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Sunderbans National Park
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The Sunderbans, extending
over an area of 1,000,000 hectares, is the world's largest
delta, formed by the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghana
rivers. The vast swampy delta 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 and the largest mangrove forest in the world, form
the core of this area. The park is spread over 1300 sq km.
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; 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.
Fascinating life forms await you in this largest estuarine
delta in the world. 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, this fairyland unfolds its
mysterious beauty.
Fauna:
Tiger, fishing cat, spotted deer, wild boar, Gangetic
dolphin, Irrawady dolphin, water monitor, estuarine
crocodile, river terrapin, Olive Ridley turtle, ground
turtle and hawksbill turtle.
The aqua fauna of Sunderbans include variety of fishes,
red fiddler crabs and hermit crabs.
Crocodiles can be often seen along the mud banks. The Park
is also noted for its conservation of the Ridley Sea
Turtle. There's is a incredible variety of reptiles that
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.
The Sajnakhali sanctuary, famous for its rich avian
population, is regarded as a part of the Sunderbans
National Park. The most sought after are seven colourful
species of Kingfisher, white-bellied Sea Eagle, Plovers,
Lap-Wings, Curfews, Whimbrels, Sandpipers and occasional
Pelican.
Other places of interest are Netidhopani, famous for the
ruins of a 400 year old temple and legends lend mystery to
the atmosphere. Bhagabatpur is famous for having a
hatchery of the largest estuarine crocodiles in the world.
Kanak is the nesting place of the Olive Ridley Turtles.
Haliday Island : is famous as last retreat of Barking Dear
in India.
Piyali: is the gatway to Sundarbans, 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 and has a tourist complex.
Kaikhali: On your way to Sunderbans, one cannot afford to
miss Kaikhali Island, where nature is so alive and so
colorful.
Best time to visit:
The ideal time to visit the Sunderbans national park is
from September to Mar. Best sightings are from Oct to Feb.
Go there for:
Bengal tiger, Irrawady dolphins, mangroves.
How to Reach:
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.
by rail :
Port Canning is nearest railhead on Matla River, at a
distance of 48-kms. Traind run from Sealdah (Kolkatta) to
Canning. This option is best avoided as in low tide, one
has to wade through slush to reach the boats.
by air:
The nearest airport is Kolkatta, at 112-kms.
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© 2008, Banjara Camps & Retreats Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi. All rights reserved.
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