Sundarbans National Park

Sundarbans National Park is a protected area of tidal mangrove forest in West Bengal, India, forming part of the larger Sundarbans delta shared with Bangladesh. It is internationally important for its mangrove ecosystems and as habitat for the Bengal tiger.

The park comprises a dense network of river channels, small forested islands and tidal creeks that support mangroves, estuarine wildlife and a range of bird and fish species. Boat-based safaris along marked waterways let visitors see wildlife such as estuarine crocodiles, birds and, occasionally, wild tigers from observation points and watchtowers.

The Sundarbans region has a long human history of settlement, riverine trade and resource use; in the modern era the Indian portion has been declared a protected area and managed as part of a tiger reserve and conservation programme. The site was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its ecological importance.

The park lies in the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta in southern West Bengal, roughly south of Kolkata, and is reached by road and river transport from ferry points and towns on the delta fringe.

• Access: Tidal movement shapes access and wildlife viewing; boat transport on creeks and rivers is the standard way to travel within the park.
• Extent: Part of the larger Sundarbans delta, which spans India and Bangladesh and covers roughly 10,000 square kilometres in total across both countries.

What to See #

• Sajnekhali: Sajnekhali visitor centre - a commonly used entry point with a watchtower and interpretation facilities for wildlife viewing in the northern Sundarbans.
• Mangrove core areas: Core mangrove blocks and river channels - the park is formed of a network of tidal rivers, creeks and forested islands that make up the protected core of the Sundarbans landscape.