Panikhali and the Sunderbans

Asia » India » West Bengal » Sunderbans
February 3rd 2008

Published: February 4th 2008

Wow, this was a very long day! As one of our group commented as we ate dinner, we traveled longer today than we did to get from Dulles to London! None of it anywhere near so comfortably but much more interestingly. I almost entitled this "And VDOT thinks they have something to worry about" but didn't know how many folks would get that inference. We started off as near to 7 a.m. as we could, tr... Read Full Entry

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MikeAndSue

MikeandSue

This started for us to blog about India in 2008 and has been used several times since. Sue went to China in 2011 and helped the girls move around the Southeast in 2012. We'll keep using it to capture pictures and travels! Then: Ireland and the Isle of Man, summer 2017, bicycling in NYC with Road Scholars in Sept 2018, the Panama Canal, again with Road Scholars, March 2019! Then: Since we survived Covid-19 and Mike’s lymphoma, and Sue retired, we returned to Ireland and the Isle of Man in April/May 2023! For our 50th New Year's Eve together, we went to another Road Scholars program, New ... full info

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In the village

They've helped build some walls around the compounds, to provide some privacy for families.

Water plots in the Village

Waiting in line to see the doc

The student took each person's name (and concern?) and they went one-by-one to see the doctor.

Dispensing medicines

The doctor brings some antibiotics with him to distribute.

Distributing Blankets

The JU students had brought blankets to distribute because of the cold nights (it's winter). There was a list of eligible recipients and we were asked to help hand them out.

Our boat manager

Rode at the front of the boat, pointed out things of interest, shepherded us around the Reserve, when he wasn't on his cell phone.

Other boat

on the river

Silencing Pipe

First thing, we had to go directly across the river and get a "silencing pipe" to use while in the Sunderban because noise level needs to be kept to a minimum, so as not to disturb the tigers.

Monkey on the Beach!

Close up of Monkey

Miguel's camera had a zoomier zoom than mine and he shared his pictures.

Mangrove Trees

High tide reaches up into the forest; Mangrove roots can hold on during the tides and floodings and can handle the partly-salt water. There is a problem with erosion, though.

Wild boars

Another of Miguel's pictures.

The Landing at Sajnekhali

The boat at the dock is similar to ours. Sajnekhali has a bird sanctuary and is the only place to have a hotel in this area - the Sundar Cheetal Tourist Lodge. There is a Mangrove Interpretation Centre here and a watchtower.

Sajnekhali Entrance

We were required to show our passports (had to have gotten permission ahead of time) for entry. Sort of a combination zoo, refuge, entrance to the Reserve, we were able to want\der around and look at the ponds for the various animals--they were wild, we were the ones fenced in, for the most part. The monkeys wandered wherever they wanted (hold onto your hats), the deer came up from the forest, etc.

View from the Tower top

You may be able to see the deer at the watering hole to the left. Otherwise, it's miles of mangrove forest.

Monkeys playing

in the open area next to the Lodge

Rhesus Monkey

Map of the Sunderbans

At the Interpretation Center--We are near the top of the yellow part, having come from a bit North. The main concentration of Tigers is in the Southern, less populated part (red on the map).

Couple of Crocodiles

in the grass

close up of the croc

Never smile at a crocodile...

Students on the boat

Some of the NSS volunteer students (and the tutor from the village) on the boat. Lots of questions about studying in the U.S.; very good English skills, open and friendly guys.

5th February 2008

Pat
non-member comment

Love the pictures!
Really enjoying the great pics and commentary. What an incredible experience. Thanks for letting us all enjoy India with you!

12th March 2019

Suraj Das
non-member comment

Hi, Thank you for sharing the greater part information about Sundarban. it is a terribly perceptive article it'll facilitate guests to induce data before visiting the place. I also recommend to visit my blog as we also organize Sundarban tour however on our means.

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