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Nearest Access: Gosaba (50-kms), Main Wildlife
Found: Bengal Tiger, Ridley Sea Turtle Coverage Area: 1330.10-sq-kms
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; 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.
Major Wildlife Attractions of Sundarbans The Sundarbans 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 you'll be thrilled to see the Chital Dear and Rhesus Monkey. The aqua fauna of Sundarbans 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 is also noted for its conservation of the Ridley Sea Turtle. There's is a incredible variety of reptiles also found in Sundarbans, 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.
Best Time to Visit Sunderbans National Park The ideal time to visit the Sundarbans national park is during the months of September and May. Winter make the time to see the mighty Royal Bengal Tiger sunbathing on the riverbanks.
How to get there
Air:
The nearest airport is Kolkatta, at 112-kms. Rail: Canning is nearest railhead, at a distance of 48-kms. 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. Waterways: Sundarbans are accessible only by riverrine waterways. Motor launch facility are available from Namkhana - Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project- Sagar Island -Jambudwip; from Sajnekhali - Sudhanyakhali-Buridabri- Netidhopan-Holiday Island; from Sonakhali - Gosaba; from Raidighi - Kalas.
General Info / Tips Permits: For Foreigners for Tiger Projects & Sajnekhali, Contact: Secretary, West Bengal Forest Department, Writer's Blidge, Kolkatta - 700001, on request.
¤ Sunderbans Weekend Getaway
Duration: 2 Nights / 3 Days Destinations Covered: Kolkatta - Basanti Port - Sunderbans
Day - 1 : Kolkatta - Basanti Port - Sundarbans National Park Drive from Kolkatta to Basanti port by car (3 hrs), passing through the picturesque countryside of Bengal. Start boat launch from Gosaba. A short ride by local rickshaw will take you to the entrance of the Sundarbans forest. Pay a afternoon visit to the forest museum & watch different species residing in the mangrove world of the Sunderbans. Spend evening at leisure. Overnight stay inside the Sundarbans forest lodge.
Day - 2 : Sunderbans National Park After breakfast visit the Sundarbans forest and enjoy a full day cruise by boat through the creeks of the dense forest. Visit Pakhiralya, Sudhanyakhali Watch Tower, Netidhopani Watch Tower & also other points of the Sundarbans forest. Enjoy an entertaining evening of special local religious / Kolkatta song "Banbibi Pala". Dinner and night halt at forest lodge.
Day - 3 : Sunderbans National Park - Basanti Port - Kolkatta Early morning visit to the local village Rangabelia related with Tagore society for rural development project. After having lunch, transfer for Kolkata.
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Location:
Piyali, West Bengal, 