Sundarbans

Sundarban is the largest mangrove forest of the country, which forms a major portion of the world's largest delta. The extensive delta area is formed by the rivers Ganga, Meghna and Brahmaputra. The word Sundarban means ' the beautiful jungle ', which has perhaps got its name from the large presence of Sundari trees. The Sundarbans of West Bengal is the original home of the incomparable Royal Bengal Tiger. Beside that - the vast forest and swamp area covering almost 4262 Square Kilometers, boasts of rich flora and fauna. The dense forests, plenty of river channels, marshy islands and large swamps make the Sundarbans a place filled with mystic adventures. The best time to visit the exciting forests is between September and March.

Worried with the rapid decrease in tiger count due to poaching and other reasons, the government is maintaining a tiger preservation project. The Sundarban Tiger Preservation Project is spread across 2585 Square Kilometers. The core area is treated as the National Park and has been declared as one of the worlds heritage sites. Other interesting and places of must visits are:

• SajneKhali - known for the bird sanctuary and watch towers.
• Piyaly - entry point of the Sundarbans
• Kanak - famous for the presence of the rare Olive Ridley Tortoise
• Holiday Island - the home for rapidly decreasing Barking Deer
• Netidhopani - an archaeological site
• Bhagatpur Crocodile Project - breeding farm for Estaurine crocodile and Gharial
• Gosaba - early settlement colonized by Sir David Hamilton

Last Updated on June 06, 2013