Indian Talent, Global Content
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Indian Talent, Global Content |
November 2008: What's in the breeze |
Sunderban, Home to the Royal Bengal Tigers and Other Exotic Wildlife, is a Visual Treat
A rendezvous with Sunderban‘Sunderban’, home of the Royal Bengal Tigers, is a name most people have heard. Other than it serving as a habitat for these regal creatures, it is also an exclusive home to some of the most exotic creatures and unusual herbs in the world. I was expecting an exciting trip when we decided to visit Sunderban, but what followed exceeded all our expectations and turned out to be an experience of a lifetime. THE NAME...There are two myths surrounding the origin of the name - Sunderban. Some believe that this name is derived from ‘SUNDARI’- a plant found in the local mangroves and ‘BAN’ meaning forest. Others believe it simply means ‘Beautiful Forest’-‘Sunder’ meaning beautiful and ‘Ban’ meaning forest. But whatever may be its origin; Sunderban is definitely beautiful, matching up to its name. THE GEOGRAPHY...Sunderban is a favorite among tourists for many reasons and one of them is its geography. Situated in the southern side of Kolkata and in the mouth of the Ganges, Sunderban is one of the most unique ecosystems in this part of the world. This tiger reserve is spread over two countries - India and Bangladesh, and covers around 4262 sq km in India with 54 islands. The combination of a huge water body and a deep forest is what makes this place unique. Not to forget, it is also forms the largest delta where the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna River meets the Bay of Bengal. THE JOURNEY…The way to Sunderban is through Canning. Canning is well connected with Kolkata and regular bus services are available. From Canning you have to hire a motor launch, which takes around 5 hours to reach the first watchtower, Sajnekhali. If you want to get the real essence of this forest, waterways are the best way to explore the deep interiors. As you sail you are sure to catch glimpses f the countryside on either side of the river. It is not possible to see the whole area in one day so a night halt in the launch proves to be a good option. This unique experience is a little scary. Soon after sunset, five or six motor launches halt at a place and its dark all around with strange sounds echoing in the night. You are actually left with no choice other than romancing the dark. The next morning starts with the spectacular sunrise. The launch sails at 5 in the morning. Both sides are covered with deep mangrove forests. At times the distance between the two banks is so less that any animal could attack. Within few kilometers there are watchtowers to spot the wild animals. However, the most fascinating view of Sunderban is the estuary, which you have to see to believe. As you sail through the deep forest, you suddenly realize that you have entered the sea and there is no land in the near vicinity. To add to the spectacle is the demarcation formed in the water where you can easily figure out where the Ganges meets the Bay of Bengal. On one side you see the blue ocean and on the other side the muddy Ganges. The view was amazing to say the least and a definite attraction on this trip. WILDLIFE…Exotic wildlife is the hallmark of Sunderban. This is the home to some of the world’s most exotic and rare creatures. It is a visual treat if you manage to spot the Royal Bengal Tigers. The authorities have made a couple of watchtowers to spot them and some of the towers are at Sajnekhali, Sundanyakhali and Netidhopan. If you are lucky Sunderban can treat you to fascinating glimpses of leopards, tigers, deer and some very beautiful birds. You will also get to see large reptiles like monitor lizards, crocodiles and olive ridley turtles. There is a place named Bhagbatpur in Sunderban where a crocodile project is currently running. On the whole Sunderban is a must see for nature and wildlife lovers. When I was getting off the launch in Canning after this unique trip, only one thing lingered in my mind -Sunderban, could there be a better name for this place? I guess not!! FACTS…
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