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Editor's Note Sunderbans  
SunderbansSunderbans is easily the world's biggest and most unique water national parks. And so spectacular it is that for those who've never been there, it is tough to imagine that so close to the city of Kolkata with its teeming population, is a land where the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger reigns supreme. And really, till you're there, nothing can prepare you for the sudden serenity that engulfs as the motorboat cruises through the green waters. Remember, Sunderbans Tiger Reserve is not a zoo and no tiger would make an appearance for your camera's benefit, and the netting keeps them away from suddenly making an appearance in the waters as your boat bobs past. Also, appreciate the diverse fauna that is possibly more visible, even if the Big Cat isn't. The water-edge is lined with kingfishers, herons, egrets and crocodiles and you might even watch a shoal of dolphins or an occasional Olive Ridley Turtle. And watch the unique mangroves, which stand in clumps of small trees with quaint names like sundari and hetal. Unlike most national parks, there is much more than meets the eye. So go on, this is a chance of a lifetime… discover...
Climate
Summer Summer
March-late June, Hot and humid
Temperatures - 36.5°C-41.2°C.
Monsoon Monsoons
June-September, Heavy rainfall
Annual Rainfall - 1640-2000 mm
Winter Winter
October-March, Cool and pleasant
Temperatures - 9.2°C-29.3°C
Local Languages: Bengali, Hindi & English
Best Time to Visit: September-March, although the luxury tours to the Sunderbans carry on year round, and the monsoon holds its own magic over tourists on the expanse of the Sunderbans
Clothing: Light cottons are sufficient for the year through and carry a pair of sturdy boots
Moving Around:

Sunderbans can only be explored by boat rides that take you through the criss-cross waterways.
Tourist Offices: Field Director
Sunderbans Tiger Reserve
Canning PO, 24 Parganas
Tel: 03218-214311
Permits: You don't need a permission to take a boat trip through Sunderbans. However, if you are visiting Sajnekhali and the area controlled by Project Tiger, get a permit from the Forest Office in Sajnekhali.
Sunderbans

Project Tiger Reserve: Spreading over an area of 2585 sq. km, this Tiger Reserve has one of the largest tiger populations in India. But it is not always easy to view the tigers, since they seldom emerge out of their domain. What's even more amazing is the fact that these tigers can swim and eat fish and crabs! The Buriridabri Eco-Tourism Complex has a watchtower and a Mangrove Cage Trail from where you can catch spectacular views of the Raimongal River. More than tigers, their pugmarks are mostly visible through this trial.

Sajnekhali Bird Sanctuary: Located between Peechkali and Gomti Rivers, this is possibly the only place where you can walk. It is home ground to herons, egrets and other species of birds. Also visit the Mangrove Interpretation Centre here. There are watchtowers at Sajnekhali, Sudhanyakhali, Netidhopan and Haldi for wildlife viewing.

Tiger Adventure: A trip to Sunderbans affords you the thrill of a lifetime. Take a cruise through the largest estuarine delta in the world and the biggest colony of the Royal Bengal Tigers. Also home to the world's oldest mangrove forests, these tigers have strangely adapted themselves to the ways of the region. After all, where else would you see these ferocious predators swimming through the shaded waters and feeding of fresh fish and crabs! The frequent glimpses of the kingfisher and white-bellied sea eagle add a brilliant burst of colors. Venture further to discover a rich tribal folklore. It is believed that Bonbibi, the goddess of the forest, protects the woodcutters, honey-collectors and fishermen on their hazardous missions. For, as the saying goes, `Here the Tiger is always watching you'. And really, belying common expectations, these predators don't just pounce on you - they only attack when you intrude on their territory.

Lothian Island Bird Sanctuary: Hire a country boat to reach this beautiful bird sanctuary, which is famous for its White-Bellied Sea-Eagle, Black-capped kingfisher, Whimbrell, Tern and Curlew.

Frazerganj: This white sand beach is entirely different from the other beaches in that it is pristine and is definitely a place to relax and unwind as you watch several migratory birds.

Bakkhali: This is a well-known beach resort close to Frazerganj overlooking the Bay of Bengal. This casuarinas-fringed area is a bird-watchers' paradise.

Ganga Sagar: Also known as Kapil Muni Ashram, it is a culturally and religiously important destination. Apart from visiting the Ashram, you can also head out to the exceptional beach.

Kanak: This is the nesting place of the Olive Ridley Turtles.

Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project: Accessible through Namkhana, the West Bengal Tourism Department organizes conducted tours to this reserve where you can see the breeding of estuarine crocodiles.

SunderbansNo signature cuisine of restaurant, except the guesthouses and resorts that serve a good variety of cuisine. The Sunderban Tiger Camp has excellent dining options. The dining hall has a traditional look and a variety of fresh fish delicacies. Lunch and dinner is served in a fine buffet style. The restaurant at the Sundar Chital serves an excellent variety of seafood specialties and local delicacies. Most of the forest lodges also have good dining out options.
Forest lodges and rest houses are available for accommodation at Sajnekhali. MV Paramahansa, managed by the Vivada Inland Waterways Ltd. has excellent arrangements for on-board stay. Situated near to the mangrove wild hub land of Sundarbans at Sajnekhali is the beautiful government run tourist lodge of Sundar Chital. The lodge has over 60 rooms providing all modern amenities and first class service. A number of leisure and adventure activities are organized by the Resort, which includes a cruise through the mangroves by a special motorboat. Sajnekhali Tourist Lodge at Sajnekhali, has rooms with bath for reasonable rates. Sunderban Tiger Camp is an exquisite resort set amidst the lush green scenery and vast stretches of rivers all around. Located opposite the Sajnekhali Tiger Reserve Forest, the resort has executive A/C double bedded, A/C double bedded and non-A/C double-bedded cottages. Simple furnishings enhance the rustic appeal of this amazing tiger camp.
Air: Air Dum Dum Airport at Kolkata is located 112 kms. Take a bus up to Basanti or Sonakhali, from where you would be transported by a boat through the reserve.
Rail: Railway Canning Port, 44 kms away is the closest railhead. Reach Basanti or Sonakhali from here and take a boat to Sajnekhali.
Road: Road The Park is approachable by road from the nearest town of Kolkata, wherein you reach upto Namkhana, Raidighi, Sonakhali and Najat by road and proceed by motorboats through the sanctuary.
 
 

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