The Sundarban is the largest single
block of tidal halophytic mangrove forest in the world. The name Sundarban can
be literally translated as "beautiful jungle" or "beautiful
forest" in the Bengali language (Sundar, "beautiful" and ban, "forest"
or "jungle"). The name may have been derived from the Sundari trees
that are found in Sundarbans in large numbers. The Sundarban is the largest
littoral mangrove belt in the world, stretching 80km (50mi) into the
Bangladeshi hinterland from the coast. The forests aren't just mangrove swamps
though; they include some of the last remaining stands of the mighty jungles
which once covered the Gangetic plain. The Sundarban covers an area of 38,500
sq km, of which about one-third is covered in water. Since 1966 the Sundarban
has been a wildlife sanctuary, and it is estimated that there are now 400 Royal
Bengal tigers and about 30,000 spotted deer in the area. The forest lies in the
vast delta on the Bay of Bengal formed by the confluence of the Ganges,
Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers across southern Bangladesh and West Bengal,
India. The seasonally-flooded Sundarbans freshwater swamp forests lie inland
from the mangrove forests on the coastal fringe. The forest covers 10,000 km2
of which about 6,000 are in Bangladesh. It became inscribed as a UNESCO world
heritage site in 1997, but whiles the Bangladeshi and Indian portions
constitute the same continuous ecotype, these are separately listed in the
UNESCO world heritage list as the Sundarbans and Sundarbans National Park,
respectively. Sundarban is the home to many different species of birds,
mammals, insects, reptiles and fishes. Over 120 species of fishes and over 260
species of birds have been recorded in the Sundarban. The Gangetic River
Dolphin (Platanista gangeticus) is common in the rivers. No less than 50
species of reptiles and eight species of amphibians are known to occur. The
Sundarban now supports the only population of the Estuarine, or Salt-Water
Crocodile (Crocodylus parasus) in Bangladesh, and that population is estimated
at less than two hundred individuals. The Sundarbans is intersected by a
complex network of tidal waterways, mudflats and small islands of salt-tolerant
mangrove forests. The area is known for the eponymous Royal Bengal Tiger, as
well as numerous fauna including species of birds, spotted deer, crocodiles and
snakes. The fertile soils of the delta have been subject to intensive human use
for centuries, and the eco-region has been mostly converted to intensive
agriculture, with few enclaves of forest remaining. The remaining forests,
together with the Sundarbans mangroves, are important habitat for the
endangered tiger. Additionally, the Sundarbans serves a crucial function as a
protective barrier for the millions of inhabitants in and around Kolkata (Calcutta)
against the floods that result from the cyclones that are a regular occurrence
on this coast. Its beauty lies in its unique natural surrounding. Thousands of
meandering streams, creeks, rivers and estuaries have enhanced its charm.
Sundarban is the natural habitat of the world famous Royal Bengal Tiger,
spotted deer, crocodiles, jungle fowl, wild boar, lizards, theses monkey and an
innumerable variety of beautiful birds. Migratory flock of Siberian ducks
flying over thousands of sail boats loaded with timber, golpatta (round-leaf),
fuel wood, honey, shell and fish further add to the serene natural beauty of
the Sundarban. Attractions are - Wildlife photography including
photography of the famous Royal Bengal Tiger, wildlife viewing, boating inside
the forest will call recordings, nature study, meeting fishermen, wood-cutters
and honey-collectors, peace and tranquility in the wilderness, seeing the
world's largest mangrove forest and the revering beauty. Spots are - Hiron Point (Nilkamal) for tiger,
deer, monkey, crocodiles, birds and natural beauty. Katka for deer, tiger,
crocodiles, varieties of birds and monkey, morning and evening symphony of wild
fowls. Vast expanse of grassy meadows running from Katka to Kachikhali (Tiger
Point) provides opportunities for wild tracking. Tin Kona Island for tiger and
deer. Dublar Char (Island) for fishermen. It is a beautiful island where herds
of spotted deer are often seen to graze.
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