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Find Places to Stay Near Sundarbans
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About
The Sundarbans is the world's largest mangrove forest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Spread across the delta of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers, this magical forest covers about 10,000 square kilometers, with around 6,017 square kilometers in Bangladesh.
The name "Sundarbans" comes from the Sundari trees (Heritiera fomes) that grow abundantly here.
Why Sundarbans is Special
The Sundarbans is home to the famous Royal Bengal Tiger.
About 100-150 tigers live in the Bangladesh part of the forest, making it one of the last strongholds of this majestic animal.
Unlike other tigers, these have adapted to swimming through tidal waters and hunting in mangrove swamps.
The forest is a natural wonder of biodiversity.
It shelters over 260 bird species, 120 fish species, 50 reptile species, and 8 amphibian species.
You can spot spotted deer, wild boars, rhesus macaques, water monitors, estuarine crocodiles, and the rare Ganges River dolphin.
The forest's unique ecosystem where freshwater meets saltwater creates a habitat unlike any other place on earth.
The Forest Landscape
The Sundarbans is a maze of tidal waterways, mudflats, and small islands covered with salt-tolerant trees.
The Sundari trees dominate the forest with their distinctive breathing roots (pneumatophores) that rise from the water.
Other common trees include Gewa, Goran, Keora, and Golpata palms whose leaves locals use for thatching roofs.
The tides change the forest twice daily.
At high tide, water covers much of the forest floor, and the trees seem to grow from the water itself.
At low tide, the mudflats appear, revealing crabs, mudskippers, and other creatures.
This constant change makes every visit a different experience.
Gateway for Visitors
Khulna city serves as the main gateway to the Sundarbans.
From here, visitors travel to Mongla Port or Morrelganj to board boats that take them into the forest.
The Forest Department has set up several tourist spots including Karamjal Wildlife Breeding Center, Harbaria, Kotka, and Hiron Point, each offering unique wildlife viewing opportunities.
The Sundarbans is not just a forest—it is a living, breathing ecosystem that protects the coast from cyclones and provides livelihoods to millions.
Visiting here is a chance to witness nature at its most powerful and pristine.
Visitor Information
Entry Fee
Forest Entry Permit (Required from Forest Department)
Camera/Video Charges
Boat Charges
Forest Guide (Compulsory)
Important Notes
Opening Hours
The Sundarbans is accessible year-round, but visiting hours are controlled by the Forest Department for safety reasons.
Daily Access Hours
Forest Office Hours (Khulna)
Important Timing Notes
Time Needed
Minimum: 2-3 Days (Basic Experience)
A 2-3 day trip allows you to visit the key spots near the forest edge.
You can explore Karamjal Wildlife Breeding Centre, take a boat tour through the main channels, and get a taste of the mangrove ecosystem.
This is best for those with limited time or budget.
Recommended: 4-5 Days (Complete Experience)
A 4-5 day trip gives you time to venture deeper into the forest.
You can visit multiple forest stations like Kotka, Katka, and Harbaria.
This duration allows for better wildlife spotting chances and a more relaxed exploration pace.
You might spot deer, crocodiles, and if lucky, the Royal Bengal Tiger.
Extended: 6-7 Days (Thorough Exploration)
For wildlife enthusiasts and photographers, 6-7 days allows visiting remote areas with fewer tourists.
You can wait at tiger watching spots during the best hours and explore rarely visited channels.
This trip offers the highest chance of meaningful wildlife encounters.
Time Breakdown
Overnight Stays
All visitors must stay on boats anchored at designated spots.
Plan for at least 2 nights in the forest for a meaningful experience.
How to Reach
The Sundarbans can be reached from Khulna city, which serves as the main gateway.
Here are the different ways to get there:
Step 1: Reaching Khulna
From Dhaka
From Chittagong
Step 2: Getting Permits
Before heading to the forest, obtain permits from the Divisional Forest Office in Khulna (near Circuit House).
This takes 1-2 hours.
Most tour operators can arrange permits for you.
Step 3: Reaching the Forest Entry Points
Via Mongla Port (Most Common)
From Khulna, travel to Mongla Port (about 45 km, 1.5-2 hours by road).
Boats for Sundarbans depart from here.
This is the preferred route for most tourists.
Via Morrelganj
An alternative entry point via Bagerhat district.
Less crowded but longer journey.
Via Satkhira
Entry from the western side of Sundarbans, suitable for visitors coming from Jessore or India border.
Boat Travel Options
Tips for Smooth Travel
Facilities
Available Facilities
At Entry Points (Khulna/Mongla)
On Tourist Boats
At Karamjal Wildlife Breeding Centre
At Forest Stations (Kotka, Katka, Harbaria)
Limited/Not Available Inside Forest
Accessibility Note
The Sundarbans is not accessible for people with mobility difficulties.
All travel is by boat, and walking trails can be uneven and muddy.
Visitors should be in reasonable physical condition.
Things to Do
Wildlife Safari by Boat
The main activity in Sundarbans is cruising through the forest channels looking for wildlife.
You can spot spotted deer, wild boar, monkeys, crocodiles, water monitors, and many bird species.
With luck, you might glimpse the famous Royal Bengal Tiger swimming or resting on the riverbanks.
Tiger Watching
Dedicated tiger watching points at Kotka and Katka give you the best chance of spotting this magnificent predator.
The best times are early morning and late afternoon when tigers come to drink water.
Bird Watching
Over 260 bird species call Sundarbans home.
Look for white-bellied sea eagles, kingfishers, herons, egrets, and during winter, migratory birds from distant lands.
Bring binoculars for the best experience.
Visiting Karamjal Wildlife Breeding Centre
This center near the forest entrance lets you see crocodiles, deer, and other forest animals up close.
It has wooden walkways through the mangroves and is a good introduction to the ecosystem.
Exploring Mangrove Trails
At certain forest stations, you can walk on elevated wooden trails through the mangrove forest.
These trails offer close-up views of the unique breathing roots of Sundari trees and various plant species.
Dolphin Spotting
The Pashur and Baleshwar rivers are home to the endangered Ganges River dolphin and Irrawaddy dolphin.
Early morning boat rides offer the best chances to see these playful creatures.
Fishing (Seasonal)
Watch local fishermen cast their nets in traditional ways.
Some tours allow visitors to try their hand at fishing in designated areas.
Photography
The Sundarbans offers endless opportunities for wildlife, landscape, and nature photography.
The play of light through the mangrove canopy and reflections in the water create stunning images.
Sunset and Sunrise Views
Watching the sun rise or set over the mangrove forest from your boat is a magical experience.
The sky turns brilliant shades of orange and pink, reflected in the calm waters.
Do's and Don'ts
DO
DO NOT
Safety Tips
Tiger Safety
The Royal Bengal Tiger is a real danger in the Sundarbans.
Always stay with your group and guide.
Never wander alone, even for a few meters.
Tigers are excellent swimmers and can attack from water.
Wear a mask on the back of your head—tigers typically attack from behind.
If you spot a tiger, remain calm, do not run, and slowly back away while maintaining eye contact.
Crocodile Safety
Estuarine crocodiles live throughout the Sundarbans waterways.
Never dangle hands or feet in the water.
Stay well back from the water's edge when on land.
Do not swim or wade in any water body.
Crocodiles can be hidden just beneath the surface.
Boat Safety
Always wear life jackets when on boats, especially in rough weather.
Do not stand or lean over the boat's edge.
Stay seated during navigation.
Ensure your boat has safety equipment including life jackets, first aid kit, and communication devices.
Check weather forecasts daily.
If storms approach, return to a safe anchorage immediately.
Snake and Insect Safety
Wear long pants and closed shoes when walking in the forest.
Check your shoes and clothes for insects before wearing.
Shake out bedding if sleeping on the boat.
Use mosquito nets at night.
Carry insect repellent and use it regularly.
If bitten by any creature, seek medical attention immediately.
Weather Safety
Cyclones are common from April to November.
Never ignore weather warnings from authorities.
Return to Khulna if a cyclone warning is issued.
Avoid travel during heavy rain or storms.
Fog can reduce visibility dangerously in winter mornings.
Heat stroke is a risk during summer—stay hydrated.
Health Precautions
Bring sufficient medicines including anti-diarrhea, motion sickness, and pain relief medications.
There are no medical facilities in the forest.
Drink only bottled or boiled water.
Carry oral rehydration salts for dehydration.
Check if any vaccinations are recommended before travel.
Emergency Preparedness
Keep emergency phone numbers including Forest Department, local police, and hospital.
Note that mobile coverage is limited or absent in most forest areas.
Carry a charged power bank.
Inform someone about your travel itinerary.
Follow the crew's instructions in any emergency.
Emergency Contacts
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