Sunder bans is a mangrove forest which is located nearer to the sea, the Bay of Bengal. Mangroves have enormous ecological significance, both to the functioning of the natural environment and to humans. As a coastal species, mangroves act as both barriers, preventing soil erosion and protecting inhabitants from storms, and bio-filters for nutrients in upland runoff, such as nitrogen and phosphorous.
Sunder bans have two parts as per the geographical area. One-third area of the total Sunder bans is located in the state of West Bengal, India, and the rest two-thirds part is in Bangladesh, Khulna division. In India, Sunder bans are located in two districts (South 24-Parganas and North 24-Parganas) of West Bengal. The Gateway of Sunder bans is Canning, which is located in South 24-Parganas.
The name Sunder bans come from the Sunder tree. And ban means jungle. Sunder bans mean a forest of Sunder trees. And the plural is used in the Sunder bans because the Sunder bans are not a single jungle. There are innumerable jungles here, one island in the Sunder bans, and one jungle. Each of them has a different name. All these forests together are called Sunder bans. Sunder bans forest lies in the vast delta on the Bay of Bengal formed by the super confluence of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and some other rivers across southern Bangladesh.
Which time is the best to go Sunder bans
It's up to you but January-February is the best season for the family, it doesn't rain at this time, plus it's a little cold. In the different seasons, you may enjoy different beauty.
The largest home of the Royal Bengal Tiger is in Sunder bans. Sunder bans is also the only mangrove forest in the world having the tiger as its indigenous population. As per the 2004 census, the tiger population in Sunder bans is around 274, out of which Sunder bans Tiger Reserve and South 24-Parganas Forest Division have 249 Tigers and 25 tigers respectively. There are 58 species of mammals, 55 species of reptiles, and around 248 bird species.
It was really a new experience for me to visit the largest mangrove forest, and I was really blessed to have a glimpse of the great ROYAL BENGAL TIGER, well for our boatman it was a dangerous alert because it was all in the wild without any barricades or any safety. We saw deer in the jungle in the very morning and also saw crocodiles nearer to the beach. It was an adventurous trip of 3 days and 4 nights. We stayed in our hired Launch, wherein the evening we tried to do fun making, folk dance, and songs.
HOW TO GO
Water transport is the only means of communication for visiting the Sunder bans from Khulna Port. Private motor launches, speedboats, country boats as well as mechanized vessels of the Port Authority might be hired for the purpose. From Dhaka, visitors may travel by air, road, or rocket steamer to Khulna – the gateway to the Sunder bans. The most pleasant journey from Dhaka to Khulna is by Paddle Steamer, Rocket presents a picturesque panorama of rural Bangladesh. Day and nightlong coach services by road are also available. The quickest mode is by air.
Permission from the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Khulna is required to visit the forest. Tourists are also advised to carry supplies of anti-malarial and anti-diarrhea medicines, insect repellent cream, drinking water, green coconut, a medical kit, a light tropical dress, and thick rubber-soled boots. It will be wise to take the help of an experienced guide for a truly enjoyable journey.
The exciting honey collection season is from April-May. Hunting is prohibited by law in the country for the preservation of wildlife. Certain species of birds, however, can be shot with the prior permission of the Divisional Forest Officer, Khulna, It varies depending on tides against or in favor of the river. Usually, it takes a 6 to 10 hours journey by motor vessel to Heron Point.
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