Sunderbans National Park is located in the City of Joy, Kolkata, West Bengal. It is a large coastal mangrove forest rich in wildlife and habitat. This national park is shared by two countries namely India and Bangladesh. The park serves as home to its famous Royal Bengal Tiger.
This national park was established in 1984 and spreads across an area of 1,330-kilometer square. It serves as a biosphere reserve along with a tiger reserve. Also, it is formed by the conflux of three rivers namely the Ganges, Meghna, and the Brahmaputra Rivers. This national park is a major part of the delta formed by these three rivers.
Exotic flora and fauna can be discovered here. Some notable ones are the Royal Bengal Tiger, the salt-water crocodiles, etc. In 1987, it has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit the Sunderbans National Park is during the months of Winter. One can explore migratory birds during this season. Also, the weather adds to the experience of the tourists.
How To Reach Sunderbans National Park?
The closest airport to Sunderbans National Park is Netaji Subhash Chandra Airport, Kolkata. It is located at a distance of 129 kilometers. A 3-hour cab ride is sufficient to reach the national park. The nearest railway station is Sealdah Railway Station. One will have to travel 65-kilo meters from Kolkata to Canning and then take up any local train from there. The Sunderbans National Park is open from 8 am to 6 pm during weekdays. The timing on Saturday is 10 am to 4 pm. The national park remains closed on Sunday.
Tourism, Wildlife, And Adventure
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Scenic Beauty
The Sunderbans National Park offers varying weather conditions in the months of summers, winters, and monsoons. Winter months are the best to visit this national park and witness its glory. One can experience an enthralling view from the Netidhopani Watchtower. This watchtower is located in such a manner that one can enjoy the scenic beauty of the national park.
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Boat Safari
The adventure of Boat Safari is available at the Sunderbans National Park. This adventure is a must for all tourists and nature enthusiasts. One can enjoy bird watching and visit various tributaries while riding on the boat. Also, the tourists can experience the surreal sights of river dolphins. The timing of boat rides is 8 am to 4 pm which is extended to 6 pm during the peak season.
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Sajnekhali Bird Sanctuary
The Sajnekhali Bird Sanctuary is situated in the northern portion of the Sunderban Reserve. This place offers extremely amazing views of exotic birds. There are nearly 200 species of birds such as whimbrels, sandpipers, herons, kingfishers, and much more. This place is located amidst lush greenery and river channels.
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Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project
The Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project is the only crocodile project in West Bengal. It is an important tourist site and is located on the banks of the Saptamukhi estuary. This breeding center offers the largest house of salt-water crocodiles. One can witness different sizes of crocodiles here. For all wildlife lovers, this should be on the top of your checklist when visiting the Sunderbans National Park.
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The Royal Bengal Tiger
Last but definitely not least, the Royal Bengal Tigers. One can view the Royal Bengal Tigers from close proximity to the Sunderbans National Park. Tourists take the safari which goes throughout the forest. The tigers can be viewed near the river channels and the creeks. This experience of watching the Royal Bengal Tiger will leave you completely mesmerized.
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