SUNDERBANS NATIONAL PARKS
A world heritage site, the mangrove forests of Sunderbans spread across 4264 sq. kms of dense and wild foliage. It is here that the river Ganges forms the world's largest delta to create a unique estuarine forest whose fragile eco-system is supported by numerous rivers and lakes that surround the area. The Sunderbans has varied wildlife and is the largest tiger sanctuary in the country. Part of it is also a crocodile reserve and a heron sanctuary during July and September when the winged visitors drop by. To protect its delicate environment, the core of area of the sanctuary is closed to humans while the buffer area is protected as the reserve.
Apart from being home to the Royal Bengal Tiger, other wildlife in the sanctuary includes spotted deer, crocodiles, monkeys, wild pigs, and Olive turtles. Unusual marine life includes the rare estuarine crocodile, the Gangetic dolphin and the water monitor lizard.
The plants and trees found in the Sunderbans are also unusual. They have learnt to adapt themselves to the changing environment and maintain the ecological balance. Most plants have respiratory roots which help take in oxygen. The forest is best discovered by boat but it requires prior permission.
Forest Types in Sunderbans National Park:
Tidal swamp forests,Saline water type mixed forests ,brackish water type mixed forests palm swamp type.
Major Flora in Sunderbans National Park:
There are 64 plant species in Sundarbans and they have the capacity to withstand estuarine conditions and saline inundation on account of tidal effects.
Excaecaria sp., Heritiera sp., Ceriops sp., Phoenix sp., Sonneratia sp., Avicennia sp., Rhizophora sp., Xylocarpus sp., Bruguiera sp. etc.
Major Fauna in Sunderbans National Park:
Tiger, fishing cat, chital, wildboar, water monitor, estuarine crocodile.
Endanger Species in Sunderbans National Park:
Tiger, Estuarian Crocodile, River Terrapin (Batagur baska), Olive Ridlay Turtle, Gangetic Dolphin, Ground Turtle, Hawks Bill Turtle, King Crabs (Horse shoe).
How to Reach Sunderbans National Park:
Sariska is 200 km from Delhi and 107 km from Jaipur.
Buses between Delhi and Jaipur go via Alwar and Sariska.
The nearest railhead is Alwar (37 km).
The nearest airport is Jaipur.
Sunderbans National Park Reservation Form
