Sundarbans Villages

About

The Sundarbans ecosystem supports nearly 4 million people living across more than 100 villages scattered throughout the delta islands. Communities in the Sundarbans area, largely Bengali Hindu and Muslim, share a deep connection with the surrounding Sundarbans mangrove forest and its challenging forest water landscape. Life here revolves around fishing, farming, honey collection, and constant awareness of the Sundarbans tiger that roams the creeks and islands. A unique spiritual tradition binds these villages through the worship of Bonbibi, the forest goddess revered by both Hindus and Muslims for protection against tigers and natural dangers. Traditional honey collectors known as bauleys enter the forest with ritual prayers and protective ceremonies before gathering wild honey. Many Sundarbans safari itineraries include guided village visits that allow cultural exchanges, and some travellers stay at nearby Sundarbans resorts to experience local life more closely within the buffer zones of the Sundarbans in India.