The Sunderban National Park has a lot of tags attached to it. It is a National Park; a Biosphere Reserve; and a Tiger Reserve. It is a part of the largest delta in the world, the Ganges Delta. The park consists of 54 small islands and is dotted by several tributaries of the Ganges. The Sunderbans are located at a distance of about 115 km from the city of Kolkata, West Bengal.
The region witnesses an average maximum and minimum temperature of 48°C and 20°C, respectively. Monsoon here lasts from mid-June to September and is marked by high humidity levels and heavy rain. Storms developing in the Bay of Bengal, during the months of May and October, often affect weather conditions in the Sunderbans. In 2009, Cyclone Aila struck the region and caused a damage of Rs. 1.11 Crores, as per a committee formed by the Forest Department of the State.
The swampy expanse of Sunderbans houses the famous Royal Bengal Tiger. Some 400 tigers live here making it the world’s largest tiger reserve. It is not easy to track a tiger here, but with proper guidance and timing, you may get lucky at least once. Besides the Bengal Tiger, the Sunderbans are also home to various species of birds, reptiles, avifauna, aqua fauna, and marine mammals. Every once in a while, some majestic creature will emerge out of the wilderness and take you by surprise.
Unlike most reserves, the Sunderbans are best explored in a boat. It is common knowledge that the environmental hotspot is shared between India and Bangladesh. But for most travelers, the Indian end is far more accessible and comfortable. You take a boat ride for about three to four days and glide through the green and blue. Boat rides are available from both ends but a ride from Khulna, Bangladesh is more popular. You also have the option of entering the forests on foot. Generally, you take off in smaller groups, either on foot or in smaller boats. But don’t worry, you will be accompanied by armed and trained forest guards.
The wild-terrain of the Sunderbans is populated only by creatures of the wild. Upon entering deep into the mangroves, one can hear sounds of different animals echo into the vastness. The entire experience is dreamy and helps you unwind. You really don’t need your phones and laptops here. If you’re taking a gadget to the Sunderbans, it should be a camera. By the time the tour concludes, you will be left with priceless memories in your head and stunning photographs in your camera.
(Featured Image Credit: travelgreen.net.in)
(Top Image Credit: weeklysciencequiz.blogspot.com)
(Boat Image Credit: surfat10.com)
