Photo: Zeesan R Chowdhury, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Jamtola Beach
About Jamtola Beach
Jamtola Beach sits at the southern edge of the Sundarbans, close to Katka and not far from Kochikhali. There are no buildings, no stalls and usually no other people: just a long strip of sand, driftwood and mangrove roots meeting the open sea.
Getting there is half the experience. From the landing near Katka you walk with an armed forest guard past the Jamtola watchtower and through patches of forest and open grassland, where spotted deer often graze and fresh tracks of wild boar, and sometimes tiger, mark the trail. The walk takes roughly an hour each way, depending on the route and the tide.
Swimming is not advised: currents are strong and the beach is remote. Visitors need a Forest Department permit, and the forest is closed for three months in the monsoon, usually June to August. Evergreen Bangladesh Tours includes Jamtola on private multi-day boat trips with a local guide, together with Katka and the mangrove forest creeks.
Things to do
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Forest and grassland walk
Walk from the Katka area to the sea with an armed guard, looking for deer and tracks on the way.
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Jamtola watchtower
Stop at the tower on the way for views over the grassland and forest canopy.
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Beachcombing and photography
Explore driftwood, shells and the line where mangrove meets sand, best in the soft morning light.
Getting there
From Khulna or Mongla: reached only on overnight boat trips to Katka, followed by the walk from the landing.
From Dhaka: travel to Khulna or Mongla first by road or train.
Where to stay
You stay on your tour boat, which anchors near Katka. There is no accommodation at the beach.
Tours that visit Jamtola Beach
None of our set tours stop here yet, but we can add it to a tailor-made trip.
Questions
Can I swim at Jamtola Beach?
It is not advised. The currents are strong and the beach is remote, with no lifeguards.
How long is the walk?
Roughly an hour each way from the landing, depending on the route your guard takes and the conditions.
Do I need a guard?
Yes. All groups walk with an armed forest guard and need a permit.
Is it open all year?
No. The Sundarbans closes for three months in the monsoon, usually June to August.