Sunderbans, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is the world’s largest mangrove forest and is truly one of the most unique ecosystems in the Indian sub-continent. It is in the Sunderbans delta that the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers after traversing a course of over 2,500 KM from source to sea, drain their waters resulting in the creation of a biodiversity hotspot unlike any other.
Sunderbans – the mysterious mangroves during low tide
The word Sunderbans is derived from the word Sundari (Scientific name is Heriteria), a species of mangrove tree found in the region. The Sunderbans forest covers an area of over 10,000 sq. km out of which more than half lies in Bangladesh. The forest is comprised of freshwater swamps and mangroves and is entirely dependent on the effects of two flow tides and two ebb tides that occur within a period of 24 hours. This tidal interaction exposes the mudflats during low tides and completely submerges the same area and much more during the high tide. Due to this constant mixing of sea water with fresh water the mangrove ecosystem has evolved in to a highly specialized environment for both the flora and the fauna.
It is not very often that you see typical land-based mammals such as the tiger, wild boar and deer swim like Olympic pros crossing channels some of which are over 500 meters in width, in eye-burning saline water and home to the largest crocodile species in the world – the salt water crocodile but as nature would have it, the fauna has adapted to the Sunderbans ever changing natural environment. Many mammals including the Bengal tiger prefer to swim across to other islands during low tide, whereas, birds such as the Buffy Fish Owl typically prefer to hunt during high tide when the water submerges the mangrove forest and fish, crabs etc. get closer to trees where the owls reside.
A Common Iora’s mating display
Asian Small-clawed Otter
Over 300 species of birds, 35 reptiles and 40 mammal species have been recorded in the Sunderbans. From the largest cat – the Bengal tiger to two smaller and elusive cat species – the Leopard and the Fishing cat, Sunderbans is home to all three. Other mammals that are rarely spotted elsewhere but can be found in Sunderbans is the world’s smallest otter – Asian Small Clawed Otter.
Sunderbans attracts birdwatchers from all over the world as the region is home to several endemic species such as the Slaty-headed Rail, Mangrove Pita, Buffy Fish Owl and kingfishers. Out of the 12 kingfisher species in India, eight are found in the Sunderbans. The Brown-winged and the Ruddy Kingfisher are two of the most elusive kingfishers found in the Sunderbans.
Brown-winged Kingfisher
A huge salt-water crocodile
If you’re a reptile enthusiast, then Sunderbans will definitely not disappoint you. Sunderbans is home to India’s third species of crocodile – the salt water or the estuarine crocodile. Along with the Gharial, the salt water crocodile is the longest crocodilian species in the world. The Sunderbans was once also home to the River Terrapin (Batagur Baska). One of three Batagur species found in India, the Batagur Baska is possibly extinct in the wild because of rampant poaching for it’s meat. Today, this beautiful turtle species can be spotted in a captive breeding center in the Sunderbans where the West Bengal government and some NGOs have joined hands to help the species thrive once again in the wild.
With the appearance and near size of a Komodo dragon, the large Asian Water Monitor lizard with yellow spots is hard to miss. In the winter months, these lizards can often be seen basking on tree trunks or peeping their head out from tree cavities/holes.
Asian Water Monitor Lizard
Boat safari in the Sunderbans National Park
Sunderbans, is best visited anytime from September to March. April to June is very hot and perhaps not a good time to see wildlife as many species prefer to stay cool in the densest parts of the mysterious mangroves rather than exposing themselves to the harsh sun on the island shores. July and August are monsoon season and with the unpredictable impact of climate change, perhaps not a good time to be out on a boat. Safaris are done on boats that typically have two levels – the top level is the viewing deck whereas the lower level has toilets and day beds. In Sunderbans, you can do boat safaris from dawn to dusk and should you chose to do one, then your meals can be cooked fresh on board by a chef and served hot to you by a dedicated service team.
During the peak season which is October to February, it is recommended to book your own private boat safari as shared boat safaris (although cheaper in price) can get very disturbing and will most certainly dilute your overall Sunderbans experience with many boats taking 20+ guests per boat. If you are keen to spot wildlife you should aim to be out first thing in the morning with your guide before other boats enter the national park. As the area is very large and animals shy, it is highly recommended to do at minimum three full day safaris so as to increase your chances of spotting as many species as possible. Bring a pair of binoculars and a camera if you want to capture details. Bring a phone with a good camera as the sunrise and sunsets are magical and absolutely worth it even if you do not spot any large animals!
Sunderbans sunsets are magical
Slaty-headed Rail
Sunderbans is a 3-4 hour drive from Calcutta. You should aim to fly in to Calcutta in the morning and depart by a late afternoon flight. A 3 night / 4 day tour is recommended for the Sunderbans where we will arrange everything for you – ground transportation, hotels, village walks, boat safaris with an experienced and personally tried and tested team of local guides/naturalists. Click on the Contact Us button below for a customized itinerary and quote for the Sunderbans.
