Shundorban

Shundorban or Sundarban literally means beautiful forest. Our much awaited trip to this forest took place recently and must say it was worth a visit. This place is a beautiful amalgamation of tidal forest, wild life, river islands and natural beauty. The name of this world's largest mangrove forest is a mystery in itself, there are various claims, one of the famous theory is that, it is patch work of three names Samudraban (which mean sea forest) and Chandra Bandher (a primitive tribe). And of course it is famous for its Sundari trees that are found in large numbers and Royal Bengal Tiger, who is aan, baan and shaan of this destination.

Our two day trip to Shundor Forest was a mindful experience which gave us a sneak peek of not only beauty of mangrove forest but also hardships of human population residing on the islands without fresh water and electricity, regularly haunted by tiger attacks. Inspite of these difficluties, these people tend to enjoy their life to fullest by singing dancing and praying to bonbibi (guardian spirit that protects them from tiger attack). A must visit for people who are in love with offbeat destinations.

It is place where union of river and sea takes place that leads to birth of unique flora and fauna amidst wetland. Like the roar of Royal Bengal Tiger, Sundarbans beauty roars in epic silence that soothes your senses, far away from the madding crowd, will make you fall in love with its rustic touch and simplicity of life. But this roar is receding away with its receding coast line, vanishing mangroves and endangered species. The beauty of the forest is largely exploited by climate change, man made hazards and sometimes by natural hazards like cyclone. 

Here are few beautiful shots from my lens.