The Sunderbans in West Bengal is the world’s largest mangrove forest, crisscrossed by tidal rivers, creeks, and mudflats. Its tangled mangrove roots provide shelter to a rich diversity of fish, reptiles, and birds. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is most famous as the habitat of the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger, uniquely adapted to swimming across estuarine channels. Estuarine crocodiles, fishing cats, and kingfishers add to its distinct ecosystem, making it one of the most fascinating wildlife landscapes in the world.

The Sunderbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest, is the only place to see the Royal Bengal Tiger adapted to a saline, tidal habitat. Other notable wildlife includes fishing cats, water monitors, estuarine crocodiles, and smooth-coated otters. The park supports a rich variety of birdlife, including mangrove whistlers, herons, egrets, black-capped kingfishers, ospreys, and migratory ducks. Dolphins, including the Irrawaddy dolphin and Ganges river dolphin, are often seen in the waterways. The unique ecosystem makes every wildlife encounter here distinctive.

Safari Timings:

• Boat safaris operate from dawn to dusk (no jeep safaris).
   

Key Info:

• Open: September to March (peak season).
• UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Famous for Royal Bengal Tigers, saltwater crocodiles, fishing cats, and estuarine birds.
• Entirely explored by boat.

Sundarbans National Park Fact

• Location of Sundarbans: South 24 Parganas District, West Bengal
• Nearest Access to Sundarbans: Canning (48 km), Kolkata (100 km)
• Coverage Area of Sundarbans: 1,330-sq-kms (core)
• Climate of Sundarbans: Winter: 9°C – 20°C, Summer: 30°C – 40°C
• Major Wildlife Attraction in Sundarbans: Royal Bengal Tiger, Fishing Cat, Estuarine Crocodile, Water Monitor Lizard, Olive Ridley Turtle, Migratory Birds
• Best Time to Visit Sundarbans: December to February