|
WILDLIFE
Sundarbans National park
The vast swampy delta of the two great Indian rivers, Brahamaputra
and the Ganges extends over areas comprising of mangrove forests,
swamps and forest island all interwoven in a network of small rivers
and streams. The Ganges and the Brahmaputra form this alluvial archipelago
of 54 islands watered by the Bay of Bengal. The islands Goasaba,
Sandeshkali and Basanti form the northern boundary of the Sundarbans;
on the south is the sea; to the west side of the Sunderbans park
is the Matla and Bidya Rivers and to the east is the international
boundary of Bangladesh.
Flora in Sundarbans National Park
Fascinating life forms await you in this largest estuarine delta
in the world, Sunderbans. In April and May the flaming red leaves
of the Genwa, edge the emerald islands. The crab like red flowers
of the Kankara and the yellow blooms of Khalsi add to the dazzling
display. As you penetrate into the forests of Sundarbans, this fairyland
unfolds its mysterious beauty.
Major Wildlife Attractions of Sundarbans
 The Sundarbans
forest is home to more than 400 tigers. The Bengal Tigers have adapted
themselves very well to the saline and aqua environs and are extremely
good swimmers. As you enter the adventurous wild land of the Sundarbans
you'll be thrilled to see the Chital Dear and Rhesus Monkey. The
aqua fauna of Sundarbans include variety of fishes, red Fiddler
Crabs and Hermit Crabs.
There are crocodiles, which can be often seen along the mud banks.
Sundarbans national park is also noted for its conservation of the
Ridley Sea Turtle. There's is a incredible variety of reptiles also
found in Sundarbans, which includes King Cobra, Rock Python and
Water Monitor. The endangered river Terrapin, Batagur Baska is found
on the Mechua Beach, while the Barkind Deer is found only in Holiday
Island in Sunderbans.
Other Attractions In Sundarbans
The Sajnakhali Sanctuary : The Sajnakhali sanctuary, famous
for its rich avian population, is regarded as a part of the Sunderbans
National Park. The kingdom of birds at Sajnekhati enchants your
eyes. The most sought after sights by a bird watcher are seven colourful
species of Kingfisher, white bellied Sea Eagle, Plovers, Lap-Wings,
Curfews, Whimbrels, Sandpipers and occasional Pelican.
Netidhopani : At Netidhopani, the ruins of a 400 year old
temple and legends lend mystery to the atmosphere.
Bhagabatpur : Bhagabatpur is famous for having a hatchery
of the largest estuarine crocodiles in the world.
Kanak : Kanak is the nesting place of the Olive Ridley
Turtles. Haliday Island : Haliday island is famous as last retrest
of Barking Dear in India.
Piyali : Piyali is the gatway to Sundarbans, 72-kms from
Kolkatta by road and close to Sajnekhali, Sudhanyakhali, Netidhopani
through waterways. A small river Piyali flows through the green
paddy fields and mingles with river Matla. Picturesque Piyali delta
makes an ideal romantic holiday destination. A beautiful tourist
complex with accommodation and recreation facilities is also situated
over here.
Kaikhali : On your way to Sundarbans you cannot afford to
miss Kaikhali Island, where nature is so alive and so colourful.
An ideal picnic spot.
Coverage Area-1330.10 sq-kms
Best Time to Visit Sunderbans National Park
The ideal time to visit the Sundarbans national park is during
the months of September and May. Winter make the time to see the
might Royal Bengal Tiger sun-bathing on the river banks.
How to Get there
Air : The nearest airport is Kolkatta, at 112-kms.
Rail : Canning is nearest railhead, at a distance of 48-kms.
Road : Road transportation is available from Kolkatta for
Namkhana (105-kms), Sonakhali (100-kms), Raidighi (76-kms), Canning
(64-kms), and Najat (92-kms), which are all near the Sunderbans
and have access to the riverine waterways leading to it
|
State
Express