Jun 12, 2006 10:29 AM
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India is the land of natural creations and beauties and Sunderbans is one of that.It is the pride of West Bengal.Really I must say, if given a chance,each and every Indian must see the real and natural beauties all over India inspite of going outside India .
Situated on the lower end of the Gangetic West Bengal, 22.00° N - 89.00° E, is this world's largest delta covered by mangrove forest and vast saline mud flats. A land of 54 tiny islands, crisscrossed by innumerable tributaries of Ganga, that was once infested by Arakanese and Portuguese pirates is now the abode of varied flora & fauna population. An area of 9630 sq. km., where 70 percent is under saline water makes the life of commoners, mostly honey-catchers, prawn-catchers and fishermen, very difficult. This is Sunderbans, the world's largest estuarine forest.
Sunderbans, the place that owes its name to Sundari trees, consist of a large flora population like Genwa, Dhundal, Passur, Garjan and Kankra. Apart from these trees, impenetrable Goran trees between 1.8 mtr. & 3.6 mtr. high covers almost the entire region. One of the most remarkable feature of this place is the bayonet like roots of mangrove forests that stick out above the water level.
Nature apart, if you want to feel the essence of spirituality then this is the place to be. A place of Ma Bonobibi (the goddess of the forest) to Shiber Kumir (Lord Shiva's Crocodile) or from Dakshinaroy (an ogre, the ancestor of all tigers) to Kapil Muni (an incarnation of Vishnu).
The land that is inhabited by Royal Bengal Tigers is not far from Kolkata. You can explore unknown wildlife of Sunderbans that harbour jungle cats, fishing cats, Axis deer, wild boar, Rhesus monkeys, mongooses and the largest estuarine crocodiles in the world.
Sunderbans is the breeding ground of immense variety of birds like Heron, Egret, Cormorant, Fishing Eagle, White Bellied Sea Eagle, Seagul, Tern, Kingfisher as well as migratory birds like Whimprel, Black-tailed Godwit, Little Stint, Eastern Knot, Curlew, Sandpiper, Golden Plover, Pintail, White-eyed Pochard and also Whistling teal. Come and discover wide variety of aquatic and reptile life forms that include Olive Ridley sea turtle, hardshelled Batgur Terrapin, Pythons, King cobra, Chequered killback, Monitor and lizards including the Salvator lizards.
Best Season
The best time to be in wildlife belts of the region is September-March. Although the luxury tours to the Sunderbans carry on the year round, and the monsoon holds its own magic over tourists on the expanse of the Sunderbans, September-March is the most likely time for tiger-sighting.
The land that is inhabited by Royal Bengal Tigers is not far from Kolkata. You can explore unknown wildlife of Sunderbans that harbour jungle cats, fishing cats, Axis deer, wild boar, Rhesus monkeys, mongooses and the largest estuarine crocodiles in the world.
Access
Come to Sajnekhali by motorboat departing from Canning which is accessible by train and bus services from Kolkata. Cruise along in M.V. Chitrarekha (weekly journey from October to March) for a life time experience. One can also get private boats from Canning, Gosaba and Basanti, Raidighi, Basanti, Namkhana and Najatare are all connected by roadways from Kolkata.
Accommodation
M.V. Chitrarekha has excellent arrangements for on-board stay. One can also avail the facilities of tourist lodges at Sajnekhali, Bakkhali and Piyali for overnight stay.
Places of Interest
Project Tiger
The Tiger Reserve covering an area of 2585 sq. km. has one of the largest tiger population of any of the Indian parks, 269 Royal Bengal Tigers.
Lothian Island Bird Sanctuary
You can hire a country boat to reach the place famous for its White-Bellied Sea-Eagle, Black-capped kingfisher, Whimbrell, Tern and Curlew.
Bakkhali
A well known beach resort, close to Frazerganj overlooking the Bay of Bengal. It's a bird-watchers' paradise, where you are greeted by casuarinas and Red Fiddle Carbs.
Ganga Sagar (Kapil Muni Ashram)
The culturally and religiously important destination, also has an exceptionally good beach for the tourists. Situated on an island in the Sunderbans, it holds the charms of a completely unspoilt beach on the estuary of the mighty Ganga. It can be approached from Kolkata either by road and then by vessel, or by chartered luxury vessels taken from Kolkata itself. A lovely destination combining pilgrimage and fun.
Frazerganj
The white sand beach, is entirely different from the other beaches. It is pristine pure and holds the charms of a beach unspoilt. It can be accessed from Kolkata, and is a three hours drive. The destination is also famous for the migratory birds and pisciculture.
Piyali
Gateway to the Sunderbans situated on the banks of river Piyali. A beautiful resting place.
Mayadwip
The nesting place of the Olive Ridley Turtles.
Kalasdwip
As Matla river empties on the Bay of Bengal, lies Kalasdwip, a densely wooded island.
Sajnekhali Bird Sanctuary
A home ground of the Herons, Egrets and other species of birds, situated on the confluence of Matla and Gumdi.
Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project
A hatchery cum sanctuary. Home of the biggest estuarine crocodiles.
Gosaba
Remembered as Sir David Hamilton's settlement.
Canning
One of the entry points to Sunderbans - 54 kms southeast of Kolkata. 'Canning' was built in 1858 as an alternate port. It has a small fishing fleet and private boats are available on hire.
So if given a chance ,definitely make a plan for this wonderful place and enjoy the natural beauty.
