BY S N Poojitha
The Sundarbans are one of the most unique and mysterious places in India. It is the largest tidal halophytic (salt tolerant) mangrove forest in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in the delta region of the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers, it stretches all across southern West Bengal in India to parts of Bangladesh. The Indian side which includes the Sundarbans National Park, is known for its rich wildlife, dense forests, and especially for being the home of the rare and majestic Royal Bengal Tiger. It is a land rich of flora and fauna – lush with mangroves—and a place where nature reigns supreme.
The history of the Sundarbans goes back thousands of years. The name “Sundarbans” is believed to come from the word “Sundari”, a type of mangrove tree that grows abundantly in the region. Early records suggest that parts of this forest were inhabited, cleared for agriculture or used for salt-making. However, due to the hard and dangerous terrain alongwith repeated flooding from tidal rivers, the region was slowly reclaimed by the forest. Over time, it became a natural refuge for many species, including tigers, crocodiles, deer, birds, and reptiles.
The Sundarbans were declared a Tiger Reserve in 1973 under India’s Project Tiger programme. In 1984, it was notified as a National Park, and the very next year, it received the honour of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The reasons for this recognition are many. First, it is a unique example of a natural ecosystem where land and water constantly mix due to tides and river flow. Second, it supports an amazing variety of plants and animals, many of which are rare, endangered, or found only in this region. Third, the Sundarbans plays a vital role in protecting the inland areas from cyclones and coastal erosion.
One of the most fascinating features of the Sundarbans is its mangrove forest. Mangroves are trees and shrubs that grow in salty water. Their roots form a dense network that holds the soil together, slows down waves, and gives shelter to fish, crabs, and other small creatures. The mangroves of the Sundarbans are special because they change with the tides. At low tide, the mud flats are visible, and at high tide, much of the forest gets flooded.
But what truly captures people’s imagination is the Royal Bengal Tiger. This tiger is known for its strength, beauty, majesty and ability to swim. In the Sundarbans, the tigers have adapted to its watery surroundings. It can swim across rivers and creeks and often hunt in water. Due to the thick mangroves and muddy terrain, the tigers are hard to sight. However, their paw prints, known as pugmarks, are often found in the mud, silently telling the story of their presence. According to recent estimates, there are over 90 tigers in the Indian Sundarbans. These tigers are the only known population in the world that live in a mangrove forest.
Along with tigers, the Sundarbans is home to a variety of other wildlife. These include saltwater crocodiles, fishing cats, spotted deer, wild boars, monkeys, and several species of turtles and snakes. The region is also a paradise for bird lovers. Birds like kingfishers, herons, white-bellied sea eagles, and black-capped kingfishers are commonly seen. During winter, the park welcomes migratory birds, adding more colour and charm to the wetlands.
Visiting the Sundarbans is like entering a different world. There are no roads, and travel is only possible by boat. Most tours begin from Gosaba, a small town accessible from Kolkata by train and road. From there, tourists use motorboats to explore the rivers and creeks inside the park. Watching the sunrise over the still waters, hearing birds call from the trees, and seeing a crocodile glide by—all these make the Sundarbans an unforgettable experience.
There are several watchtowers inside the park, such as Sajnekhali, Sudhanyakhali, and Dobanki, where visitors can try their luck spotting wildlife. The Sajnekhali Interpretation Centre has displays on the region’s plants, animals, and culture. One of the best ways to understand the Sundarbans is by talking to the local people. Many of them live in villages near the forest and depend on fishing, honey collection, and farming. Their stories of tiger encounters, floods, and survival add a human touch to this wild land. Locals often wear masks on the back of their heads while entering the forest. This is because tigers usually attack from behind. It’s believed that wearing a face mask on the back tricks the tiger into thinking it has been seen, reducing the chance of attack.
The best time to visit the Sundarbans is from November to March, when the weather is pleasant and more wildlife can be seen. While the park is the main attraction, there are also other interesting places nearby. The Bonbibi temples are worth visiting. Bonbibi is a forest goddess worshipped by both Hindus and Muslims in the Sundarbans. She is believed to protect people from tiger attacks and is deeply respected in local folklore. Lothian Island, Kalash Island, and Halliday Island are some other spots where nature lovers can enjoy birdwatching and scenic views.
The Sundarbans is not just a forest—it is a living, breathing world where nature shows its power and beauty every day. It is also a reminder of how humans and animals can live together, though with care and respect. The rivers that flow here, the trees that bend with the tide, and the tiger that rules the shadows—all speak of balance, patience, and strength.
For India, the Sundarbans is a treasure that must be protected. It teaches us about harmony, resilience, and the wonders of the natural world. Whether you are an adventurer, a bird watcher, a writer, or just a curious traveller, the Sundarbans promises a journey like no other—deep into the heart of nature, where every ripple on the water and every rustle in the leaves has a story to tell.
*****
