The Sundarbans is the largest mangrove forest in the world, shared by Bangladesh and India, and the Bangladesh part is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visiting means a boat trip through rivers and creeks — here is how it works.
Book a licensed multi-day boat tour (usually 2–3 nights) starting from Khulna or Mongla; the operator arranges Forest Department permits, armed guards and guides. Go between November and February. The forest is closed to visitors from 1 June to 31 August every year for the breeding season. Tiger sightings are rare — come for the forest, birds, deer and river life.
You can't wander into the Sundarbans alone. Visitors go with licensed tour operators on boats that sleep on board. The operator handles the Forest Department permit, a guide and an armed forest guard. Typical trips last 2–3 nights and visit spots such as Kotka, Kochikhali and Harbaria, with walks on forest trails, small-boat rides into narrow creeks and early-morning wildlife watching.
Short day trips to the Karamjal centre near Mongla are possible if you have less time.
Most tours start from Khulna or Mongla. Since the Padma Bridge opened in 2022, the road from Dhaka to the south-west is much faster. You can also take a train or a flight to Jashore and continue by road. Many tour packages include pickup in Khulna.
November to February is the main season: cooler, drier and best for wildlife. The forest is closed from 1 June to 31 August each year. September–October and March can be hot and humid.
The Forest Department charges entry, guide and guard fees, with higher fees for foreign visitors than for Bangladeshis (fees were raised in 2022). Reputable tour packages include these in the price — ask what is included before you pay.
Spotted deer, monkeys, crocodiles, monitor lizards, kingfishers and many other birds. The Royal Bengal tiger lives here, but sightings are rare — footprints are more common than tigers. Respect the forest: no plastic, no loud music, no feeding animals.
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Book a licensed boat tour, usually 2 to 3 nights, starting from Khulna or Mongla. The operator arranges permits, a guide and an armed forest guard.
Every year from 1 June to 31 August for the breeding season.
November to February, when it is cooler and drier.
Possibly, but sightings are rare. Most visitors see deer, monkeys, crocodiles and many birds.
Yes. The Bangladesh part of the Sundarbans is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the forest is the largest mangrove forest in the world.
Last updated: 6 October 2026. Written by Nazrul Islam, personal shopper in Dhaka.
I can help you find a licensed tour and arrange travel to Khulna.