The Sundarban is the largest littoral mangrove belt in the world, stretching 80km (50mi) into the hinterland from the coast in Bangladesh. The Sundarban covers an area of 38,500 sq km, of which about one-third is under water. Since 1966 the Sundarban has been a wildlife sanctuary, and it is estimated that there are 400 Royal Bengal tigers and about 30,000 spotted deer now in the area.
Sundarban is the sweet home to many different species of birds, mammals, insects, reptiles and fishes. More than 120 species of fishes and over 260 species of birds have been recorded in the Sundarban. The Gangetic River named Dolphin (Platanista gangeticus) is common in the rivers. Not less than 50 species of reptiles and eight species of amphibians are known to occur. The Sundarban supports the only population of the Estuarine, or Salt-Water Crocodile (Crocodylus parasus) in Bangladesh, and the population is estimated at less than two hundred individuals.
Its beauty lies in its wonderful and unique natural surrounding. Thousands of twisting streams, creeks, rivers and estuaries have enhanced its charm. Sundarban is the natural home of the world famous Royal Bengal Tiger, spotted deer, crocodiles, jungle fowl, wild boar, lizards, theses monkey and an innumerable variety of beautiful birds. Migratory flock of Siberian ducks flying over thousands of sail boats full of timber, golpatta (round-leaf), fuel wood, honey, shell and fish further add to the serene natural beauty of the Sundarban.
General Information
AREA: About 2400 sq. miles or 6000 sq. km.
FOREST LIMITS: North-Bagerhat, Khulna and Sathkira districts : South-Bay of Bengal; East-Baleswar (or Haringhata) river, Perojpur, Barisal district, and West-Raimangal and Hariabhanga rivers which partially form Bangladesh borderline with West Bengal in India.
MAIN ATTRACTIONS: Wildlife photography including photography of the legendary Royal Bengal Tiger, wildlife viewing, boating inside the forest will call recordings, nature study, meeting fishermen, wood-cutters and honey-collectors, peace and tranquility in the wilderness, seeing the world's largest mangrove forest and the riverine beauty.
FAMOUS SPOTS: Hiron Point (Nilkamal) for tiger, deer, monkey, crocodiles, birds and extraordinary natural beauty. Katka for deer, tiger, crocodiles, varieties of birds and monkey. Huge expanse of grassy meadows running from Katka to Kachikhali (Tiger Point) provide opportunities for wild tracking. Tin Kona Island for royal bengal tiger and deer.
Dublar Char (Island) for the fishermen. It is a beautiful island where herds of spotted deer are often seen grazing.
