Sundarbans Reserved Forest, Sundarbans Travel Guide

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Explore the Sundarbans Reserved Forest: a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to the Royal Bengal Tiger, and the world's largest mangrove forest.

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Sundarbans Reserved Forest

The Sundarbans Reserved Forest is the world's largest mangrove forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site teeming with unique flora, fauna, and waterways. Straddling Bangladesh and India, it's a mesmerizing realm where land and water engage in a perpetual dance, offering unparalleled natural beauty and biodiversity.

A brief summary to Sundarbans Reserved Forest

Koromjal Watch Tower, Mongla-Chila Rd, BD
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Sundarbans Reserved Forest.

The best time to visit is during the dry winter months (November to February) for favorable weather and wildlife spotting.
Obtain necessary permits from the Forest Department before entering the forest, often managed by tour operators.
Hire a local guide to enhance your experience and support the local economy.
Respect the local customs and culture by dressing modestly and interacting respectfully with local communities.
Stay quiet while on boat tours to increase your chances of spotting wildlife.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

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Karamjal

Explore Sundarbans Reserved Forest on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Sundarbans Reserved Forest, mapped for you.

Getting There

Boat

The final approach to the Sundarbans Reserved Forest invariably involves boat travel, as it's a vast network of waterways. From nearby towns like Mongla, Khulna, or Canning (India), you'll need to hire a boat or join a tour. Several types of boats are available, from basic fishing vessels to larger, more comfortable tourist boats. The journey from Mongla to Karamjal, a popular entry point, takes approximately 1-2 hours by boat. Boat hire costs vary significantly depending on size, amenities, and duration of the trip; expect to pay between BDT 4,000 to 8,000 (USD $35-75) for a day boat that can accommodate 10-12 people. For overnight tours, prices range from USD $150-$300 per person, including boat transportation, food, lodging, guides, and park fees. Ensure your boat operator has the necessary permits from the Bangladesh Forest Department.
Public Transport

To reach the Sundarbans from Kolkata, India, take a local train to Canning. Trains are available from Sealdah at an interval of every one hour. From Canning, take an auto-rickshaw or bus to Gadkhali or Sonakhali. Then, cross over from Gadkhali to Gosaba by a local ferry. Finally, hire a boat from Sonakhali to enter the Sundarbans forests. Train fare from Sealdah to Canning is approximately INR 20-30. Auto-rickshaw fare from Canning to Gadkhali is approximately INR 50-100. Ferry fare from Gadkhali to Gosaba is approximately INR 10.

Discover more about Sundarbans Reserved Forest

The Sundarbans Reserved Forest, meaning 'beautiful forest' in Bengali, is a sprawling mangrove ecosystem at the delta of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and Ramsar Site, it's recognized for its outstanding ecological significance. The forest's history dates back centuries, with evidence of settlements from 200-300 AD. During the Mughal period, local rulers leased forest tracts, and in 1757, the British East India Company gained proprietary rights. Systematic forest management began in 1869.The Sundarbans is a dynamic environment of about 200 islands, with approximately 400 interconnected tidal rivers, creeks, and canals. Sixty percent of the forest lies in Bangladesh, with the remainder in India. This unique ecosystem is home to diverse flora, including the iconic 'sundari' mangrove trees, and fauna, such as the Royal Bengal tiger, spotted deer, reptiles, and numerous bird species.Visitors can explore the forest by boat, navigating the intricate waterways and visiting watchtowers for panoramic views and wildlife spotting. Ecotourism initiatives support local communities through eco-lodges, local guides, and locally made products. The Sundarbans offers a chance to appreciate pristine natural beauty, magnificent mangroves, culturally rich villages, traditional practices, and exciting wildlife.