Once this area was a paradise for tiger hunters. But the rapid fall in the Royal Bengal Tiger population forced the government to declare tiger poaching as illegal and the area came under the Project Tiger. Tigers in Sunder bans are known to swim a record distance of 10 kms. They also hunt fish if hungry or steal honey from the beehives. Though Sunder ban tigers are described as man-eaters, specialists say they rarely attack human beings. Tigers are not the only attraction in Sunder bans, there are estuarine crocodiles and shy jungle cats or the fishing cats. The reptiles found in the forest include the King Cobra, Rock Python and Water Monitor. During the winters the olive riley turtles descend to nest the shores of Kanak Island. The tigers can be easily spotted at the water holes at Sajnekhali, Sudhanyakhali, Netidhopani and Haldi. No permission is required for a general river cruise outside the core area and sanctuary. But there are particular places where permission will be required. The best time to visit Sunder bans is during winters between September and March. There are regular bus services from Calcutta to this place. But the main areas of the sanctuary can only be accessed only by reverie waterways. The best and the safest way to visit Sunder bans are on conducted tours. One can also avail the services of the private vessels from Canning, Gosaba or Basmati. Accommodation in the sanctuary is available, in the comfortable tourist lodges. Sajnekahli has a 60-bed tourist lodge. Overnight facilities are also available at Bakkhali and Piyali. |
