10 Best Things to See in the Sundarbans: The Ultimate Wildlife Guide | Sayak Bhunia
10 Best Things to See in the Sundarbans: The Ultimate Wildlife Guide
Introduction
Picture an area with rivers that snake through
forests like serpents, mangroves growing out of the mud, and tigers swimming
among the islands. This is the Sundarbans, the biggest mangrove forest in the
world and one of the greatest places for wild life experiences.
Spanning over an area of about 10,000 square kilometers, this United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization recognized area boasts rare
animals, secret rivers, and long-standing communities of fisher-folks. From the
Royal Bengal Tiger to crocodiles, you are sure to meet them all on any voyage.
The following is a list of the 10 best things to do in the Sundarbans.
1. Royal Bengal Tiger
Royal Bengal Tigers are perhaps the main attractions of the
Sundarbans. Unlike ordinary tigers, these dangerous animals are good swimmers
and can travel from island to island through salty water.
image sourse :News Arena
Tips for Spotting the Animal
Some of the best locations for observing Royal
Bengal Tigers include Sudhanyakhali and Netidhopani areas. It is possible to
track any activity of tigers by identifying their traces along muddy banks.
According to a senior forest ranger, the Sundarbans tigers
have learned to live in salt water and dense mangrove forests. As a result,
these tigers are not only more dangerous but also harder to spot than mainland
tigers.
Currently, there are around 100 tigers living within the
Indian Sundarbans.
2. Rarest Bird Species
Bird watchers call the Sundarbans a paradise. Over
250 birds have been recorded living in its marshes and mangroves.
Must See Birds
Spot the colorful Common Kingfisher as well as the powerful
White-bellied Sea Eagle flying around the banks of rivers.
Best Locations to Watch
Most birds are active along the areas of Sajnekhali, Dobanki
Creek, and narrow channels during early morning hours.
Make sure you carry your pair of waterproof binoculars which
offer 8x or greater magnification.
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3. Crocodiles and Monitor Lizards
Muddy river banks of the Sundarbans make perfect
habitats for large reptiles.
Water’s Edge
Giant Saltwater Crocodile is easily spotted resting near
small creek beds during low tides.
Giant Lizards
Water Monitor Lizard grows up to six feet in length and is
commonly found near mud flats hunting crabs and fish.
Safety Precautions
Take necessary safety precautions during photography. It is
advisable to stay in the boat..
4. Mangrove Tunnels
One of the unforgettable attractions at Sundarbans
is experiencing a ride through dense mangrove tunnels by boat.
The tunnels are green pathways formed by mangrove trees
through which sunlight trickles and from which breathing roots grow from the
ground.
Pneumatophores
Mangroves can withstand salty water due to the unique
pneumatophore root systems that draw oxygen from air.
Photography Tip
Come at dawn or dusk when light will be softer and
reflections can be seen on the water.
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5. Sajnekhali Watch Tower
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Sajnekhali Watchtower is one of the most visited
watch towers of Sundarbans.
The watchtower provides an insight into the life of the
forest with its numerous freshwater pools attracting tigers, deer, crocodiles,
and wild boars.
6. Sudhanyakhali Watchtower
Sudhanyakhali Watch Tower is considered one of the best
places to spot tigers by wildlife lovers.
Importance
Freshwater ponds in the area attract all kinds of animals at
all times of the day, making it more likely that you will see a predator here.
Case Study
According to experts, watch towers usually offer more
successful tiger sightings than open river trips, where animals tend to gather
near freshwater bodies.
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7. Mudflats and Creeks
Mudflats of Sundarbans show how nature operates
according to the tides.
Logic Behind the Tide
When it’s low tide, huge muddy banks emerge. However, when
there is high tide, they get covered under spinning waves.
Wildlife Habitat
Mudflats play an important role for many types of animals as
their feeding ground.
Observation
Visitors have reported the color of the water to be
muddy brown in one creek system and dark green in another due to salinity
levels..
8. Village Honey Collectors
The honey collectors who live here are known as the
Mowalis and can be counted among the many exciting cultural experiences offered
by the Sundarbans.
Mowalis
These intrepid forest workers venture into tiger
territory to harvest wild honey from hives in the mangroves.
Risk Factors
Encounters with tigers are an ever-present threat
during harvest time, with this activity being considered to be highly
dangerous.
Action Item
Help sustain local communities by purchasing
genuine Sundarbans honey from certified village cooperatives.
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9. Interpretation Centres
A number of conservation centers and interpretation
museums serve to inform visitors about the unique mangrove environment.
Eco-Facts
The period of reforestation between 2020 and 2026 resulted in large-scale expansion of mangrove plantation areas along the sensitive river banks.
Expert Advice
Community-based forest guards and patrols have
worked hard to prevent any poaching activities in the conservation zone.
These interpretation centres give vital information about
the risks posed by global warming and rising seas to the Sundarbans.
10. Traditional Fishing Communities
The primary occupation of people in the Sundarbans
is fishing.
The Technique
Tourists may watch traditional fishing methods used in tidal creeks.
The Local Diet
Some of the common catches include prawns, mud
crabs, hilsa, and various mangrove fishes.
Being Respectful
It is always better to take permission from locals
before clicking photographs of them and should not disturb the fishermen who
are busy working.
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Visit Planning
Ideal Season and Weather
The best season to visit Sundarbans is from November to
February.
Try to avoid visiting during afternoon in May because it is
extremely hot and humid at that time.
Pack List
- Light cotton clothes
- Waterproof backpacks
- Sunscreen lotion and insect repellent
- Binoculars
- Trekking footwear or sandal shoes
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Touring Tips
Boats
There are luxurious cruise vessels and small motor
boats available for better wildlife sightings.
Guide
A naturalist guide is always preferable for correct
identification of animals and awareness about safety precautions.
Budget
For 3 days of Sundarbans trip, you would need to
spend ₹5,000 to ₹15,000.
Tips for Sustainable Travel
Waste Reduction
Adhere strictly to the “zero plastic” policy in forest
areas.
Noise Reduction
Silent movement during boat trips increases the chances of
encountering animals and birds.
Interaction with Community
Using guides from the community and staying at lodges
managed by locals can have an immense positive impact on preservation efforts
as well as village economics.
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Conclusion
The Sundarbans, home to many species of wildlife,
tides, and mangrove trees, is a living ecosystem comprising the animals that
thrive in it, along with their communities. Every part of the Sundarbans is
fascinating, whether it is the swimming tigers, elusive birds, or the enigmatic
mangrove passages.
Before traveling to the Sundarbans, keep in mind the following checklist:
- Traveling to the Sundarbans in November through February
- Taking necessary waterproof items
- Avoiding getting close to animals
- Promoting community welfare
- Maintaining zero plastic waste
An expedition to the Sundarbans will be an unforgettable
experience for sure!
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