Sundarbans has been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO due to the varied biodiversity it holds. The prior attraction of the Sundarban delta is the conservation of tigers under the Tiger Protection act. Catching a glimpse of the tigers swimming across the water bodies or simply walking will leave you awe-inspired, it is once in a lifetime experience. The roots of Sundarbans stretch across West Bengal and Bangladesh
Here are some of the facts about the Sundarban delta that makes it so famous in West Bengal.
- UNESCO world heritage site
It has been considered as a world heritage site by UNESCO because it houses the largest mangrove forest along with the fact that it has a thick population of the royal Bengal tiger. On 7th December 1997, UNESCO made the declaration keeping a lot of facts under consideration. Sundarbans falls under the natural category of Heritage site among the categories of cultural, natural, and mixed.
- Largest coastal mangrove forest
Sundarbans dwell an area of 10000 square km, making it 10 times bigger than the city of Venice. Approximately 4000 square km lies in West Bengal and the rest of 6000 square km lies in Bangladesh. It has 102 islands lying in West Bengal, most of which are covered by forest. Only about 50 islands are inhabited by humans in the Sundarbans.
- Exploration
The entire Sundarban delta is accessible for tourists. It can be accessed by boats and ferries to see the natural wildlife at its best. Most of the income of the local population is based on touristy so it is quite developed there. You will get a wonderful experience while rowing amidst the enchanted Sundari and other mangrove trees.
- Rich biodiversity
The delta thrives with biodiversity. During sightseeing, you will be able to spot numerous creatures such as King Cobra, common cobra, rat snake, common snakes, crocodiles, Python, apart from royal Bengal tigers. According to the survey conducted in the year 2018, there are 114 tigers in the Sunderban delta. Tourists can also spot a variety of birds like kingfisher, sunbird, masked finfoot, black hooded oriole, shikra, and many more.
- Magnificent royal Bengal tigers
Looking at a tiger in the zoo is fun, but have you tried witnessing the majestic royal Bengal tiger at its own habitat, in between the forest? You will be able to experience its glory if you see it roaming around. Make sure to be cautious and do not indulge in any kind of risks. Special tours are designed in sundarban to spot the Bengal tigers from close proximity.
- Local village tours
Sunderban holds an interesting cultural diversity besides the natural aspect. To get into the depth of the local culture, you have to take tours and explore the beauty of the commoners of the delta. Talk to the locals and get to know them. You will be fascinated and heart-broken to know their hardships and struggles during floods. They live in constant fear of tiger attacks, you will be able to know about the stories they have lived and animals they tackle in their daily life. Apart from the stories, you can also opt for the tours where you can learn their local cuisine, taste the food as well as learn how to make it.
- Cater your photography skills
All of the photographer enthusiasts visit the delta for a reason apart from traversing the Sundarban map. It is a hub of brilliant photography starting from clicking the wildlife to nature photography like sunrise and sunset. Sundarban will provide you photo opportunities every minute of your stay; it is natural beauty at its best. If you are lucky you will be able to capture the herd of dolphins in the river too.
- Captivating crocodiles
Bhagabatpur, a small part of Sundarban is known for breeding and housing the largest number of freshwater crocodiles. When you are visiting the delta make sure to take a trip to Bhagabatpur to catch a glimpse of these spectacular creatures. The tours specialized in wildlife will provide you with some unforgettable views of nature that will leave you speechless.
- Shopping Souvenirs
A trip is incomplete without shopping for the most prevalent items of the destination. Photographs and souvenirs will help you memorize your trips. When you will look at these mementos from the places you have traveled you will travel back to that place in no time. You may purchase raw organic honey for better health, local handicrafts, organic farm-grown brown rice, and many more.
- Convenient price
A trip to Sundarbans will not cost you a lot of fortune. Staying for 2 days will be sufficient in the sundarban delta. The price of eating and lodging is also low so you will not be left with a hole in your pocket. The cost is around five thousand rupees for eating and staying in Sundarban. The other activities like jungle safari, ferry rides also come cheap.
Apart from the facts that make the Sundarban delta famous, there are many interesting activities that you must indulge in when you are here. See little Olive Ridley turtles at Kanak, immerse in the serenity of Netidhopani Lake, take a canopy walk to see the wildlife closely, go to Sajnekhali Bird sanctuary to see amazing bird species, and many more activities. The starking features of the Sundarban map have made it a great tourist spot in West Bengal, people from all over the world visit the famous delta.
Check out Top 15 places to visit in West Bengal.
You might be interested in 10 most haunted places in Kolkata.