Sundarban
About Sundarban
The Sundarbans spread across the delta where the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers meet the Bay of Bengal. About 60 percent of this vast mangrove forest lies in Bangladesh, and the Bangladeshi part has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, one of three in the country.
There are no roads here. You travel by boat along wide rivers and narrow creeks, step ashore on wooden trails at forest stations such as Katka and Harbaria, and walk out to the empty sands of Jamtola Beach. Spotted deer, rhesus macaques, kingfishers, monitor lizards and saltwater crocodiles are common sights. The Royal Bengal tiger lives here too, but it is shy and rarely seen, so come for the forest and the river life rather than a guaranteed sighting.
If you only have a day, the Karamjal Wildlife Centre near Mongla gives a short taste of the mangrove forest, with a boardwalk and a crocodile and deer breeding centre.
Most visits combine the forest with the UNESCO-listed mosque city of Bagerhat, an hour from Mongla. All trips need Forest Department permits, an armed forest guard and a licensed boat, which is why everyone visits with an operator. We arrange all of it.
Things to do
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Cruise the tidal rivers
Spend your days on deck as the boat slips between walls of mangrove. Early mornings and late afternoons are best for wildlife along the banks.
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Explore the creeks by small boat
Switch to a country boat to enter the narrow channels where the big boat cannot go. It is quiet, close to the forest and the best way to spot birds and crocodiles.
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Walk the forest trails at Katka
Katka forest station has a watchtower and trails through grassland and forest, where herds of spotted deer graze and tiger pugmarks are sometimes found.
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Visit Karamjal on a day trip
The easiest taste of the Sundarbans: a raised boardwalk, a watchtower and a breeding centre for crocodiles and spotted deer, a short boat ride from Mongla.
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Meet the people of the forest edge
Honey collectors, fishermen and crab catchers make a living on the edge of the forest. Our guides introduce you to their villages and their stories.
Getting there
From Dhaka: since the Padma Bridge opened in 2022, the drive to Mongla or Khulna takes about five to six hours. Most trips start from Mongla port or Khulna, where you board your boat.
By air: fly from Dhaka to Jessore in about 40 minutes, then drive around two hours to Khulna or Mongla.
Permits: every visit needs Forest Department permits and an armed forest guard on board. The forest is closed to visitors for three months during the monsoon, usually June to August. We arrange the permits and plan around the closure.
Where to stay
Inside the forest you sleep on board. Boats range from simple wooden launches with shared bathrooms to cabin boats with private bathrooms; we choose the boat to match your group and budget.
If you start in Khulna or stay a night after the trip, the city has comfortable business hotels. Mongla has only basic options.
Tours that visit Sundarban
Short Tours
Dhaka, Barisal & Sundarbans Heritage Tour
from $300 per person
Holiday Tours
Explore the Natural Beauty of Bangladesh
Price on request
Short Tours
Sundarbans Mangrove & Wildlife Expedition
from $500 per person
Questions
How many days do I need in the Sundarbans?
Two nights on a boat is ideal, as it lets you reach Katka and Kachikhali deep in the forest. A day trip from Mongla to Karamjal is possible but only shows the forest edge.
Will I see a Bengal tiger?
Probably not. Tigers live here but are rarely seen by visitors. You are very likely to see spotted deer, monkeys, crocodiles, kingfishers and other birds.
When is the best time to visit the Sundarbans?
November to February, when the weather is dry and cool and the rivers are calm. The forest is closed to visitors for three months in the monsoon, usually June to August.
Do I need a permit?
Yes. Every visitor needs a Forest Department permit and an armed forest guard. We arrange both as part of the tour.
Is the Sundarbans trip comfortable?
It is comfortable but simple. You sleep and eat on the boat, and the cabins depend on the boat you choose. Tell us what you need and we will match the boat to it.