The Sundarbans

The Sundarbans is the largest mangrove forest in the world. It is located in the delta where the Ganges and Brahmaputra Rivers meet the Bay of Bengal. The forest spreads across parts of Bangladesh and India. It is a tangle of waterways, mudflats, and trees.

The Mangrove Forest

Mangrove trees grow in salty water along tropical coasts. Their roots stick up out of the mud and water. The Sundarbans covers about 3,860 square miles. The tides cause the water level to rise and fall twice each day, flooding the forest floor.

The Royal Bengal Tiger

The Sundarbans is famous for its Bengal tigers. These tigers are the only ones in the world that live in mangrove forests. They are excellent swimmers and hunt in the water. The forest is also home to crocodiles, deer, monkeys, and many kinds of birds.

Fun Facts

• About 400 Bengal tigers live in the Sundarbans.
• The name Sundarbans may mean beautiful forest.
• The Sundarbans helps protect the coast from cyclones and tidal waves.

Did You Know?

The tigers of the Sundarbans are known to swim from island to island through the salty water to find food!