Sunderbans
Highlights: The Sajnakhali Sanctuary, Netidhopani, Bhagabatpur, Kanak, Haliday Island, Piyali and Kaikhali
How To Reach:
By Air: Dum Dum Airport (Kolkatta) is the nearest airport and is at a distance of 166 kilometers from Sunderbans.
By Rail: Canning railway station is located at a distance of 105 kilometers from Sunderbans.
You have to take boat to reach Sunderbans.
Sunderbans in West Bengal are the world's largest delta formed by famous Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers. Sunderbans got its name from Sundari trees that were found in abundance here. The delta spreads over an area of 1,00,000 hectares. Among 54 islands at this alluvial archipelago, Goasaba, Sandeshkali and Basanti form the northern boundary of the Sunderbans.
Amidst the forests of mangrove forests and swamps, a web of rivers and streams makes this place ravishingly beautiful. Mangrove forest forms the core of this Park. World's largest estuarine sanctuary, Sunderbans is known as a home of the Royal Bengal Tiger. More than 400 tigers dwell in this forest. Bengal Tigers are very good swimmers and have adapted them to live in aqua environment.
Besides Tigers, the tourists would chance upon to see chital dear, spotted deer, wild pigs, monkeys, herons, kingfishers, white bellied eagles, barking deer and rhesus monkey. Along the mud banks there are many crocodiles awaiting their prey. The amphibians in this region are fishes, estuarine terrapins, Ganges dolphins, red fiddler crabs and hermit crabs. The Park has been recognized for its conservation of the Ridley Sea Turtle. The reptilian population at the Sunderbans includes king cobra, rock python and water monitor.
Take a boat and hire an official from the Project Tiger office to get around the Park. The watchtowers at Netidhopan, Sajnakhali, Sudhanyakhali and Haldi offer a panoramic view of the landscape and wildlife passing by.
The best time to visit Sunderbans is winter period as there is no moisture or hot weather in the months between December and February. The Park is open for visitors from the months of October to March.
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