Geo details -
Location : West Bengal, India
Coordinates : 22.00° N – 89.00° E
Area : 9630 sq. km

Introduction -
Sundarbans National Park is the world's largest single block of tidal mangrove forest. This sprawling 10,000 sq. km forest is situated at seaward fringe of the Ganges delta. The park is everywhere intersected by a complex network of river channels, tidal waterways, creeks, mudflats and small islands, making it largest and most diverse estuarine forest.

Once infested by pirates, it is now the abode of varied floral and faunal population. Widely known for the eponymous Royal Bengal tigers, this park also provide natural habitat to several rare or endangered species including aquatic mammals, birds and reptiles. In the year 1997, it becomes a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Flora -
Sunderban National Park is a transitional region for freshwater from Ganges and saline water from Bay of Bengal. The estuaries at the delta supports a variety of terrestrial shrubs and trees from over 245 genera and 334 floral species. The vegetation is moist tropical forest. There are extensive areas of freshwater marshes, mudflats, sand dunes, open grassland and elevated areas.

Sundari and Gewa are the prominently throughout tress in this area. Along with a variety of grasses and palms well distributed in this region, there is discontinuous distribution of Dhundul, Passur, Garjan and Kankra.

Fauna -
Sundarbans National Park is very rich in wildlife with high profile and vulnerable mammals living in contrasting environments. The recorded data enlist around 120 species of fishes, 270 species of birds, 42 species of mammals, 35 reptiles and 8 species of amphibian. Known for inhabiting one of the largest single populations of Royal Bengal tigers, it also provides habitat to blue-eared Kingfisher, Ganges dolphin, Axis deer, wild boar, mongooses and estuarine crocodiles.

Sunderban National Park is the breeding ground of immense variety of resident and migratory birds. The resident birds population includes Heron, Egret, Cormorant, Fishing Eagle, White Bellied Sea Eagle, Seagull, Tern, etc. The popular migratory birds are like Whimbrel, Black-tailed Godwit, Little Stint, Curlew, Sandpiper, Golden Plover, Pintail, etc.

The aquatic and reptile life includes Olive Ridley sea turtle, terrapin, pythons, king cobra, monitor and lizards.

Nearby Tourist Destinations -
Sajnakhali Sanctuary :
The Sajnakhali sanctuary is famous for its rich avian population. The attraction is colourful species of kingfisher, white bellied sea eagle, sandpipers and pelican.

Netidhopani :
Netidhopani houses ruins of a 400 year old temple.

Bhagabatpur :
Bhagabatpur is famous for largest estuarine crocodiles in the world.

Kanak :
Kanak is the nesting place of the Olive Ridley Turtles.

Kaikhali :
Kaikhali Island is an ideal picnic spot.

Best Time to Visit -
Although Sunderban National Park can be visited year round, the best time is September-March period, as possibility to see tiger is highest in these time. The climate at Sunderban National Park is soothing and pleasant. The temperature ranges between 34°C and 20°C and rainfall is extremely high. There are periodic high tides from sea.

How to Reach -
Air : The nearest airport is Kolkata.

Rail : Canning is nearest railway station.

Road : Road transportation is available from

• Kolkata (105 km)

• Sonakhali (100 km)

• Canning (64 km)

Waterways :                                                                                                                                                                       Sundarban is accessible only by riverine waterways too. Motor launch facilities are available from

• Namkhana

• Sajnekhali

• Sonakhali

• Raidighi