About Sundarbans National Park
The vast swampy delta of the two great Indian rivers, Brahamaputra and
the Ganges extends over areas comprising of mangrove forests, swamps and
forest island all interwoven in a network of small rivers and streams.
The Sundarbans National Park, home of the
Royal Bengal Tiger,
covering an area of approximately 1330.10-sq-kms and the largest
mangrove forest in the world, form the core of this area. The Sundarban
region has got its name from Sundari trees, once found in abundance
here.
The Ganges and the Brahmaputra form this alluvial archipelago of 54
islands watered by the Bay of Bengal. The islands Goasaba, Sandeshkali
and Basanti form the northern boundary of the Sundarbans National Park; on the south
is the sea; to the west side of the Sunderbans park is the Matla and
Bidya Rivers and to the east is the international boundary of
Bangladesh.
Flora in Sundarbans National Park
Fascinating life forms await you in this largest estuarine delta in the
world, Sunderbans. In April and May the flaming red leaves of the Genwa,
edge the emerald islands. The crab like red flowers of the Kankara and
the yellow blooms of Khalsi add to the dazzling display. As you
penetrate into the forests of Sundarbans National Park, this fairyland unfolds its
mysterious beauty.
Major Wildlife Attractions of Sundarbans National Park
The Sundarbans National Park forest is home to more than 400 tigers. The
Bengal Tigers have adapted themselves
very well to the saline and aqua environs and are extremely good
swimmers. As you enter the adventurous wild land of the Sundarbans National Park
you'll be thrilled to see the Chital Dear and Rhesus Monkey. The aqua
fauna of Sundarbans National 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 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 National Park, 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
Sunderbans.
Other Attractions In Sundarbans National Park
The Sajnakhali Sanctuary :The Sajnakhali
sanctuary, famous for its rich avian population, is regarded as a part
of the Sunderbans National Park. The kingdom of birds at Sajnekhati
enchants your eyes. The most sought after sights by a bird watcher are
seven colourful species of Kingfisher, white bellied Sea Eagle, Plovers,
Lap-Wings, Curfews, Whimbrels, Sandpipers and occasional Pelican.
Netidhopani : At Netidhopani, the ruins of a 400
year old temple and legends lend mystery to the atmosphere.
Bhagabatpur : Bhagabatpur is famous for having a
hatchery of the largest estuarine crocodiles in the world.
Kanak : Kanak is the nesting place of the Olive
Ridley Turtles.
Haliday Island : Haliday island is famous as
last retrest of Barking Dear in India.
Piyali : Piyali is the gatway to Sundarbans National Park,
72-kms from Kolkatta by road and close to Sajnekhali, Sudhanyakhali,
Netidhopani through waterways. A small river Piyali flows through the
green paddy fields and mingles with river Matla. Picturesque Piyali
delta makes an ideal romantic holiday destination. A beautiful tourist
complex with accommodation and recreation facilities is also situated
over here.
Kaikhali :
On your way to Sundarbans National Park you cannot afford to miss Kaikhali Island,
where nature is so alive and so colourful. An ideal picnic spot.
Best Time to Visit Sunderbans National Park
The ideal time to visit the Sundarbans National Park national park is during the
months of September and May. Winter make the time to see the mighty
Royal Bengal Tiger
sun-bathing on the river banks.
How to Get there
By Airport : The nearest airport is Kolkatta, at
112-kms.
By Railway Station : Canning is nearest railhead, at a
distance of 48-kms.
By Road : Road transportation is available from
Kolkatta for Namkhana (105-kms), Sonakhali (100-kms), Raidighi (76-kms),
Canning (64-kms), and Najat (92-kms), which are all near the Sunderbans
and have access to the riverine waterways leading to it.
