In my quest to explore more on holy river Ganga, recently I visited Ganga delta that comprises Sunderbans.
Sunder means beautiful and ban means forest. Thus, Sunderban is a beautiful forest. Not just literally but in reality too. It is also believed that Sunder name came from a mangrove tree species Sunderi which used to be in abundance though now it is a threatened species.
Sunderbans is the largest mangrove forest in the world, spread over the coastline of India and Bangladesh. In India, Sunderbans cover an area of around 4264 square kilometers with 102 islands out of which 54 islands are inhabited. Even the Gangasagar island where holy Ganga merges in the ocean comes under the archipelago of Sunderbans.
Sunderbans consist of a vast network of waterways that include many rivers and backwaters intermingling at the bay of Bengal. Sunderbans is also home to endangered Royal Bengal Tiger.
Mangrove vegetation in Sunderbans include trees, shrubs, grasses, mostly evergreen. Most Mangrove trees have sprawling entangled roots called breathing roots which help them survive inundated and marshy grounds. Mangroves also control the impact of cyclones.
Besides exploring different islands of Sunderbans I visited Sunderban Tiger Reserve as well. Many efforts are being made by forest deptt to protect endangered Bengal tigers.
For its unique ecosystem, Sunderbans National Park is listed as UNESCO World Heritage site.
Within Sunderbans, it was only waterways to commute. Walking could be done only on islands. Exloring Sunderbans in Ganga delta, has been an enriching experience.
It sounds like you had a great experience, something I feel we should all do is visit places away from traditional tourist areas and really get to see the world
Absolutely true. We need to explore differently sometimes.
I’ve never been to that part of the world, but I do love mangrove trees! We have a lot of them in Florida where I grew up. It would be neat to explore the park and see how they are similar and different from the mangrove trees I know.
Mangrove variety might be different out there in Florida.
oh wow!!! I’ve never been on the Ganga delta, the area is gorgeous…I would love to explore it soon.
Thank you.
An experience that partly reminds me of those adventurous films that I often love to see. It is a part of the world that is truly unknown to me, I traveled with you!
Thank you greatly.
It all sounds wonderful. I am not very well travelled but I would love to change that.
Thank you
This sounds like such a memorable trip! I had no idea that a Sunderban was a beautiful forest. I also wasn’t aware that the mangrove trees can control the impact of cyclones; so fascinating! Thank you for sharing your experiences and insights.
Thank you so much.
The sunderbans look beautiful but that Ganga Delta looks so peaceful. I would love to visit India one day.
You should plan. You will love the experience.
What an unforgettable trip! When you see the world’s natural beauty like this it really makes you want to fight to preserve and protect the forests. It teaches you how important these places are to the environment.
Absolutely so. Our perspective changes. We want to contribute.
That sounds like a memorable trip. I like your sunglasses.
Thank you.
This is a beautiful forest and its name does it justice. I really enjoyed reading your travels here.
Thank you so much.
Sounds like you really had a great time and experience. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience. I wish I could travel again soon.
Wonderful experience for me. Happy in sharing with friends.
A tiger reserve there as well?! That’s pretty cool. Looks like you had a really fun time x
Fun with learning, indeed.
This must be an amazing experience. I can imagine how dreamy such a trip must be – somehow there is something magic about rivers 🙂 You put it in wonderful writing 🙂
Thank you. Waterways are mystical.
We love visiting forests to explore through hiking and riding ATVs.
Great. We must connect to nature.
What a beautiful place! I do love mangrove vegetations as it reminds me of Asia and especially Malaysia. So I would love to visit Sunderbans National Park on my travels
Thank you. Most welcome.
I have never seen the Sunderbans at the Ganga delta. But they are very beautiful and lush!
They are immensely beautiful.
It must have been nice to go see the tigers. It’s great to hear that they are working to protect Bengal tigers. They are such beautiful createures.
Bengal tigers are royal indeed.