BD
Sundarbans
The world's largest mangrove forest and home of the Bengal tiger
The world's largest mangrove forest and home of the Bengal tiger
The only way through the Sundarbans is by boat, gliding down tidal channels walled with tangled mangrove roots. Multi-day cruises from Khulna and Mongla are the classic way to explore the labyrinth of waterways.
💡 Book a licensed multi-day cruise; day trips barely scratch the surface of the delta.
The Sundarbans shelters the largest single population of Royal Bengal tigers on earth, famous for being strong swimmers. Sightings are rare and never guaranteed, but the thrill of their presence charges every channel.
💡 Tigers are elusive; go for the whole ecosystem rather than a guaranteed sighting.
The Kotka sanctuary in the forest’s south offers watchtowers, short guided forest walks and grasslands where spotted deer, wild boar and monkeys gather near the Bay of Bengal.
💡 Forest walks require an armed guard and permit, arranged through your cruise operator.
The delta is a birdwatcher’s dream, alive with kingfishers, herons, eagles and egrets, best seen from the quiet upper deck of a boat as it drifts along the narrower creeks.
💡 Bring binoculars and go early; birds are most active in the first hours of light.
The nearest taste of the forest for short visits, this eco-centre near Mongla has boardwalks through the mangroves and enclosures with crocodiles and deer, an easy day trip introduction.
💡 Fine for a half-day, but the real forest lies deeper and needs an overnight boat.
On a Sundarbans cruise all meals are cooked on board: fresh river fish and prawns, rice, lentils and vegetable curries, served on deck between excursions. Bring any special snacks or drinks with you, as there are no shops in the forest.
Board at Khulna or Mongla and cruise into the forest, stopping at Karamjal and drifting the channels at dusk.
Full day of small-boat creek excursions, a guarded forest walk and wildlife watching from watchtowers.
Reach the Kotka grasslands near the sea, then begin the slow cruise back upriver.
The forest can only be visited on a licensed cruise; there are no roads or lodges inside.
Forest entry permits and armed guards are mandatory and arranged by the operator.
Bring binoculars and patience; the reward is the ecosystem, not a guaranteed tiger.
Pack insect repellent and long sleeves for the mangrove excursions.
The megacity of Dhaka, the long beach at Cox’s Bazar, the Sundarbans mangroves, the tea hills of Srimangal and the peaks of Bandarban — the range of Bangladesh.