Bangladesh Tourism

1. tourismnewsbd.com (Largest tourism news portal in Bangladesh)
http://tourismnewsbd.com
The Sundarbans: World’s largest mangrove forest where lives
the Royal Bengal Tiger
The Sundarbans (meaning ‘beautiful forest’ in Bengali language), the largest single area of
tidal mangrove forest in the world, lies in the natural delta of the Ganges, the Brahmaputra
and the Meghna.
Although it is shared by both India and Bangladesh, 60% of its total area are in Bangladesh. The
Sundarbans is about 6200 square kilometers in area and accounts for slightly less than 5% of
total land area of Bangladesh. In 1997, UNESCO listed the Bangladesh part of the mangrove
forest as ‘The Sundarbans’. Its beauty lies in its unique natural surroundings. Thousands of
tortuous streams, creeks, rivers and estuaries have enhanced its charm. The Sundarbans is
situated at the southwest region of Bangladesh in the districts of Bagerhat, Khuna and Satkhira.
The name of Sundarbans originates from its major tree, Sundari, which is found in abundance in
this forest. Some say, its name comes from Samudraban (forest in the sea).
This huge ‘Sundarbans’ is intersected by a network of numerous branches and tributaries of
rivers creating muddy lands, and interspersed by small islands of salt tolerant mangrove forests.
Various scientific studies reveal that the Sundarbans is home to 35 mammal, 270 bird, 400 fish
and 35 reptile species. The forest is well known for the Royal Bengal Tiger, famous for its
yellow coat with black stripes and majestic movement. Additional, the forest is home to
numerous flora and fauna including species of local and migratory birds, reptiles and mammals.
A total of 334 plant species were also recorded to grow here.
The main draw for tourists are the Royal Bengal Tigers, but one can also spot Saltwater
Crocodiles, various primates, leopards, King Cobras around numerous small water bodies. The
Genetic River Dolphin (Platanista gangeticus) is common in the rivers. No less than 50 species
of reptiles and eight species of amphibians are known to occur. The Sundarbans now support the
only population of the Estuarine or Salt-Water Crocodile (Crocodylus parasus) in Bangladesh,

2. tourismnewsbd.com (Largest tourism news portal in Bangladesh)
http://tourismnewsbd.com
and that population is estimated at less than two hundred. One can also see spotted deer flocking
together for drinking water along the banks of canals and rivers inside the forest.
Unfortunately some of the rare species of fauna and flora are being threatened by human
activities and natural disasters. The endangered species of animals such as the estuarine
crocodile, python and the iconic Bengal tiger are of concern for nature lovers and scientists.
Since 1966, the Sundarbans have been a wildlife sanctuary and an unconfirmed count of tigers in
the Sundarbans estimates that the total tiger population falls below 400 now.
The area of the Sundarbans is also declining at an alarming rate due to ever changing salinity of
water, soil texture, tidal actions as well as ecological factors arising out of increasing biotic
pressure. This has created a wide range of ecological and socio-economic problems in the region,
leading to crisis in the livelihood of the poor and marginalized people. Climate change effects
like the sea level rise and lower freshwater flow in winter resulted in increased salinity in the
area. As a result the conservation of the Sundarbans mangroves is threatened.
The Bangladesh government has taken initiatives in protecting and conserving natural resources
and biodiversity of the Sundarbans. Three
wildlife sanctuaries were established in 1977
under the Bangladesh Wildlife (Preservation)
(Amendment) Act, 1974. The Bangladesh Tiger
Action Plan (BTAP) marks the beginning of a
structured approach to achieving long-term
conservation of tigers in Bangladesh. The vision
is to ensure protected tiger landscapes in
Bangladesh with the main goal for the next
years to stabilize or increase the Sundarbans
tiger population.
Government of Bangladesh is also working
towards preserving the bio diversity of the Sundarbans. It has plans to set up an eco-park, ensure
reserve forest management and restoration of communication system involving people in the
area. Government of Bangladesh has already banned construction in the Sundarbans area and
taken up plans for dredging of canals and rivers. Initiatives are being taken to promote
ecotourism. The International community has also come forward to its rescue. A few projects
have been undertaken in cooperation with the EU and USA to promote conservation of the
Sundarbans Reserve Forests and wildlife sanctuaries.
If you visit the Sundarbans it may be a lifetime charm for you. The main attractions would be
wildlife photography including photography of the famous Royal Bengal Tiger, wildlife viewing,
boating inside the forest, meeting fishermen, wood-cutters and honey-collectors and revering
peace and tranquility in the wilderness. The famous spots in Sundarbans are, Hiron Point and
Katka for tiger, deer, monkey, crocodiles, and various birds. If you are into fishing and bird
watching, Dublar Char is the place for you. Water transport is the only means of communication
inside the Sundarbans. Come and enjoy the wonder of the nature!