Geographic Location: An archipelago of Sundarbans, spread across the southern part of Bangladesh and the southern part of the Indian state of West Bengal, is a vast delta formed by the conflux of the River Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna Rivers in the Bay of Bengal. This delta is mostly covered by tropical mangrove plants adapted to saline water and swampland. In Sundarbans, there are 102 islands, and out of these, 54 islands are inhabited by people. Kolkata is the nearest big city to reach the Indian part of Sundarbans.
How to Reach: There are several entry points to the Indian part of the Sundarbans. The most sought-after entry point to the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve is either Sonakhali or Godkhali via Canning, or Bagna via Dhamakhali. Godkhali is approximately 92 km away by road from Kolkata via SH3. Jharkhali is another nearby entry route which is close to Canning.
Canning is the nearest railhead connected to Sealdah, which is one of the major railheads of the Eastern Railway. From Canning, a bus service or shared car service is available to reach Godkhali or Sonakhali. From there, Sundarban is accessible only by riverine waterways and tangling mangrove.
NSCBI Airport, Kolkata is the nearest airport, and it is 109 KM away from the Sundarbans.
Brief Facts: Welcome to the enchanting world of the Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest on the planet! Spanning over 10,000 square kilometres across India and Bangladesh, the Sundarbans is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a vital ecosystem that plays a crucial role in the environmental health of our planet. The word “Sundarbans” is derived from the word “Sundari”, which is the Bengali name of the mangrove species Heritiera.
In this blog post, we will explore the stunning beauty, rich biodiversity, and unique challenges facing this incredible region. Here are some remarkable features that set the Sundarbans apart:
The Uniqueness
This is not just a forest; it is a complex network of tidal waterways, flat intertidal zones, and small islands, making it one of the most dynamic ecosystems on Earth.
Biodiversity Hotspot
Habitat to an astounded variety of flora and fauna, the Sundarbans boasts over 500 plant species, numerous fish species, and a plethora of birds and reptiles. Among its most famous inhabitants is the Bengal tiger, which has adapted to life in this unique mangrove environment. The Sundarbans is also home to the Ganges river dolphin, various species of crocodiles, and numerous migratory birds.
Cultural Heritage
The Sundarbans is not only a natural wonder but also a cultural treasure. The region is home to diverse communities that have coexisted with this ecosystem for generations. Local traditions, folklore, and livelihoods are deeply intertwined with the forest, making it a vital part of their identity.
Mangrove Ecosystem
The huge brackish water mixed forest and littoral forest area is covered by predominantly mangrove trees, which are specially adapted to thrive in saline coastal environments. It provides critical protection to coastal communities from erosion and flooding, as they act as natural barriers against storms and high tides. The mangrove forest also helps to sink carbon dioxide very efficiently, which leads to combating climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Fragility
The ecosystem of Sundarbans is very fragile. It is vulnerable to climate change and tropical indisposition. Also because of global warming, Sundarbans are witnessing changes in monsoon behaviour, rising sea levels, more intense cyclones, and heavy rainfall which may lead to flooding, inundation, and landslides. These are the leading causes of habitat loss of many wildlife species.
The people and their livelihood
The Indian part of Sundarbans is spread over South 24 PGS and North PGS District of West Bengal). The population of the Sundarbans in India is estimated to be around 4.5 million people. The livelihoods of the local villagers are fishing, crab & shrimp fishing, honey gathering, rain-fed agriculture, poultry farming, animal husbandry, forestry, and tourism.
Best Time to Visit: The Sundarban Tiger Reserve is open throughout the year. The boat safari timing is from 6 am to 5 pm. No boat is allowed inside Sundarban Tiger Reserve before 6 am or after 5 pm. As per new rules, implemented in 2023, the Indian part of Sundarban National Park is closed every Tuesday.
Flora and Fauna: As of now, around 350 plant species have been recorded in Sundarbans. Notable species are Sundari (Heritiera fomes), Gewa (Excoecaria agallocha), Goran (Ceriops decandra), Keora (Sonneratia apetala), Hental (Phoenix paludosa), Dhundul or Passur (Xylocarpus granatum), Kankra (Bruguiera gymnorhiza), Kalo Baine (Avicennia alba), Khalsi (Aegiceras corniculatum), Garjan (Rhizophora apiculata), Peara Baine (Avicennia marina) and palms like Poresia coaractata, Myriostachya wightiana, Golpata (Nypa fruticans) and grasses like Spear Grass (Imperata cylindrica) & Khagra (Phragmites karka).
The Sundarbans are the natural abode of the Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris). Other noteworthy denizen mammals are Jungle cat (Felis chaus), Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus), Leopard Cat (P. bengalensis), Chital Deer (Axis axis), Indian Muntjacs (Muntiacus muntjak), Wild Boar (Sus scrofa), Rhesus Macaque (Macaca mulatta), Asian Small-Clawed Otter (Aonyx cinereus), Gangetic Dolphin, Irrawaddy Dolphin, Small Indian Civet etc. Jungle Cats, fishing cats, and leopard cats are critically endangered species.
Estuarine Crocodiles, Water Monitor Lizards, and various snake species are found among reptiles in this area. Among turtles, the most found are the Indian soft-shelled turtle, spotted pond turtle, Flap-shell turtle, Olive ridley turtle, Green sea turtle, Hawksbill turtle, and endangered reptilian species River terrapin (Batugar baska).
Sundarbans is rich in avifauna. According to a recent survey, approximately 300 species of birds are present in the Sundarbans. Many migrants from higher altitudes visit the area, especially in the winter months.
The notable waders are Sandpipers, Spoonbills, Whimbrels, Stilts, Thick knees, Curlew, Green shanks, etc. These are found in the mudflats and sandy shoreline.
Some important raptors are White-bellied sea eagle, Osprey, Brahminy Kite, Shikra, Crested Serpent Eagle, Oriental Honey Buzzard (occasionally), Short-toed Eagle, and Peregrine Falcon etc.
Barn Owl, Spotted owlet, Indian Scops Owl, and Spotted Owl are common among owls. Buffy Fish Owl is rarely seen here in the jungle. Pond herons, Grey herons, Purple herons, Night herons are very common among herons. Other habitual avian species recorded here are Cormorants (little and intermediate), Yellow-footed Green Pigeon, Seagulls, Egrets, Indian shag, Swallow, Mangrove Whistler, Swamp francolin, Common Flameback & Fulvous-breasted Woodpecker, Ashy Prinia, Small Minivet, different Sunbirds, Cuckoos, varieties of ducks, Green Bee Eater, different Barbets, Geese and Storks (especially the Lesser Adjutant stork), etc.
Infrequent bird species occasionally seen are the Goliath Heron, Mangrove Pitta, and Green Billed Malkoha.
Sundarbans is also called a "Kingfishers' Paradise" due to the presence of 9 species out of the total 12 species of kingfishers found in India. Pied Kingfisher, Common Kingfisher, Collared Kingfisher, Black-Capped Kingfisher, Blue-Eared Kingfisher, White Throated Kingfisher, Brown Wing Kingfisher, Ruddy Kingfisher, Stork-billed Kingfisher are recorded in Sundarbans.
Thing to Do: A full day adventurous motor boat safari is a unique experience in Sundarbans. For that, a guide needs to be obtained from the forest office, situated in island like Sajnekhali, Bali or Bagna. Forest office issues permits for travellers and the boat to visit the jungle.
There are a few watch towers in the Indian part of the Sundarbans, and travellers must obtain a permit from the Forest Department office to visit them. These offices are on islands like Sajnekhali, Bali, Jharkhali, or Bagna. Notable watch towers are Sajnekhali, Sudhanyakhali, Dobanki, Netidhopani, Bonnie Camp, Burirdabri Camp, and Jhingekhali. Watch towers provide a panoramic view of the jungle from a vantage height.
Walking in villages is ideal for spotting birds. You can also do bird-watching and photography of birds on a boat safari through narrow creeks, canals, or rivers. Winter is the best season for bird photography. Photographers usually carry long-range lenses for photography of birds in Sundarbans.
At the Sajnekhali office campus, there is a Mangrove Interpretation Centre and Museum. This centre gives information and demonstrations to travellers regarding the local ecosystem of Sundarbans, the livelihood of localities, and wildlife.
Another widely visited tourist destination is the Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project, which is one of the largest saltwater crocodile breeding centres.
Where to Stay: There are many hotels, home-stays, and resorts in different islands of the Indian part of Sundarbans. Travellers can experience staying in the motor boat also.
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