When we hear the word Sundarbans uttered in front of us, we think of the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger, spotted deer, crocodiles, and a plethora of bird species. These visuals flood our minds time after time. However, we are not alone in this thought process - Sundarbans is more than just the land of the notorious tiger. It is a wanderlust heaven of truth, extending far beyond being the dwelling place of feisty tigers. The name Sundarbans comes from the folklore that represents the Sundari trees, nestled within dense forests and a network of brackish water spread across the land.

But Sundarbans is a mystical land that is far more than just a den of tigers. There are numerous facts that make this island more than a habitat for wild cats and deer. Let's explore the entwined wilderness of the world's largest delta.

Medusa's Lair

The Sundari trees create a sketch that resembles the hair of Medusa from Greek mythology. They form a serpentine pattern, adorning the land in a way that appears like thorns or the head of a winged human. A large stretch of land falls under this characteristic.

Darwinian Evolution

The Sundari trees that cover a wide area have evolved to survive in adverse conditions. The surrounding water bodies contain salty water, and these trees have adapted by using their roots to absorb the salt from the water, which is then stored in their leaves. When the leaves shed, the salt is also shed. This is how these trees thrive on their own.

Indian Rhinos

Similar to African rhinos, Indian rhinos were once considered exotic and exclusive wild animals that drew attention for their shape and size. However, it is unfortunate that Indian rhinos from the land of the "Golden Bird" were hunted by many, leading to their extinction from the jungles of Sundarbans. Unfortunately, these rhinos have completely disappeared from the entire area.

Land of History and Dacoits

Stories of dacoits and war criminals of Akbar's time residing in these places have been passed down through history. Sundarbans was known for being an area frequented by these unwanted members of society. The magnificent Sundari trees made it a favorite spot for these individuals, and they could easily find shelter there. In fact, the British had no use for these backwater lands.

A Tiger Crosses the Water in a Straight Line

Tigers are known for their swimming abilities, but did you know that they also have an amazing sense of direction? They cross rivers in a straight line. So, the next time you observe a tiger dive and swim across a river, appreciate its ability to maintain a straight path.

Sundarbans tiger were not man eater

Yes they were not but the flood and the scarcity of food made these tigers go the human flesh which is brough back by these rivers. Thus they became man eaters and abandoned by the human race forever.

There are many more fascinating facts to cover about Sundarbans. Stay tuned for the next blog, where we will provide you with more food for thought.