• The Sundarbans is a national park and a World Heritage Site in West Bengal.
• The entire forest is spread over an area of 10,000 square kilometers. Some of it is in Bangladesh.
• Since the forest is on the seashore, it is constantly flooded with water. Tide reflux can be seen here twice a day.
• Tourists from all over the world come to see these forests, known as mini Amazon.
• Gujarati tourists are going here in large numbers because now Gujarati and even Jain food is easily available there.
• Since the booking process is a bit tough, it will be easier to book with the help of a local travel agent or hotel.

Sundarbans is the most unique forest not only in India but all over the world. This forest is mainly known for the diversity of tigers and the variety of birds living there. There is a Royal Bengal Tiger species of tiger in India. The name of this tiger is also derived from this forest. Sundarbans is a national park spread over water and land. The entire area of the Sundarbans is 10,000 square kilometers. This forest area is divided between India and Bangladesh. In India, this forest is spread over an area of 4,300 square kilometers. Tide- reflux occurs twice a day in this forest which is located in the southern part of Bengal. Therefore, such a forest is rarely seen in the world. Tourists from all over the country and the world come to see these forests called Mini Amazon Forests.

The good thing for Gujaratis is that Vegetarian and Jain food is now easily available here. Especially Gujarati people get everything they want in the tourist package here. The Sundarbans forest is located 100 km south of Calcutta. Tourists can visit the forest with permission from the forest department, which can be taken from the Sajnekhali checkpost located on the edge of the forest.

Jungle safaris can be enjoyed in all the national parks of India. Similar Jungle safaris are also available here. But the only difference is that here, in Sundarbans, you will have to use boat for the Jungle Safari. One can ride in a gypsy in all the jungles and roam around. While in the Sundarbans, boating is the only option. There are 104 islands in the Sundarbans and 54 of them are inhabited by humans. The rest of the islands are remote, where no one but the tiger rules. When the boat passes through the narrow waterways (creek) between such islands, you’ll feel that you have landed in a different world, which is far away from ours.

A rare species of mangroves called Sundari trees grow here hence, the forest has been named Sundarbans. These Sundari trees can also be seen here. There are about 100 tigers living here. These tigers are cannibals since birth as they grow in saline water. Every year, 50-60 people become victims of these tigers.

Gosaba Island is the gateway to the Sundarbans. At the end of this island lies beautiful Sonar Bangla Resort (www.hotelsonarbangla.com/sundarban). Gujarati tourists come here in large numbers, as the place offers Jain food besides Gujarati vegetarian food. It is the only five-star resort in the Sundarbans area. That’s why it is the first choice of Gujarati tourists opting for comfort and luxury. Although there are many hotels in this area, but the facilities are not at par with Sonar Bangla Resort, that’s why they are not suitable for the tourists. More than 400 species of birds can be found in Sundarban. And out of those 400, more than 2 dozen species of birds can be spotted in Sonar Bangla Resort alone.

Tips for visiting The Sundarbans

• Since Calcutta and The Sundarbans are located in the eastern part of India, Sunrise and Sunset timings are earlier compared to the rest of India. So it will be early morning and it will be completely dark by 5 pm.
• The Sundarbans is 100 km away from Calcutta. You can reach there by road, the journey takes around 3-hours.
• Apart from tigers, there is wide variety of wildlife in this area, like wild boars, crocodiles, different types of birds, wild cats and monitor lizards.
• Apart from living creatures, another major attraction is the variety of mangrove trees found here. Watch towers have been installed at some places in the jungle so that tourists can easily see the forest. A 1 km long elevated bridge has been built at Dobanki Check post, tourists can walk on the bridge and experience the forest.
• This forest is in the water, so it can be reached only by boat. One should opt for a full-day boat trip to enjoy the forest in its full glory.
• If you do not want get into the hassle of booking boat, forest permit, safari permit, guide, transportation etc., then booking can be done by contacting Sonar Bangla or any other local hotel. It’s an easier option.