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Trip to Sundarbans
$387 tour starting at
Trip to Sundarbans, the world’s largest single-block mangrove forest, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Sundarban forest hosts an incredible faunal and floral diversity, including probably the largest remaining population of endangered Royal Bengal Tigers, endangered Ganges River dolphins, estuarine crocodiles, and an astounding variety of birds.
A short trip to the Sundarban forest includes three days and two nights by houseboat inside the forest. The boat will be the base station for accommodation and meals. The houseboat carries a wooden row boat to explore the creeks in the morning and late in the afternoon. Accommodations are twin-sharing basis on the bunk-bedded cabins, and freshly prepared meals are served on the boat. Guests with special dietary restrictions should inform us at least five days before the departure. There are no shops or human habitation inside the forest; every essential element should be bought and carried along from the Khulna/ Mongla town. We are not allowed to serve any alcoholic beverages. However, foreign nationals may carry their own drinks along.
This itinerary is a standard travel plan for Sundarbans around Kotka and Kochikhali wildlife sanctuaries. We are knowledgeable enough to tailor a travel plan through other locations for visitors with special interests in wildlife or specific research.
A comfortable boat with a well-trained crew team is necessary and the guide is the main vital point of the Sundarbans trip. Only the expertise and knowledge of a guide can connect you with the forest’s ecosystem, wildlife, and climate change effects on the vulnerable livelihood around. Only a handful company have been keen to study the forest and maintain their standard on each individual trip the way they should be. A trip to Sundarban can be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity or just a picnic, depending on whom you are traveling with! A knowledgeable guide is that much essential for this trip. We are pretty serious about this.
We see eco-aware tourism as an essential way for people to understand the Sundarban and join the movement for its protection. If you are interested in birdwatching, wildlife spotting, stargazing, serendipity, and wilderness over luxury! In that case, we are probably a good match. Join our exciting cruise to explore this complex network of tidal waterways, which is a natural treasure of Bangladesh and India.
- Our understanding of the forest is unparalleled.
- Our boat offers simple but comfortable accommodations.
- We prefer slow over loud, tranquillity, not crowd.
- Our customized trip itineraries guarantee exceptional, safe, memorable experiences because we adapt to predictable and unpredictable circumstances.
- We serve scrumptious, locally sourced food prepared with attention to dietary preferences.
- We care about sustainable tourism and wildlife conservation.
- The trip, as per the itinerary-by a special houseboat.
- Country boat for exploring the creeks early morning and late afternoon
- Forest armed guards during the trip inside the forest
- Twin-sharing basis accommodation onboard
- Freshly prepared meals onboard
- Knowledgeable English-speaking guide
Personal expenses, forest entrance fees for foreign nationals, Dhaka-Jessore/Khulna mode of travel, any transfers, gratuities, or any activity not specifically mentioned in the itinerary
- Transfer from your hotel/ residence to the domestic airport/train/bus station in Dhaka
- Dhaka-Mongla/ Khulna transfer by reserved or public transports
- Dhaka – Jessore flight tickets
- Jessore – Khulna/ Mongla (houseboat) transfer by reserved vehicle
- Expert bird-watcher, researcher, academics or specific expert person for knowledge assistance in Sundarbans
- Air ambulance service or seaplane service for any emergency evacuation
- Accommodation in Jessore, Khulna and Mongla
- Homestay with the local community at the fringes of Sundarbans Forest
- Day trip to otter fishing village during the day or at night in Narail
- Excursion to Bagerhat UNESCO world heritage sites and some other important archaeological sites of the area.
- Travel package to Barisal floating market and overnight launch journey towards Dhaka
For your comfort, we request you to travel as light as possible.
However, we suggest you bring to the following items: any medicine advised by the doctor for regular use | Binoculars | Towels | Umbrella or Raincoat | Torchlight | Suitable Clothes | Camera, memory cards and rain protector | Mosquito repellent | Board Games | Reading material | Swimming gears | Suntan lotion | jungle shoes & Sandals | and the drink you would miss the most |
- Visiting Sundarban forest without permission and forest armed guards from the forest department
- Drones of any kind, private firearms, and pets without proper permission from the respective ministry
- Bonfire, committing any harm to the forest or wildlife
- Poaching, buying, selling, consuming and opting to own any animal or products made from endangered plants or animals
- Catching or chasing any animals in the forest
- Cutting, extracting or damaging any flora
- Leaving behind any non-biodegradable elements in the forest, rivers or creeks
- Using any loudspeakers in the forest
- Getting off the boat except at any indicated places (for your own safety and to reduce the human presence in a wild place)
- Any actions that may bring a negative impact on the ecosystem
- Trip Price
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$
240
price starts from
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Group Size Per-person price in USD Or in BDT 8 PAX $320.00 32,000.00 9 PAX $300.00 30,000.00 10 PAX $280.00 28,000.00 11 PAX $260.00 26,000.00 12 PAX $240.00 24,000.00 1.2% to 2.5% charges will be applicable while paying by credit card. We need at least 8 PAX to run a trip on this particular boat. Nevertheless, we can arrange the right boat for any individual or groups.
Additional costs:
Forest permission fees for foreign nationals: $100 per person for 3 days
Single supplement: $ 150
This trip is based on a small boat having 6 twin sharing bunk-bedded cabins, a versatile kitchen, really knowledgeable nature guide.
Please contact us for any research program, finfoot spotting, customized travel plan, or filming in Bangladesh Sundarbans.
3 Days
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Destination
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Dress Code
Casual, comfortable athletic clothing, closed shoes, hat. Warm jacket during the winter (November to February). Raincoat/ umbrella during the rainy season (May to August).
From Our Gallery
Be our guest and see it for your self
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Day 1: Departure from Dhaka to the boat (Khulna/ Mongla)
Avail your mode of transport from Dhaka to the boat and spend the night onboard or at a hotel in Khulna.
Sundarbans cruising vessels are based in Khulna and Mongla. The trip starts and ends in either of the locations. We have to travel to those towns in order to avail any of the boats. There are a couple of ways to reach the vessel from Dhaka:
1. Flight: (40 Minutes) there are many flights daily operated between Dhaka and Jessore airport and two/three hours journey to Khulna/ Mongla by reserved or airline shuttle service. We usually take a late afternoon flight to Jessore and drive to Khulna/ Mongla to spend a night on the boat (depending on availability) or at a hotel so that we can start the cruise very early in the following morning.
2. Train:  The Sundarbans Expressleaves every day (except Tuesday) at 08:15 AM from DHAKA central station (Kamalapur) for Khulna, and it takes about 9 hours. The Chitra Express leaves every day (except Monday) at 7:00 PM from DHAKA central station for Khulna. Day train to Khulna can be a very interesting journey through the beautiful landscapes, and you can also enjoy the geographical changes. Upon arrival in Khulna, spend the night in the boat (depending on availability) or at a hotel so that we can start the cruise very early in the following morning. Trains are often delayed due to the dense fog, technical and other issues that can kill your precious time to start the trip on time. Taking an overnight train for the Sundarban trip can be a little bit risky. Sundarban trips are very much dependent on the tide and weather situation; one hour late may change the whole itinerary of your trip.
3. Public Bus: Greenline Paribahan, Shohag Paribahan, TR-Travels, and Desh Travels are recommended companies for those who want to experience the bus journey during the day or overnight. We usually do not use or recommend bus services for our guests, due to some unavoidable facts. Nevertheless, mentioned bus companies provide satisfactory services, seats are comfortable and spacious on VOLVO, Hino, Hyundai, Scania and Mercedes buses. It takes around 4-5 hours from Dhaka to Khulna by bus via the newly built Padma Bridge, roads are fantastic all the way.
4. Waterways: Those who also want to explore more of the river and riverine life around the southern part of Bangladesh; may avail of overnight Paddle Steamer/ Modern Ships from Sadarghat to Hularhat/Morrelgonj. It is more or less the same distance from Hularhat, Morrelgonj to Mongla/ Khulna by reserved car to join the Sundarbans cruise. The water journey is delightful and recommended if you have time. You can also travel by overnight launch to Barisal for an overnight backwater trip and subsequently join the Sundarban trip.
5. Reserved vehicles: We can always provide you with any suitable vehicles from Dhaka up to the boat. Except for the ferry waiting tailback, it is about 5/6 hours drive to Khulna.
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Day 2: Sundarbans – Forest between Land and Sea
Embarking in the Sundarbans cruise boat early in the morning. Shortly after sunrise, the ship will resume its cruise through the danced forest. After cruising for a few hours, the ship will anchor at a forest station to complete some necessary forest entrance permission formalities and pick up some forest-armed guards to accompany us in the forest throughout the trip. The boat shall resume its cruise towards the southern direction through the maze of the forest and reach Kotka/ kochikhali forest station by late in the afternoon or early evening, depending on the weather and tide situation. Your guide will offer you some forest activities according to the available daylight, either a leisurely walk through the forest and enjoying the sunset or a wonderful country boat trip through the narrow creek. A silent evening boat ride will allow you to get a closer look at some of the wildlife inhabiting the biologically most diverse mangrove forest in the world. All meals and overnight on board.
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Day 3: Sundarbans – The Beautiful Forest
After an early morning creek exploratory and birdwatching trip by a small row boat, you are invited to join an easy hike along the sea-facing beach. With the Bay of Bengal on one side and the jungle on the other, it becomes apparent how this ever-changing forest is shaped by seasonal and climate-induced changes. The boat will meet you on the other end of the walk near the Kotka Forest Station. This is the ranger station in the Eastern Sanctuary, one of the three Sundarbans sanctuaries with UNESCO World Heritage Site recognition. All meals and overnight on board.
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Day 4: Living with Tides and Tigers – People of the Sundarbans Forest
After the early morning exploratory boat trip, the ship will start cruising north through the mangrove forest. You will have the opportunity to observe fisherfolk at work in the channels, using a variety of fish, crab and shrimp-catching gear. If time permits, we will take a chance to visit one of the communities along the forest fringes highly dependent on the Sundarbans resources. Those who would take an afternoon flight to Dhaka; should disembark in Mongla after an early lunch and drive (4 hours by reserved vehicle) to Jessore airport and avail of the flight. And the guest who would take an overnight bus or train to Dhaka, should continue the boat journey to Khulna and disembark after dinner to avail of their mode of transport.
Tour Location
Sundarban mangrove forest
sopheap_from_Holland Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Excellent tour guide in Bangladesh
Dec 2014 • Solo
I heartily recommend Jewel of Royal Bengal Tours as a guide if you are traveling in Bangladesh. He did a wonderful job of guiding me around in Dhaka’s old city and took me on an overnight trip to Chandpur. He also arranged and joined me on an exciting 4-day trip to the Sundarbans mangrove forest,where he showed a keen interest in and knowledge of its flora and fauna. He showed me authentic culture and people of Bangladesh and was very accommodating to my needs. These were all tailor made trips. He is fluent in English and a pleasure to be around.
elusivechic | Sydney, Australia
THE Tour company to go with: excellent, reliable, personal, honest – HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!
Dec 2015 • Couples
Royal Bengal Tours is THE tour company to go with in Bangladesh – although this company looks “young” on paper as it is new to trip advisor as its own tour company, the owner and tour guide Jewel is highly experienced, personal, enthusiastic, lovely, knowledgeable, friendly and kind. Jewel has been in the business since 2002, and has a deep knowledge of the area. And don’t been fooled by the title of “Day Tours” – Jewel and his team also run tours that span several days, (even weeks), tailored to your needs as an individual, if required.
My husband and I recently wanted to spend 4 days in Bangladesh, and contacted 3 local tour companies directly. One tour company had lots of what appeared to be great reviews on Trip Advisor, and was always top on the search engines. When we contacted them and asked them for a trip to the Sundarbans, they got back to us (albeit quickly) and said they were full. When we asked if they had any alternatives, they suggested another tour (that we did not want to go on). We even suggested paying extra money to see if they could still take us to the Sundarbans, but they just said they were full and that was it. That was when we decided to contact Jewel and Royal Bengal Tours. Jewel got back to us very very quickly, and he thought out the box and found ways for us to go on a tour to the Sundarbans…he got us a boat, and worked according to our schedules! He genuinely wanted us to visit his country, to experience it, and to share what his country has to offer. We told Jewel we wanted to see wildlife, and he listened to us, and he gave us information about everything we wanted to know beforehand. This is the solutions orientated person and guide you want to meet.
We had an excellent crew on board the boat, the food was really good. For wildlife we saw monkeys, lots of spotted deer, a crocodile, kingfishers, wild boar, water snakes, 2 king cobra (a water based one and a land one), and a rat heading towards the king cobra, and one of our guides saw a prowling tiger, although we did not manage to see it ourselves (we think the tiger saw us and went away…)…
On our last day in Dhaka, Jewel himself took us round a walking tour of the old town of Dhaka and the port which was sooo amazing and so much fun! The old town had different areas (carpentry and workshops, muslim, hindu, jewellery) and was maze of narrow small alleyways that only a local would know. The locals love taking pictures with you, they just stand and want to see what you are doing and who you are, and the school boys were jumping into our photos! I had to laugh when one of the local men gingerly and sneakily tried to get into the frame of one of our photos. Jewel took us to the port as well, which was the best port we have ever been too, it was hustling, bustling, safe, fun, and a great experience. The locals even showed my husband their workmanship on the local boats they were building and even let my husband help build a bit ! (well put a couple of nails in :-))
We would love to go back to Bangladesh and visit another area and go on another tour with Jewel.
Jewel is a great guy, highly experienced, his prices are fair and highly transparent (he gave us a line by line breakdown) and Royal Bengal Tours is the only place you need to look and go to.
THANK YOU JEWEL!!!!!
Catharina Strebel and Niklaus Graber | Zurich, Switzerland
More than royal !
Mar 2016 • Couples
We had a wonderful trip from dhaka down to the Sundarbans with Jewel, who is probably the best guide you can imagine. Excellent choice of places to visit, perfect organsisation and above all, Jewel is an extremly charming and generous person to spend time with. His knowledge about the habits and the customs of the country is just great and no matter what field we were interessted in, Jewel always provided profound and specific information on it. Jewel is a very flexible person and has the capability to adapt the daily program according to spontaneous moods of the traveller. Whatever came to our mind, Jewel had the gift to read our wishes from our lips. While travelling with Jewel you get in touch with an authentic Bangladesh in a very familiar way. Many hidden tresures were revealed by him and we could firmly feel, that Jewels loves to share his playground called Bangladesh with his guests.
Catharina Strebel and Niklaus Graber, Zurich/Switzerland
AStavenow | Uppsala, Sweden
Just perfect!
Jan 2017 • Couples
I have spent a week in a group led by Mostafizur Rahman Jewel. This week was just splendid! We were met at the Bangladeshi border and, first spent 4 beautiful days onboard a boat in the forest of Sunderban, in southern Bangladesh. We went out on excursions every day, looking for animals and enjoying the nature. The food was excellent and the boat was really good. My guide was very good. He knew a lot when we asked him and listened much to what we wanted to do, and the program was very flexible. Everybody in the group got what they wanted! 🙂 After the boat trip we took the train to Dhaka. That town was really nice to see! Mostafizur Rahman Jewel took us out to see a lot of the interesting sightings in the town, and one evening he even went with us to the movies! 🙂 All the men in the group also got a nice (and cheap) shaving in the old town of Dhaka. I can really recommend Royal Bengal Tours. I´m sure you will have a very good experience if you choose to travel with them!
Angela B
Sundarbans at its best with Jewel!
Feb 2017 • Friends
Jewel, the owner and manager of the Royal Bengal Tours, was highly recommended to me by a good friend and this is why we booked our first trip to the Sundarbans with him. He’s been organizing trips to the whole country for almost 15 years. He is an excellent planner, always responded immediatly when we had any questions and composed the perfect itinerary based on our personal needs and preferences. We booked a 5 day trip, which started from Dhaka via a minivan (including a ferry ride) and a spontaneous visit to Bagerhat. After that we spent three days and nights in the national park, inlcuding beautiful walks, bird watching early in the morning, cricket on the beach and if you are VERY lucky you might also see a bengal tiger:-). The boat cabins (on M.V. Chhuti) were clean and comfortable, the food was extraordinary and the crew was always very friendly – in short we had an awesome time!
We highly recommend Jewel as a tour guide as we had a once in a lifetime experience!
Julia R
Sundarban tour
Dec 2018 • Friends
We had such an amazing time in Sundarban with Jewel as our guide! Jewel is a really nice person, kind, friendly and with a great sense of service mind! He has bevome a friend of ours and we would not hesitate to travel with him again!
Thank you!
//Julia and Felicia
Pushpitaroy74 | Dhaka City, Bangladesh
Beautiful Sundarbans
Jan 2022 • Couples
The most relaxing and well planned trip to sundarbans courtesy Jewel and his Royal Bengal tours . This trip was just right way to say good bye to 21 and usher in the new year . Every detail was taken care of – a comfortable car to and from Khulna , the well equipped boat which was our home for 3 nights , very well trained staff taking care of the guests and exceptional food . The highlight of the tour was the young guide , Romeo who despite his young age showed all signs of a mature guide . He helped us spot all kinds of birds and animals ( at least 4-5 crocodiles, monkeys , deer etc ), plus took us to narrow creeks where we spotted pugmarks as well. His knowledge of the area helped us understand the surroundings and the country as well . He is a true ambassador of this great nation .
Thanks again Royal Bengal Tours . I strongly recommend you and I would love to travel more with you 💕