Never ever had I imagined that gliding through the Sundarbans would be so hypnotic. With gentle hum of the engine and rhythmic splash of the water, the boat makes it way into the labyrinth of tidal creeks and the outside world seemed to fade away quietly.  

The noise replaced by an endless expanse of emerald mangroves. Surrending yourself to be dictated by the rhythm of the tides.   

The tides do far more than moving water. It feels as if the forest meditates a rhythmic breath that whispers through the mangroves. 

With every rising tide, the Sundarbans inhales, flooding its roots and creeks with life; with every retreating tide, it exhales, revealing hidden mudflats and the countless creatures that call them home.

The world's largest mangrove delta is far more than the Royal Bengal Tiger, the Saltwater Crocodile, and of course, my most-wanted sighting the Buffy Fish-Owl. A little closer, and an entirely magical world begins to unfold. 

But before we venture into that magical realm, let me first end the suspense and share a few encounters with the three icons.