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The park is a tiger and biosphere reserve and has been designated as world heritage site by UNESCO. It extends about 260 km along the Bay of Bengal from the Hooghly River Estuary (India) to the Meghna River Estuary in Bangladesh. The forest passes into a mangrove swamp along the coast. The southern region, with numerous wild animals and crocodile-infested estuaries, is virtually devoid of habitation.
The core area of Sunderban National Park is bound by Matla River on the West, Haribhanga on the east and Netidhopani and Gosaba on the north. The buffer zone, which extends over an area of 885 sq km, also includes Sajnakhali Wildlife Sanctuary. Halliday Island and Lothian Island wildlife sanctuaries lie to the west of Sunderbans but do not form a part of the tiger reserve. Sunderban National Park is not a part of any recognized tourist circuit. However, one can combine a trip to Calcutta with Sunderban.
A cruise through the largest estuarine delta in the world is a thrilling experience. If you are lucky, you can get a glimpse of the majestic tiger. The park is also home to other wildlife like the chital, crocodile, monkeys, estuarine and marine turtle, dolphins and various kinds of birds. Going further into Sunderban, you can also discover the rich tribal folklore. There are woodcutters, honey collectors and fishermen out in the wild working for their survival. While out in the park one needs to be careful as far as the tigers are concerned, and remember the age-old adage, 'Here the Tiger is always watching you.'
| Fast Facts |
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| Area |
1,330 sq km (park);2,585 sq km (reserve) |
| Altitude |
0-10 m above sea level |
| Annual Rainfall |
1,108 mm (Canning) |
| Maximum Temperature |
42°C |
| Minimum Temperature |
9.2°C |
| Language: |
Bengali, Hindi, English |
| State Capital: |
No |
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History:
The word "Sunderban" is derived from sundari and ban, which, when combined, means "the forests of sundari"-an obvious reference to the large mangrove trees.
The 1,330 sq km area of Sunderbans was established as a National Park on May 4, 1984. The Sunderbans had earlier been designated as a Tiger Reserve in December 1973. After this, a wildlife sanctuary was created in 1977.
Best Season, Climate, and Clothing:
Due to its proximity to the Bay of Bengal, Sunderban experiences very high humidity. Rainfall is quite heavy during monsoon, which last from mid-June to mid-September. After the monsoons, fair weather prevails until mid-March.
The best season to visit the Sunderban is between December and February.
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