Wildlife Sanctuary in Sundarbans, You Must Travel!

The Sundarbans, located in beautiful Bengal, is a truly mesmerizing wonder. It is like a heavenly manifestation of a forest, unparalleled in its beauty. Notably, the Sundarbans hold the distinction of being the largest mangrove forest in the world.

Situated along the India-Bangladesh border, this region’s canals, streams, and trees provide a habitat for a diverse array of animals, birds, and insects, which never fail to captivate tourists.

You may wonder, what the Sundarbans have to offer and where you should go. Allow me to provide you with a detailed overview.

The Sundarbans serve as a sanctuary for numerous animal species, including the captivating green-eyed Maya deer, the awe-inspiring Royal Bengal tiger, monkeys, snakes, and crocodiles.

This vast forest stretches across Bangladesh and India, encompassing a total area of 10,000 square kilometers.

The Sundarbans is renowned as the world’s largest mangrove forest, characterized by its saline environment. Bangladesh accounts for approximately 6,017 square kilometers of the forest, with the remaining portion spanning the neighboring Indian regions.

Within the Bangladesh section of the Sundarbans, you will find around 350 species of plants, 120 species of fish, 270 species of birds, 42 species of mammals, 35 species of reptiles, and 8 species of amphibians. The Sundari tree, after which the forest gets its name, is one of its prominent features.

This forest is spread across different districts of the country, namely Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat, Patuakhali, and Barguna. In 1997, the Sundarbans in Bangladesh were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Sundarbans is not merely a forest; it serves as a protective shield against natural disasters for Bangladesh. Additionally, it has emerged as a significant tourist destination within the country, attracting both domestic and international visitors, especially during the winter season.

Now, let’s explore some popular destinations within the Sundarbans.

Where to Visit The Sundarbans Wildlife Sanctuary?

Given the vast expanse of the Sundarbans, you can explore its different regions, which are interconnected like a net across several southern districts.

Access points to the Sundarbans include Khulna, Bagerhat, Mongla, Satkhira, and Barguna.

Throughout the year, the Sundarbans boast several spots that enthrall tourists. However, due to its coastal nature, it is advisable to avoid visiting during the monsoon season.

So, when is the best time to visit the Sundarbans? The period between November and February offers the most favorable conditions.

Some noteworthy destinations in the Sundarbans that should not be missed include Karamjal, Herbaria, Kachikhali, Katka, Jamtala, Hiran Point, and Dublar Char.

Karamjal

Situated on the banks of the Pasur River, Karamjal is a popular tourist spot within the Sundarbans. It is conveniently located near the Mongla seaport and covers an expansive 30-hectare area of the Sundarbans.

For those looking for a day trip to the Sundarbans from Mongla, Karamjal is the closest and most suitable option.

The journey from Mongla to Karamjal by engine-driven boat takes approximately one and a half hours.

Karamjal boasts a natural breeding center for deer and crocodiles, which serves as a special attraction for tourists.

To truly experience the Sundarbans up close, visit the very tall watchtower and pass through the wooden trail at Karamjal.

Herbaria

Another notable spot within the Sundarbans is Herbaria, renowned for its enthralling wooden trail.

Located around 20 kilometers from the Mongla seaport, Herbaria can be explored within a day, similar to Karamjal.

Roaming through the forest in a group at Herbaria offers a unique and enjoyable experience. It takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes to complete the walk along the wooded trail, which leads to a freshwater pond.

While spotting deer is relatively easy in Herbaria, sighting tigers requires more luck. However, you might come across tiger footprints without much effort.

If you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of crocodiles, especially during their sunbathing sessions, which primarily occur from December to February.

Katka

Located south of the Herbaria, Katka is a captivating tourist center in the southern region of the Sundarbans. Similar to other locations, Katka features long wooden trails that allow you to immerse yourself in the breathtaking forest.

At Katka, you’ll encounter herds of deer. However, if you continue your journey south along the trail, you’ll be rewarded with a distinct view: the starting point of the Bay of Bengal.

Please note that landing on Katka Beach is a common mistake to avoid. Once there, you’ll be greeted by millions of red crabs, creating a truly thrilling spectacle.

Jamtala Beach

Jamtala Ghat stands out as another significant tourist spot in the Sundarbans. Though Jamtala itself may not be particularly exceptional, its high watchtower offers a panoramic view of the Sundarbans in a single glance.

If luck is on your side, you might even catch a glimpse of the Royal Bengal Tiger. Following a three-mile walk, you’ll reach Jamtala Beach, an absolute must-visit destination. The pristine air and serene surroundings will undoubtedly leave you fascinated.

Mandarbaria Beach

Mandarbaria Beach, situated in the Satkhira region of the Sundarbans, is a quiet and scenic destination. This beach is even more beautiful than many tourists realize.

To reach Mandarbaria Beach from Nildumur Ghat in Satkhira, you’ll need to cover a distance of 75 kilometers.

The journey involves crossing the Kholpetua-Kapotaksha estuary and navigating through the Kalagachia, Arpangashia, and Malancha rivers that flow through the heart of the Sundarbans.

As you make your way, you’ll be greeted by flocks of flying birds, waterfowl, and sand geese. The presence of tiger footprints along the 8-kilometer-long Mandarbaria Beach adds an extra level of excitement to your trip.

Additionally, two other popular spots in the Sundarbans worth exploring are Heeran Point and Dublar Char. Have you had the opportunity to visit the Sundarbans?

I would love to hear about your experiences and any questions you may have. Please feel free to share your thoughts and queries.

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