Sundarban is the world biggest mangrove forest. In Bangladesh
tourism, Sundarban plays the most vital role. A large number of foreigners come
to Bangladesh
every year only to visit this unique mangrove forest. Besides, local tourists
also go to visit Sundarban every year. The area of great Sundarban is
approximately 6000 sq. km. General Information about Sudarban: AREA: Nearly
2400 sq. miles or 6000 sq. km. FOREST LIMITS: North-Bagerhat, Khulna and
Sathkira districts : South-Bay of Bengal; East-Baleswar (or Haringhata) river,
Perojpur, Barisal district, and West-Raimangal and Hariabhanga rivers which
partially form Bangladesh boundary with West Bengal in India. MAIN ATTRACTIONS:
Wildlife photography including photography of the famous Royal Bengal Tiger, wildlife
viewing, boating inside the forest will 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 revering
beauty.The Sundarbans are the largest littoral mangrove belt in the world,
stretching 80km (50mi) into the Bangladeshi hinterland from the coast. The
forests aren't just mangrove swamps though; they include some of the last
remaining stands of the mighty jungles, which once covered the Gangetic plain.
The Sundarbans cover an area of 38,500 sq km, of which about one-third s
covered in water. Since 1966 the Sundarbans have been a wildlife sanctuary, and
it is estimated that there are now 400 Royal Bengal tigers and about 30,000 spotted
deer in the area. Sundarbans is home to many different species of birds,
mammals, insects, reptiles and fishes. Over 120 species of fish and over 260
species of birds have been recorded in the Sundarbans. The Gangetic River
Dolphin (Platanista gangeticus) is common in the rivers. No less than 50
species of reptiles and eight species of amphibians are known to occur. The
Sundarbans now support the only population of the Estuarine, or Salt-Water
Crocodile (Crocodiles paresis) in Bangladesh,
and that population is estimated at less than two hundred individuals Here land
and water meet in many novel fashions, Wildlife presents many a spectacle. No
wonder, you may come across a Royal Bengal Tiger swimming across the streams or
the crocodiles basking on the riverbanks.With the approach of the evening herds
of deer make for the darking glades where boisterous monkeys shower Keora
leaves from above for sumptuous meal for the former. For the botanist, the
lover of nature, the poet and the painter this land provides a variety of
wonder for which they all crave. It's beauty lies in its unique natural
surrounding. Thousands of meandering streams, creeks, rivers and estuaries have
enhanced its charm. Sundarbans meaning beautiful forest is the natural habitat
of the world famous Royal Bengal Tiger, spotted deer, crocodiles, jungle fowl,
wild boar, lizards, theses monkey and an innumerable variety of beautiful
birds. Migratory flock of Siberian ducks flying over thousands of sail boats
loaded with timber, golpatta (round-leaf), fuel wood, honey, shell and fish
further add to the serene natural beauty of the Sundarbans. This is indeed a
land for the sportsmen, the anglers and the photographers with its abundance of
game, big and small, crocodile, wild boar, deer, pythons, wild-birds and above
all the Royal Bengal Tiger, cunning, ruthless and yet majestic and graceful,
For the less adventurously inclined, there are ducks and snipes,herons and
coots, yellow-lags and sandpipers. It is also the land for the ordinary holiday
makers who desire to rest or wander around at will to refresh their mind and
feast their eyes with the rich treasure that nature has so fondly bestowed.
Means of Communication: Water transport is the only means of communication for
visiting the Sundarbans from Khulna
or Mongla Port.
Private motor launch, speedboats, country boats as well as mechanized vessel of
Mongla Port Authority might be hired for the purpose. From Dhaka
visitors may travel by air, road or rocket steamer to Khulna
- the gateway to the Sundarbans. Most pleasant journey from Dhaka
to Khulna is by Paddle Steamer,
Rocket presenting a picturesque panorama of rural Bangladesh.
Day and nightlong coach services by road are also available. The quickest mode
is by air from Dhaka to Jessore and then to Khulna
by road. Journey time: It varies depending on tides against or in favor in the
river. Usually it takes 6 to 10 hours journey by motor vessel from Mongla to
Hiron Point or Katka. FAMOUS SPOTS: The main tourist spots in Sundarban are
Karamjol, Katka, Kochikhali, Hiron point and Mandarbaria. Hiron Point
(Nilkamal) for tiger, deer, monkey, crocodiles, birds and natural beauty. Katka
for deer, tiger, crocodiles, varieties of birds and monkey, morning and evening
symphony of wild fowls. Vast expanse of grassy meadows running from Katka to
Kachikhali (Tiger Point) provides opportunities for wild tracking. Tin
Kona Island
for tiger and deer.
Some Tips:
The ideal time to visit the park is November to February when the tigers can
be seen on the river banks having sunbath.
Entry Permits : The foreign tourists who wants to visit the tiger
projects and visit the Sajnekhali, have to obtain the special permits for entry
into the Sundarbans National
Park. The tourists should contact the Secretary,
West Bengal Forest Department, Writer's Building, Kolkata - 700001. To obtain
the entry permit for other areas of the Sundarban; the tourists must visit the
Field Director, Sundarbans Tiger Reserve, PO Canning, District 24 Parganas,
West Bengal. However a boat cruise through Sunderbans outside the sanctuary
requires no entry permit.
