Sunderbans, the world's largest estuarine forest and delta covered by mangrove forests and vast saline mud flats is situated on the lower end of Gangetic West Bengal. A land of 54 tiny islands, criss-crossed by innumerable tributaries of the Ganges that was once infested by Arakanese and Portuguese pirates is now the abode of varied flora & fauna population. Sunderban is bound on the west by river Muriganga and on the east by rivers Harinbhahga and Raimangal. Other major rivers flowing through this eco-system are Saptamukhi, Thakurain Matla and Gosaba.
Unlike other wildlife parks, where roads, jeeps & guides provide a semblance of control, here visitors will find themselves holding their breath and stiffening to a state of alertness as their boats glide through the creeks and rivulets, bordered with primeval mangrove forest sheltering the most unimaginable dangers in its impenetrable undergrowth. A unique region where there are no borders to divide fresh from saline water, river from sea.
With a little luck one may experience a salt water Crocodile sunbathing in the mud; a flash in the corner of your eye could be Deer running into the forests. Most famously, however, this protected area is home to the Royal Bengal Tiger. There are strategically placed watch towers from which, fortunate travellers may get the opportunity to observe the regal beast in its natural surroundings, a thrill that can only be experienced first-hand. Incidentally, these watch towers may be reached only through corridors covered in protective net fencing.
You can explore the wildlife of Sunderban that harbours Jungle Cats, Fishing Cats, Axis Deer, Wild Boar, Rhesus Monkeys, Mongooses and the largest Estuarine Crocodiles in the world. Sunderban is the breeding ground of immense variety of birds like Heron, Egret, Cormorant, Fishing Engle, White Bellied Sea Eagle, Seagul, Tern, Kingfisher as well as migratory birds like Whimprel, Black-tailed Godwit, Little Stint, Eastern Knot, Curlew, Sandpiper, Golden Plover, Pintail, White-eyed Pochard and also Whistling teal. Come and discover wide variety of aquatic and reptile life forms that include Olive Ridley sea turtle, hardshelled Batgur Terrapin, Pythons, King Cobra, Chequered Killback, Monitor and Lizards including the Salvator Lizards.
Sunderban is characterized by the sundari trees that give the mangrove their name. These trees hold together the small islands of mud, on which they grow, with their roots. Nevertheless, with each incoming tide, the greyish brown silt looses itself to water seamlessly. Sunderban consists of a large flora population like genwa, dhundal, passur, garjan and kankra. Apart from these trees, impenetrable goran trees between 1.8 metres and 3.6 metres high cover almost the entire region. One of the most remarkable features of this place is the bayonet like roots of mangrove forests that stick out above the water level.
Nature apart, if you want to feel the essence of spirituality then this is the place to be. A place famous for Ma Bonobibi (the goddess of the forest) to Shiber Kumir (Lord Shiva's Crocodile) or from Dakshinaroy (an ogre, the ancestor of all tigers) to Kapil Muni (an incarnation of Vishnu).
Uniqueness of Sundarban Forest
Sunderban Biosphere Reserve was constituted by Government of India (GOI) in 1989 and it received the recognition of UNESCO under its Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme in November, 2001. Sunderban National Park, forming the core area of Sunderban Tiger Reserve, received recognition as World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987. It has been nominated by GOI for recognition as Ramsar Site (a wetland of international importance). Sunderban Tiger Reserve was constituted by GOI under Project Tiger scheme, in 1973. Sunderban is the only mangrove forest in the world which is the home of Tigers. Sunderban Tiger Reserve has the highest tiger population in the world.
Importance of Sunderban Ecosystem
Sunderban has extremely rich diversity of aquatic and terrestrial flora and fauna. Sunderban's highly productive ecosystem acts as a natural fish nursery. Sunderban mangrove reduces the fury of cyclonic storm and prevents erosion due to tidal action. Finally, millions of people depend on Sunderban ecosystem for their livelihood and sustenance through fishing, collection of honey and fuelwood/timber.
Topography and Soil
Geologically, the Sunderban delta is the largest prograding delta on the globe. The region is covered solely by quaternary sediments carried and deposited by the rivers Ganges , Matla & Bidyadhari.
Climate and rainfall
Although the region is situated south of the Tropic of Cancer, the temperature is equable due to its proximity to the sea. Average annual maximum temperature is around 35 C . Average annual rainfall is 1920 mm. Average humidity is about 82% which is more or less uniform throughout the year.
Tiger Census
The Tiger estimation has traditionally been done in Sunderban by “Pug Mark Method” in which the fresh left hind pug mark impression is collected from the field and analyzed. The pugmark method was field friendly but due to some of the drawbacks, Project Tiger developed a new methodology for the “Monitoring of Tigers, Co-predators, Prey and Habitat”
The Monitoring of Tiger, Co-predators, Prey and Habitat Exercise in Sunderban was conducted from 5th January 2006 to 10th January 2006, as a part of All India estimation of Tiger, Co-predators, Prey and Habitat exercise.
Sunderban is among the five Natural World Heritage Sites In India namely, Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park, Keoladeo Wildlife Sanctuary, Sunderban National Park and Nandadevi National Park.
The Sunderban Biosphere Reserve has three main objectives:
• Restoration of the unique mangrove ecosystem of Sunderban and conservation of its biodiversity.
• Development of sustainable economic, social activities of the population living in the Biosphere Reserve.
• Facilitating research, monitoring, education and training to perpetuate the achievements made.
People of the Sunderban
The people of this area are unique in their occupation and lifestyle, faiths, rituals and beliefs – farmers, fishermen, wood collectors, honey collectors and poachers.
Sunderban represents a society that is primarily agricultural. The people live in villages adjoining forests which is the home of Tigers. For survival, these people have to fight with nature day in and day out. The hardships of daily existence have given rise to fraternal feelings and non-communal traditions. Members of both Hindu and Muslim communities worship the same Gods and Goddesses. The two most famous among them are Dakshin Ray and Banabibi. Dakshin Ray is worshiped as the God of Tiger and all those who enter the forests for subsistence, worship Dakshin Ray irrespective of their caste, creed and religion. Banabibi, on the other hand, is considered as the protector of the inhabitants of the forests. She is popular both amongst Hindus and Muslims.
How to Reach
Sunderban is accessible by air, rail and road via Kolkata. But, as the entire place is a network of river tributaries, you have to take boat ride to visit the remote areas of the park.
Boat is the best bet to explore the park extensively.
International Airport: Kolkata Airport: nearest airport at Kolkata, at 112 km.
Railways: Canning is nearest railhead (48 km).
Road: Road transportation is available from Kolkata for Namkhana (105-kms), Sonakhali (100-kms), Raidighi (76-kms), Canning (64-kms), and Najat (92-kms), which are all near the Sunderban and have access to the riverine waterways.
Water: Sunderban are approachable only by riverrine waterways. Motor launch facilities are available from Namkhana - Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project- Sagar Island -Jambudwip; from Sajnekhali - Sudhanyakhali-Buridabri- Netidhopan-Holiday Island; from Sonakhali - Gosaba; from Raidighi - Kalas.
When to Visit
The best time to visit the Sunderbans is between September and February. The mean maximum and minimum temperature is around 340C and 200C, respectively. However the region experience high humidity and annual rainfall is between 1500 to 2500 mm. The heaviest rainfall is during the monsoon that stretches between mid Junes to mid September.
In recent years, it has been reported that international tourists seeking an adrenalin rush come during the norwester (kal baisakhi) season from April to mid May.
Sajnekhali Tourist Lodge , run by the West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation, is a eco-friendly accommodation solution which offers comfortable accommodation in a difficult situation at the great Sunderbans.
Rooms
Rooms are of AC Standard (East Block), AC Standard (South Block), and Dormitories. The rooms at Sajnekhali Tourist Lodge are, wide, comfortable and spacious and is provided with all possible moder amenities
Dining & Facilities
Sajnekhali Tourist Lodge has an excellent multi-cuisine restaurant that serves a wide variety of delicious and wholesome dishes. Sajnekhali Tourist Lodge also offers a range of outdoor activities, such as wildlife treks and safaris, with the assistance of in-house naturalist guides.
ROOM TARIFF :
YPE OF ROOM
NO. OF ROOMS
TARIFF
AC STANDARD DOUBLE BEDDED
20
3500/-
AC SUITE
1
5000/-
HOW TO BOOK : Call us at 9830947352, 8420424111, 8334452352, 9836955186 or use the form below:
3 Double Bed Rooms at Hotel Hungree, Upper Pelling, one of the best location at Pelling, Tariff - 600/-
4 Double Bed AC Rooms at Hotel Sai Sandpiper, Puri, Tariff - 700/- & 750/-
2 Kanchenjhengha facing and 1 Non facing Rooms at Hotel Sagarika, Darjeeling, Tariff - 500/- & 600/-
6 Rooms on the lap of Neora Valley at Choice Guest House, Lava, Tariff - 550/- & 600/-
3 Double Bed and 2 Four Bed Non Kitchen Rooms at Hotel Koanrk, Puri, Tariff - 400/- & Rs.600/-
4 Double Beds Rooms with Kitchen with all utensils provided at Sea View Hotel,Puri, Tariff -400/-
2 Sea Viewing Rooms Double Bed Rooms with Kitchen with all utensils provided at Bhajani, Puri, Tariff - 450/-
3 Double Bed and 1 Tripple Bed, Side Sea Facing, with Kitchen Rooms at Hotel Shyamajyoti, Puri, Tariff - 450/- & Rs.500/-
4 Double Beds Rooms with Kitchen with all utensils provided at Sea View Hotel,Puri, Tariff -400/-
Neora Valley Resort is one of the best and comfortable stay in Rishop. All rooms with a view of Kanchenjunga and several other peaks.Wooden furnished Cottages and five beautiful duplex rooms with attached bath, geyser, CTV and in house restaurant , wide lawn with garden. The deep silent forest of Pine, Birch, Fir and Orchids with soothing path following the chirps of birds & the view of blue sky.
ROOM TARIFF
2 Double bed Cottage:
Rs.1000/-
3 Duplex Cottage:Rs. 1125/-
4 Duplex Cottages: Rs.1600/-
All extra person charge @ Rs.300/-
10% service charge on total bill amount
Kanchan View Tourist Lodge is located in the Top most Ridge of Rishop with 180 degree full view of snow capped mountain peaks from Nathula to Kumbhakarna including Kanchanjungha from it’s wide lawn and balconies of every room.
Wooden furnished double bed rooms and triple bed cottage with balconies, travel desk, & in house restaurant & garden.
ROOM TARIFF
Double bed Room Rs.1100/-
Triple bed cottage Rs 1400/-
Extra cot – Rs 200/-
10% service charge on total bill amount
Sunakhari Retreat, Green Valley Resort and Rishyap Tourist Centre , are situated at the topmost position at Rishop in a natural atmosphere and with Kanchenjungha view. All rooms are wooden furnished with attached western toilet, floor carpet, CTV, Garden, Lawn Restaurant, Hot Water Supply. Special Attraction: 180° view of Mt. Kanchenjungha & Himalayn Range from Resort.
ROOM TARIFF :
Deluxe Double - 950/-
Super Deluxe Double - 1000/-, 1100/-
Deluxe Tripple - 1000/-
Super Deluxe Tripple Bedded Room with Balcony @1200/- 10% service charge on total bill amount.
Hotel Snow View is a budget hotel with excellent surroundings all over in Rishop
Wooden furnished triple bed rooms, a few with balconies, travel desk, & in house restaurant .
ROOM TARIFF :
1st Floor Rs.1000/-
2nd Floor- 1200/-
10% service charge on total bill amount.
Suntec Resort is a budget hotel with excellent surroundings all over in Rishop.
Wooden furnished 4 no.s triple bed rooms, a few with balconies, travel desk, & in house restaurant .
ROOM TARIFF :
Cottage(2X2BED,2X3BED) &4Room annexed behind SUNTEC
Double Bed Rooms: Rs.1000/-
Triple Bed Rooms: Rs.1100/-
10% service charge on total bill amount
Hotel Sonar Bangla is situated on the parallel hill top of Hotel Kanchanview at Rishop. With a excellent openings in the front with magnificent Kanchanjhengha standing tall, Sonal Bangla offers great view of the mountains and valley with its 6 rooms.