Sundarbans National Park in India is one of the world's largest deltas and the mangrove forest formed by the confluence of three rivers- the Ganga, the Brahmaputra and the Meghna- covering an area of 2,585 sq km wildlife sanctuary, which extends into Bangladesh too. The Sundarbans Wildlife Sanctuary, the world's largest estuarine sanctuary is really worth a visit. With a series of densely forested islands and saline water channels, Sundarbans is home to 270 Royal Bengal Tigers along with the spotted deers, wild pigs, monkeys, herons, kingfishers and white-bellied eagles.


The Sundarbans is formed by an alluvial archipelago of 54 islands, made by the waters of Ganges, Brahmaputra and the Bay of Bengal. The Sundarban National Park got its name from the Sundari trees found here in abundance. Sundarbans' also shares its boundaries with the Sajnekhali Bird Sanctuary.


The most unique feature of the Sundarbans is the tigers in the park apt at swimming and are strictly amphibious! The Park is also famous for its conservation of the Ridley Sea Turtles. The other wild animals found in the Sundarbans National Park are estuarine terrapins, Olive Ridley turtles, estuarine crocodiles, Ganges dolphins, water monitors and a wide variety of birds, fish and crustaceans. One of the major tourist attractions is the Sajnekhali Visitors' Centre, which has a crocodile enclosure, a shark pond, a turtle hatchery, and a Mangrove Interpretation Centre.


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.


Flora

Sundarbans is endowed with a rich variety of flora. The area is full of Mangrove trees. Though the number of Sundari trees has dwindled, many of them may still be seen. In the months of April-May, Sundarbans become full of Genwa plants. Kankara and Khalsi flower plants also grow during this period. Deep inside the delta, many other trees and plant species also grow.


Fauna

On last count , there were close to 400 tigers in The Sundarbans. The Royal Bengal Tigers have adapted well to the saline and aqua environment. Other animal varieties are chital deer and rhesus monkey. The aqua fauna consists of fishes, red fiddler crabs and hermit crabs. An incredible variety of reptiles are also found including king cobra, rock python and water monitor.


How to Reach

• Air
  The nearest airport is Kolkata at a distance of 112 kms.
• Rail
  The nearest railhead is Canning at a distance of 48 kms.
• Road
  Buses are available from Kolkata to places like Namkhana, Sonakhali, Raidighi, Canning and Najat which are all located in close proximity to Sundarbans and have access to the waterways of Sundarbans.