A day trip to Sundarbans (Karamjal)

 A day trip to Sundarbans (Karamjal)

In the world's largest mangrove forest, the Sundarbans of Bangladesh, the lively gaze of the deer and the chirping birds running between the green trees is a wonderful sight. They are accompanied by a group of mischievous monkeys. And the chirping of this monkey and the chirping of insects can be heard by the chirping of unknown birds. The Sundarbans beckons you with the magical hand of green in nature's scenery. So every year thousands of tourists come to admire the natural scenery of Sundarbans.

Karamjal, Sundarbans

Among the few places of interest in Sundarbans, Karamjal deserves special mention. The Forest Department has set up an 'Ecotourism Center' in the lap of nature in the Karamjal area of ​​Sundarbans, adjacent to Dhangmari station in Bagerhat's Chandpai range. Karamoja tourist center attracts a maximum number of tourists every year. Thi30-hectares attractive tourist center on the banks of Pasur river has been developed as a model for Sundarbans. Karamoja Tourist Center is an ideal place for a day trip to Sundarbans.

Since Karamjal is only 45 minutes by launch/trawler from Mangla, Karamjal is the first destination for most tourists to visit Sundarbans due to the convenience of returning day after day and the relatively low cost of travel. On the other hand, the distance of Karamjal from Dakop Upazila headquarters of Khulna district is 30 km, 55 km from the district town. Traveling by sea and road is very easy. Moreover, there are nearby resorts for overnight stays. This paradise of nature can be easily visited at a low cost.

Karamjal, Sundarbans

A large-scale map at the very beginning of the tourist center will give a fair idea of ​​the Sundarbans. A crooked wooden walkway leads south into the forest, leaving the map behind. The name of the trail is Monkey Trail.

The significance of this name is found as soon as one steps onto the trail. Rhesus monkeys, one of the residents of Sundarbans, will be seen throughout the trail. Dense forest on both sides of the road. The number of pine trees in this forest is high. After going some distance on the wooden path, the branch path on the left-hand side stops at the bank of Pasur. At the end of the river, there is a bench and a tent.

The main route goes about half a kilometer further south and stops at the bank of a small canal. Here is another shed at the head of the path. From there the wooden trail goes west again past the crocodile breeding grounds. An observation tower has been constructed in the middle of this trail. When you get to the top of it, you can see the surroundings of Karamjal well.

A crocodile breeding center has been built at the very end of the wooden trail. A little west from there are the deer and crocodile breeding grounds. There are many small children in front. Some are hatchlings, some are medium-sized, and some are slightly older saltwater crocodiles.

In the large walled pond on the southern side are Romeo, Juliet, and Pilapil. These three saltwater crocodiles caught in fishermen's nets were brought to Karmjal in Sundarbans in 2002. Romeo and Juliet are now 23. The pair became fertile in 2005.

They are the main contributors to the artificial production of crocodiles in Bangladesh for the first time. Juliet is slightly smaller than Romeo in size. This species of saltwater crocodile lives eighty to one hundred years.

Juliet the crocodile has laid a total of 482 eggs so far. From there 284 hatchlings were hatched by the staff of the Wildlife Breeding and Conservation Centre. Pilapil is another woman member of the Karamjal Wildlife Breeding and Conservation Centre. So far she has laid 44 eggs, of which 33 have hatched.

Next to it, you will see an open space surrounded by cages like a zoo. Chitra deer inside. There is another small cage in the west corner inside the cage. There are a few rhesus monkeys inside.

The most interesting thing for tourists is the arrival of wild Chitral deer in groups in the Karamjal area in the afternoon and taking food from the hands of tourists. By visiting Karamjal, tourists can easily get an idea about the mangrove ecosystem of the Sundarbans and get acquainted with the various species of flora and fauna of the Sundarbans.

Nameplates are attached to existing trees here for ease of identification.