TORA :: ECO RESORT & LIFE EXPERIENCE CENTER

The Sundarban

The rich biodiversity of Sunderbans is situated at the southern tip of West Bengal, India. The dense mangrove forests, the flora and the fauna together contribute to the magic of this vast delta. Positioned between the great Indian rivers – The Ganges and the Brahmaputra, Sunderbans even stretches to river Meghna in Bangladesh.

Sunderban boasts a mix of dense mangrove forests and a fabulous wildlife that attracts visitors like a magnet. The unique biodiversity of this delta wins applause from all those who visit it. The delta at the meeting point of the great rivers, Ganga and Brahmaputra covers a total area of 9630 square kilometers. Sunderbans flaunts 84 species of mangrove and mangrove-related plants, 200 species of birds, including herons, tree birds, raptors, egrets and many more. It houses the largest number of Royal Bengal Tigers in India. Out of the 102 islands at Sunderbans, 54 are inhabited and the people here make a living from agriculture, fishing and honey collection.

Sunderbans has a high humidity and a moderate climate. The monsoon starts around June stretching to September. The Sunderbans boasts of being the largest mangrove swamp, the largest delta and the largest Estuarine National Park in the World. The delta is also among the largest Tiger Reserves in the world. It has been bestowed the prestigious honour of being a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985 owing to its great natural wealth.

The majestic 'Royal Bengal Tiger' adds to the charm of the Sunderbans. This mangrove forest is the only natural abode of this tiger.

You will witness a range of unique and mysterious living beings in this water world. The wildlife includes Olive Ridley Turtles, Estuarine crocodiles, cheethals, wild boars, different kinds of fishes, dolphins, monitor lizards, otters, the King Cobra, and other snakes and mollusks.

The bird-lovers will find it a lovely experience to watch the little stints, egrets, various types of kingfishers, herons, green bee-eaters, sunbirds, whistling teals and many other birds that adorn the trees and mangroves of Sunderbans.

Sunderban flaunts 84 species of mangrove and mangrove-related plants of different kinds. The alluvial soil nourishes striking flower plants, like Sundari, Harguja, and many others.

The human settlement at Sunderbans dates back to 600 years. The people here are dependent on agriculture, fishing and honey collection. The major edible fishes include bhetki, pomfret, hilsa, parshey and other fishes. Prawn seed collection also paves the opportunity for quick financial gains for the locals. The quintals of honey from the beehives, made by bees from the distant Himalayas are collected by the people.

Religion is a vital issue for the people at Sunderbans. To avoid the natural hazards, quite prevalent in this region, the people have taken recourse to the same religious belief. It is the only place in the world, where you will find both Hindus and Muslims pray to the same Gods, such as Bonobibi, Monosha and Gazi Pir. There is a substantial Christian community, but it too dwells in communal harmony. This bonding among the people, irrespective of religion is the setting of a beautiful example for all to follow.

The creeks and the tributaries meander their way through the delta, which is rich with vegetation and wildlife. The amazing diversity of Sunderbans mesmerizes everyone, and you should visit the Sunderbans to believe this.