5 Things You Must Know Before Visiting Sunderban

India is known for its exotic range of wildlife species. With a plethora of wildlife sanctuaries into its periphery, the country offers some of the most breathtaking natural gifts to the ones visiting these wildlife places. And one such example is the Sunderban National Park. It is one of the most pristine and beautiful treasures that India holds. Located in the majestic state of West Bengal, a Sunderban tour is one in a lifetime visit. The place was declared a National Park on 4th May 1984, which then became the entitled kingdom of India’s National Animal – Tiger.

The park is spread over an area of 10,000 square kilometres, which covers some of the geographical areas of Bangladesh as well. People often get confused between these two places. Note that the area that lies in Bangladesh is called The Sunderbans, and the one lying in India is called as the Sunderban National Park (as mentioned above).

The national park houses an approximate of 250 tigers along with a plethora of different species of flora, fauna, birds, invertebrate animals, etc. The beauty of this place has helped the National Park get inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. The Sunderban tourism department has very well maintained the area to give the visitors the view they are looking for.

Adding to this, there are a lot of other places to visit in Sunderban. However, except the tiger reserve, the other tourist spots in Sunderban are quite underrated. But, given the places that this national park has, there is no way that you can miss out on them. So, here are 5 reasons why a tour to Sunderban is a must.

# Could You Ask For A Better View?

Very naturally, the first place that you must visit during your Sunderban trip is the Sunderban Tiger Reserve. Can you recall your school days when your teacher told you about the “Royal Bengal Tiger?” – Well, this is the place where the royal highness resides. Divided into four zones, this place is an example of what natural beauty looks like. Coming to its zones, they are categorically divided based on their operations, namely – the core zone, the afforestation zone, the restoration zone, and agriculture operational zone. Apart from spotting the Royal Bengal Tiger, the reserve also offers a boating cruise that travels along the narrow channels of the river which is surrounded by dense mangrove trees.

# The Peaceful Chirping of the Birds

Wondering what are the other places to visit in Sunderban? The list starts with Sajnekhali Bird Sanctuary. Located adjacent to the Sunderban Tiger Reserve, this bird sanctuary houses a plethora of different species of birds. Some of the most commonly spotted birds are the herons and egrets. Adding to this, the sanctuary also houses the Mangrove Interpretation Centre. Apart from this, there is a watch tower, which is popularly known as the Sajnekhali Watch Tower, which can accommodate 20 people at a time for bird watching. You can also spot several colourful species of birds like the Kingfisher, Sandpipers, Plovers, Whimbrels, Curfews, Lap Wings, and so on. The Sajnekhali Bird Sanctuary is located between the Peechkali and Gomati rivers where tourists can also walk around and soak in the serenity of nature’s beauty.

# Pay a Visit to the Crocs

Yet another place that you must cover during the Sunderban tour is the Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project. Touted to be a famous tourist destination in the area of late, this project is located adjacent to the Lothian Island and lies on the bank of the Saptamukhi Estuary. The estuary is surrounded by dense mangrove forest, which offers a picturesque view to its visitors all through the year. The projects houses crocodiles of different species and ages – which you can see relaxing on the muddy waters.

# Spend Some Relaxing Time in The Islands

Yet another tourist spot in Sunderban, which makes the place a must-visit, is the Haliday Island Wildlife Sanctuary. Commonly called the Haliday Islands, it is one of the three wildlife sanctuaries located inside the Sunderban Biosphere Reserve area. The island lies on the Matla River, which is very close to the union of the Bay of Bengal. Some of the wildlife species that you will spot during your trip to this area of Sunderban include spotted deer, wild boar, barking deer, and rhesus macaque. Adding to these, you can also spot a lot of birds and endemic invertebrate fauna. Quite interestingly, the Royal Bengal Tigers occasionally visit the islands (maybe for some rejuvenation).

# Visiting Kanak for a Mesmeric Surprise

Have of the Olive Ridley Turtles? Want to witness them? This Sunderban area is the place to visit for not only witnessing the Olive Ridley Turtles but also for a mesmeric view. Quite interestingly, this tourist place in Sunderban has a lot of myths connected to its periphery. One of the famous myths states that the Olive Ridley Turtles travel in an upright position for several distances (mostly 100 kilometres) from the mouth of the sea to this area of Sunderban during their breeding season. Since this species of the turtles is an endangered one, consider yourself lucky if you get to spot them during your travel to Sunderban.