Great Knowledge | Know About Sundarban
The mere mention of Sundarbans never fails to evoke a sense of enchantment. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its tiger conservation efforts through initiatives like the Tiger Project, beckons wildlife enthusiasts from far and wide. Here, amidst the labyrinth of waterways that weave through the delta in India and Bangladesh, one can witness the majestic sight of tigers prowling along the banks or leisurely swimming through the brackish waters, an experience that sends shivers down the spine.
Wrapped in dense mangrove forests and expansive saline mudflats, Sundarbans offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the rich tapestry of flora and fauna. With over 260 bird species soaring through the skies and endangered creatures like the estuarine crocodile and the Indian Python inhabiting its depths, every moment spent here is a journey into the heart of wilderness.
Beyond its famed inhabitants, Sundarbans harbors a wealth of intriguing secrets, enticing travelers to embark on an adventure without delay.
Sundarbans (India) spans an impressive 4,000 sq. km, making it ten times larger than Venice. With 102 islands, 54 of which are inhabited, it’s a vast expanse of forested wonder.
This region boasts the world’s largest coastal mangrove forest, covering around 10,000 sq. km between India (4,000 sq. km) and Bangladesh (6,000 sq. km).
Sundarbans’ intricate network of waterways allows travelers to navigate its depths by ferries and boats, offering unparalleled opportunities for sightseeing and adventure.
As India’s Largest Fishery Board, Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve is a treasure trove of brackish water fish production and marine fisheries, showcasing its natural riches.
Named after the magnificent Sundari mangrove trees (Heritiera littoralis), Sundarbans Tiger Reserve is home to approximately 400 Royal Bengal Tigers, making it a sanctuary for these majestic creatures.
The largest inhabited island, Gosaba, sits at 13 feet above sea level and marks the gateway to Sundarbans’ dense forest reserve, boasting its own governance and infrastructure.
Sundarbans experiences a unique tidal phenomenon, with dramatic rises and falls in water levels, revealing vast mud flats during low tides and submerged forests during high tides.
Despite its reputation for tiger attacks, visitors can explore Sundarbans safely with proper permissions, encountering phenomena like bioluminescent phytoplanktons during night safaris.
Cyclone Sidr devastated 40% of Sundarbans in 2007, prompting local efforts to protect the region, including building dikes to mitigate future damage.
Accommodation in Sundarbans requires permission from forest range officers, ensuring responsible tourism and conservation efforts.
The human population density in Sundarbans is remarkably high, exerting pressure on its delicate ecosystem, prompting concerns about sustainability and resilience.
Sundarbans was declared a core area of Sundarbans Tiger Reserve in 1973, designated as a National Park in 1989, and nominated as a finalist in the New Seven Wonders of Nature.
The mystique of Sundarbans has inspired numerous literary works, including novels like “The Mystery of the Black Jungle” by Emilio Salgari, “Padma Nadir Majhi” by Manik Bandopadhyay, and “The Hungry Tide” by Amitav Ghosh, offering insights into the lives of villagers and fishermen in this unique setting.