Sundarban

 

The Sundarbans, World's largest Mangrove Forest is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and an Unique Bangladesh Eco-Tourism Destination. It is located at the feet of the Ganges and spread across Bangladesh and West Bengal in India. The name Sundarban translates to "beautiful forest", however, often it is suggested that the name may have derived from the ‘Sundari’ trees, which are abundant there. The Sundarbans is globally famous for theRoyal Bengal Tiger, Misty Mangrove forests, breath taking Sundarbans scenery, Over 500 Sundarbans Animal Speciesincluding: birds, fishing cats, spotted deer, monkeys, crocodiles and snakes.

Animals  of  Sundarbans:

    Mammals: Royal Bengal Tiger, Fishing Cats, Macaques, Wild Boar, Common Grey Mongoose, Fox, Jungle Cat, Flying Fox, Pangolin and Spotted Deer.
 

   Reptiles: River Terrapin, Many rare species of turtles,Monitor Lizards, Estuarine Crocodiles, Chameleons and snakes such as Pythons, Water Snakes, Vipers, Common Kraits, Chequered Killbacks and Rat Snakes.
 

    Birds: Open Billed Storks, White Ibis, Water Hens, Coots, Pheasant-tailed Jacanas, Several species of Kites, Falcons, Eagles, Sea Eagles and Seagulls; many species of Kingfishers, several species of Herons, Marsh Harriers, Swamp Partridges, Red Junglefowls, Spotted Doves, Jungle Babblers, Cotton Teals, Herring Gulls, Caspian Terns, Spot-billed Pelicans, Large Egrets, Common Snipes, Wood Sandpipers, Green Pigeons, Rose Ringed Parakeets, Paradise Flycatchers, Cormorants, Woodpeckers, Black-tailed Godwits, Little Stints, Curlews, Golden Plovers, Pintails, White Eyed Pochards and Whistling Teals. Fish and Amphibians: Sawfish, Butter Fish, Electric rays, Silver carp, Barb (fish), River Eels, Star Fish, Common Carp, King Crabs, Prawn, Shrimps, Gangetic Dolphins, Skipping Frogs, Common Toads and Tree Frogs.Currently the Sundarbans are divided into 55 compartments under four forest ranges demarcated by rivers, canals and creeks. Currently inside the Sundarbans there are three wildlife sanctuaries: East, West and South sanctuary.

Tourist Attractions:

     Katka: This beautiful spot is located on the southeast corner of the Sundarbans and belongs to the Sundarbans East Wildlife Sanctuary under the Sundarbans East Forest Division. This is a tourist frequented spot for Sundarbans' wildlife watching. Spotted deer is regularly seen here and occasionally the great Royal Bengal Tiger. The 40 feet high wooden watch tower gives a wide aerial view of the grassy meadows amongst the mangroves. Furthermore, shallow water channels around the area provide easy routes for watching monkeys, birds, deer, lizards and snakes. Few jungle treks and a sea beach is located in the vicinity. There is also a rest house here, but prior booking is required.
 

         Kochikhali: This spot is located 14km to the east of Katka and belongs to East Wildlife Sanctuary under Sundarban East Forest Division. This spot features dense forests facing the Bay of Bengal. Trails of numerous marine and land creatures are found on the beach. The East Kochikhali Khal and Supati khal are famous as the entrance of Tiger to Kochikhali. Boating along the canals criss-crossing the area provides tourists with the opportunity to spot basking crocodiles, deer, lizards, wild boar and lots of birds. There is also a rest house at Kachikhali.
 

     Nilkomol (Hiron Point): Headquarter of the South Wildlife Sanctuary under Sundarban West Forest Division. This is a frequented spot by the tourists for watching monkey, crocodiles, otter, snakes, birds and the breath taking natural beauty of the mangrove forest. Occasionally tigers are also seen in this area. There is a rest house at Nilkamal.
 

       Dublar Char: A beautiful island off the coast of Sundarbans, to the south west of Katka and south east of Hiron Point. This place is known for fishing villages and dry fish processing. Every year the famous three day long Rash Mela is held here by the Hindu community. Thousands of people arrives here for this event, from different part of the country.
 

        Koromjol: A forest station with a deer breeding and wildlife rearing centre.
 

    Mandarbaria: A less frequented destination and provides good opportunities of seeing tigers and other animals.
 

    Tin Kona Island: Location for spotting wildlife including deer and tigers. This island has an enchanting, but wild beauty merged with wild forests and estuaries.