Destinations

The Sundarbans Tiger Reserve was designated under Project Tiger in 1973, making it one of the earliest tiger reserves in India. It covers a total area of around 2,585 square kilometers, including the core area of 1,330 square kilometers, which is a national park, and a surrounding buffer area that comprises wildlife sanctuaries and reserve forests. Located in the southern part of West Bengal, is one of the most unique and ecologically significant protected areas in India. Part of the world’s largest mangrove forest, the reserve lies at the delta formed by the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers as they flow into the Bay of Bengal.

What sets the Sundarbans apart from other tiger habitats is its dense mangrove forests, intricate network of tidal waterways, mudflats, and small islands. This watery wilderness creates a challenging environment where tigers are known to swim across rivers, hunt crabs and fish, and are famously difficult to spot. Despite the low visibility, the reserve is a vital haven for these big cats and plays a critical role in tiger conservation.

Beyond tigers, the Sundarbans support an array of fascinating wildlife, including saltwater crocodiles, fishing cats, monitor lizards, gangetic dolphins, and several species of turtles and birds such as the masked finfoot and mangrove whistler. The mangroves themselves, dominated by species like sundari (Heritiera fomes), are not only ecologically crucial but also protect the coastal region from erosion and storms.