Sunderbans National Park, India

Facts & Figure

Location: Sunderbans Delta, West Bengal, India
District: South 24 Parganas
Total Area (including water): 6526 square kilometers
Tiger Reserve: In 1973
Wildlife Sanctuary: In 1977
National Park: In 1984
UNESCO World Heritage Site: In 1987
Biosphere Reserve: In 1989
Nearest Town: Gosaba, 50 km away
Nearest Airport: Kolkata Airport, 112 km away
Nearest Railhead: Canning, 48 km away
Governing Body: Govt. of West Bengal, Govt. of India
Best Time to Visit: November to February

About Sundarbans National Park

The Sunderbans National Park is India’s famous tiger reserve, wildlife sanctuary, national park and biosphere reserve. It is one of the most sought after destinations for wildlife tourism in India. Located in Sunderbans Delta in Indian state of West Bengal, this forest region is covered by mangrove forests. It is one of the largest tiger reserves in India. It is home to different species of birds, reptiles, invertebrate, and sea-water crocodiles. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site in natural category declared in the year of 1987.The forest of Sunderbans has been also nominated for the new Seven Wonders of the World. There are seven main rivers and numerous watercourses forming a large network of channels at Sunderbans Delta. The park is governed by the Government of West Bengal and Government of India.

Flora and Fauna at Sunderbans National Park

The Sunderbans depicts rich flora and fauna. It is covered by mangrove forests which consist of 64 different species of plants. Genwa, Kankra, Khalsi etc major flowering plants at the park which add special beauty to the surroundings. Dhundal, Passur, Garjan, Sundari, Goran, etc are other commonly seen plants and trees at the park. The Sunderbans National Park has rich population of royal Bengal tigers. There are more than 400 tigers at this park. Tigers of this park have developed a distinctive feature of swimming in the salty water, and are worldwide famous for their man-eating tendencies. Other animals found at this park are wild boar, foxes, jungle cats, fishing cats, flying foxes, pangolins, spotted deer, macaques, common grey mongooses, etc. The park is also home to rich population of avifauna (birds), aqua fauna and reptiles. The best way to explore the charm of Sunderbans is a boat ride.

Access From Airport

Dum Dum is the nearest airport at Calcutta. Calcutta is connected by daily Indian Airlines flights from Delhi (7:00, 17:00 & 20:00), Mumbai (6:10 & 18:15) and Chennai (10:30 & 17:00). Bangalore is connected to Calcutta through a Jet Airways flight which operates everyday at 9:55.



Access From Railways

The nearest railhead is at Port Canning, 48 km away. The nearest town is Gosaba, 50 km away. Regular trains operate from Calcutta to Canning The train option is better avoided, instead take the road trip from Kolkata to Basanti or Sonakhali. Sunderbans is accessible only by riverine waterways. From Calcutta there are suburban trains to Canning and buses to Namkhana, Raidighi, Sonakhali and Najat from where motor launch services are available for Sunderbans.



Access From Roadways

Means of road transport are available from Calcutta for the places like Namkhana (105 km), Sonakhali (100 km), Raidighi (76 km), Canning (64 km), and Najat (92 km), which are all near the Sunderbans and have access to the riverine waterways leading to it. To reach from Kolkata, take the state highway to Baruipur via Rajpur. From here a district road leads to Basanti via Canning. A motorboat from here will take you to Sunderbans.

Travel Tips For Visiting the National Park

Follow the rules, for e.g., do not walk around if you are not permitted to do so

• Do not disturb the animals during day time as most of the nocturnal animals sleep during day time.

• Do not try to irritate the animals or make them angry by teasing them.

• Wear clothes in shades of brown and green as they are less disturbing to the environment.

• Avoid wearing perfumes and do not smoke in restricted areas.

• Animals are extremely weary of the human voice. Don’t make noise, don’t play music and please don’t honk car horn.

• Take official guides along with you on the park trip.

• Do not smoke inside the park.

• Picking of plants and insects is strictly prohibited.

• Wear loose fitting and simple clothes that blend with the park surroundings.

• For the safety of the visitors, walking and hiking within the vicinity of the park is not allowed.

• Camping and picnicking is not allowed within the park.

• Carry plenty of water along with you.

• Carry Personal medication and insect repellent.

• Carry Binoculars, Cameras, film rolls and Flashlight along with books and other reading material.

• Do not use flash or intrusive photography.

• Don’t leave behind any litter and plastic bags are big hazards for animals.

• Comfortable walking shoes are appropriate than the fashionable ones.

• For winter travel heavy woolens are a must especially for open jeep safaris. Cottons are apt for summer months.

• Rain Gear is essential for the monsoons and the last

• Find about the habits of the animal you want to see to avoid disappointment.

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