Welcome to Sunderban National Park
In Sunderban National Park in West Bengal, the tiger roams with unmatched stealth and grace. The air is humid, punctuated by the melodious singing of birds and the occasional roar of motorboats. Within the world’s largest mangrove forest, an intricate network of creeks and tributaries crisscrosses the landscape. Sometimes they meet, and at others, they wander off, creating a labyrinth that tourists explore by boat. Unseen, the big cats and saltwater crocodiles watch every move you make. And don’t forget to look up; a variety of birds, from brahminy kites to whistling teals, call these trees home.
Sunderban National Park is many things at once—a biosphere reserve, a national park, and a tiger reserve, reflecting the richness of its mangrove ecosystem. This vast delta, spreading across 40,000 sq. km between India and Bangladesh, stretches from the Hooghly River in West Bengal, India, to the Baleswar River in Bangladesh. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, its mangrove trees stand on mudflats visible during low tide and submerged during high tide. The park’s name means “beautiful forests” in the local language, a tribute to the dominant Sundari trees whose roots shoot upwards for respiration during monsoons.
A Short History of Sunderbans Tiger Reserve
The history of Sunderbans can be traced back to 200-300 AD. During the Mughal period, the forests were leased to nearby residents who built settlements, which were later attacked by Portuguese and salt smugglers in the 17th century. Today, ruins of these settlements can be found at places like Netidhopani.
In 1875, a large part of these forests was declared “reserved” under the Forest Act of 1865. Post-independence, it became a wildlife sanctuary in 1977 and was established as a national park on May 4, 1984. In 1978, it was declared a national park, and in 1973, it became a tiger reserve under Project Tiger.
When to Visit Sunderban National Park?
The best time to visit Sunderban National Park is between November and March, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for tiger sightings and other wildlife activities. You can also visit between April and July, but be prepared for high temperatures averaging 43°C. The monsoon season is not ideal, as most areas are flooded, making boat rides unfeasible.
Geography of Sunderban Forest
The unique geography of Sunderbans endears it to tourists. It is part of the world’s largest delta and home to the largest mangrove forests. This vast region, with its brackish waters, mudflats, and trees, hosts an incredible variety of flora and fauna, along with rivers, islands, and villages.
Flora: Inside the dense forests of Sunderban National Park reside a rich variety of flora. The 64 plant species have adapted to survive in brackish waters and saline inundation. Common species include the Sundari tree, Golpati, Champa, Dhundul, Genwa, and Hatal. There are about 78 species of mangroves, crucial for the survival of marine organisms.
Fauna: Wildlife tourism is a major draw for visitors to Sunderban, home to a rich variety of wildlife, including the Royal Bengal Tiger. Other animals include fishing cats, macaques, leopard cats, Indian grey mongoose, wild boar, flying fox, pangolin, and chital deer. The park is also rich in marine life, with saltwater crocodiles, red fiddler crabs, and hermit crabs. Notable reptiles include the water monitor, king cobra, and rock python. Endangered river turtles, known as Batagur Baska, are found on Mechau Beach, and barking deer are seen at Haliday Island.
Rivers: The Sundarbans delta is formed by the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers. These, along with smaller rivers, create a network of channels.
Islands: Numerous islands dot the region, with Kalash, Henry, and Netidhopani being the most famous.
Villages: Villages like Pakhiralay, Dayapur, Bali, and Sajnekhali lie close to Sunderban National Park. Village walks offer glimpses into traditional lifestyles, including honey collection methods.
Safari Timing
Sunderbans National Park offers only boat safaris, with no jeep safaris available. Safari timings are from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, with boat entry prohibited after 6:30 PM. While the park is open year-round, winter is the best time to visit.
Popular Tourist Spots in Sunderbans National Park
Sajnekhali Watch Tower: This popular watchtower is great for spotting wildlife and birds, including pelicans, plovers, kingfishers, and sandpipers. It can accommodate 20 people at a time.
Kalash Island: In winter, Olive Ridley Turtles nest here. It’s also excellent for spotting coastal birds like the Great Stone Curlew.
Henry Island: Explore its beach and dense mangrove jungle via a small bamboo bridge. The fisheries department here features over 50 ponds.
Netidhopani: This site features the ruins of a 400-year-old temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and an old road built by King Pratapaditya to guard the coast. It also has a sweet water pond.
Burirdabri: Famous for its watchtower, mud walk, and mangrove cage trail leading to Raimongal View Point, it offers views of the Bangladesh Sundarbans and can accommodate 10 people at a time.
How to Reach Sunderbans National Park
Sunderbans National Park, located about 110 km from Kolkata, is accessible by train, air, road, and waterway.
By Train: From Sealdah Railway Station, take a local train to Canning (2 hours). From Canning, take a shared van to Godhkhali Jetty, where boats are available to Sunderbans.
By Air: The nearest airport is Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Airport in Kolkata. From there, take a train or car to Canning (54 km, 2 hours), then a shared van to Godhkhali Jetty for a boat to Sunderban National Park.
By Road: Drive from Kolkata to Godhkhali (3.5 hours). From there, take a ferry to Gosaba, then a cycle rickshaw to Pakhiralay Village. From Pakhiralay, take a boat to Sajnekhali. Alternatively, hire a boat directly to Godhkhali (2 hours).
By Waterway: After reaching Godhkhali by car or train, hire a boat to reach Sunderbans.
Conservation Efforts
Conservation efforts in Sunderban National Park focus on protecting its unique ecosystem and wildlife. Key initiatives include:
Project Tiger: Launched in 1973, this project aims to protect and increase the tiger population. Strict anti-poaching measures and habitat preservation are central to this effort.
Mangrove Conservation: Mangroves play a crucial role in protecting the coastline and supporting marine life. Conservation programs focus on preventing deforestation and promoting sustainable practices among local communities.
Community Involvement: Local communities are actively involved in conservation efforts. They are educated on the importance of preserving the environment and are provided with alternative livelihoods to reduce their dependence on forest resources.
Research and Monitoring: Ongoing research and monitoring of wildlife populations, particularly tigers, help in understanding their behavior and health. This data is essential for implementing effective conservation strategies.
Responsible Tourism
Visitors to Sunderban National Park can contribute to conservation efforts by practicing responsible tourism. Here are some tips:
- Respect Wildlife: Maintain a safe distance from animals and avoid disturbing their natural habitat.
- Follow Guidelines: Adhere to park regulations and guidelines provided by guides and authorities.
- Eco-friendly Practices: Use eco-friendly products, avoid littering, and minimize the use of plastic.
- Support Local Communities: Purchase local products and services to support the livelihoods of the villagers.
- Awareness: Educate yourself about the park’s ecosystem and conservation efforts, and spread awareness about the importance of preserving this unique environment.
Conclusion
Sunderban National Park, with its rich biodiversity and unique mangrove ecosystem, offers an unparalleled experience for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. From the stealthy Royal Bengal Tiger to the vibrant birdlife and diverse marine species, the park is a haven for those seeking an adventure in the lap of nature. Whether you are exploring its dense forests, enjoying a boat safari, or engaging with local communities, every moment spent here is a step towards understanding and appreciating the delicate balance of this incredible ecosystem. By visiting responsibly and supporting conservation efforts, you can help ensure that Sunderban National Park remains a thriving sanctuary for future generations.