India's Sundarbans

The Sundarbans spans 10,000 square kilometers across India and Bangladesh, forming the world's largest contiguous mangrove forest. This UNESCO World Heritage Site lies in the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta, where rivers meet the Bay of Bengal. The forest's name means 'beautiful forest,' though it's better known as home to the swimming Bengal tigers adapted to this aquatic environment. The mangroves support the world's largest population of Bengal tigers (approximately 100 in India, 100-200 in Bangladesh) that swim between islands hunting spotted deer and wild boar. Estuarine crocodiles, Ganges river dolphins, and over 300 bird species thrive here. The mangroves act as crucial nurseries for fish while protecting millions from cyclones. Conservation faces challenges from climate change, human-wildlife conflict, and development pressure. Community-based conservation involves local people as forest guards and guides. Sustainable honey collection and fishing provide livelihoods. The Sundarbans demonstrates ecosystem services value while maintaining dangerous megafauna in densely populated regions.

Water Features

Rivers, channels, tidal creeks

Ecosystem

This destination features a mixed ecosystem ecosystem.