Sundarbans Mangrove forest

Sundarban is in the lower catchment area of the Ganges-Brahmaputra (Padman-Jamuna) river system, which is the largest sediment basin in the world. This is the largest single block of mangrove forest in the world. Sundarban of Bangladesh are Ramsar sites (wetlands of global importance) and were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for Natural Heritage Sites of Global Importance. Royal Bengal Tour is a very specialized tour company in Bangladesh that offers an adventure or research cruise to this intricate maze of tidal waterways, a natural treasure of Bangladesh.

Types of Trips to Sundarban: Adventure Tour | Wildlife Safari | Bird Watching | Nature and Ecology exploration | Research and Documentary Filming

Tour Duration: Ordinary trips are 2 Nights and 3 days or 3 Nights and 4 days staying in the forest on a boat. The duration of research trips depends on the research type, topic, location and many other things.

The Sundarbans offers stunning sights and experiences year-round, but the most pleasant time to visit is generally considered to be from October to February (winter). During this period, the weather is mild and comfortable, making it ideal for exploring the forest’s natural beauty.

From March to May (summer) and May to October (monsoon), temperatures and humidity rise, increasing the likelihood of encountering snakes and witnessing nesting activities. Please note that the Sundarbans is closed to tourists from June 1st to August 31st to help the mother forest to regenerate and for wildlife to breed.

Research trips can be conducted any time of the year. We offer tours and activities throughout the year to accommodate your preferences and schedule.

How to get there:
There are a couple of ways to reach the boat from Dhaka or any other city. Sundarban tours start and end from and to Mongla/ Khulna because all the cruising vessels are based in Mongla and Khulna. Jessore is the closest airport, well connected with a regular shuttle service to Khulna. Bus and train services exist between Dhaka and Khulna.

Flight:

Several airlines operate multiple flights daily between Dhaka and Jessore, including Biman Bangladesh, Novo Air, and US-Bangla. The flight time is approximately 40 minutes one-way.

Once in Jessore, you can take a shuttle bus offered by the airlines to Khulna at a reasonable rate. The journey takes about 2-3 hours depending on traffic. From Khulna, it’s a short 15-20 minute rickshaw ride to the boat.

If you prefer to go directly to Mongla, it’s about an hour or 45 minutes away by private car. Public bus services between Khulna and Mongla are not recommended for our guests.

We can arrange private transfers from the airport to the boat for a hassle-free journey. Please check the respective airline websites for the latest flight schedules and fares.

Train:

There are day and overnight train services between Dhaka and Khulna, offering AC and non-AC seats, as well as sleeping cabins. The journey takes approximately 8-10 hours each way, plus potential delays.

Please note that most sleeping cabins are 4-bedded, with only a limited number of 2-bedded cabins available. Due to high demand, it can be challenging to secure a 2-bedded cabin due to their high demands. If you and your partner purchase two seats in a sleeping cabin, be aware that there may be two other strangers in the same compartment.

Here is the Dhaka – Khulna – Dhaka train schedule:     

        Train            –             ETD                –     ETA        –                Day Off 

 Chitra Express          –  19:00, Dhaka       –  03:40hrs, Khulna    –   Monday 

 Chitra Express          –  09:00hrs, Khulna –  17:55hrs, Dhaka     –  Monday

 Sundarban Express  –  6:20hrs, Dhaka    –  16:10hrs, Khulna    –  Wednesday

 Sundarban Express –  20:30hrs, Khulna  –  05:40hrs, Dhaka     –  Tuesday

Public Bus:

Numerous AC and non-AC bus services operate between Dhaka and Khulna, both during the day and night. Recommended companies include Greenline, Shohag Paribahan, TR-Travels, and Desh Travels.

AC bus companies often provide comfortable and spacious seats on vehicles such as VOLVO, Hino, Hyundai, Scania, and Mercedes. The journey from Dhaka to Khulna takes approximately 4-5 hours via the newly constructed Padma Bridge, and the roads are excellent throughout the route.

Waterways:

Paddle steamer services, which were suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic, may not resume operations. Traditionally built (recycled ships) offer a unique overnight journey from Dhaka to Barisal, arriving the following morning. These vessels feature various cabin categories for a comfortable and safe trip.

Upon reaching Barisal, you can enjoy a half-day excursion to the Backwaters and floating market, followed by a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site at Bagerhat before embarking on your Sundarbans trip from Mongla.

Reserved Car Transfers:

We offer private transportation services between Dhaka and the boat, both ways, at a reasonable cost.

Accommodation in Khulna/Mongla: If you arrive in Khulna the night before your trip, you may arrange your accommodation at a suitable hotel, community space, or houseboat. In Mongla, the only option is Parjatan Motel “Pashur,” a government-owned hotel offering basic AC and non-AC rooms. While it may have limited amenities, Pashur is considered the most secure accommodation option in Mongla.

What to expect on the boat:

A Sundarbans trip typically involves a ship, launch, or houseboat for accommodation and meals throughout the excursion. Most local and foreign travelers prefer two-night/three-day trips, especially during weekends (Friday-Sunday). Day excursions to the more touristy areas of Koromjol and Herbaria forest stations are also an option.

All Sundarbans trips begin and end in Khulna or Mongla, where you’ll embark on the ship early on Day 1 and disembark on Day 3 or 4 after dinner or lunch. Accommodations are in twin-sharing bunk beds up to quadruple bunk-bed cabins. Please note that cabins do not have attached bathrooms and shared bathrooms are located on the boat’s backside on the same floor as your cabins. Some smaller boats may have a separate bathroom attached to the cabins. Currently, none of the ships have running hot water for showering, so those sensitive to cold water may request warm water from the kitchen. The number of bathrooms varies depending on the size of the boat, and both Indian style and Western style are available.

Forming a group according to your budget:

A Sundarbans trip can be either on a smaller private boat or by joining a larger group (20-50 people) on a bigger ship. Joining a larger group can often be more cost-effective for budget travelers, while a private boat trip offers a more intimate connection with nature and the forest.

Smaller group tours provide a more personalized experience, allowing for greater interaction with the forest and wildlife. However, being part of a larger group can also be interesting due to the multicultural interactions and diverse perspectives.

Ultimately, the choice of group size depends on your preferences and budget. We will tailor your trip to your specific needs and desires.

Sundarbans: A Protected Paradise

The Sundarbans is a national forest and UNESCO World Heritage site, comprised of several sanctuaries. To ensure the preservation of this pristine environment, trips to the Sundarbans are regulated. Prior permission is required for both local and foreign travelers, which we will handle on your behalf.

Before entering the forest, every tourist vessel must visit a forest ranger’s station to complete the necessary formalities and board forest-armed guards to accompany the group throughout the trip. These procedures involve associated fees.

Areas we mostly cover

What you can expect to see in the sundarban forest:

• Wildlife Encounters: While sightings aren’t guaranteed, you have a good chance of observing various wildlife, including:
• • Bengal tigers: The most sought-after wildlife in the Sundarbans, though sightings are rare.
  • Estuarine crocodiles: These reptiles can often be seen basking in the sun along riverbanks.
  • Irrawaddy dolphins: Look for these playful dolphins in the waterways.
  • Spotted deer: These graceful deer are common in the forest.
  • Rhesus macaques: Monkeys are often seen foraging in the trees.
  • Kingfishers, herons, and other waterbirds: The Sundarbans is a birdwatcher’s paradise.
• Boat Safaris: Most of your time will be spent on a boat, exploring the intricate network of rivers and canals. This allows you to experience the unique beauty of the mangrove forest.
• Nature Walks: You may have opportunities to take guided walks through the forest, learning about the diverse flora and fauna.
• Watchtower Visits: Climbing a watchtower offers panoramic views of the forest and can increase your chances of spotting wildlife.
• Local Villages: Visit nearby villages to learn about the local culture and way of life.
• Sunset and Sunrise: Enjoy breathtaking sunsets and sunrises over the Sundarbans.

The likelihood of seeing specific wildlife depends on factors like the time of year, weather conditions, and your luck. However, the Sundarbans offers a unique and unforgettable experience, regardless of wildlife sightings.

Honey Hunting trip

The Sundarbans is a significant source of honey in Bangladesh. Each year, groups of honey hunters, known as Mawalis, venture into the western part of the forest. The honey collection season begins with an official inauguration ceremony, and we offer the opportunity to accompany a group of Mawalis on their quest for precious honey from the Sundarbans.

This centuries-old tradition is a physically demanding but unforgettable adventure. While the risk of tiger attacks is real (5-10 Mawalis are attacked annually), it’s a unique opportunity to experience the thrill of a true tigerland expedition.

Get in contact with us for the date, season and further details of this special trip.

Bonbibi Mela: A Celebration of the Forest

The Sundarbans provide vital resources, including fish, shrimp, crab, wood, nypa, grass, honey, and wax, supporting the livelihoods of local communities. Fishermen, woodcutters, and honey collectors, known as Jeles, Bawalis, and Mawalis, respectively, rely on the forest’s bounty and pray for a safe return to Bonbibi, the guardian spirit revered by both Hindu and Muslim residents.

Along the forest’s edge, permanent temples are dedicated to Bonbibi. Every year, as with other Hindu goddesses in the Indian subcontinent, the clay figurines are replaced and adorned with colorful decorations. This unique festive occasion, known as Bonbibi Mela, features music, theater, and fairs, celebrating the forest’s significance and the community’s deep connection to it.

Dubla Rash Purnima Mela: A Unique Festival

The Dubla Rash Purnima Mela is one of Bangladesh’s largest fairs, held on Dubla Island, a small fishing community at the mouth of the Ganges River near the Sundarbans. Founded in 1923 by Hari Bhajan, a remarkable person who lived in the Sundarbans for over two decades, the fair is a five-day celebration held during the Rash Purnima (full moon) of the Bengali month of Agrahayan.

Thousands of fishermen gather on Dubla and nearby islands to catch and dry fish, making the fair a grand occasion for both local and foreign tourists. Approximately 40-50 thousand Hindu pilgrims attend the celebrations annually, congregating at the water’s edge in the early hours to offer prayers and seek blessings. This tour is particularly appealing to photographers and travelers interested in experiencing local culture, traditions, and festivals.

A Unique Fishing Experience: Trained Otters

Bangladesh offers a truly unique and unforgettable experience: traditional fishing with trained otters. This thousands-year-old practice is found nowhere else in the world. Fishermen from the Narail and Gopalgonj regions breed and train their otters to enhance their catch.

These skilled fishermen typically work at night in the rivers north of the Sundarbans, but they may also venture into the forest. While tours often take place in their home villages, we can arrange for you to accompany them from their village to the Sundarbans, providing a firsthand look at this fascinating tradition.

Bird Watching in the Sundarbans 🦜🌿

The Sundarbans is a paradise for birdwatchers, offering a diverse range of species, including waterbirds, raptors, woodpeckers, kingfishers, bee-eaters, cuckoos, drongos, bulbuls, and warblers. This sanctuary is home to numerous rare and endangered species, such as the Bengal tiger, the Irrawaddy dolphin, the estuarine crocodile, and the fishing cat.

The Sundarbans has played a crucial role in protecting endangered species like the White-rumped Vulture, the Masked Finfoot, the Brown-winged Kingfisher, and the Mangrove Pittosporum. Despite its significance, the avifauna of the Sundarbans remains relatively unexplored. With 299 avian species, including 160 residents and 139 migratory species, Bangladesh’s Sundarbans is a haven for bird enthusiasts. Three species are critically endangered, four are endangered, three are vulnerable, and 19 are near-threatened.
Get in contact with us for the best time for bird watching in the Sundarbans.

Bird-Watching Routes in the Sundarbans 📸🌅

Our bird-watching tours are carefully designed to cater to your specific interests, focusing on the species you most desire to see. We have identified various routes within the Sundarbans based on the habitat preferences and population densities of different bird species.

Not only a trip but a journey through the forest’s smaller creeks and channels to observe wildlife and appreciate the natural beauty. With patience as your guide, we seek the elusive Masked Finfoot, a feathered surprise that hides amongst the dense foliage and takes flight in the soft golden light. Get in contact with us for further details on it.

Join our special sundarbans cruise: