Sunderbans Tiger Reserve
Factfile
Location : Piyali, West Bengal, 50 kms from Gosaba and 113 kms from Kolkata
Area : 1310.10 sq. km
Major Attractions : Bengal Tiger, Ridley Sea Turtle
Best Time to Visit : October to February
Timings : 7 am to 5 pm.
Entry Fee : Indians Rs 15, Foreigners Rs 150.
Gudie Fee : Rs 200.
Boat Fee : Rs 100 per boat, Extra Rs 45 for 3 crew members, per day.
Camera Charges : Still Camera - Free, Video Camera - Rs 300.
Introducing Sunderbans
Watching the Royal Bengal Tigers has always been a matter of curiosity for human beings, and if you wish to see the world's most fierce beast in its natural habitat, there is no other place better than 'Sunderban Tiger Reserve.' Sunderbans, the world's biggest mangrove forests and delta, is formed by the merging of three famous rivers - the Ganges, the Brahmaputra and the Meghna river. Situated in the Indian state of West Bengal, the Sunderban Tigers Reserve has a core area of 1330.10 sq. kms. It further extends to the neighbouring country of Bangladesh and constitute an overall area of 2,585 sq.kms.
Spreading over a series of thickly forested islands and saline water channels, Sunderbans is home to some of India's most interesting wildlife and is worth a visit. Of course, the Royal Bengal Tiger is the main attraction in Sunderbans, but you can also watch several other animal species like Spotted Deer, Wild Pigs, Rhesus Monkeys, Herons, Kingfishers, White Bellied Eagles etc. Moreover, due to its great bio-diversity, Sunderbans was awarded the status of World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997.
Flora of Sunderbans
A fascinating variety of floral species and vegetation await your arrival in the Sunderban Tiger Reserve. Sunderbans, the largest estuarine delta in the world, provides natural habitat to a variety of plant species, tall grasses and thick mangrove forests. As you enter deep into the forests of Sunderbans, the sanctuary unfolds its mystic charm and unparalleled beauty. Among the various floral species, the flaming red leaves of the Genwa, the crab like red flowers of the Kankara and yellow blooms of Khalis contribute most to the dazzling beauty of Sunderbans.
Fauna of Sunderbans
As you enter into the adventurous wild land of the Sunderban Tiger Reserve, you will be thrilled to see the world's most graceful animal, the Royal Bengal Tiger. The Sunderbans mangrove forest provide shelter to over 400 Bengal Tigers that have well adapted themselves to the saline and aqua environment of Sunderban. They are extremely good swimmers too. Venture inside the forest where the Royal Bengal Tigers are either resting under a tree or are in search of their prey. Legend goes that, 'Here in Sunderbans the Tiger is always watching you.' So, always maintain a safe distance from the Tigers as they may attack you.
In addition to Tigers, you can spot several other wild animals like Chital Dear and Rhesus Monkey. Moreover, Sunderbans is also noted for its population of the Ridley Sea Turtle. An incredible variety of reptiles are found in the Sunderbans that include King Cobra, Rock Python and Water Monitor. During the day time, you can see several crocodiles resting along the mud banks under the sun.
Sunderbans is also home to a variety of aqua fauna which include fishes, red Fiddler Crabs and Hermit Crabs. Moreover, Batagur Baska, the endangered river Terrapin is found on the Mechua Beach, while the Barking Deer is found only in Holiday Island of Sunderban Tiger Reserve.
Activities You Can Take Part In
Boat Rides :Boating is the most popular leisure acitivity, which you would like to take up in Sunderbans. On your boat trip, you can spot a number of wild animals drinking water by the lake or moving from one place to another. You may also take a boat trip outside Sunderbans, for which you don't need to take any permission. But, if you want to visit the estuarine delta area, permits are required. You can obtain this from the office of the Field Director, Sunderbans, Port Canning, 24 Parganas. By obtaining the permits, you can visit the Sajnekhali Bird Sanctuary and the Project Tiger reserve areas within Sunderbans. For visiting the other parts of Sunderbans, permits can be obtained from the Divisional Forest Officer, 24 Parganas, 35 Gopalnagar Road, Kolkata. While cruising the lakes or rivers on boat, you must carry a camera to click some memorable photographs of the wilds.
Nearby Attractions
Sajnekhali Bird Sanctuary : Located adjacent to the Sunderban Tiger Reserve, the Sajnekhali Sanctuary is considered a part of the Sunderbans. Known for its rich bird population, the Sajnekhali Sanctuary provides a visual treat for your eyes. At Sajnekhali Sanctuary, you can spot several colourful species of Kingfisher, Plovers, White Bellied Sea Eagle, Sandpipers, Whimbrels, Lap-Wings and Curfews. Apart from a heronry, the Sajnekhali Bird Sanctuary has Visitors' Centre where you can see a crocodile enclosure, a shark pond, a turtle hatchery and a Mangrove Interpretation Centre.
Piyali : Just 48 kms away from Sunderbans, Piyali is the gateway to the Tiger Reserve. Piyali is 72 kms from Kolkata and close to Sajnekhali, Sudhanyakhali and Netidhopani. A small river Piyali flows through the green paddy fields and the beautiful Piyali delta make Piyali an ideal tourist spot.
Netidhopani : Visit Netidhopani where you can see the ruins of a 400 year old temple.
Bhagabatpur : Close to the Sunderbans, Bhagabatpur is another wonderful place which is known for housing a breeding ground of the world's largest estuarine crocodiles.
Kanak : Kanak is another interesting place, which is home to the Olive Ridley Turtles.
Kaikhali Island : While you are on the way to Sunderbans, you cannot miss a visit to the picturesque Kaikhali Island. With its natural beauty and charming surroundings, Kaikhali Island makes an ideal picnic spot.
Haliday Island : Haliday Island is also a must visit place near Sunderbans.
Where to Stay
Sajnekhali Tourist Lodge is the only accommodation available within the Sunderban Tiger Reserve. Situated atop the pillars, Sajnekhali Tourist Lodge offer living rooms as well as dormitories and meals in its dining hall. You can also stay in new resorts constructed at Gosaba and Bali Islands. Outside the park, accommodation is available in tourist lodges and hotels at Piyali and Bakkhali.
How to Reach
Nearest airport is located at Kolkata (131 kms) which is well connected by several flights with major cities of India. Port Canning (48 kms) is the closest railhead and roadhead from Sunderbans. From Port Canning, regular trains are available for Kolkata. Regular buses ply from Port Canning to Sonakhali, Raidighi, Najat and Namkhana. From all these destinations, launches can be hired to tour the waterways of the reserve. Boat ride is the only way to get around the Sunderbans.
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