Geo details
Location: West Bengal, India
Coordinates: 22.00° N – 89.00° E
Area: 9630 sq. km
Introduction
Sundarbans National Park is the world's largest single block of tidal
mangrove forest. This sprawling 10,000 sq. km forest is situated at seaward
fringe of the Ganges delta. The park is everywhere intersected by a complex
network of river channels, tidal waterways, creeks, mudflats and small
islands, making it largest and most diverse estuarine forest.
Once infested by pirates, it is now the abode of varied floral and faunal
population. Widely known for the eponymous Royal Bengal tigers, this park
also provide natural habitat to several rare or endangered species including
aquatic mammals, birds and reptiles. In the year 1997, it becomes a UNESCO
World Heritage Site.
Flora
Sunderban National Park is a transitional region for freshwater from Ganges
and saline water from Bay of Bengal. The estuaries at the delta supports a
variety of terrestrial shrubs and trees from over 245 genera and 334 floral
species. The vegetation is moist tropical forest. There are extensive areas
of freshwater marshes, mudflats, sand dunes, open grassland and elevated
areas.
Sundari and Gewa are the prominently throughout tress in this area. Along
with a variety of grasses and palms well distributed in this region, there
is discontinuous distribution of Dhundul, Passur, Garjan and Kankra.
Fauna
Sundarbans National Park is very rich in wildlife with high profile and
vulnerable mammals living in contrasting environments. The recorded data
enlist around 120 species of fishes, 270 species of birds, 42 species of
mammals, 35 reptiles and 8 species of amphibian. Known for inhabiting one of
the largest single populations of Royal Bengal tigers, it also provides
habitat to blue-eared Kingfisher, Ganges dolphin, Axis deer, wild boar,
mongooses and estuarine crocodiles.
Sunderban National Park is the breeding ground of immense variety of
resident and migratory birds. The resident birds population includes Heron,
Egret, Cormorant, Fishing Eagle, White Bellied Sea Eagle, Seagull, Tern,
etc. The popular migratory birds are like Whimbrel, Black-tailed Godwit,
Little Stint, Curlew, Sandpiper, Golden Plover, Pintail, etc.
The aquatic and reptile life includes Olive Ridley sea turtle, terrapin,
pythons, king cobra, monitor and lizards.
Nearby Tourist Destinations
Sajnakhali Sanctuary
The Sajnakhali sanctuary is famous for its rich avian population. The
attraction is colourful species of kingfisher, white bellied sea eagle,
sandpipers and pelican.
Netidhopani
Netidhopani houses ruins of a 400 year old temple.
Bhagabatpur
Bhagabatpur is famous for largest estuarine crocodiles in the world.
Kanak
Kanak is the nesting place of the Olive Ridley Turtles.
Kaikhali
Kaikhali Island is an ideal picnic spot.
Best Time to Visit
Although Sunderban National Park can be visited year round, the best time
is September-March period, as possibility to see tiger is highest in these
time. The climate at Sunderban National Park is soothing and pleasant. The
temperature ranges between 34°C and 20°C and rainfall is extremely
high. There are periodic high tides from sea.
How to Reach
Air : The nearest airport is Kolkata.
Rail : Canning is nearest railway station.
Road : Road transportation is available from
- Kolkata (105 km)
- Sonakhali (100 km)
- Canning (64 km)
WaterwaysSundarban is accessible only by riverine
waterways too. Motor launch facilities are available from
- Namkhana
- Sajnekhali
- Sonakhali
- Raidighi
General Information
For more details & tour packages, please communicate with us via the
query form attached.
