সুন্দরবন - सुंदरबन
"The Beautiful Forest"
The Majestic Tidal Forest of the Ganges Delta
Explore the rivers, islands, protected areas, and key locations
The Dynamic Delta Landscape
Type: Tropical Monsoon (Am) - Hot and humid throughout the year
Major Cyclones: Sidr (2007), Aila (2009), Amphan (2020) - Sundarbans acts as natural cyclone barrier protecting millions.
A labyrinth of 100+ interconnected tidal channels
Western boundary
India-Bangladesh border
Central channel
Major distributary
Southern region
Eastern section
Border river
Number: 100+ flowing channels
Network: Interconnected waterways
Water: Brackish (saline mix)
Tidal: All channels tidal
Transport: Only mode of travel
Fishing: Primary livelihood
34 Mangrove Species - World's Largest Halophytic Forest
Heritiera fomes
The namesake species - gives Sundarbans its name. Most valuable timber tree. Declining due to salinity increase.
Excoecaria agallocha
Common species. Produces blinding latex sap. Used for matchsticks and newsprint.
Ceriops decandra
Tannin-rich bark used for tanning and dyeing. Important for mangrove zonation.
Sonneratia apetala
Pioneer species on mudflats. Fruit edible. Important for coastal stabilization.
Xylocarpus granatum
Cannonball tree. Seeds float and disperse by water. Beautiful buttress roots.
Xylocarpus mekongensis
Valuable timber. Found in less saline areas. Endangered due to over-exploitation.
Aegiceras corniculatum
River mangrove. Important honey plant for Sundarbans honey production.
Nypa fruticans
Only palm in mangroves. Leaves used for thatching (Golpata). Sugar extracted from sap.
Breathing roots that project above water/mud surface to absorb oxygen in waterlogged soil.
Seeds germinate while still attached to parent tree, forming propagules that float and establish quickly.
Roots filter out salt; some species excrete salt through special glands in leaves.
Above-ground roots provide stability in soft mud and support against tidal forces and waves.
Species: Sonneratia, Avicennia
Wave action tolerant, pioneer zone
Species: Rhizophora, Bruguiera
Dense growth, maximum biodiversity
Species: Heritiera, Xylocarpus
Less saline, tallest trees
Home to Unique Swimming Tigers and Diverse Mangrove Fauna
Panthera tigris tigris
UNIQUE SWIMMING POPULATIONPopulation: 96 (2020 census, Indian side)
Unique Behavior: Swims between islands (up to 8 km)
Significance: Largest mangrove tiger population in world
Man-eater: Known attacks on honey collectors and fishermen
Adaptation: Drinks saline water, hunts in tidal channels
Crocodylus porosus
ENDANGEREDPopulation: 200+ (estimated)
Size: Largest living reptile (up to 7m)
Habitat: Tidal rivers and estuaries
Diet: Fish, crabs, mammals, birds
Threat: Human conflict, habitat loss
Platanista gangetica
ENDANGEREDHabitat: Freshwater zones of rivers
Status: National Aquatic Animal
Feature: Functionally blind, uses echolocation
Threats: Pollution, fishing nets, dams
Prionailurus viverrinus
VULNERABLESpecialty: Mangrove specialist
Behavior: Excellent swimmer and fisher
Habitat: Wetlands, mangroves
Diet: Fish, crabs, snakes, birds
Conservation: State animal of West Bengal
Axis axis
ABUNDANTPopulation: Most abundant ungulate
Role: Primary prey for tigers
Habitat: Forest edges, grasslands
Behavior: Herds on beaches at low tide
Lutrogale perspicillata
VULNERABLEHabitat: Rivers, channels, creeks
Behavior: Lives in family groups
Diet: Fish specialist
Local Use: Traditional fishing with trained otters
Multi-layered Protection for the World's Largest Mangrove
Facing Multiple Challenges from Climate Change and Human Activities
Multi-pronged Approach to Protect this Unique Ecosystem
One of the original 9 tiger reserves. Focus on tiger habitat protection and population monitoring.
World Heritage Site status bringing international attention and conservation support.
Recognized as Wetland of International Importance under Ramsar Convention.
Wire mesh masks worn backward, electrified dummies, and training for honey collectors.
Joint Forest Management, Eco-development Committees, and sustainable livelihood programs.
Rehabilitation and support programs for families affected by tiger attacks.
Controlled tourism with permits, restricted zones, and timing limitations.
Programs to reduce forest dependence through skill development and alternative income sources.
Natural Benefits Worth Billions to Human Society
Mangroves store 4x more carbon than terrestrial forests. Major "blue carbon" sink combating climate change.
Natural barrier against cyclones, protecting millions of lives. Reduces wave height and storm surge damage.
Breeding ground for commercial fish species. Supports livelihoods of 4.5 million people.
Sediment trapping and pollution reduction. Natural water purification system.
Home to 2,487 documented species. Genetic resource for future research and medicine.
Experience the Magic of the World's Largest Mangrove Forest
Main entry point with interpretation center
Canopy walk and watchtower
Tiger sighting watchtower
Temple ruins and watchtower
Boat safaris for tiger viewing
Guided walks through mangroves
Wildlife observation points
Saltwater crocodile sighting
300+ species to spot
Local community experience
Where Faith, Nature, and Survival Intertwine
Protector of the forest and its people. Worshipped before entering the forest. Believed to protect from tiger attacks.
The tiger deity representing the danger and power of the forest. Balance between fear and reverence.
Annual pilgrimage at Sagar Island where Ganga meets the sea. Thousands gather on Makar Sankranti.
Celebration honoring the forest goddess. Performed before forest expeditions and during annual festivals.
What Makes Sundarbans Unparalleled in the World
The biggest continuous mangrove forest on Earth, spanning India and Bangladesh.
The only place where tigers live in mangrove ecosystem and have adapted to swim.
Tigers here swim between islands, covering distances up to 8 km in tidal waters.
Entire ecosystem shaped by semi-diurnal tides with 3-7 meter tidal range.
Still evolving delta with continuous sediment deposition and island formation.
Sundarbans honey has distinctive taste from mangrove flowers, collected by Mouli tradition.