Sundarbans, formerly SUNDERBUNDS, vast tract
of forest and saltwater swamp forming the lower part of the Ganges Delta, extending
about 160 miles (260 km) along the Bay of Bengal from the Hooghly River Estuary
(India) to the Meghna River Estuary in Bangladesh.
The Sundarbans are a part of the world's largest delta formed by the rivers
Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna. The whole tract reaches inland for 60-80 miles
(100-130 km).
A network of estuaries, tidal rivers, and creeks intersected by numerous channels,
it encloses flat, marshy islands covered with dense forests.
The name Sundarbans is perhaps derived from the term meaning "forest
of sundari, a reference to the large mangrove tree that provides valuable
fuel. Along the coast the forest passes into a mangrove swamp; the southern
region, with numerous wild animals and Crocodile- infested estuaries, is virtually
uninhabited. It is one of the last preserves of the Bengal tiger and the site
of a tiger preservation project.
Just south of Calcutta, Sunderban is one of the most unique ecosystems in
this part of the world. It is dominated by mangrove forests and gets its name
from the Sundari (Heritiera foams) trees. Situated at the mouths of the Ganges,
Sunderban spreads over 54 islands and two countries (India's West Bengal and
Bangladesh) and is part of the world's largest delta region.
Sunderban covers an area of 4262 sq. kms in India. The Sunderban Tiger Project
was started in 1974 and has an area of 2585 sq. kms. The core area is 1330
sq. kms and is a national forest and UNESCO world heritage site. Sunderban
is home to the largest number of wild tigers in the world.
Though there are several entry points to the Sunderbans, the most popular is
Port Canning which is connected by suburban railway to Calcutta. Organized boat
tours leave Port Canning for the forests.
History
In 1911, it was described as a tract of waste country which had never been surveyed,
nor had the census been extended to it. It then stretched for about 165 miles
from the mouth of the Hugli to the mouth of the Meghna, and was bordered inland
by the three settled districts of the Twenty-four Parganas, Khulna and Backergunje.
The total area (including water) was estimated at 6526 square miles. It was
a water-logged jungle, in which tigers and other wild beasts abounded. Attempts
at reclamation had not been very successful. The characteristic tree was the
sundri (Heritiera littoralis), from which the name of the tract had probably
been derived. It yields a hard wood, used for building, and for making boats,
furniture, etc. The Sundarbans were everywhere intersected by river channels
and creeks, some of which afforded water communication between Calcutta and
the Brahmaputra valley, both for steamers and for native boats.
Places to See
The Sundarbans is an abundant natural resource for a number of leisure, travel
and research activities. These include wild life photography including photography
of the famous Royal Bengal Tiger, wild life viewing, boating inside the forest,
wild call recordings, nature study, meeting fishermen, wood- cutters and honey-collectors.
Peace and tranquility in the wilderness, seeing the world's largest mangrove
forest and the riverine beauty are a few of the treasures that greet the visitors.
Sajnekhali
Sajnekhali has a bird sanctuary and is the only place to have a hotel in this
area - the Sundar Cheetal Tourist Lodge. There is a Mangrove Interpretation
Centre here. There are watchtowers at Sajnekhali, Sudhanyakhali, Netidhopan,
Haldi and a number of other places.
Gosaba
Sir David Hamilton’s settlement
Tiger Reserve
Project Tiger was implemented in 1973 and later the Sundarban Tiger Reserve
was demarcated over 2,585-sq. km. The core area of 1,330 sq.km has been declared
a National park and has been chosen as a world heritage site. The reserve
has a tiger population of 287(1984 census). The only mangrove species, the
tiger here has adapted well to its habitat
Bhagbatpur Crocodile Project
This is a crocodile breeding farm. Tours are organized by the WBTDC. This
place is accessible through Namkhana. Both the West Bengal Tourism Department
and the West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation organize conducted tours
to the Sundarbans by their launches. Bhagabatput is a hatchery of the largest
estuarine crocodile in the world.
Netidhopani
The ruins of a 400-year-old temple and legends lend mystery to the atmosphere.
Haliday Island
it is the last retreat of the Barking Deer.
Kanak
it is the nesting place of Olive Ridley Turtles.
Piyali
It is 72 kms from Calcutta and is a gateway to the Sunderban. It is being developed
as a tourist complex.
A thrilling cruise through the largest estuarine delta in the world and the
biggest colony of the `Royal Bengal Tigers' - the Sundarbans. These evergreen
mangrove forests pulsate with a myriad forms of life. Above the Kingfisher
and White-bellied Sea eagle add a brilliant burst of colour. The sea creeps
in at high tide. The forests float. The ebbing waters reveal nature so alive
on the glistening mud flats. The land is split by numerous rivers and water
channels all emptying into the Bay of Bengal. Venture further to discover
a rich tribal folklore. It is believed that Bonbibi, the goddess of the forest,
protects the wood-cutters, honey-collectors and fishermen on their hazardous
missions. For, as the saying goes, `Here the Tiger is always watching you'.
Delta-forest home of the Royal Bengal Tiger. The Ganges, which is rightly
known as the Ganga, carries silt and fertility from its ice-melt sources in
the high Himalayas, through the lush plains of India, past the riverine port
of Calcutta. Here, however, it is no longer the Ganga because it has become
one of the major distributors. For, in the flat Grey-clay lands of Bengal,
the great river splits into numerous channels, dividing and sub-dividing like
the roots of a tree, till it pours through many mouths into the Bay of Bengal
Dining Out
Mainly The Bengali Cuisine, is available. For many Bengali visitors the
food is one reason for frequently visiting – it tastes like at home. Whenever
possible fresh regional ingredients are used. Mostly a meal is based on rice
or chapatti-breads, combined with different vegetables, fish, or meat. The Sunderbans
are a paradise for those loving Seafood – fish, crab, and prawn.
Visiting
Best time to visit the Sundarbans is from November to March. Exciting honey
collection season is during April-May
How to get there
Sunderban is only accessible by waterways. Nearest railhead is Port Canning
from where organized group trips start. there are several other entry points
but Port Canning is most popular.
The other route is through Basanti which is connected by bus service to Calcutta.
From here one can take boats to Sajnekhali. One can also come via Port Canning
and Gosaba or from Sonakhali to Sajnekhali.
For Bhagabatpur, Namkhana is an access point.
By Air : Dum Dum (166kms), is the nearest airport at Calcutta.
By Train : The nearest railhead is at Canning, 48 kms away.
The nearest town is Gosaba, 50 kms away.
Sundarbans is accessible only by riverine waterways. From Calcutta there are
suburban train to Canning and buses to Namkhana, Raidighi, Sonakhali and Najat
from where Motor launch services are available for Sundarbans.
By Road : Above mentioned embarkation points from Calcutta
are: Namkhana (105 km), Sonakhali (100 km), Raidighi (76 km), Canning (64
km), Najat (92 km).
Waterways
Approximate time taken between various points are:
From Namkhana - Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project (2.5 hours) Sagar Island (2.5
hours) Jambudwip (3.5 hours)
From Sajnekhali - Sudhanyakhali (40 minutes) Buridabri (Tiger Project Area)
(5 hours) Netidhopari (3.5 hours) Holiday Island (3 hours)
From Sonakhali - Gosaba (1 hour)
From Raidighi - Kalas (5 hours)
