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Preface
The Sunderbans, extending over an area of 1,000,000 hectares, is
the world's largest delta, formed by the Ganges, Brahmaputra and
Meghana rivers.The vast swampy delta extends over areas
comprising of mangr ove
forests, swamps and forest island, all interwoven in a network
of small rivers and streams. The Sundarbans National Park, home
of the Royal Bengal Tiger and the largest mangrove forest in the
world, form the core of this area. The Sundarban region has got
its name from Sundari trees, once found in abundance here.
Rivers
The Ganges and the Brahmaputra form this alluvial archipelago of
54 islands watered by the Bay of Bengal. The islands Goasaba,
Sandeshkali and Basanti form the northern boundary of the
Sundarbans; on the south is the sea; to the west side of the
Sunderbans park is the Matla and Bidya rivers and to the east is
the international boundary of Bangladesh.
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Location
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Piyali, West
Bengal |
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Nearest
Access : |
Gosaba
(50-kms) |
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Main
Wildlife Found : |
Bengal
Tiger, Ridley Sea Turtle |
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Coverage
Area : |
1330.10-sq-kms |
Sunderbans Exquisiteness
Fascinating life forms await you in this largest estuarine delta
in the world. In April and May, the flaming red leaves of the
genwa, edge the emerald islands. The crab like red flowers of
the kankara and the yellow blooms of khalsi add to the dazzling
display. As you penetrate into the forests of Sundarbans, this
fairyland unfolds its mysterious beauty.
Major Wildlife Attractions of Sundarbans
The Sunderbans forest is home to more than 400 tigers. The
Bengal Tigers have adapted themselves very well to the s aline
and aqua environs and are extremely good swimmers. As you enter
the adventurous wild land of the Sundarbans you'll be thrilled
to see the chital dear and rhesus monkey. The aqua fauna of
Sunderbans include variety of fishes, red fiddler crabs and
hermit crabs.
There are crocodiles, which can be often seen along the mud
banks. Sunderbans National Park is also noted for its
conservation of the Ridley Sea Turtle. There's is a incredible
variety of reptiles also found in Sundarbans, which includes
king cobra, rock python and water monitor. The endangered river
Terrapin, Batagur Baska is found on the Mechua Beach, while the
Barkind Deer is found only in Holiday Island in Sunderbans.
Vital Destinations - Sunderbans National Park
The Sajnakhali Sanctuary : The Sajnakhali sanctuary, famous for
its rich avian population, is regarded as a part of the
Sunderbans National Park. The kingdom of birds at Sajnekhati
enchants your eyes. The most sought after sights by a bird
watcher are seven colourful species of Kingfisher, white-bellied
Sea Eagle, Plovers, Lap-Wings, Curfews, Whimbrels, Sandpipers
and occasional Pelican.
Netidhopani : At Netidhopani, the ruins of a 400 year old
temple and legends lend mystery to the atmosphere.
Bhagabatpur : Bhagabatpur is famous for having a hatchery
of the largest estuarine crocodiles in the world.
Kanak : Kanak is the nesting place of the Olive Ridley
Turtles.
Haliday Island : Haliday island is famous as last retreat of
Barking Dear in India.
Piyali : Piyali is the gatway to Sundarbans, 72-kms from
Kolkatta by road and close to Sajnekhali, Sudhanyakhali,
Netidhopani through waterways. A small river Piyali flows
through the green paddy fields and mingles with river Matla.
Picturesque Piyali delta makes an ideal romantic holiday
destination. A beautiful tourist complex with accommodation and
recreation facilities is also situated over here.
Kaikhali : On your way to Sunderbans you cannot afford to miss
Kaikhali Island, where nature is so alive and so colorful. An
ideal picnic spot.
Favorite Time to Visit Sunderbans Tiger Reserve
The ideal time to visit the Sunderbans national park is during
the months of September and May. Winter make the time to see the
mighty Royal Bengal Tiger sun-bathing on the river banks.
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