Sundarban Tiger Reserve
Overview - Sundarban Tiger Reserve
The Sundarbans is the largest delta in the world. Here, the 2 mightiest rivers of India – Brahmaputra & Ganges – along with the river Meghna, drain their waters into the Bay of Bengal thus creating the world’s largest mangrove forest and a biodiversity hotspot.
The word “Sundarbans” comes from the mangrove species Heritiera minor locally known as Sundari. This habitat is made up of 56 islands of mangrove forest which harbours countless species whose behaviour is rooted in the tidal patterns of the area.
Not only a home for wildlife, the Sundarbans delta also provides for almost 4 million people, many of whom visit the forest daily for firewood and honey collection. Accounts of conflict with man-eating Royal Bengal Tigers are chilling and it gives the otherwise gentleman-like tiger, a notorious reputation.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a Tiger Reserve and an Important Bird Area of the world and over 300 bird species, 40 mammal species, 35 Reptiles Species & 08 amphibian species have been recorded here in these 10000 sq.km of forest.
Best Time to Visit Sundarban Tiger Reserve
The area of Sundarbans is a high rainfall area – about 2800 mm of rain on average annually – and it rains heavily here from April to September.
An ideal time to visit is between October & March. Best time for birders would be from December till the end of February.
Highlight Species - Sundarban Tiger Reserve
- Masked Finfoot
- Mangrove Whistler
- Mangrove Pitta
- Collared Kingfisher
- Brown-Winged Kingfisher
- Spoonbill Sandpiper
- Black Capped Kingfisher
- Ruddy Kingfisher
- Stork-billed Kingfisher
- Pied Kingfisher
- Greater Adjutant
- Black-necked Stork
- Buffy Fish Owl
- White-bellied Sea Eagle
- Pallas’ Fish Eagle
- Whimbrel
- Grey Headed Fish Eagle
- Pacific Golden Plover
Types of Safaris - Sundarban Tiger Reserve
Boat Safaris :Here, the only way to explore the mangroves is through a privately hired boat or to join a group on a larger boat. The drawback of the larger boats are that they cannot get through all the creeks and narrow channels, hence a smaller boat safari is preferred.
How to reach Sundarban Tiger Reserve
By Air : Approximately a 03 hour drive from airports at Kolkata or Calcutta International Airport well connected by both. domestic, as well as international flights.
