Sundarbans Travel Guide 2026 – Largest Mangrove Forest
Introduction
The Sundarbans is magical! The largest mangrove forest in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
If you love nature, adventure and the Royal Bengal Tiger then you must put Sundarbans on your 2026 bucket list!
In this guide I will tell you everything you need to know. How to get there, cost, top tour packages, animals and 7 safety tips.
1. Where is Sundarbans?
Khulna Division
Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat Districts
6017 square KM in Bangladesh
Known for Royal Bengal Tiger, Spotted Deer, Crocodile & Mangrove Trees.
The word Sundarbans comes from the Sundari tree which grows only in mangroves.
2. When should I Visit Sundarbans 2026?
The best time to visit is between October and March. Its cool and no rain so its easy to see animals around the river.
November to February is ideal. Its foggy in the mornings making it feel like you are in a film!
April to September should be avoided. Monsoon and cyclone season. Not safe and hot.
3. How to get to Sundarbans from Dhaka?
You cannot get direct. Must go to Khulna or Mongla.
Option 1: Dhaka to Khulna.
By Bus (700-1200 BDT) 7-8 hours. Best green line or Shyamoli AC buses.
By Train (500-1100 BDT). 8 hours. Sundarban Express.
Option 2: Dhaka to Mongla.
No direct bus. Must go to Khulna and take the CNG (2 hours).
Once in Khulna/Mongla all tour companies will take you on a boat tour.
4. Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Sundarbans Travel Guide 2026.
Karamjal Wildlife Sanctuary
Most tours start here. You can see captive deer, monkey and crocodile.
Wooden path through the forest. Entrance fee: 50 BDT.
Kotka Beach & Wildlife Sanctuary
The most beautiful. You have a beach, wildlife and forest all in one place.
See deer, wild boar and tiger footprints. Amazing sunrise.
Kochikhali
Known for deer. Hundreds of Spotted Deer come to drink from the river.
Great for photographs.
Dublar Char
A fishing village in the Sundarbans. Can only visit between October-February.
See how they dry their fish.
Hiron Point / Nilkomol
This is the heart of the Sundarbans. Highest chances of seeing the Royal Bengal Tiger.
Forest office and watchtower.
Tin Kona Island
Three rivers meet here. Triangle shape. Peaceful and deep.
Mandarbaria Beach
Clean beach. No people. Great for walking and picking up shells.
Chandpai Forest Office
Main office. Need permission here.
Katka Watchtower
5 floor watchtower. Can see the whole forest.
Dimer Char
An island full of crabs. Locally known as Crab Island.
5. Animals in Sundarbans
Royal Bengal Tiger – King of the forest. Rare to see but lots of footprints.
Spotted Deer – Will see 100+.
Salt Water Crocodile – Found In Karamjal and rivers.
Monkey – Rhesus Macaque.
Wild Boar, Fishing Cat, Otter.
Kingfisher, Eagle, Heron – 300+ species.
6. Cost of Tour Packages 2026.
Cannot travel alone. Need army permission. So must go on a tour.
1 Day Tour (Khulna) 3500-4500 BDT. Just Karamjal.
2 Day 1 Night Tour (6000-8000 BDT). Kotka & Kochikhali.
3 Day 2 Night Tour (9000-13000 BDT). Kotka, Kochikhali & Hiron Point. Best option.
Includes: Boat, Food, Guide, Forest Permission & Life Jacket.
Excludes: Personal costs & Tips.
Best Tour Companies: Sundarban Tour, Guide Tour & Bengal Tours.
7. Where to Stay in Sundarbans?
No hotels in the forest. You will stay on the boat. Large boats have cabins with air-con and en-suite bathrooms.
Hotels available in Khulna and Mongla. Hotel Royal & City Inn. 2000-4000 BDT.
8. Food in Sundarbans.
Food provided. All Bangladeshi food.
Breakfast: Paratha, Egg & Tea.
Lunch: Rice, Fish Curry, Chicken & Dal.
Dinner: Rice, Chicken Roast & Vegetable.
Evening: Snacks & Tea on the boat.
9. 7 Safety Tips.
Never travel alone. Always travel with registered tour companies and forest guards.
Wear muted colours. Green or Brown. Bright colours attract animals.
Don’t make any noise. They will run away.
Don’t get off the boat unless there is a guard. Tiger could attack.
Take medication. Motion sickness and mosquito.
Take Power Bank. No Electricity.
Respect nature. Don’t litter plastic in the river.
10. Why Sundarbans?
Only mangrove forest with swimming tigers.
Trees can live in salty water.
Protects Bangladesh from cyclones and tidal waves.
Conclusion:
Sundarbans is an amazing once in a lifetime experience. The sounds, river and hopes of seeing a tiger will give you goosebumps.
Plan your trip for December 2026. Book tour 15 days in advance.