A Royal Bengal Christmas

Welcome to Bengal', said the Royal Bengal Tiger.... we had been there in Kolkata for 2 days but hadn't heard such a warm welcome.

This Christmas was one of a kind for us.

Kolkata's Park Street has some of the most mesmerizing views and decorations on Christmas week! The lights going across the streets feels like colorful stars. The Santa, Christmas tree L.E.D outlines spread positivity and a whole load of Christmas cheer. Sunset at 5:30 pm makes walking through the streets in the evening feels like Winter Wonderland. What surprised me was seeing a full crowd of people walk through Park Street on Christmas evening amidst COVID. One could feel the hustle-bustle of Christmas!

Sunderbans, 3 hours from Kolkata, the biggest mangrove forest in the World is a whole different story. It spreads across parts of India and Bangladesh. Sunderbans comprises 102 islands. 54 of these are home to human settlements. The only way to connect between the islands is the local ferry. Fishing and tourism are the key trades. Locally grown fruits, vegetables, and grains cater to the local needs.

The calm seas and the Ferocious wildlife pose a challenge to the natives. It was scary to know that the Sunderbans Tiger is also known to be a maneater, and hunts about 30 human beings, often fisherman as they go about their daily business, annually. This forest can be experienced only through a boat or ferry. Sunderbans is known for the Royal Bengal Tiger. Spotting this vicious creature is extremely rare. On the other hand, the sea is absolutely beautiful! It looks like a greenish-blue wash, calm yet powerful. The sun reflecting on the water, the clear shadows of the mangroves, everything looks picture perfect.

We were wished a very special Merry Christmas by the King itself- The Royal Bengal Tiger. We never imagined that we would get to see this rare sighting on our first safari itself, but nature is never planned. Nature's call is truly a marvelous phenomenon. From navigating through the branches and roots to swimming across the canal and entering the dense trees on the other side, one could see why they were called the " Royal Bengal Tigers" and not just " Bengal Tigers."

Sunderbans is the absolute heaven for birders and is also called the Kingfisher Paradise.... 6 species out of 8 seen in just 3 days, speak a lot about the confidence of this small yet majestic bird. Speaking about majestic, the Osprey and the Crested Serpent Eagle are not far behind. On the other hand, the shy yet beautiful water cock nestled in the tree was another treat to the eyes.

Oh yes, the state animal of West Bengal is the Fishing Cat. The Leopard Cat, the Jungle Cat, and the Fishing Cat give the Royal Bengal Tiger company in the Forest. I won't be doing justice if I didn't mention the Esturian Crocodile, the Small Clawed Otters, etc. which add to the excitement in the forest. Seeing the Jungle Cat in its natural habitat, Greenland made me realize just how camouflaged animals can get. 2 kittens sat unbothered about their surroundings, their green orbs like eyes staring right at us left us all in awe. The Esturian Crocodile with its tail curled near its body, sleeping peacefully, made it look like a rock. On the other hand, there were 3 Small Clawed Otters looking for their prey. Climbing up and down Small rocks, putting their nose into holes to look for small crabs. One even almost slipped into the water. It was honestly an adorable sight.

Food at Kolkata is an integral part of their culture. From the local food at 6 Ballygunj, to the Chelo kebabs at Peter Cat, the traditional sweets at Mithai to the coffee tales at Trincas, one cannot miss the passion for the food.

Though 2021 may not have the ideal year for most of us, fun trips like this made 2021 memorable. We ended 2021 with a bang, and I hope you'll make some memories in 2021.

Let's welcome 2022 with a positive mind.

This is me signing off with a Happy New Year!