Complete Guide to Sundarbans National Park in West Bengal

The Sundarbans National Park, located in the state of West Bengal, is one of the most unique and ecologically significant national parks in India. It is part of the largest mangrove forest in the world, shared between India and Bangladesh. Sundarbans Tiger Reserve was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. The park is not only a tiger reserve but also a biosphere reserve, making it a crucial hub for biodiversity conservation. The name “Sundarbans” is derived from the Sundari trees (Heritiera fomes), which dominate the region.

Sundarbans National Park

The park was declared a National Park in 1984 and is a core area of the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve, which was created in 1973 under Project Tiger. It covers a total area of about 1,330 sq. km, forming the southern part of the delta formed by the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers. The park comprises interconnected tidal waterways, mudflats, and small islands. Due to its ecological importance, it also forms part of the Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve, designated by UNESCO in 2001.

Geographical Features of Sundarbans National Park

• • Location: Situated in the South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, India, in the Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna delta region near the Bay of Bengal.
  • Geographical Coordinates:  Latitude extends from 21°13′N to 22°40′N, and longitude from 88°03′E to 89°07′E.
  • Total Area:  Covers approximately 1,330 sq. km, forming the core zone of the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve. It is part of the larger Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve, which spans over 9,630 sq. km.
  • Altitude:  Lies almost at sea level, with elevations ranging between 0.9 metres and 2.11 metres above mean sea level.
  • Rivers and Water Bodies: 
    • The Matla River borders the western edge.
    • Harinbhanga and Raimangal Rivers lie near the eastern boundary.
    • Bidyadhari, Saptamukhi, Gosaba, and Thakuran Rivers criss-cross the landscape, forming numerous estuaries and tidal creeks.
  • Terrain: Flat, alluvial, and tidally inundated terrain with an intricate network of mudflats, mangrove islands, estuarine channels, and saltwater swamps.
  • Soil Type: Primarily alluvial and saline, rich in silt and clay, deposited by tidal and fluvial actions.
  • Climate: Tropical monsoon climate with high humidity. Summer temperatures rise up to 35°C, while winters remain mild at around 10–15°C.
  • Rainfall: Receives an average annual rainfall of approximately 1,800 mm, mostly during the monsoon season (June to September).

• Neighbouring Protected Areas:

• • Sundarbans East and South Wildlife Sanctuaries (Bangladesh) across the international border.
  • Lothian Island Wildlife Sanctuary and Sajnekhali Wildlife Sanctuary in the buffer zone.
• Nearest Town: Gosaba, located approximately 110 km southeast of Kolkata, is the nearest accessible settlement by road and river transport.

Sundarbans National Park Significance

Sundarbans National Park holds immense ecological, geographical, and strategic significance. It is the only mangrove habitat in the world where tigers are known to thrive, making it unique among tiger reserves globally. The park acts as a natural shield protecting inland areas from cyclones, tsunamis, and tidal surges, reducing the disaster impact on human settlements. It is also a key carbon sink, helping mitigate climate change. As a Ramsar Wetland Site, the region supports rich biodiversity and sustains the livelihoods of millions who depend on fishing, honey collection, and ecotourism.

Sundarbans National Park Map

The Sundarbans National Park lies in the South 24 Parganas District of West Bengal and forms the southernmost tip of the Indian part of the Sundarbans Delta. It is bounded by the Matla River to the west, the Bay of Bengal to the south, and the international border with Bangladesh to the east. Key rivers such as the Bidyadhari, Gomdi, Harinbhanga, and Raimangal flow through or near the park. The entire region is accessible only by water transport, and there are no roadways connecting the core area, preserving its undisturbed wilderness.

Sundarbans National Park Flora

1. The Sundarbans National Park Flora is globally recognised for its dense and unique mangrove vegetation, which is crucial to the estuarine ecosystem.
2. It comprises over 60 species of true mangroves, with dominant species including Sundari (Heritiera fomes), Goran (Ceriops decandra), Keora (Sonneratia apetala), Dhundal (Xylocarpus granatum), and Nipa palm (Nypa fruticans).
3. These mangrove trees are adapted to saline and waterlogged conditions through specialized aerial roots called pneumatophores.
4. Besides mangroves, the park is home to grasses, shrubs, and various aquatic plants that stabilise the shoreline and reduce erosion.
5. These plant species offer critical nesting grounds and act as breeding habitats for fish, crustaceans, and invertebrates.
6. The flora not only supports biodiversity but also plays a significant role in carbon sequestration and protecting coastal communities from storm surges.

Also Read: Bandipur National Park

Sundarbans National Park Fauna

1. Sundarbans National Park Fauna is dominated by the presence of the Royal Bengal Tiger, which is uniquely adapted to a mangrove and saline environment.
2. The park is also inhabited by large mammals such as spotted deer, wild boars, fishing cats, leopard cats, and smooth-coated otters.
3. Reptilian fauna includes saltwater crocodiles, water monitor lizards, King Cobras, and several species of turtles and snakes.
4. The aquatic network supports a wide variety of fish, mollusks, and crustaceans, including mudskippers and mangrove crabs.
5. The park is rich in birdlife, with species like the grey-headed fish eagle, black-capped kingfisher, herons, egrets, and Brahminy kites frequently spotted.
6. This ecological richness makes the Sundarbans a critical habitat for wildlife conservation and a globally important Ramsar Wetland Site.