The Sundarban is not just a regular forest; it’s the home of the legendary royal Bengal tiger. A place where the tide sets the clock, and ancient roots hold tales older than time itself. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, these mangroves of southern West Bengal house over 1,500 species! Each one with its enigma, its legend!
And if you’re planning a Sundarban tour, chances are some of the jungle’s most iconic residents might just cross your path! Let’s dive in:
- The Royal Bengal Tiger
The favourite child of Sundarbans, the Royal Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) is more than just a sighting; it’s an experience of a lifetime for any nature enthusiast! Up to 260 kg in weight, these monarchs have dominated these creeks for more than 16,000 years. Dawn or dusky twilights, if you are fortunate enough, you may get to see those golden eyes peeping beyond the bushes in the distance, a moment of pure awe!
- The Graceful Spotted Deer (Cheetal)
The spotted deers are the poets of the Sundarbans with a gentle habit of herding! Also referred to as cheetal, they’re often found grazing in groups, lending a serene beauty to your day cruise.
- Estuarine Crocodile – The Beast Below
The ancient estuarine crocodile is said to reach lengths of more than twenty feet! Frequently basking on riverbanks, the reptiles become so camouflaged in the swamp that one requires a keen eye (or an excellent guide) to find a glimpse of them.
- Irrawaddy Dolphins – The River’s Smiling Guardians
They’re nicknamed “river puppies” for a reason. The Irrawaddy Dolphins, with their rounded heads and expressive faces, are often spotted gliding beside your boat—curious, playful, and utterly endearing.
- The Elusive Fishing Cat
A ghost in the reeds. The fishing cat is elusive, untamed, and an Olympic swimmer. Nocturnal, secretive, they tend to prey on fish under the cover of night—but sometimes, every so often, they bless the daylight with a brief sighting.
- Bengal Slow Loris – Nature’s Tiny Mystery
With large, glowing eyes and a surprisingly venomous bite, the Bengal slow loris is one of nature’s hidden wonders. Tiny and secretive, these night-walkers are rarely seen—but their presence is felt in the whispering mangroves.
- Northern River Terrapin – The Endangered Ancient One
Once common across South Asia, the northern river terrapin now clings to survival in the Sundarbans. With an olive green shell at its back, this rare prehistoric turtle reminds us of nature’s fragility and resilience.
Each Sundarbans tour is a new page in the story of nature. You might not encounter all the players, but the sorcery happens in the waiting, the watching, the wild pulse of this mystical forest.
Ready to encounter the wild?