TRAVEL TO TIGERS HOME: How to go to Sundarbans, where to stay, how much it costs & Foods.

 

M.AMINUR RAHMAN.

 

The Sundarbans, located in the southwestern part of Bangladesh, is a mesmerizing natural wonder and the largest mangrove forest in the world. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its unique ecosystem, where freshwater from the rivers meets the saline waters of the Bay of Bengal. The Sundarbans is a haven for biodiversity, home to the elusive Bengal tiger, spotted deer, crocodiles, and a myriad of bird species.

A Sundarban tour in Bangladesh offers an unforgettable adventure through a network of meandering rivers and narrow creeks, surrounded by lush greenery and intertwined roots of the mangrove trees. Travelers can explore the dense forest on traditional wooden boats, allowing them to witness the rich flora and fauna up close. The mysterious and tranquil ambiance of the Sundarbans creates a magical atmosphere, making it a haven for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Apart from wildlife spotting, the Sundarbans also provide opportunities for cultural interactions with the local communities residing on the fringes of the forest. Visitors can experience the unique lifestyle of the Sundarbans' inhabitants, who depend on the mangrove ecosystem for their livelihoods.

In addition to its natural beauty, the Sundarbans serves as a vital ecosystem service by acting as a natural barrier against cyclones and tidal surges, playing a crucial role in the ecological balance of the region. A Sundarban tour in Bangladesh promises a blend of adventure, nature exploration, and cultural immersion, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a truly unique and enriching travel experience.

What will you see in Sundarbans?

Jamtala Beach: 

The interesting place in Jamtala is the observation tower. From the tower, thousands of deer roam in the wide area, if you are lucky, you can see the Royal Bengal Tiger. Walk from Katkar Jamtala Observation Tower to Kochikhali Station of Forest Department via Kachikhali Beach. Tigers, deers, pigs, poisonous snakes etc. can be seen in the dense forest along the way. So be careful. And for this reason, there is no alternative to this place for the adventurous tourists in the beautiful environment. Really charming!

Mandarbaria Beach:

 Mandarbaria beach is like a beautiful daughter of Sundarbans and turbulent Bay of Bengal, which is still somewhat undiscovered and untouched. Here you can see sunrise and sunset. Mandarbaria is 75-80 km away from Nildumur in Burigoalini. The distance from Satkhira to Burigoalini is 75 km. You can go by car till Nildumur in Burigoalini, then you have to go 75-80 km by motor boat or speed boat.

Heeran Point:

Walk through the forest along the wooden walkway to Heeran Point and you will see monkeys, deer, guisap or crocodiles roaming around. Apart from Hiran Point, Tiger Point, Burigoalini, Herbaria etc. can also be seen if the luck is good.

Dublar Char: 

Dublar Char is a small char belonging to Sundarbans. Small rivers flow through this pasture; Those rivers merge into the Bay of Bengal. Due to the fact that the Dublar Char is located a little inside, no Dasanthari can easily enter this char.

Cuttack Beach:

 

Cuttack has a 40 feet high tower from where one can enjoy the natural beauty of the Sundarbans. There is a beautiful beach there. The beauty of the beach can be enjoyed by walking while returning from the observation tower. Abundant grass grows from Cuttack to Kachikhali. Due to which many animals have movement. Many people also call the place 'tiger place'.

where will you stay

The Sundarbans Sanctuary has accommodations at Nilakamal at Hiran Point and Kochikhali at Tiger Point and Katkaya forest department rest houses. Rent in Nilkamal for domestic tourists 3 thousand taka per room, 4 rooms 12 thousand taka. Kochikhali 3 thousand taka per room, 4 rooms 10 thousand taka. Cuttack 2 thousand taka per room, 2 rooms 4 thousand taka. But the fare to foreigners is almost double. Single, family and group accommodation facilities are available in Satkhira town next to the Sundarbans and NGO Sushilan's Resthouse and Dormitory in Munshiganj, Shyamnagar. There are tourism corporation hotels in Mangla, Pasur port has general hotels for tourists. Hotel Royal, Castle Salam, Hotel Tiger Garden, Hotel West Inn, Hotel City Inn, Hotel Millennium are quality in Khulna metropolis.

Arrangements from Dhaka

There are direct bus, train and launch services from Dhaka to Khulna. AC and non-AC are two types of buses plying. Sohag Paribahan, Hanif Enterprises and Eagle Paribahan operate regularly from Dhaka to Khulna. Cars leave for Khulna from 6 am to 11 pm. It takes 7 hours 45 minutes to reach Khulna by road from Dhaka. Launches of various companies are regularly traveling from Dhaka's Sadarghat launch terminal to Khulna.

Sundarbans visit to avoid the breath of foreign tourists

Khulna non AC bus fare-650, AC 1500 Tk. Get off the bus and take a rickshaw or auto to the launch ghat. And if you go to Khulna by train, you don't have to leave the station and take a car. Because the station and launch ghat are completely covered. There are direct buses from Sayedabad to Mongla. These semi-chair coach buses leave between 8 pm to 8.30 pm and reach Mongla between 5-6 am. Rent 450 Tk.

Tour company details

Operators usually have packages from Khulna Launch Ghat every Friday to Sunday or Monday to Thursday. Even if it is a group of 10-20 people, they can take a launch in the package. In this you will have privacy, there is a possibility of getting good service as there are less people. And the launch time from Mongla takes less than 3 hours.

Some of the companies that take travelers to Sundarbans on regular packages are:

The Guide Tours Ltd. Phone-+ 880-1711540431

Canoe & Raft Vessel Bengal Tours Ltd. Holidays Tour Phone+880-1552555550

Silver Wave, Phone- 01713453137

Khulna Badawan and OT Ali Vessel Director Panwaran Eco Tourism Ltd. Phone-01711829414

Royal Tour by Royal Gondola Vessel, Phone +880-1711295738

Sundarban Wanderers and Adventures Ltd. Phone +880-1711439557

Barsa Tourism, operator of three vessels in Satkhira, Phone +880-1715251963

Package cost:

 

A moderate tour usually costs 6-8 thousand Taka depending on the food quality and the ship. If you want a little better, there are packages up to Tk 20,000 per person. If there are 35-40 people, a three-day trip to Sundarbans is possible within 4000-5000 Taka by flooring a launch. It is easier to get a vessel by booking a month in advance.

Sundarbans Travel Fee:

 

The daily fee for each domestic tourist in the sanctuary area is Tk 150, students Tk 30, and foreign tourists Tk 1500. Outside the sanctuary, domestic tourists 70 taka and foreigners 1000 taka, students 20 takas, researchers 40 takas. Karamjal domestic 20 taka, foreign 300 taka. In addition to the fixed travel fee of the Forest Department, the daily guide fee is Tk 500, the launch crew fee is Tk 70, the security guard fee is Tk 300, the telecommunication fee is Tk 200, the video camera fee is Tk 200 for domestic tourists and Tk 300 for foreign tourists. On the occasion of Ras Purnima in Sundarbans, the fee for pilgrims is Tk 50 per person for three days, unregistered trawler Tk 800, registered trawler Tk 200, and trawler location fee Tk 200 per day.

updated march-2022.