Mongla Port Area

District:Bagerhat•Division:Khulna

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1/8/2026

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About

Bangladesh's Gateway to the Sundarbans

Mongla Port is the second largest seaport in Bangladesh, sitting on the banks of the Pashur River.

More than just a commercial hub, it's the main launching point for trips into the world-famous Sundarbans mangrove forest.

The bustling port town offers a unique glimpse into Bangladesh's maritime life.

Why Visit Mongla Port

•Watch massive cargo ships and ocean-going vessels

•Starting point for Sundarbans tours

•Experience a working river port atmosphere

•See the meeting point of commerce and nature

•Unique riverfront scenery

The Working Port

Mongla handles millions of tons of cargo each year.

Standing by the river, you'll see container ships, bulk carriers, and traditional wooden boats all sharing the water.

The contrast between modern shipping and age-old fishing traditions makes for fascinating viewing.

Gateway to the Sundarbans

Most Sundarbans tours begin from Mongla or nearby Sundarbans Gateway Points.

Tour boats depart from here to explore the mangrove forest, home to the Royal Bengal Tiger.

Even if you're not going into the Sundarbans, the port area gives you a taste of what lies beyond - the vast network of rivers and channels that make up the world's largest mangrove ecosystem.

The Town Itself

Mongla town has grown around the port.

You'll find:

•Riverside ghats where locals gather

•Fish markets with fresh catches

•Small restaurants serving river fish

•A relaxed, small-town atmosphere

Combine with Bagerhat Heritage

Mongla is just 35 km from the Sixty Dome Mosque and other UNESCO World Heritage sites in Bagerhat.

Many visitors combine a heritage tour of the ancient mosques with a trip to see the modern port and arrange Sundarbans excursions.

Best Experience

The port is most active during morning hours when ships are loading and unloading.

Evening offers beautiful sunset views over the river, with silhouettes of ships against the orange sky.

Nearby Places

•Sundarbans Gateway Points - Entry to the mangrove forest

•Khan Jahan Ali Bridge - Scenic river crossing

•Sixty Dome Mosque - UNESCO World Heritage Site

•Khan Jahan Ali's Tomb - Historic mausoleum

Visitor Information

Entry Fee

Free to Visit Public Areas

No entry fee to visit the public areas of Mongla Port town:

•Riverside ghats: Free

•Fish markets: Free

•Town area: Free

Sundarbans Tour Costs (if booking from here)

•Day trip: ৳2,000-4,000 per person

•Overnight tours: ৳5,000-15,000 per person

•Depends on boat type, duration, and group size

Opening Hours

Port Town - Always Accessible

Mongla town is accessible 24 hours, but activities vary:

Best Times to Visit

•Morning (6 AM - 10 AM): Port activity at peak, fish market busy

•Afternoon (3 PM - 5 PM): Good for riverside walks

•Sunset (5 PM - 6:30 PM): Beautiful views over Pashur River

Fish Market Hours

•Early morning: 5 AM - 8 AM (freshest catch)

•Evening: 4 PM - 7 PM

Sundarbans Tour Boats

•Usually depart: 7 AM - 9 AM

•Book previous day for early departures

Time Needed

2-4 Hours for Port Area

For exploring Mongla town and port:

•Quick visit: 1-2 hours (riverside, basic sightseeing)

•Full exploration: 3-4 hours (fish market, ghats, town)

•Including boat ride: Add 1-2 hours

If Planning Sundarbans Tour

•Day trip: Full day (6-8 hours)

•Overnight: 2-3 days

•Extended tour: 4-5 days

Suggested Itinerary

•Morning: Fish market, port activity

•Afternoon: Riverside walk, photography

•Evening: Sunset at the ghat

Best Time to Visit

October to March

Winter is ideal for visiting Mongla:

•Pleasant weather for outdoor exploration

•Best season for Sundarbans tours

•Clear skies for photography

•Active wildlife in the Sundarbans

Monsoon (June-September)

•River at its fullest

•Dramatic cloud formations

•Some Sundarbans tours may be limited

•More mosquitoes - bring repellent

Avoid

•Peak summer (April-May): Very hot and humid

•Cyclone season: Check weather warnings

Estimated Cost

Estimated Costs for Visiting Mongla Port Area

Transportation

*From Khulna:*

•Bus: ৳80-120 one way

•CNG (reserved): ৳500-700

•Private car fuel: ৳400-500 round trip

*From Bagerhat:*

•Bus: ৳50-70

•CNG: ৳300-400

Accommodation (if staying overnight)

•Budget hotel: ৳800-1,500/night

•Mid-range hotel: ৳2,000-3,500/night

•Guest houses: ৳500-1,000/night

Food

•Local restaurant meal: ৳150-300

•Fresh fish dishes: ৳200-400

•Tea and snacks: ৳30-50

Activities

•River boat ride (1-2 hours): ৳300-600

•Local sightseeing by CNG: ৳200-300

Sundarbans Tour (if booking from Mongla)

•Day trip (group): ৳2,000-4,000/person

•2-day tour: ৳5,000-8,000/person

•3-day tour: ৳8,000-15,000/person

•Includes boat, meals, permits, guide

Total Budget Estimate

•Day visit from Khulna: ৳500-1,000

•Overnight stay: ৳2,000-4,000

•With Sundarbans day trip: ৳4,000-6,000

How to Reach

From Khulna

Mongla is well-connected to Khulna city:

By Bus

•Regular buses from Khulna bus terminal

•Journey time: 1.5-2 hours

•Fare: ৳80-120

•Buses run throughout the day

By Private Vehicle/CNG

•Distance: About 48 km

•Time: 1-1.5 hours

•Road condition: Generally good

•Can stop at Khan Jahan Ali Bridge on the way

From Bagerhat

•Distance: About 35 km

•Bus: ৳50-70, 45 minutes

•CNG: ৳300-400

•Can visit UNESCO sites first, then come to Mongla

From Dhaka

•Bus to Khulna (7-8 hours), then local transport

•Or bus directly to Mongla (available but limited)

•Total journey: 8-10 hours

•Night buses available

By Water (scenic route)

•Launch from Dhaka to Mongla

•Overnight journey

•A memorable experience through river Bangladesh

Facilities

Facilities in Mongla Port Area

Accommodation

•Several hotels in Mongla town

•Budget to mid-range options

•Some hotels arrange Sundarbans tours

•Book ahead during peak season (Nov-Feb)

Food & Dining

•Local restaurants serving fresh river fish

•Small eateries and tea stalls

•Fish markets for the freshest catch

•Limited upscale dining options

Transportation

•CNG and auto-rickshaws available

•Bus connections to Khulna and Bagerhat

•Boat rentals for river tours

•Tour operators for Sundarbans trips

Essential Services

•Banks and ATMs in town

•Mobile network coverage

•Petrol pumps

•Basic medical facilities

•Police station

Tour Services

•Sundarbans tour operators

•Licensed boat services

•Forest department permits available

•Guides can be arranged

Things to Do

Things to Do in Mongla Port Area

Watch Port Activity

•See massive cargo ships loading and unloading

•Observe traditional fishing boats alongside modern vessels

•Watch the busy riverside operations

•Great photography opportunities

Visit the Fish Market

•Experience the morning catch auction

•See varieties of river and sea fish

•Buy fresh fish to cook later

•Interact with friendly fishermen

Riverside Walk

•Stroll along the Pashur River ghats

•Watch sunset over the water

•See silhouettes of ships in evening light

•Enjoy the cool river breeze

Boat Rides

•Short river tours (1-2 hours)

•See the port from the water

•Visit nearby river islands

•Photography from the boat

Sundarbans Tours (arranged from Mongla)

•Day trips into the mangrove forest

•Multi-day wildlife tours

•Chance to see Royal Bengal Tigers

•Explore the world's largest mangrove ecosystem

Explore the Town

•Local tea stalls and eateries

•Small shops and markets

•Experience small-town Bangladesh

•Friendly locals happy to chat

Do's and Don'ts

DOs (Do These)

✓Carry mosquito repellent - essential in this area

✓Drink bottled water only

✓Book Sundarbans tours through licensed operators

✓Respect port workers - don't interfere with their work

✓Try the local river fish - it's delicious

✓Carry cash - card payments limited

DON'Ts (Avoid These)

✗Don't enter restricted port areas without permission

✗Don't photograph military or sensitive installations

✗Don't book tours from unlicensed operators

✗Don't throw garbage in the river

✗Don't swim in the river - strong currents

✗Don't travel after dark in unfamiliar areas

Safety Tips

Safety Tips for Mongla Port Area

Health Precautions

•Mosquitoes are common - use repellent constantly

•Drink only bottled or boiled water

•Be cautious with street food

•Carry basic medicines

•Nearest good hospital in Khulna

Water Safety

•Don't swim in the river - currents are dangerous

•Wear life jacket on all boat trips

•Avoid overloaded boats

•Check weather before river activities

Port Area Safety

•Stay in designated public areas

•Don't wander into industrial zones

•Watch for moving vehicles and cargo

•Keep away from loading operations

For Sundarbans Tours

•Only use licensed tour operators

•Ensure forest department permits

•Carry first aid kit

•Inform someone of your itinerary

•Follow guide instructions strictly

General Safety

•Keep valuables secure

•Travel with companions when possible

•Have emergency contacts saved

•Mobile network available but patchy in remote areas

•Carry flashlight for evening walks

Location

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temple

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