The Sundarbans is a name synonymous with natural wonder. It is the largest mangrove forest in the world. Covering an area of approximately 10,000 square kilometers, the Sundarbans is shared between Bangladesh and India. The Bangladeshi part spans 6,017 square kilometers and stretches across Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat, Patuakhali, and Barguna districts. In 1997, UNESCO declared the Sundarbans a World Heritage Site.

Rich in biodiversity, the Sundarbans can be considered a living museum of flora and fauna. It contains about 1,874 square kilometers of rivers, canals, and water bodies. The Sundarbans is home to the Royal Bengal Tiger, a variety of birds, spotted deer, crocodiles, snakes, and countless other species. There are around 350 species of plants, 120 species of fish, 270 species of birds, 42 species of mammals, 35 species of reptiles, and 8 amphibian species. The forest is named after the Sundari tree, a prominent species in the region.

Best Time to Visit the Sundarbans:

The ideal time to visit the Sundarbans is between November and February when the rivers and sea remain calm, making it possible to explore all the major attractions. Karamjal and Harbaria, accessible from Khulna and Mongla, can be visited any time of the year within a day. However, to truly experience the Sundarbans, venturing into its core areas is necessary.

Popular Tourist Spots in the Sundarbans:

The Sundarbans is a vast region, and only a few areas are accessible to tourists with permission from the Forest Department. The forest can be explored via Khulna, Bagerhat, Satkhira, and Barguna, with most tourists preferring the routes through Khulna and Mongla. Key tourist spots include Karamjal, Harbaria, Kochikhali, Kotka, Jamtala, Hiron Point, and Dublar Char.

1. Karamjal:

Close to Mongla, the gateway to the Sundarbans in Bangladesh. Karamjal is a breeding center for deer and crocodiles. It's managed by the Forest Department to conserve wildlife and educate the public about the importance of preserving these species.

• Activities: Visitors can walk along wooden trails to spot deer, crocodiles, monkeys, and a variety of plants. There are also informative displays about the forest's ecosystem and conservation efforts.

2. Harbaria:

Approximately 20 km from Mongla. Harbaria features a wooden trail that cuts through the mangrove forest. This offers an up-close view of the natural surroundings. A pond and a watchtower provide scenic views of the forest and water bodies.

• Activities: The walk takes about 30 minutes, offering a mix of adventure and tranquility. It’s a great spot for nature walks and birdwatching.

3. Kotka:

Near the Bay of Bengal. Kotka is famous for its beautiful Keora forests and the likelihood of spotting wild deer. The area is calm and serene, with a well-maintained wooden trail to explore.

• Activities: Trek through the forest trails and enjoy wildlife sightings. The trail leads to Kotka Beach, known for its scenic beauty and red crabs.

4. Kotka Beach:

Accessed from Kotka. The beach is famous for its unspoiled natural beauty, with red crabs creating patterns on the sand. It's a pristine, less commercialized area, making it ideal for peaceful relaxation and photography.

• Activities: Visitors can take a walk along the beach, enjoy the views, and spot the unique red crab artwork on the shore.

5. Jamtala Beach:

Near Kotka. Jamtala is a relatively untouched beach in the Sundarbans, offering a watchtower with panoramic views of the surrounding forest. It provides excellent opportunities for spotting wildlife and birds.

• Activities: The 3 km walk from Jamtala Ghat to the beach is a serene and beautiful journey through the forest, ideal for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

6. Mandarbaria Beach:

Accessible from Satkhira, in the western part of the Sundarbans. The Mandarbaria Beach is a quiet and scenic beach known for its stunning sunrise and sunset views. It remains less frequented by tourists, making it a hidden gem.

• Activities: Perfect for those looking to enjoy peaceful moments by the sea, away from the crowd. The beach offers an opportunity to capture stunning photographs during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.

7. Hiron Point:

Part of the eastern Sundarbans region. Hiron Point is known for its wooden trails that pass through the thick mangrove forest. It's a hotspot for wildlife sightings, including deer, monkeys, monitor lizards, crocodiles, and on rare occasions, the elusive Bengal Tiger.

• Activities: Hiron Point is a favorite for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers looking for close encounters with rare and endangered species in their natural habitat.

8. Dublar Char:

A small island at the mouth of the rivers, where they meet the Bay of Bengal. Dublar Char is unique for its cultural significance, as it’s a hub for fishing activities, especially during the “Rash Mela” festival, a major Hindu festival held annually. The island is also known for its dried fish production.

• Activities: Dublar Char’s riverside offers fishing opportunities, and the festival draws many pilgrims. It’s also a great place to observe traditional fishing techniques and the rural lifestyle of the region.

How to Travel in the Sundarbans:

You cannot explore the Sundarbans alone or in small groups of 2-3 people. To visit the interior areas of the Sundarbans, you must obtain permission from the Forest Office by paying a specified fee, and you must also be accompanied by security personnel. To visit all the attractions, using a launch or ship (Sundarban Ship) is the only viable option.

Due to security, permissions, costs, and complex procedures, the easiest and most cost-effective way to visit the Sundarbans is through a tour operator. Tour packages typically include all costs from boarding the ship until the tour concludes, including accommodations, all meals, Forest Department permits, security personnel, and guides.

Cost of Sundarbans Tour Packages:

The cost of Sundarban tour packages depends on the quality of the ship, meals, destinations, and tour duration. On average, the cost ranges from 6,000 to 14,000 BDT per person for standard ships, while luxury cruises (AC Luxury Cruise Ships) cost 15,000 to 25,000 BDT per person. Packages usually last 2 nights and 3 days or 3 nights and 4 days.

If you have a group of 30-40 people, you can rent a launch or ship yourself. In that case, the cost will depend on the type of services you choose.

Routes to Sundarbans:

You can travel to the Sundarbans via Khulna or Mongla, the two most popular routes. Ships departing from Khulna enter the Sundarbans via Mongla.

• From Dhaka to Khulna

  • Direct bus or train services are available.
  • Non-AC buses: 650-700 BDT, AC buses: 700-1,400 BDT (depart from Gulistan, Saidabad, or Gabtoli).
  • Trains:
    • Sundarban Express: Departs at 8:15 AM.
    • Chitra Express: Departs at 7:30 PM.
    • Jahanabad Express: Departs at 8:00 PM.
    • Fares range from 445 to 2,168 BDT, depending on class.

• From Dhaka to Mongla

  • Semi-chair coach buses like Comfort Line, Diganta, Rajdhani, and Arman operate directly. Fares range from 450-500 BDT for non-AC buses.

If you prefer better buses to Mongla, you can take a Khulna-bound bus and get off at Katakhali Mor (before Khulna). From there, Mongla is 26 km away and accessible by bus, Mahindra, CNG, or bike.

By road via the Padma Bridge, it takes about 5 hours from Dhaka to Khulna or Mongla.

Costs for Independent Travel:

If traveling independently, you will need to pay individual entry fees for each location:

• Sanctuary Area:
  • Domestic tourists: 150 BDT/day, Students: 30 BDT, Foreign tourists: 1,500 BDT.
• Non-Sanctuary Area:
  • Domestic tourists: 70 BDT/day, Students: 20 BDT, Foreign tourists: 1,000 BDT, Researchers: 40 BDT.
• Karamjal:
  • Domestic tourists: 46 BDT, Foreign tourists: 575 BDT.

Additional costs include:

• Guide fee: 500 BDT/day
• Security guards: 300 BDT/day
• Launch crew fee: 70 BDT/day
• Telecommunication fee: 200 BDT/day
• Video camera fee: Domestic: 200 BDT, Foreign: 300 BDT.

Budget-Friendly Day Tours:

For a low-cost day tour, you can visit Karamjal or Harbaria tourist centers from Mongla. Leaving early in the morning allows you to visit both places in a single day.

• Boat rentals:
  • Karamjal only: 1,000-1,500 BDT
  • Both Karamjal and Harbaria: 3,500-5,000 BDT (choose a good-quality trawler).

Entry fees:

• Karamjal: 46 BDT/person
• Harbaria: 172 BDT/person (requires office permission and a guide).

Carry your lunch from Mongla. On a budget tour with a group from Dhaka, the total cost per person is approximately 2,500-3,000 BDT. Visiting only Karamjal reduces costs further.

Resort Stay in Sundarbans:

Several eco-friendly resorts near Mongla offer comfortable stays year-round, providing excellent facilities for exploring the natural beauty of the Sundarbans. If you prefer a relaxing stay amidst nature, these resorts are a great option.

Where to Stay:

• On Ships or Launches: Arrangements for sleeping are provided.
• Forest Department Resthouses: Available at Kachikhali (Tiger Point), Nilkamal (Hiron Point), and Kotka.
• Mongla: Tourist Corporation hotels and standard hotels near Pashur Port.
• Khulna City: Options include Hotel Royal, Castle Salam, Hotel Tiger Garden, Hotel West Inn, Hotel City Inn, and Hotel Millennium.
• Satkhira and Shyamnagar: Basic hotels and NGO dormitories (e.g., Sushilon).

For more details on resorts, click on the best Sundarbans resorts and cottages.

Tips for Visiting the Sundarbans:

• Many areas in Sundarban have no mobile network coverage; some places have Teletalk network access.
• Carry all necessary items before boarding the ship.
• Keep safe drinking water with you.
• Take essential medicines and a first-aid kit along.
• Before booking a ship/package, thoroughly research the agency.
• To experience the true beauty of Sundarban, opt for a 2-3 night ship package.
• Ensure which ship/launch will be used for the trip beforehand.
• Avoid special holidays to reduce travel costs.
• Keep a copy of your national ID card with you.
• If budget is not an issue, travel via a luxury ship.
• Follow the tour guide’s instructions.
• Stay together when entering the forest.
• For safety, hire skilled and armed forest guards during the trip.
• If visiting during winter, carry good quality winter clothing.
• Avoid activities that could harm Sundarban’s nature.

A trip to Sundarban is a journey into nature's most breathtaking wonder, offering a rare combination of serenity and adventure. From the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger to diverse wildlife, mangrove forests, and pristine beaches, Sundarban showcases unparalleled biodiversity. Whether exploring the tranquil rivers, walking the wooden trails, or witnessing the cultural festivities, every moment in Sundarban creates lasting memories. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, follow guidelines, respect the environment, and embrace the charm of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sundarban is not just a destination; it’s a treasure that inspires awe and reminds us to cherish nature’s beauty.

Attention: Any tourist destination is a national treasure. Refrain from doing anything that harms nature and its beauty. Encourage others to do the same. The world is ours, and it is our responsibility to take care of everything it has.

Caution: Hotel, resort, transportation rentals, and other expenses are subject to change over time. Therefore, the information provided in this travel guide may not always match current details. Please verify updated information before planning your trip. Additionally, for your convenience, contact numbers for hotels, resorts, transportation, and other services are included from various sources. Before making any financial transactions through these contacts, ensure proper verification. This travel guide will not be held responsible for any financial losses or issues that may arise.