The Sundarbans has resuscitated from the Sidr devastation caused about a year ago. The battered forest was a cause for worry for many who thought this world heritage site may be lost for ever. There was no harm in thinking like that -- wherever you went in the mangrove forest, all you could see is fallen trees and mud. Prospect for tourism looked bleak.
So this is the chance for you, as the winter comes, to take a tour of the Sundarbans and witness its beauty, serenity and life. Photo: Syed Zakir Hossain
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But the great forest has sprang back to life with its glory of wildlife. And tour companies are upbeat about revival of the industry. Walk along the Pashur river or go deep into the forest, as our photographer Syed Zakir Hossain did recently, you find the trees in green foliage. And animals scurrying around. The crab eating monkeys diving into the water in search of snails, an amazing sight indeed. The wild boars with their huge tusks moving around in packs. The quick-footed deer scampering into the forest at the presence of tourists. The great adjutant stork slowly winging across the creeks. The huge birds just look fabulous. The greater herons craning their necks to look around at you. The squirrel scamper up the tree trunks and wonderful sight of the woodpecker peeling away at the trees in search of insects. And the Shikra, a bird of prey, wait on a branch looking for smaller birds to pounce on. And then if you are lucky, extremely lucky, you will see the mashed finfoot, an elusive bird. 