Sundarbans National Park

Sundarbans National Park is a unique mangrove forest and wildlife sanctuary located in the South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, forming part of the world's largest delta created by the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park is famous for its vast network of tidal waterways, dense mangrove forests, and rich biodiversity. It is the largest mangrove ecosystem in the world and is best known as the habitat of the Royal Bengal Tiger, which has adapted to the unique swampy environment. The park is also home to saltwater crocodiles, spotted deer, wild boars, fishing cats, and numerous bird species. With its extraordinary landscape and wildlife, Sundarbans is one of India's most important natural heritage destinations.

The Sundarbans region has been inhabited for centuries by fishing communities, honey collectors, and forest-dependent people who developed a close relationship with the mangrove ecosystem. The name "Sundarbans" is believed to have originated from the Sundari tree (Heritiera fomes), a dominant mangrove species found in the region. During British rule, systematic forest management began in the area, and parts of the Sundarbans were declared reserved forests in the 19th century. Recognising its ecological importance, the Sundarbans Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1976, and it was later declared a National Park in 1984. The region became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 due to its exceptional biodiversity and natural significance. It was also designated as a Ramsar Wetland Site in 2019. Today, Sundarbans National Park plays a vital role in tiger conservation, coastal protection, and preserving one of the world's most remarkable mangrove ecosystems.

About 110km from Kolkata; access is by boat from Godkhali or Sonakhali jetties.