Tourist Places To Visit In Sundarbans Tiger Reserve

Sundarbans is one of the chief attractions in the East Indian state of West Bengal. Located in the delta region of Bengal, it is the home to one of the largest mangrove forests in the world and the famous Royal Bengal Tiger. Sundarbans is part of the folklore and those staying in Bengal have grown up hearing stories about the tigers and their natural habitat. Visiting Sundarbans is an opportunity to view and experience nature at its best and in its unadulterated form. Let us take a brief look at the places tourists would want to visit in Sundarbans.

This is the place where the land meets the sea. It has won several distinctions over the years. In 1973 it was declared as the core area of Sundarbans Tiger Reserve. It was proclaimed a wildlife sanctuary in 1977 and in 1987 it made of the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park encompasses the mangrove forest and has different species of mangroves growing here. It boasts of rich flora and fauna and some of the popular plants one comes across here are Sundari, Dhundal, Goran, Kankra, Genwa etc. The park is also the home to world famous Royal Bengal Tigers who are popular for their man-eating tendencies. There are several stories that are woven around these man-eating tigers who survive and swim in the saline waters of the region. This park is a paradise for bird watchers and nature lovers.

Sudhanyakhali Watch Tower is one of the several watch towers that tourists come across in the area. This is the place from where people can spot tigers and other animals that thrive in the region like crocodiles and axis deer. As far as eyes take you there is only greeneries which is a welcome break from the world of concrete and bricks that surround people.

This is a beautiful place in Sundarbans. It houses a charming lake and ruins of a 400 year old temple. The temple has scores of pilgrims visiting to pay their homage. So, Sundarbans isn’t all about tigers.

This is another important watch tower for tourists to visit. It offers a fascinating view of the surrounding landscape, species of tigers and crocodiles that have made the area their home. The watch tower premises also house an interesting wildlife museum and a crocodile park for reptile lovers. There is an old Bonbibi temple that local people pay homage too and an opportunity to know about the religious practices of the inhabitants of the region.

Sundarbans is not all about tigers and ferocious crocodiles that swarm the rivers. Take a walk through this beautiful park and spot some pretty little birds that live here. Egrets, herons are some of the birds that one will come across here and many more. The abundance of greenery here is great for your lungs and provides much respite from the polluted city life.

This is a picturesque island located on the southern side of the Tiger Reserve. It is one of the last retreats of the rare species of barking deer. There is the Lothian Island Wildlife Sanctuary that is located close to Halliday Island and is considered a paradise for birdlovers.

Kanak boasts of crystal clear waters, which is the habitat of Olive Ridley Turtles. They bask in the sun on the banks of the water. It is believed that these turtles can travel a distance of 100 km from the Sundarbans National Park to the mouth of the sea.