SUNDARBANS |
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Sunderban: Sundarbans, formerly SUNDERBUNDS, vast tract of forest and saltwater swamp forming the lower part of the Ganges Delta, extending about 160 miles (260 km) along the Bay of Bengal from the Hooghly River Estuary (India) to the Meghna River Estuary in Bangladesh. 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).
A network of estuaries, tidal rivers, and creeks intersected by numerous channels, it encloses flat, marshy islands covered with dense forests.
The name Sundarbans is perhaps derived from the term meaning "forest of sundari, a reference to the large mangrove tree that provides valuable fuel. Along the coast the forest passes into a mangrove swamp; the southern region, with numerous wild animals and Crocodile- infested estuaries, is virtually uninhabited. It is one of the last preserves of the Bengal tiger and the site of a tiger preservation project. Just south of Calcutta, Sunderban is one of the most unique ecosystems in this part of the world. 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.
Though there are several entry points to the Sunderbans, the most popular is Port Canning which is connected by suburban railway to Calcutta. Organized boat tours leave Port Canning for the forests.
Quickfacts: Area : 2608 sq. kms. |
Places to see Sajnekhali:
Sajnekhali has a bird sanctuary and is the only place to have a hotel in this area - the Sundar Cheetal Tourist Lodge. There is a Mangrove Interpretation Centre here. There are watchtowers at Sajnekhali, Sudhanyakhali, Netidhopan, Haldi and a number of other places.
Sir David Hamilton’s settlement. Tiger Reserve Project Tiger was implemented in 1973 and later the Sundarban Tiger Reserve was demarcated over 2,585-sq. km. The core area of 1,330 sq.km has been declared a National park and has been chosen as a world heritage site. The reserve has a tiger population of 287(1984 census). The only mangrove species, the tiger here has adapted well to its habitat. Bhagbatpur Crocodile Project:
This is a crocodile breeding farm. Tours are organized by the WBTDC. This place is accessible through Namkhana. Both the West Bengal Tourism Department and the West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation organize conducted tours to the Sundarbans by their launches. Bhagabatput is a hatchery of the largest estuarine crocodile in the world. Netidhopani The ruins of a 400-year-old temple and legends lend mystery to the atmosphere. Haliday Island Last retreat of the Barking Deer. Kanak Nesting place of Olive Ridley Turtles. Piyali: It is 72 kms from Calcutta and is a gateway to the Sunderban. It is being developed as a tourist complex.
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SUNDARBANS: CONNECTIONS: Sunderban is only accessible by waterways. Nearest railhead is Port Canning from where organized group trips start. there are several other entry points but Port Canning is most popular. The other route is through Basanti which is connected by bus service to Calcutta. From here one can take boats to Sajnekhali. One can also come via Port Canning and Gosaba or from Sonakhali to Sajnekhali. For Bhagabatpur, Namkhana is an access point. By Air: Dum Dum (166kms), is the nearest airport at Calcutta. By rail: The nearest railhead is at Canning, 48 kms away.The nearest town is Gosaba, 50 kms away. Sundarbans is accessible only by riverine waterways. From Calcutta there are suburban train to Canning and buses to Namkhana, Raidighi, Sonakhali and Najat from where Motor launch services are available for Sundarbans. Road: Above mentioned embarkation points from Calcutta are: Namkhana (105 km), Sonakhali (100 km), Raidighi (76 km), Canning (64 km), Najat (92 km). Waterways: Approximate time taken between various
points are : For Private Launches Contact: West Bengal Launch Owners' Syndicate, Calcutta. LODGING:Forest lodge and forest rest-houses are available for accommodation at Sajnakhali.
When to visit Contact Field Director
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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.
Gosaba 
A thrilling cruise through the largest estuarine delta in the
world and the biggest colony of the `Royal Bengal Tigers' - the Sundarbans. These
evergreen mangrove forests pulsate with a myriad forms of life. Above the Kingfisher and
White-bellied Sea eagle add a brilliant burst of colour. The sea creeps in at high tide.
The forests float. The ebbing waters reveal nature so alive on the glistening mud flats.
The land is split by numerous rivers and water channels all emptying into the Bay of
Bengal. Venture further to discover a rich tribal folklore. It is believed that Bonbibi,
the goddess of the forest, protects the wood-cutters, honey-collectors and fishermen on
their hazardous missions. For, as the saying goes, `Here the Tiger is always watching
you'.
Delta-forest home of the Royal Bengal Tiger. The Ganges, which is
rightly known as the Ganga, carries silt and fertility from its ice-melt sources in the
high Himalayas, through the lush plains of India, past the riverine port of Calcutta.
Here, however, it is no longer the Ganga because it has become one of the major
distributors. For, in the flat Grey-clay lands of Bengal, the great river splits into
numerous channels, dividing and sub-dividing like the roots of a tree, till it pours
through many mouths into the Bay of Bengal.