Unveil the hidden secrets of untamed wilderness
Surrounded by tropical islands and lush greenery, the land of Sundarban is one of the most prominent parts of West Bengal that attracts nature lovers from all over the world. Besides being home to the iconic Royal Bengal Tiger, the region is well known for its tropical climatic conditions that welcome numerous species of native and migratory bird species. Spread across 10,277 sq km of land, Sundarban is considered to be one of the largest mangrove forests of the world which has led it to be recognized as the UNESCO world heritage site in the year 1987. The majority of the area belongs to waterways and wetlands therefore taking a boat ride are the only option to visit this region.
Being recognized as the gateway to the mangrove area of Sundarbans, the Sajnekhali Bird Sanctuary is one of the most prominent birding hotspots of this region. Surrounded by lush greenery and mangrove forest, the bird sanctuary is home to hundreds of native and migratory bird species some of which are White-bellied Sea Eagle, Osprey, Masked Fin foot, Asian Open bill Stork, Mangrove Whistler and many more.
Placed in the heart of Sundarban, Sudhanyakhali Watch Tower is a major birding destination that attracts nature lovers throughout the year. Being part of Sundarban Tiger Reserve, the tower allows you to get sightings of a wide variety of bird species some of which are Lesser Whistling-Duck, Jungle Myna, Little Cormorant, Spotted Dove, Eurasian Wigeon, Ashy Woodswallow and Eurasian Collared-Dove.
The ecotourism camp placed in the southern part of the Sundarban Tiger Reserve is a popular hotspot for birdwatchers. With being home to more than 200 species of native and migratory birds, visitors can indulge in a lasting birding experience. Some of the popular birds of this region are the Lesser whistling duck, Eastern Yellow Wagtail, Asian Green Bee-eater, Whimbrel, Little Egret, Indian Pond-Heron, Spotted Dove, Jungle Myna and many others.
Widely popular among trekkers and campers, Gosaba is also well known for sighting the diverse bird species of Sundarban. Being placed in between the mangrove area and the waterways of the Bay of Bengal, the place is an ideal habitat for bird migratory bird species. Herons, egrets, kingfishers, darters, cormorants, and ibises are the common bird species followed by Brahminy kites and fish eagles which vary from season and weather conditions.