Sunderbans- The Mystic Mangrove

by Biswajit Roy Chowdhury and Pradeep Vyas

The Sunderbans, the world's largest mangrove expanse, are nothing less than a hub for naturalists and scientists-a paradise for nature and wildlife photographers and a wonderland for tourists from all over the world. With a unique eco-system, two high tides and two low tides each day, this terrain is very difficult to negotiate, both for man and animal.

Here the tiger strives hard to catch its prey while the deer is equally vigilant to defend itself from the predator. In such typical natural conditions, all animals have learnt to adapt to the environment.

Here, man learns to co-exist with nature-despite all adversities.

Numerous references to the Sunderbans have been found in ancient Hindu literature such as the Upanishads, and the epics-the Ramayana and the Mahabharata--reinforcing its uncanny aura of mysticism.

Sunderbans: The Mystic Mangrove is a lavishly illustrated and vivid account of this paradise created by God, and is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Contents:

• Foreword
• Prelude
1. The desperate delta
2. The Mangal
3. The vibrant Mudflats
4. The stunning sea face
5. Bound by faith
6. Survival in the Sunderbans
7. Dedicated to the cause
8. Tourist Haven
9. Factfile
10. Sunderbans map
11. Useful addresses
• Checklist.