In Sundarban National Park in West Bengal, the tiger makes his round with an unmatched stealth and grace. The air feels wet and damp, while the silence is interrupted by the melodious singing of birds and roar of motor boats. Inside these world’s largest mangrove forests, creeks and tributaries form an intricate system of networks. Sometimes, they meet each other, and at others, wander off elsewhere. Tourists out on a boat ride are given their money’s worth while crossing them. Even though you are unaware, the big cat and saltwater crocodile observe you at all times, watching every step you make. However, sometimes, look up, as there is action on the trees too. A variety of birds, from brahminy kite to whistling teals, call this their home, and declare that from time to time with a loud cry, song or chirp.
The Sunderban National Park is many things at once, a biosphere reserve, national park and tiger reserve, such is the richness of this mangrove ecosystem. What we commonly call Sunderbans is actually a large delta spread across 40,000 sq. km between India and Bangladesh! Just to give you an idea of how vast it really is, consider this. It stretches from River Hooghly in West Bengal, India, all the way to River Baleswar in Bangladesh. In this UNESCO World Heritage Site (it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987), the mangrove trees stand lazily on the mudflats, which are visible during low tides, and submerged in height tide. Its name means “beautiful forests” in the local language, and it is not hard to figure why. Another reasons are the Sundari trees, which are dominant in this mangrove area. Their uniqueness lies in their roots which shoot upwards for respiration, particularly during waterlogging during monsoons.
The history of Sunderbans can be traced as far back as 200-300 AD. It is believed that the forests of Sunderbans were leased to the nearby residents during the Mughal period, who built settlements in them. In the coming years, however, those settlements were attacked by the Portuguese and salt smugglers in the 17th century. All that remains today are their ruins, most of which can be traced at a place called Netidhopani.
It was in 1875 under the Forest Act, 1865 (Act VIII of 1865) that a large part of these forests were declared as “reserved”. Post-independence, it was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1977 and established as a national park on 4th May, 1984. In the year 1978, Sundarbans were declared a national park, and in 1973, they were declared a tiger reserve under Project Tiger.
The best time to visit Sunderbans is between November to March. The weather is quite pleasant during this time and creates the perfect conditions for tiger sighting and other wildlife. You can also visit it in the summer season, or the months from April to July. Remember though, that it can get very hot during this time, with the average temperature being 43°C. A lot of tourists find the heat quite difficult to deal with, but shouldn’t pose a problem for you if you are okay with it. Monsoons are not a good time to visit Sundarbans, as most of the areas are flooded and taking a boat ride would be quite unfeasible.
Sunderbans National Park offers only boat safari to the visitors. Jeep safaris are not conducted here. The safari timing is from 8:30 AM in the morning till 4:00 PM in the evening. The entry of boats after 6:30 PM is prohibited. Although the park remains open throughout the year, however, winter season is the best time to visit it.
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