Sundarbans is a mangrove forest area in the Ganges Delta formed by the confluence of the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna Rivers in the Bay of Bengal. It spans the area from the Hooghly River in India's state of West Bengal to the Baleswar River in Bangladesh's Khulna Division. Wikipedia
Known for: Royal Bengal tigers, dense mangrove forests, tidal rivers, crocodiles, and rare wildlife
UNESCO World Heritage Site: Since 1997
Location: Southwestern Bangladesh (Khulna Division) and part of India (West Bengal)
November to March (Winter & Dry Season):
Best time for wildlife sightings, cool weather (~15–28°C), and comfortable boat rides.
April to June:
Very hot and humid — less ideal for travel.
July to October (Monsoon):
Risk of floods and cyclones — boat travel becomes difficult.
Main Entry Point: Mongla Port (in Bagerhat district)
Nearest City: Khulna (~45 km from Mongla)
From Dhaka to Khulna:
By Air: Flight to Jessore Airport, then 2–3 hours drive to Khulna.
By Train/Bus: Overnight or day trains (~8–10 hours); buses available too.
From Khulna to Sundarbans:
Private tours or boats depart from Mongla Port or Dhangmari.
Entry permits and guides are required.
Kotka Beach & Wildlife Sanctuary:
Best for tiger sightings, birdwatching, and trekking.
Kochikhali Wildlife Sanctuary:
Dense forest, watchtowers, and small creeks—good for deer and monkeys.
Hiron Point (Nilkamal):
UNESCO buffer zone with saltwater crocodiles and dolphins.
Dublar Char Island:
Famous for fishing communities and seasonal Rash Mela festival.
Karamjal Wildlife Center (near Mongla):
Easiest access point with crocodile breeding center and mangrove walkways.
Royal Bengal Tiger (rare and elusive)
Spotted deer
Saltwater crocodiles
Fishing cats, otters, wild boars
River dolphins (Gangetic)
Over 270 bird species — eagles, kingfishers, herons, storks, and woodpeckers
Boat safari through narrow canals
Watchtower visits for spotting wildlife
Guided forest walks on wooden trails
Birdwatching (especially early mornings)
Photography of sunrise/sunset over mangroves
Fishing village visit on Dublar Char
Khulna City:
Hotel Castle Salam
Tiger Garden Hotel
Hotel City Inn
Eco Lodges near Mongla:
Sundarbans Eco Resort (Dhangmari)
Bagerhat Forest Cottages
Overnight Boat Tours:
Multi-day tour packages often include sleeping cabins and meals onboard.
Basic but immersive — the best way to experience the forest.
On Boat Tours:
Freshly cooked local meals — usually fish curry, rice, lentils, and vegetables.
Seafood options (if fresh and permitted) like prawn, hilsa, and crab.
In Khulna:
Poushee Hotel (traditional Bengali meals)
City Inn Restaurant
Local street food (try fuchka, singara, mishti)
Communities:
Fisherfolk, honey collectors (Mawali), crab catchers — many live in extreme conditions.
Festivals:
Rash Mela (November): Celebrated on Dublar Char Island with Hindu rituals and fairs.
Beliefs:
Villagers often pray to Bonbibi, the forest goddess, for protection against tigers.
Book guided tours with licensed tour operators (boats, permits, and safety).
Foreign tourists need special permits — handled by your tour provider.
Bring insect repellent, sunscreen, and binoculars.
No mobile signal or Wi-Fi deep in the forest — enjoy the digital detox.
Avoid plastic — the Sundarbans is a protected eco-zone.
Day 1:
Arrive in Khulna → Travel to Mongla → Board boat → Enter Sundarbans → Visit Karamjal → Night onboard
Day 2:
Explore creeks → Visit Kotka Wildlife Sanctuary → Forest walk → Sunset view from watchtower → Overnight on boat
Day 3:
Birdwatching → Kochikhali or Hiron Point → Return to Mongla → Back to Khulna