Sundarbans, Oct 13 (V7N)— The Sundarbans, one of the most famous natural reserves in the world, has seen an unexpected influx of tourists during the Puja holidays, with the final day of the four-day break witnessing the largest number of visitors. Families, groups of friends, and nature lovers flocked to the Sundarbans to enjoy the long holiday, although the region is typically a winter tourist destination.

Visitors were treated to the stunning beauty of the Sundarbans, rich in biodiversity, while also sharing their concerns about the lack of basic amenities in some tourist spots. Despite this, tourists found joy in the unique experience of exploring the world's largest mangrove forest.

Nature's Pull vs. Wildlife Fear

Many visitors expressed a mixture of excitement and nervousness as they ventured deep into the forest. Jahanara Afroz , a teacher from Asha St. Martin, shared her experience of visiting the Karamjal Tourist Center : "There’s always a fear of wildlife attacks, but I saw monkeys, deer, and crocodiles, which I really enjoyed."

Ataur Rahman , a businessman from Chapainawabganj, Rajshahi, spoke about his love for nature and how it had brought him to the Sundarbans for the second time. "The pull of nature is irresistible," he said. "It’s wonderful to enjoy the beauty of both life and nature."

However, some visitors expressed disappointment, particularly the younger ones. A school student from Comilla noted, "I couldn’t see a tiger because of the rain. It would have been amazing to see one, but I still enjoyed the other animals."

Lack of Basic Amenities

While the natural beauty of the Sundarbans left tourists mesmerized, several pointed out the need for better facilities. Jannatul Ferdous and Aminul , a couple from Chandpur, voiced their discomfort about the lack of electricity at tourist spots. "It’s been really tough in the heat without electricity, and there’s no proper drinking water or even water for washing hands and faces," Jannatul shared. "It has dampened our joy."

Sakhawat Hossain from Gopalganj echoed similar sentiments, stating that while the overall management was satisfactory, it could definitely be improved.

Tourist Surge Amid Changing Political Climate

The surge in visitors during the Puja holidays is a result of the shifting political climate, according to Md. Azad Kabir , Officer-in-Charge of the Karamjal Tourist Center . He said, "The number of tourists is increasing, especially during holidays like this. We're doing our best to provide good service, and we want people to have such a positive experience that they return."

The sudden influx of tourists during the Puja break has not only added vibrancy to the Sundarbans but also underscored the need for better infrastructure to meet the expectations of both local and international visitors. Though the scenic charm of the forest remains a powerful draw, enhancing facilities will make the experience more enjoyable for all who venture into this natural wonder.

END/AHS/AJ