‘Sunderbans’ – the beautiful forest, is the unique natural wonder of South Asia. The largest delta in the world, ‘Sunderbans’ spread over India and Bangladesh with an approximate area of 10,000 sq. km. This is the largest mangrove forest in the universe.
The Sunderbans National Park is a tiger and biosphere reserve located in the Sunderbans delta formed by various rivers like Hooghly, Matla, Raimangal, Vidyadhari and many more, in the state of West Bengal. Sunderban National Park was established on 4th May, 1984 and UNESCO declared it as ‘UNESCO World Heritage Site’ in the year 1987.
The Sunderbans is characterised by various mangrove trees like ‘Sundari’, ‘Garan’, ‘Geona’, ‘Hental' etc. It is one of the most natural habitations of the 'Royal Bengal Tiger'. In winter one could have a great site of sun-bathing of the most amazing and powerful Royal Bengal Tiger on the river banks. A part of any Sunderban tour package, the Sudhanyakhali Watch tower is the prime spot for nature lovers to get a sighting of the mighty Royal Bengal Tiger.
Apart from Royal Bengal Tiger other chief wild life species in this park are – Macaques, Indian grey mongoose, Chital, Wild Boar, Leopard Cats, Fish Cats, Ridley Sea Turtle, Jungle Cat, Flying Fox, Fox, Pangolin, Estuarine Crocodile, Hawksbill Turtle, Green Turtle, varieties of venom Snakes, hundreds of Birds, Fishes of huge varieties, Crabs, etc and last but not the least, Salamandars.
The unique delta of the Sunderbans are well-connected. Small rafts and motorboats can access thanks to the interconnected waterways, every nook and cranny of the area. The area has emerged as one of the most popular tourist destinations. The ecological importance of the mangrove trees in protecting the urban dwellings of West Bengal from tidal waves and storms is undeniable. There are plenty of luxurious Sunderban Hotelsavailable for tourists who want to soak in the natural beauty of the wilderness. The Sunderbans have mesmerised visitors and nature lovers since time immemorial. The site has also been recognised as one of the final contenders for the world's latest 7 Wonders of Nature.
Visiting Sunderbans is a lifetime experience. Gliding crosswise the rivers in the boats gives a feeling of a nature walk with exciting adventures having possibilities of close encounters with the gorgeous ‘Royal Bengal Tiger’ or a giant crocodile. The eye catching beauty of forests, blue backwaters, quietness of flowing rivers, freshness of air and wonderful sight of ‘Bay of Bengal’ will certainly take one to the unique natural wonder on the earth.
The Sundarbans are surrounded by inter-connected tributaries of the rivers Meghna, Ganga, and Brahmaputra. These crisscrossing waterways make the delta easily accessible. You can avail suburban trains from Calcutta to Canning. Alternatively, you can also take a bus ride from Calcutta to Sonakhali, Raidighi, Najat, or Namkhana. From here onwards, there are motor launches available to take you to Sunderbans.