Sundarbans National Park: Mangrove Forest, Animals & Tourists
In the delta of holy Ganga river, over Indo-Bangladesh border, Sundarbans is consists of collective islands, muddy creeks, inhabitant’s species, mangrove trees and humans being in the remote delta islands. Living in Sundarbans is not just challenging, but every step is like a gift of God. Let’s see the interesting and the most dangerous things about Sundarbans National Park.
Not only animals are dangerous, but the diseases also lethal. Malaria and mosquito bite are widespread.
In the perfect arrangement of Mangroves trees, unique bio shape make this area beautiful as well as exciting. There is a robust ecological dependency over water tide in the area due to the adjacent to Bay of Bengal, Ganges and Brahmaputra river.
Most of the people are refugees whom the British Indian government bought from several parts of Bangladesh and India for deforestation.
Now living for decades, Sundarbans became their original homeland. Sundarbans also is known as the land of tigers. This fear can be felt by any tourists in the eyes of local fishers and villagers, who are living in vast mangroves jungles.
More than 54 islands whereas more than half of islands are empty due to dense mangrove trees and deadly animals.
- Lifestyle and living standard are a myth as most of the people even do not find food every day. One of the biggest reason is geography. It is like a puzzle with perplexity, where anyone gets lost.
Tough people of Sundarbans do paddy farm, fishing and based on tourism for their livelihood. Few islands already disappeared due to higher sea-level and global warming. And because of storms, more than 4000 homes vanished in 2009. The ecological disbalance can cause millions of deaths for the animal as well as humans.
Is Sundarbans the most dangerous national park in India?
Arguably not yet, so many people have visited but not find any incident which Couse death due to wild Cats- Bengal tiger. Even wild animals are in red alert and announced as endangered species due to poachers hunting.
There is a very famous saying in Bengali, “আপনি যদি জঙ্গলের প্রতি শ্রদ্ধা করেন তবে তারা আরও ভালভাবে এটি করবে” means (If you respect jungles, it will do the same in a better way).
In many books and documentary made by travellers and photographers, the jungle is represented as God; whereas human beings and animals are the warriors who fight for their survival.
In an Anthropological Study of the Sundarbans, people follow the ritual of praying Bonbibi – the adoptive mother of tigers and forest fishers for their prosperity.
Why is Sundarbans very famous across the world:
Royal Bengal Tiger- The rare animal, is popular for aggressive attacking capabilities, can hunt three times bigger than his size. It has a ferocious roaring capacity, can swim in the water, climb on the trees, live like bold
and versatile in nature. All these deadly combinations make it the king of the Sundarbans. They are endangered species, and only 250 are in the Indian side of Sundarbans and almost 150 from Bangladesh side in mangroves islands.
Mangrove Trees:
Small trees grow in the coastal lines. It has an essential role in eco-system to save erosion; storm surges especially during hurricanes and tsunamis. Extensive root system helps and protects species.
How to Visit Sundarbans?
It is only 100km away from the capital city Kolkata. You can reach via train to Canning. The waterway is the only way to reach all islands. It is inaccessibility via roads.
Boats from Sonakhali, Namkhana, Radighi, Najat and Canning is the best medium to start your journey.
It is advisable to rent a boat from 2-3 days if you are planning your trip in groups. Otherwise, people use local boats as major transportation to Sundarbans National Park.
Local boats cost 300-1500 depending on the routes and the size of the boats.
Best route and time to visit Sundarbans?
The best route for your arrival is from Kolkata to Godkhali via road and then take a boat from Godkhali.
Most of the traveller visit in the winter as it is a pleasant time for wildlife.
The best time to visit Sundarbans is from October to March.
What to carry and essential instructions to keep in mind while visiting the national park?
Carrying passes for Sundarbans is essential as it connects international border and sensitive areas too.
Complete accommodation and tour period have to be in writing. It’s better to buy tour package they manage everything from permit to passes, stays, site scene and many more.
Instructions to keep in mind:
Plastic is ban in the whole area, keep in mind do not litter there.
Loudspeaker music is strictly banned as the authority is strict, do not double cross-forest rangers as they are here to protect wildlife as well as tourists.
Carry cash and do not feet on forest areas without a permit.
Entry-exit before the sunset and sunrise is strictly not allowed hence exit protected area before the evening is always advisable.
Photographers carry DSLR camera and keep themselves activated to catch beautiful natural photos.
Wildlife in Sundarbans:
Sundarbans is a home of more than 250 Royal Bengal tigers, cheetahs and monkeys.
More than 64 plant species, commonly- Hatal, Dhundul, Kankra, Sundari tree, Golpati, Champa, Dhani, Gas and Gurjan are living in the lap of Sundarbans.
Mangroves are the largest eco-system in the world. It grows in saline coastal habitats in the tropics and subtropics areas.
Popular wild-animals are Royal Bangel Tiger, Estuarian Crocodile, River Terrapin, Olive Riddle Turtle, Gangetic Dolphin, King Crabs, Water Monitor Lizard, Common Otter, Wild Boar, Spotted Deer, King Cobra,
Russell Vipers and many more.
Best Places to Visit in Sundarbans National Park:
Sudhanyakhali Watchtower:
Freshwater Pond, where most of the animals, including deer, crocodiles and tigers, come and drink water.
Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project:
It is accessible from Sajnekhali and Namkhana. The beautiful place is in the mid of vast mangroves trees, species like estuarian rattles and turtle. Lothian island in the bank of Saptamukhi is nearby to this place.
Kalash Island:
It is the core area of Sundarban National Park, popularly known as the breeding ground in the winters. Variety of birds, species, turtle and crabs is common, and you can capture them in your camera. You need permission from park authority along with rangers.
Burirdabri Camp:
It is the closest point to watch wildlife along with Bangladesh, from the wooden watchtower. you can see Bangladesh’s Sundarbans also known as Raimongal viewpoint based on Raimongal river which is in
Bangladesh. It is a popular tourist destination for those who love natural ways and eco-friendly bridges.
Sajnekhali Watchtower:
Most popular and common watch tower due to easy accessibility and significant hotels and resorts. For travellers and tourists, it is an entry point of the Sundarbans National Park, Crocodile Park, Interpretation Centre, Bono Bibi Temple
and various Bird Species. The availability of ferries from Canning, Basanti, Gosaba, Namkhana is also in Sajnekhali Watchtower.
Closing Keynote:
Locals believe that Sundarbans is a roaming life with the threat. You can feel the fear of death in every moment.
Survival is tough here, not even from wild animals and species, but for daily livelihood.
No matter how armed you’re, a single mosquito can kill you.
Mangroves forest looks beautiful from the far but, the only residence knows the actual fear among all of them.
You will be far away from the so-called modern world, such as the internet, connectivity or network.
Everyone who lives here is used to losing someone or something from any mistake, and they mould themselves to become like it.
The entire situation becomes even more terrible in the monsoon period.
