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 Sundarbans National Park, home of the Royal Bengal Tiger, covering an area of approximately 1330.10-sq-kms and the largest mangrove forest in the world, form the core of this area. The Sundarban region has got its name from Sundari trees, once found in abundance here.

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.

Fauna in Sunderbans National Park
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 Barking Deer is found only in Holiday Island in Sunderbans.

Sunderbans is home to nearly 200 Royal Bengal tigers. Part of the forest lies in Bangladesh and it is estimated that the combined population of tigers in the region could be about 400. Adapting itself to the saline and watery environment, the tigers at the park are good swimmers. Traversing the mangroves by motor launch is quite an experience, for the area is completely unspoilt and very different from the more conventional wildlife park. The estuarine crocodile is often seen along the mud banks but owing to the dense undergrowth the tiger is a sight to behold.

General Information :
Best time to visit : October to March
Nearest Town : Basanti
Accommodation : Comfortable tourist lodges are available at Sajnekhali.
How to get there? : The nearest air point is in Kolkatta, Canning is the closest railway station. But the main areas of the sanctuary can be accessed by riverine waterways.