Sundarbans Information

Declared by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Sundarban is right in the mouth of the Ganges River. It is the largest littoral mangrove forest in the world mightily spreading its grandeur across parts of Bangladesh and West Bengal. Sundarban, which literally means "beautiful jungle" in the Bengali language, is the home of Bengali tigers, king cobras, estuarine crocodile, Gangetic dolphin and over a hundred other species of birds and fishes.

This unique bio-climatic zone in the coastal region of Bengal is a repository of the ancient heritage of both legendary and historical events. They have been bequeathed along with a magnificent landscape and the characteristic natural resources. It is recognized for its wide bio-diversity of flora and fauna and has been a famous target of valuable scientific, archeological and anthropological interest. The Sundarban forms a vast and secure nursery of fish and other marine animals. In addition, these mangroves are also responsible for the coastal fishery of the region including the eastern portion of India. The mangrove also saves the neighboring cities from annual catastrophes, acting as an effective wind barrier and as a protection from the waves.

Sites to visit in the area begin with the Sajnakhali sanctuary known for its rich bird population. Bird watchers will find sea of eagles, plovers, and kingfishers in addition to the occasional sandpipers and pelicans. For the reptile lovers, Bhagabatpur is the home of the biggest estuarine crocodiles in the world. After mingling with the cold reptiles, a worthwhile boat trip to Piyali, which is about 72 kilometers from Kolkata, can give one the beautiful experience of being with pristine nature.

Between November and March is the best time to visit Sundarban but if one wants to witness the harvest of honey then opt to go to the place in the months of April or May.