SUNDARBAN

The biggest colony of the `Royal Bengal Tigers' - the Sundarbans. These evergreen mangrove forests pulsate with a myriad forms of life. Above the Kingfisher and White-bellied Sea eagle add a brilliant burst of colour. The sea creeps in at high tide. The ebbing waters reveal nature so alive on the glistening mud flats. The land is split by numerous rivers and water channels all emptying into the Bay of Bengal. It is believed that Bonbibi, the goddess of the forest, protects the wood-cutters, honey-collectors and fishermen on their hazardous missions. For, as the saying goes, `Here the Tiger is always watching you'. Some people, believe that they could," however, have got their name from the profusion of Sundari trees. Some wild creatures are spotted deer, boar, monkey, crocodile, python, Salvatore lizards, and a wide range of water birds.Home to one of the largest concentrations of tigers on the planet, this 2585-sq-km reserve is a network of channels and semi-submerged mangroves that is part of the world’s largest river delta. Royal Bengal tigers (officially estimated to number 274) not only lurk in the impenetrable depths of the mangrove forests, but also swim the delta’s innumerable channels. Although they’re known to have an appetite for humans, tigers are typically shy and sightings are a very rare exception. Nevertheless, a trip to this watery World Heritage site is rewarding with or without a glimpse of the big cats. Cruising the broad waterways through the world’s biggest mangrove forest and watching wildlife, whether it be a spotted deer, 2m-long water monitor or luminescent kingfisher, is sublime and a world away from Kolkata’s chaos.

The best time to visit the tiger reserve is between October and March. Visiting independently is difficult, with permits and tricky transport connections to organise, and it’s not cheap; you’ll have to bear the cost of boat rentals alone. Organised tours are the easy and comfortable alternative.

At Sajnekhali, the official gateway into the reserve, you’ll find the Mangrove Interpretation Center (admission Rs 2; 8.30am-5pm), with a small turtle and crocodile hatchery, displays on local conservation issues and a collection of pickled wildlife.

Reach -

By Air: Nearest airport is Calcutta- 131 kms which is connected with all major cities in India.

By Rail: From Calcutta there are suburban train to Canning and buses to Namkhana, Raidighi, Sonakhali and Najat from where Motor launch services are available for Sundarbans.

By Road: Namkhana- 105 kms, Sonakhali- 100 kms, Raidighi- 76 kms, Canning- 64 kms, Najat- 92 kms.