Sundarbans National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in West Bengal, India. It is part of the larger Sundarbans delta, which extends across India and Bangladesh. The park is popular for its extensive mangrove forests and is home to a variety of wildlife, including the iconic Royal Bengal tiger.
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overview of Sundarbans national park
The Sunderbans represent a unique natural wonder in South Asia. India and Bangladesh share this delta, which spans approximately 10,000 sq km and holds the title of the largest mangrove forest in the world. The Ganga and Brahmaputra Rivers converge on the Bengal basin, forming this delta.
The dense forests of Sunderbans National Park house a rich variety of flora. Researchers have identified 64 plant species. Some common plants found in the area include the Sundari tree, Golpati, Champa, Dhundul, Genwa, and Hatal.
Wildlife tourism is a major factor in Sunderban. Apart from the Royal Bengal Tiger, other animals found in these areas are fishing cats, macaques, leopard cats, Indian grey mongoose, wild boar, flying fox, pangolin, and Indian grey mongoose. The chital deer and rhesus monkey are common sightings.
How to reach Sundarbans National Park from Kolkata
Nearest Airport to reach Sundarbans?
- Dumdum Airport: The nearest airport to reach is Netaji Subhash International Airport or Dumdum Airport which is in Kolkata it is 112 kilometers away.
Nearest Railway Station to reach Sundarban?
- Canning Railway Station: It is the nearest railway station to the Sundarbans National Park in West Bengal and is about 48 kilometers away.
- Sealdah Kolkata Railway Station: The distance between Sealdah in Kolkata and Sundarbans is about 108 Km.
The Nearest Bus Station to reach Sundarban?
- Kolkata Bus Stand: The distance Between Kolkata to Sundarbans bus station is 130 Km.
- Chaital Ghat Bus Stand: The distance between Chaital Ghat bus stand is 75.2 Km
- Malancha Bus Stand: The distance between Sundarbans National Park and Malancha Bus Stand is 75.2 Km.
Best time to visit Sundarban
Before planning your journey, it is important to consider the best time to visit the Sundarban :
- Winter: The month of November is one of the most popular times to visit, with pleasant weather and good chances of spotting tigers and other wildlife.
- Summer: Between March to May although the temperatures can soar, summer is the best time for wildlife sightings as animals gather around water sources.
- Monsoon: Monsoon: The monsoon season in the Sundarbans from June–to September can be a great time to visit, the park remains closed during the monsoon season due to heavy rains and the breeding season for animals.
The most preferred time is between October and March, the ideal time to visit Sundarban. Climate remains soothing this time, and after the monsoon, the trees and forests retain their green emerald glow, and the rivers remain filled with water in the post-monsoon period.
You can also plan to visit Mousini Island which is just 108 km from from Sunderban. Mousini Island is one of the best places to visit from Kolkata. You can take a drive via Kolkata – Diamond Harbour Road – Kakdwip – Namkhana to reach Mousini Island from Kolkata. The duration of travel is about 3 to 4 hours.
Local transportation within Sundarban
The Sundarbans are primarily accessible by riverine transportation, and the best way around is by motorboat. You can get motorboat from Namkhana, Sagar Island, Sajnekhali, Sonakhali, and Raidighi. During high tide, experienced boatmen can take you to the forest’s core areas, where you can see the reserve forest from the water.
Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Pre-Bookings: Sundarban is a popular tourist destination, especially during peak season. It’s advisable to book the accommodation, and transportation well in advance to avoid mishaps.
- Hire a guide: A professional tour guide is recommended to stay safe and enjoy the visit and the guide is hired per boat.
- Boat service: The boat service is available from 8:30 AM to 4 PM. No boats are allow after 6:30 PM.
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In Conclusion, Visiting the Sundarbans is an unforgettable experience that offers a unique combination of natural beauty, wildlife encounters, and cultural immersion. Discover the breathtaking Sundarbans, the world’s largest delta, and witness the majestic Royal Bengal tiger and other fascinating wildlife in your upcoming trip!
FAQs( Frequently Asked Questions)
The Sunderbans are a unique natural wonder of South Asia. The delta is spread over India and Bangladesh with an area of approximately 10,000 sq Km and is enjoying the status of being the largest mangrove forest in the world.
Canning Railway Station is the nearest railway station to the Sundarbans National Park in West Bengal. It is about 48 kilometers away.
The dense forests of Sunderbans National Park reside in a rich variety of flora which is the common species of plants including the Sundari tree, Golpati, and Champa. Wildlife tourism is a major factor in Sunderban.
The month of November is one of the most popular times to visit Sunderban.
Some of the tips are that Sundarban is a popular tourist destination, especially during peak season. It’s advisable to book the accommodation, and transportation well in advance to avoid mishaps.
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