Sunderbans National Park. The area has a large number of migratory birds. A number of species including the kingfisher, sea eagle, curfews, whimbrels, lap-wings, plovers, and pelican can be spotted here.
Netidhopani – in this region one can see the famous 400 year old temple and native legend to the area.
Bhagabatpur
Wildlife in Sunderbans – Piyali may be said as the gateway to Sunderbans which is located around 72 kms from Kolkatta via road and lies close to Netidhopani, Sajnekhali and Sudhanyakhali via waterway. The river flows through the central fields forming Sunderbans. It also makes an ideal holiday destination. A beautiful tourist’s accommodation is also present in this area.
The most ideal time to visit the Sunderbans is during the month of September to May. At this time one can always spot a Royal Bengal Tiger sun bathing.
Great overview of the Sunderbans. I love visiting this mangrove forest, there is something very special about the forest. One of the truly wild places left in the world!