Friday, September 12, 2008

Sundarban




The Sundarbans delta is the largest mangrove forest in the world, stretching 80km into the Bangladeshi hinterland from the coast. The Sundarbans cover an area of 38,500 sq. km, of which about one-third is water. Named after Sundari trees, the Sundarbans is a thick tropical forest with deltaic swamps along the country's coastal fringe. It is intersect by a complex network of tidal waterways, mudflats and small islands of salt-tolerant mangrove forests, and presents an excellent example of ongoing ecological processes. The area is known for its wide rang of fauna. The most famous among these are the maneating Tiger, but numerous species of birds, spotted deer, crocodiles and snakes also inhabit it. It is optimistically estimated that there are now 400 Royal Bengal tigers and about 30,000 spotted deer in the area. The sheer exuberance of vegetation and variety of animal, bird and fish life is astonishing. Wood from this forest serves as the principal raw material for the nation's 40,000-ton capacity newsprint mills in Khulna. The park is also home to sea gypsy fishing families who catch fish using trained otters. To see this pristine environment, you need to get a permit from the Divisional Forest Office in Khulna. With permit in hand, it's possible to hire a boat from Mongla or Dhangmari to get you to Hiron Point. From Hiron Point you will have to hire a guide to take you into the park.

FOREST LIMITS: North-Bagerhat, Khulna and Sathkira districts: South-Bay of Bengal; East-Baleswar (or Haringhata) river, Perojpur, Barisal district, and West-Raimangal and Hariabhanga rivers which partially form Bangladesh boundary with West Bengal in India.

MAIN ATTRACTIONS: Wildlife photography including photography of the famous Royal Bengal Tiger, wildlife viewing, boating inside the forest will call recordings, nature study, meeting fishermen, wood-cutters and honey-collectors, peace and tranquility in the wilderness, seeing the world's largest mangrove forest and the revering beauty.It's beauty lies in its unique natural surrounding. Thousands of meandering streams, creeks, rivers and estuaries have enhanced its charm. Sundarbans meaning beautiful forest is the natural habitat of the world famous Royal Bengal Tiger, spotted deer, crocodiles, jungle fowl, wild boar, lizards, theses monkey and an innumerable variety of beautiful birds. Migratory flock of Siberian ducks flying over thousands of sail boats loaded with timber, golpatta (round-leaf), fuel wood, honey, shell and fish further add to the serene natural beauty of the Sundarbans.

COMMUNICATION:There are transport and accommodation facilities available for tourists. Either to or from Dhaka, the 'Rocket' or colonial paddle-wheeler is the most exciting way to arrive at or depart from Khulna city. To get deep enough into the mangroves takes several days of river journey each way.

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