The Sundarbans: A Natural Wonder of Bangladesh

Sundarbans Area

The Sundarbans cover an area of ​​about 10,000 square kilometers, of which about 6,000 square kilometers lie in Bangladesh. It extends along the southwestern coast of Bangladesh, where the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers meet in the Bay of Bengal. This vast forest is made up of dense mangroves, waterways, small islands and mud flats, making it a unique and important ecosystem.

Distance from Dhaka

The Sundarbans are located about 320 km southwest of Dhaka. It is a remote area, so reaching it requires a combination of car and boat transport. Although it is not the closest destination from the capital, a journey to the Sundarbans is an adventure in itself.

Communication System

There are various ways to reach Sundarbans from Dhaka. Due to the remote location, the journey usually involves both road and river travel.

By Air and Road: The quickest way to reach the Sundarbans is a flight from Dhaka to Jessore, which takes about 45 minutes. From Jessore, you can drive to Mongla or Khulna, the two main gateways to the Sundarbans. The road journey takes around 2-3 hours. Flights usually cost between Rs 3,000 and Rs 6,000.

By Bus and Road: For budget travelers, buses from Dhaka to Khulna or Mongla are available. Buses like Green Line, Sohag and Hanif operate comfortable services. The bus journey takes about 8-10 hours and costs between Rs 700 and 1,500.

By Train : Although train services are available from Dhaka to Khulna, they are less popular due to the long journey of around 10 hours. Tickets cost around Rs 300 to Rs 1,000 depending on the class.

By Boat : Once you reach Mongla or Khulna, you need to board a boat to explore the Sundarbans. Boats can be rented individually or as part of a tour package.

Approximate Travel Expenses

Airfare to Jessore: 3,000 – 6,000 BDT (per person)

Bus fare to Khulna or Mongla: Rs 700 – 1,500 (per person)

Private car rental in Mongla or Khulna: 3,000 – 5,000 Tk

Boat Rentals : Prices vary based on boat size and duration, usually from 10,000 to 30,000 BDT per day for private boat tours.

Interesting Places of Sundarbans

Sundarbans is home to natural beauty and wildlife. Here are some places to visit:

Royal Bengal Tiger Sanctuary: Sundarbans is home to the famous Royal Bengal Tiger. Although sightings of tigers are rare due to their elusive nature, the thrill of exploring their habitat is unforgettable.

Hiran Point: A popular spot for tourists, Hiran Point offers wildlife viewing opportunities such as deer, monkeys and various species of birds.

Katka Beach and Wildlife Sanctuary: Located deep in the forest, Katka Beach is a primitive area where you can enjoy the beauty of the coast. The nearby wildlife sanctuary is also a great place to observe animals in their natural habitat.

Karamjal Wildlife Breeding Centre: This center focuses on the breeding of endangered species like crocodiles and deer. It is an educational place for tourists to learn more about the conservation efforts of the Sundarbans.

Tin Kona Island: Known for its wildlife, Tin Kona Island is another popular spot for visitors to watch deer and birds.

Safe and Reliable Accommodation

Accommodation in and around the Sundarbans is somewhat limited, but there are a few options for different types of travelers:

Eco-Resorts and Hotels in Khulna and Mongla: Many tourists prefer to stay in Khulna or Mongla before their boat trip to the Sundarbans. Eco-friendly resorts like Sundarbans Tiger Camp and local hotels offer comfortable accommodation, with prices ranging from Rs 3,000 to Rs 8,000 per night.

Boat Accommodation: Some tour operators offer boat accommodation if you are on a multi-day tour. These boats are equipped with basic facilities like cabins, bathrooms and a dining area. This long tour will give you a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the forest.

Guest Houses: For budget travelers, guest houses are available in Khulna and Mongla, with basic amenities priced between Rs 800 and Rs 2,000 per night.

Restaurants and Excellent Seafood

Sundarbans, being close to the coast, is known for its fresh seafood. Most of the food will be covered by your tour package, but in Khulna and Mongla, there are several restaurants that serve delicious seafood.

Local restaurants: Family-run eateries in Khulna and Mongla offer fresh fish, prawns and crabs. Some notable restaurants include Hotel Royal, City Inn Restaurant and Pan kauri Restaurant.

Seafood: Prawns are particularly popular in the region. Dishes like fried fish, prawn curry and crab masala are very tasty. Local restaurants also serve traditional Bengali dishes with rice and fish curries.

Meals on board: If you are on a boat, meals will often be prepared by the sailor. Locally caught fresh fish, prawns and other seafood are a regular part of the menu, along with Bengali-style rice, dal (lentils) and vegetables.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Sundarbans is from November to February during the winter season. This is the ideal time as the weather is cool and pleasant during this time which makes it easy for you to explore mangrove forests, wildlife watching and boat trips.

Warning for Tourists

Sundarbans is a wild and remote region, so it is important to take some precautions to ensure your safety and an enjoyable experience:

Wildlife Protection: Always follow your guide's instructions while exploring the forest. Avoid traveling alone, as the forest is home to dangerous wildlife including tigers and crocodiles.

Protection from Mosquitoes: Sundarbans is a tropical region with lots of water bodies, making it prone to mosquitoes. Bring mosquito repellent and wear long-sleeved clothing to avoid bites.

Water and food safety: Stick to bottled water and eat food prepared by trusted sources to avoid foodborne illness.

Sun Protection: The sun can be strong, especially during the dry season. Wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen to protect yourself.

Environmental Care: Help protect the Sundarbans by not littering and respecting wildlife and the natural environment. Avoid using plastic and choose eco-friendly products.

Travel Insurance: Consider getting travel insurance, especially if you're embarking on a multi-day trip to a remote area.

Sundarbans is an extraordinary destination, offering an adventure in one of the most unique ecosystems in the world. Whether you want to explore its wildlife, relax on its remote beaches or learn about its rich biodiversity, the Sundarbans has something for everyone. With a variety of accommodation options, delicious seafood and proper precautions, a trip to the Sundarbans is both safe and unforgettable.

So, pack your bags and get ready to travel to the heart of the world's largest mangrove forest - the Sundarbans.