The Sundarbans are one of the world’s largest coastal mangrove forests, home to diverse wildlife. Tourists come from all over Bangladesh to enjoy its beauty. It is also important to note the presence of tourists from different countries. Most Sundarbans tours start in Khulna. Recently, however, some tours have started from Dhaka. The advantage of traveling from Dhaka is that you don’t have to take a bus to Khulna separately; you can start your journey by ship from Dhaka. This article will enlighten you about visiting the Sundarbans from Dhaka and the things you can do there.
The Sundarbans
The word “Sundarbans” literally means “beautiful forest” or “beautiful jungle.” But why was this green forest named the Sundarbans?
Some believe that the Sundarbans were named for the abundance of Sundari trees in the forest. Others think it may have gotten its name from the ancient tribes called “Samudra Ban” or “Chandra-bandhe.” Others believe it was named for its natural beauty. The consensus is that the Sundarbans are named after the abundance of a species of tree called the Sundari tree.
Area
The Sundarbans are covered by a network of small archipelagos with marine currents, mud, and salinity of mangrove forests. The Sundarbans, which covers an area of 10,000 sq km, has 6,016 sq km in Bangladesh and the rest in India. The other portion of Sundarbans falls on the southeastern border of West Bengal in India. The Sundarbans of India consist of South 24 Parganas and North 24 Parganas of West Bengal. Satkhira, Khulna, Bagerhat, Patuakhali areas are covered in Bangladesh.
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Mangrove Forest Sundarbans in Bangladesh
Sundarbans has a specialty
During the monsoon season, the entire Bay of Bengal portion of the Sundarbans is submerged. However, it is submerged for about half of the year. The Sundarbans mangrove forest acts as a natural barrier for South Bengal. It has an elevation ranging from 0.9 to 2.11 meters above sea level.
The Sundarbans are home to a variety of species, including Sundari, Keora, Gewa, and Jhamti Garan. A variety of animals live in the Sundarbans. According to Prain’s 1903 estimates, there are 245 species of animals and 334 species of plants. There are also over two hundred and fifty species of birds, over two hundred species of fish, fourteen species of reptiles, and forty-two species of wildlife, including thirty-two species of shrimp, monkeys, deer, wild chickens, crocodiles, dolphins, pythons, and other animals. The Gewa tree is one of the major species in the saline area. Most mangrove plants are short, evergreen, or shrubby.
When most people hear the name Sundarbans, they immediately think of the Royal Bengal Tiger, which is famous all over the world. According to estimates from 2004, the Sundarbans are home to approximately 500 Royal Bengal Tigers, making it the largest tiger population in the world. However, according to a 2011 report, there are currently only about 300 tigers in the Sundarbans.
Things to do in Sundarbans
The Sundarbans are huge, muddy, and dangerous. Most of it is inaccessible. It is difficult for anyone to see it all. Therefore, various tourist spots have been created with the convenience of tourists in mind. These spots are relatively safe and easy to access. Notable among them are:
Karamjal
Karamjal looks a lot like a zoo. Here the tourists will see caged crocodiles, deer. Further, there is a long wooden walkway for walking through the forest. There is also the Watch Tower, which offers a good view of the Sundarbans. Tourists will need to go to Karamjal from Mongla port.
Hiron Point
It’s fun to walk through the wooden walkway at Hiron Point. At this time, tourists will see monkeys, deer, monitor lizards, crocodiles. The Royal Bengal Tiger roams in this area. If you are lucky, you can meet them. Or you can see the footprints.
Dublar Char
Dublar Char is a small island located in the Sundarbans, through which small rivers flow into the Bay of Bengal. Being a little inland, very few tourists come here. A wide range of fish, dried fish and crabs found here.
Kotka Beach/ Jamtola Beach
Kotka Beach is quite beautiful and clean, which is one of the most interesting places in the Sundarbans. Lots of red crabs can be seen on the beach here. This area contains three tiger hills and tiger footprints are often seen there. At night, the roar of the tiger can be heard from time to time. Many locals call Katka Beach as Jamtala Beach.
Mandarbaria Beach
Sunrise and sunset can be seen from Mandarbaria Beach.
How to go to Sundarbans from Dhaka?
There are several ways to enter the Sundarbans. Tourists can choose whichever way they want to enter. However, most people enter through Khulna. This is the easiest and most affordable option. You can travel from Dhaka to Khulna by bus, train, or boat.
Buses leave for Khulna from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. The journey from Dhaka to Khulna takes 7 hours and 45 minutes by road. Various companies regularly depart from Dhaka’s Sadarghat Launch Terminal for Khulna.
The non-AC bus fare from Khulna is around BDT 600-700, and the AC fare is around BDT 1,400. You have to get off the bus and take a rickshaw or auto to the launch ghat. If you take the train to Khulna, you don’t have to get off at the station and take a car. The station and the launch dock are close together. There are direct buses from Sayedabad to Mongla. These semi-chair coach buses leave between 8:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. and arrive in Mongla between 5:00 and 6:00 a.m. The fare is 450 BDT.
In addition to these options, visitors can contact tour companies for a hassle-free, cost-effective tour experience.
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Where to Stay in the Sundarbans
There are several options, including Nilkamal in Hiran Point, Kachikhali in Tiger Point, and the Forest Department Rest House in Katka. Nilkamal costs BDT 3,000 per room for domestic tourists and BDT 5,000 for foreigners. Kachikhali costs BDT 3,000 per room for domestic tourists and BDT 5,000 for foreigners. A room in Katka will cost BDT 2,000 for domestic tourists and BDT 5,000 for foreigners.
Best Time to Visit Sundarban
The best time to visit the Sundarbans is from October to March, during the winter season. This period offers pleasant weather, making it ideal for exploring the mangrove forests and spotting wildlife.
Detailed Overview
- Winter (October to March): This is the peak tourist season, with comfortable temperatures ranging from 10°C to 30°C. The weather is ideal for boat safaris, wildlife viewing, and enjoying the natural beauty of the Sundarbans.
- Monsoon (June to October): While the Sundarbans can be visited during the monsoon, the weather can be unpredictable with heavy rainfall and high humidity, making it less comfortable for some travelers. However, the monsoon season also has its own charm with lush greenery and the chance to experience the Hilsa festival.
- Summer (April to June): The summer months can be very hot and humid, with temperatures reaching up to 42°C. This can make it less enjoyable for some travelers, especially those not accustomed to high temperatures and humidity.
Things to consider
- Wildlife Viewing: Winter is the best time for spotting various wildlife, including the Royal Bengal Tiger, crocodiles, dolphins, and numerous bird species.
- Boat Safaris: Boat safaris are the primary way to explore the Sundarbans, and the winter months offer the most comfortable conditions for these excursions.
- Crowds: The peak season (winter) will likely mean more crowds, while the off-season (summer) will have fewer tourists.
- Local Festivals: Consider visiting during the Hilsa festival during the monsoon season for a unique cultural experience.
Tourists can visit the Sundarbans at any time of year. However, the best time to visit is from mid-October to mid-April. Most tourists come during this time to visit this beautiful forest.
FAQs about Sundarban
Which month is best for the Sundarban tour?
During winter (October–February): Winters are considered the best time to explore the Sundarbans. The cooler temperatures provide overall comfort for viewing flora and fauna, and the season is also suitable for experiencing boat safaris and other adventurous activities.
Which country owns Sundarban?
The Sundarbans freshwater swamp forests are a tropical moist broadleaf forest ecoregion located in Bangladesh and India.
Final Words
While visiting the Sundarbans, tourists may need to show photo identification to the authorities. Since you may need to walk in the dark, it is necessary to carry a flashlight. Be prepared to change your plans due to the tides. Make sure you have extra time.