Sundarbans
National Park forms a part of the largest delta created by the Ganga and
Brahmaputra Rivers. Its core area is made up of the largest mangrove
forest in the world. The best time to visit the park comprises of the
months of September to May. Spread over an area of approximately 1330 sq
km, Sundarbans Wildlife Sanctuary of India has been named after the
Sundari trees that are found here in plenty. The northern boundary of
the sanctuary is formed by Goasaba, Sandeshkali and Basanti Islands. To
the south, lies the never-ending sea.
Outlining the western boundary of Sunderban Tiger Reserve of West
Bengal, are Matla and Bidya Rivers. The eastern boundary of the reserve
coincides with the international border of Bangladesh. It has been
declared as a biosphere reserve, is also one of the World Heritage Sites
in India and comes under 'Project Tiger' also. Sunderban National Park
of India is made up of a variety of forests, such as the mangrove scrub,
littoral forest, salt water mixed forest, brackish water mixed forest,
wet forest, wet alluvial grass forest, etc.
Flora
Sundarbans Wildlife Sanctuary of West Bengal comprises of 64 species of
plants, in toto. Due to tidal effects, these plants can easily endure
estuarine conditions and saline barrage. The months of April and May see
the emerald islands of the park being covered with red leaves of the
Genwa. Adding more color are the red flowers of Kankara and the yellow
blooms of Khalsi. The plants and trees commonly found here include
Genwa, Dhundal, Passur, Garjan, Kankra, Sundari and Goran.
Wildlife
Sunderbans Tiger Reserve of West Bengal serves as the natural habitat
of more than 400 tigers. Other wild animals found at the reserve include
Chital Deer, Rhesus Macaque, Jungle Cat, Fishing Cat, Wild Boar, Common
Grey Mongoose, Fox, Flying Fox, Pangolin, etc.
Reptiles
Sundarbans Wildlife Sanctuary of West Bengal is well known for the
conservation program carried out in relation to the Oliver Ridley Sea
Turtle. The other reptiles found at the park consist of King Cobras,
Rock Pythons, Water Monitors, River Terrapins, Sea Snakes, Dog Faced
Water Snakes, Green Turtles, Estuarine Crocodiles, Chameleons, Salvator
Lizards, Hard Shelled Batgun Terrapins, Russell's Vipers, Mouse Ghekos,
Curviers, Hawks Bill Turtles, Common Kraits, Chequered Killbacks, Rat
Snakes, etc.
Aqua Fauna
The aqua fauna of the Sunderban National Park comprises of Star Fish,
Saw Fish, Butter Fish, Silver Carp, Common Carp, Electric Rays, King
Crabs, Red Fiddler Crabs, Hermit Crabs, Prawn, Gangetic Dolphins,
Shrimp, Skipping Frog, Common Toad, Tree Frog, etc.
Birds
The popular birds of Sundarbans Wildlife Sanctuary are Pheasant Tailed
Jacanas, Red Jungle Fowls, Open Billed Storks, Cotton Teals, Herring
Gulls, Spotted Billed Pelicans, Swamp Partridges, Marsh Harriers, White
Ibis, White Eyed Pochards, Black-Tailed Godwits, Peregrine Falcons,
White Bellied Sea Eagles, Paradise Flycatchers, Night Herons, Gray
Herons, Caspian Terns, Golden Plovers, Pintails, Common Snipes, etc.
How to Reach Sundarbans National Park
By Air: At 112 km, Kolkata airport falls the nearest to
Sundarbans
By Rail: The nearest railway station is the one situated at
Canning.
By Road: Road transportation is easily available for all the
cities falling near Sundarbans.
By Water: Since one can reach the core of Sundarbans only
through waterways, motor launch facilities are easily available.
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