The
Sunderbans, the world’s largest
mangrove expanse, are nothing less than a hub for naturalists and scientists—a
treasure trove 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.