Day 03: Kolkata -
Sunderban
This morning you drive to Basanti Port (120 kms/03 hrs.). On
arrival , transfer by boat to Sunderban.
 |
|
Sunderbans Tiger |
Sunderbans
: The Sunderbans National park, located in the Eastern Indian state
of West Bengal, and bordering neighbouring Bangladesh, is a vast
area covering 4264 square kms in India alone, making it the largest
Tiger Reserve and National Park in India. Sunderbans, is a UNESCO
World Heritage Site and is a stretch of impenetrable mangrove forest
of great size and bio-diversity. The Sunderbans parks are covered in
mangrove forests of which there are three main zones, classified by
the level of salinity in the soil and water. Fishing, timber
extraction and honey collection are the main human activities
allowed within the Sunderbans. The four Sunderbans national parks
have been lumped together as they all share common features of the
estuarine mangrove ecosystem. The main attraction of the Sunderbans
is the Tiger, of which the delta harbours the largest single
population in the world, estimated at about 300 . The animals
inhabiting this mangrove wilderness have become adept at living a
semi-aquatic lifestyle and have also gained a reputation for
aggression, attacking the honey collectors and fisherman entering
their domain. Despite their relatively large numbers, the Sunderbans
Tigers are not easy to find and mostly nocturnal in habits resting
up during the heat of the day. The mangroves also provide cover for
large reptiles such as the Monitor Lizard, Estuarine Crocodile and
the Olive Ridley Turtle, the latter the subject of a conservation
programme in the Indian park. Tiger sightings are rare, but tourists
to the Sunderbans get to see and experience a unique and severely
threatened aquatic habitat.


 |
Upon arrival check-in to the
Sunderban
Tiger Camp.
Sunderban
Tiger Camp : The Sunderban Tiger Camp is the best resort
in the Sunderbans area and is set amidst a sprawling 15 acres of
forestland just opposite Sajnekhali Tiger Reserve Forest, in the
heart of Sunderbans. Accomodation is Airconditioned Cottages , all
with private western style facilities, modern amenities and large
verandahs.
In addition to wildlife viewing boat rides, another activity
available here is angling. The Camp also has a Library, a Bar and a
Pool table.
Overnight at the Camp.