🐯 Royal Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris ) – The Striped Monarch of the Sundarbans
The Royal Bengal Tiger , scientifically known as Panthera tigris tigris , is the most iconic apex predator of the Indian subcontinent and the undisputed king of the Sundarbans mangrove forest. Revered in mythology, folklore, and conservation science, this majestic big cat symbolizes power, grace, and ecological balance. Let’s dive deep into its taxonomy , morphology , habitat , behavior , and its vital role in the Sundarban ecosystem .
🔬 Taxonomy 🧬 Morphology & Physical Features
Size: Males can reach lengths up to 3.1 meters including the tail; females are slightly smaller.
Weight: Adult males weigh between 180–260 kg , while females range from 100–160 kg .
Coloration: Rich orange coat with black stripes , white underbelly, and a striking facial pattern unique to each individual.
Eyes: Large, with excellent night vision , adapted for stalking prey under the moonlight.
Teeth & Claws: Equipped with powerful canines (up to 10 cm) and retractable claws to seize prey with precision.
Roar: Can be heard up to 3 km away in dense mangroves—both a warning and a call of dominance.
🌍 Habitat & Range
The Royal Bengal Tiger inhabits a wide range of habitats across India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar.
In the Sundarbans , it survives in one of the most challenging tiger habitats on Earth—a dynamic estuarine mangrove ecosystem.
The tigers here are known to swim across tidal creeks and rivers , adapting to saltwater and tidal rhythms.
🌟 Special Features & Adaptations
Excellent Swimmers 🏊♂️ regular swimming across wide river channels.
Solitary and Territorial territory of several square kilometers , often overlapping slightly with females.
Silent Hunters stalk prey silently , launching explosive attacks.
Diet spotted deer (chital) , wild boar, monkeys, fish, and occasionally mud crabs and birds .
Human Interaction elusiveness and stealth , but Sundarban tigers occasionally come into conflict with local populations, earning them a reputation as ‘man-eaters’ , though this is more myth than norm.
🐾 Presence in the Sundarbans The Sundarbans , spanning India and Bangladesh , is the only mangrove forest in the world inhabited by tigers. The Royal Bengal Tigers here are uniquely adapted to a landscape dominated by tidal rivers, creeks, and mangrove islands .
An estimated 96 tigers (as per latest census) reside in the Indian Sundarbans.
Their territories are shaped not by dry land but by water currents and forest patches .
They often hunt in broad daylight , a behavior uncommon in other tiger habitats.
These tigers have developed a leaner body structure for better mobility through thick mangroves and water.
To navigate their territory, they mark using scent, scratches, and scat , despite the tidal washes.
🔥 Challenges in the Sundarbans:
Rising sea levels and increasing salinity due to climate change.
Habitat fragmentation and shrinking prey base.
Human-wildlife conflict , especially in forest-edge villages.
Poaching and crab-trap injuries , though reduced in recent years due to strict forest patrols and community awareness.
🚨 Conservation Status
IUCN Red List: Endangered
CITES: Appendix I
Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
Conservation initiatives like Project Tiger and transboundary cooperation with Bangladesh are critical in safeguarding this majestic predator.
The Royal Bengal Tiger of the Sundarbans is a marvel of evolution—surviving in salty, swampy terrain where few big cats could thrive. Its presence ensures the health of the mangrove ecosystem and protects biodiversity. For wildlife enthusiasts, encountering even a paw print of this elusive feline is an unforgettable experience. 🐾
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For more information, read the full Wikipedia entry on the Royal Bengal Tiger
... read more boat is undercover with green carpet,so it'is looking beautiful,all management are peaceful Jumur dance is wonderful our all member danced with Jumur dancers we are all coming a sweet memories. Thanks to continue Mr Talukder.
Avijit SarkarMarch 17, 2022
... read more dismantled as the driver uses it impulsively :) Definitely recommended...
Indraneil GhoshJanuary 17, 2023
... read more homely environment, mainly we are extremely impressed the condition of the boat, cleanliness and food quality was superb. Except the chilli chicken preparation ( not upto the mark), the taste of the food was just like home made food. Resort location was good but not in good quality, need to look into this to provide the best service. Also the car condition is not good. Apart from these we enjoyed a lot throughout the tour. Special thanks to Mr.Talukdar and Team for organizing our memorable trip.
Amit SasmalMarch 17, 2022
HRITURAJ CHAKRABORTYOctober 17, 2022
... read more the stuff were very polite (Special mention- dipankar da).They did everything with professional manner with touch of heart. Strongly recommend them.
ataur rahamanMarch 17, 2022
... read more on board were very cordial and co-operative. The food served was abundant and of good quality and taste. We didn't felt when the whole day passed away. Complete value for money. I would recommend everyone should have a try with Sonakshi Travels.
S DGMarch 17, 2022
... read more trip of Sundarban ( 3D&2N).The trip was tailor made for our need.The staff members were very courteous & looked after all the nitty gritty to make the trip a memorable one.The food used to be prepared as per our requests & was relished by all members.The night stay arranged in the 5 star resort was superb and in an hospitable atmosphere.The resort has the added feature of being located in a natural surroundings of flora and fauna. It provided attractive play areas for kids. On top of everything, it was pocket friendly & no hidden cost was involved. Would strongly recommend SonakshiTravel for this riverine trip.
Arun BiswasJanuary 17, 2023
... read more food with rustic touch...You're at a right place..Being at a place which is remote, Dinner variety options may be limited but enough to satisfy you..I had Aged people n kid travelling with me and they were taken good care..The accommodation & boat ride were very comforting n all the staffs, tour guide were helpful..I will recommend them to Families, friends for sure.
Arunima RoyMarch 11, 2023
Sandhya BhideDecember 17, 2022
Dipanjan BiswasMarch 17, 2022
... read more customised their programme for our convenience at their best. The boat waiting for us at Gadkhali was decent, neat & clean. The cooperation and helpful gesture of the Boatman Bapibabu and crew Pulak charmed us. The trip through the creeks and distributaries of the rivers of Sunderban became more enjoyable with the excellent taste of food cooked by Bhaskar in the running boat. The property named “Sabuj Dwip” under Lahiripur Gram Panchayat where we were parked at the day-end, was a resort having cottages with clean Rooms, modern Bathrooms & standard amenities including Generator along with a few shortfalls like lack of Geyser, AC, Toilet-shower, Kitchen/Kitchenet, Waste paper bin, Wall Hangers etc., though all such lacuna were covered by the sincere and hearty efforts of the servicemen. The owner may solve these minor problems by purchasing items of trivial value like Emersion Heater, Toilet-shower, Electric Cattle, Waste paper basket & Wall hangers. On 5th December, when the cyclone turned its face to Sunderban, the superb teamwork of Sonakshi rescued us through an alternative safe land-route maintaining our all urbane comfort upto the satisfaction. The courteous behaviour and delicious tasty food are the value-added satisfaction of this trip over the honest, humble and sincere approach of the owner Shuvabratababu which is highly appreciable. I highly recommend Sunderban Trip through this Travels.
Snehansu GangopadhyayMarch 17, 2022
... read more staff is always up to the mark. Thank you all.
Rupak BhattacharjeeJanuary 17, 2023
prabhat kumar banerjeeSeptember 17, 2022
... read more did a fantastic job. Wish them all the very best.
Avik RoyJanuary 17, 2023
... read more very beautiful ❤️👍🏻
Sandeep MukherjeeMarch 17, 2022
... read more local people was truly a fun filled surprise.
Pronami SarkarMarch 17, 2022
Raghavendra MunghateDecember 17, 2022
pramod tembhurnikarFebruary 17, 2023
... read more are very well organised to set up this Sunderban tour in terms of fooding lodging and irrespective every things which relates to this particular tour. Me and my family has a mind blowing experience. Thanks Subhabrata Talukdar to you and to your team for giving us a memorable experience.
Sagar BanerjeeJanuary 17, 2023
... read more staff. Just one regret with the govt to allow more routes inside core jungle to increase footfall at Sunderbans. All you can see is Deer. However i would surely visit again.
navin jayaramanMarch 17, 2022
... read more with Mr.Suvabrata Talukder.We were 13 heads (including 3 senior citizen and 2 child of 5 years old).It was a programme from Howrah to Howrah (railway station). Yesterday (13th November 2021) we returned from our trip. Overall experience was awesome.Communication with Mr. Talukder over phone before journey came in reality through the entire tour in every respect. Manager Subrata and other staff of boat along with the staff of the resort was very helpful and polite . Behaviour of the staff was very good. Food quality was really good .Not to much spicy but tasty , quantity was sufficient.The resort we stayed (Sabujdieep) was good /clean/safe and a small walking from jetty where we dropped from boat.One evening we enjoyed tribal music and dance in the resort. We along with my co- travellers enjoyed the tour with amazing experience ,kept beautiful moments and memories for life time with us. Everything was perfect. Arrangements in every angle was Wonderful. I strongly suggest and recommend everyone to enjoy your tour with this Sonakshi Travel (Sonarpur).
Anjan RayMarch 17, 2022
... read more for the tour. They provide us a car and launch for this trip. It was very organised trip.
Faiz AhmedMarch 17, 2022
Gourav GhoshJanuary 17, 2023
... read more family including senior citizens and kids and had a nice experience. Thank you Mr. Talukdar and team.
Koushik PandaApril 17, 2022
... read more tour confirmation 7/10. I paid advance for booking after checking the availability. But after making the payment, I was informed the required dates are not available and I had to change my dates. Communication of programs are also not up to the mark. 2. Transfer from Kolkata to Gadkhali & Return 8/10. Onward journey driver was new and not carrying proper documents for Vehicle. Stuck at Ghatakpukur for more than 30 minutes in a police checking. Return journey was better but the vehicle given was too old. 3. Boat Arrangements from Gadkhali 10/10. Good & comfortable. Well decorated boat with well behaved staffs. 4. Accommodation 10/10. Very good place selection and enjoyed the staying. This point you will get a bonus point. 5. Food 8/10. First day lunch was awesome but next meals were just below par. Lacking variety. I came to know few other agencies are offering more variants in their service. Finally thanks to all your staffs in the boat and in the hotel. Specially mentioning Tapas, Bapi, your cook and Subrata for their service.
Sibagi GhoshMarch 17, 2022
Tripti DasJanuary 17, 2023
... read more date of departure our resort also exceptionally good I sincerely thanks to all cruise staff and manager to Mr. Talukdar.
Ashis RoySeptember 17, 2022
... read more a 21 heads office tour for two days and one night . Basically, it was a farewell to our General Manager. Ministry of Defence. Government of India. Following may noted for further: Promised were executed 💯% Timely availability of traveler on pick-up point. Food quality and quantity was very good. Comfortable night stay. Room condition was good. Arrangment of Folk dance 💃 was supab. Recommended for the tour.
Umesh PaswanJanuary 17, 2023
... read more of staff was very good
DEV KUMAR PYNEDecember 17, 2022
... read more served us very well. Thank you for all your services.
Shaily GuptaMarch 17, 2022
... read more team, tour manager Subrata, boat captain Bapi da and our guide Tanmoy da was very cooperative and helpful. Our stay was in Sobuj Deep Resort, the location is next to the river and rooms are quite good in size, there 4 bedrooms can accommodate 2 families with one kid comfortably. The facilities and services of boat and resort was excellent. My objective was to spend some time with family in the nature, and a wild wish if we could spot the graceful royal Bengal tiger in the wild was 100% fulfilled. When I was researching for this tour, I found Sundarbans travel (Sonakshi travel) rated 4.5 among all, and I am not disappointed as well. Next time when I will visit Sundarbans again my choice will be Sundarbans travel. All over experience “The tour is mind blowing”.
Kaustav ChatterjeeMarch 17, 2022
... read more people, beautiful presentation of dance and songs to beautiful boat and boatmen with guide. A journey with100% fulfilment. Willing to go again and again. Thanks a lot Sundarban Travel Jyotirmoy Chakraborty Chairman Ispat Cooperative Hospital
JYOTIRMOY CHAKRABORTYMarch 17, 2022
... read more recommend their package
Sanghita RoyMarch 17, 2022
... read more group tours were available Mr Talukder arranged a customized tour for us & we were a little apprehensive as the two of us would be traveling alone . But he assured us about our safety & other facilities & truly everything was beyond our expectations. Right from our pickup, boat tours, hotel accommodation & food everything was well arranged. We have come back with sweet memories. Thank you Mr Talukder & every one at Sonakshi tours.
Leena MhatreMarch 17, 2022
... read more cottage were excellent. Subrat dada was extremely well informed about the forests. His knowledge helped us a lot. Extremely grateful🙏
Shradha Suman SatpathyMarch 17, 2022
... read more end point by professional guides who displayed very courteous behavior. definitely talukdar ji will be my preferred choice for all trips in future as well.
Auditro Hi-Fi SystemsDecember 17, 2022
... read more staff ( Bapida, Bhaskarda and Uttamda). Special thanks to Talukdar Babu for taking care of everything. Highly recommended.
rupendu banerjeeMarch 17, 2022
... read more team members for making our trip memorable one.
Alaya NayakMarch 17, 2022
... read more people. The jungle visit was great and we could see so many animals
Kunal BasuMarch 17, 2022
... read more care of every group member as per the need, especially the elderly ones. I travelled with the parents and the staff members made the trip super comfortable for them as well. Thanks to each one of them!! 😊🙏 Would highly recommend Sonakshi Travels for the Sundarban trip.
Shuchita MitraMarch 17, 2022
