Designated as a world heritage site by UNESCO, the Sunderban National Park lies to the south-east of Calcutta in the 24 Parganas district of West Bengal. Sunderban, the world’s largest delta formed by the Ganga and Brahmaputra, is also known for its unique mangrove forest ecosystem.

The national park, also a biosphere reserve and home to the Royal Bengal tiger, is spread over an area of 1,330 sq. km. The core area of the park is bound by Matla River on the West, Haribhanga on the east and Netidhopani and Gosaba on the north. The buffer zone, which extends over an area of 885 sq. km, also includes Sajnakhali Wildlife Sanctuary. Halliday Island and Lothian Island wildlife sanctuaries lie to the south of Sunderban but do not form a part of the tiger reserve.

The climate of Sunderban is very humid due to its proximity to the Bay of Bengal. During monsoon, which last from mid-June to mid-September, the region experiences a heavy rainfall. After monsoons, the weather is quite pleasant making it a right time to visit Sunderban.

Moving through the largest estuarine delta in the world is quite a thrilling experience. The flora and fauna of the region are the major attractions here. The mangrove forest presents a unique ecosystem. The wildlife includes the world famous Royal Bengal Tiger, a major attraction in the tiger reserve. Some of the other attractions include chital, crocodile, monkeys, estuarine and marine turtle, dolphins and various kinds of birds.

Excursions around the Sunderban National Park take you to the habitats of the other ’residents’ of the Sunderban. You can witness a large variety of birds, animals and reptiles. At Sajnekhali Bird Sanctuary, you get to see birds like spotted billed pelican, cotton teal, herring gull, Caspian tern, grey heron, large egret and others. The Halliday Island is the home to the barking deer while Kanak is the nesting place of Olive Ridley turtles. You can have a look at the ruins of a 400-year-old temple at Netidhopani and relax out at a beautiful tourist complex at Piyali.