Getting to Sundarbans Mangrove Forest
The Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the largest mangrove forest in the world, which is located at the delta region of the Padma, Meghna and Brahmaputra river basins. This natural wonder is situated in the southwestern part of Bangladesh, mainly within the district of Khulna.
By Air
To reach the Sundarbans, you can first fly into the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh. From Dhaka, you can catch a domestic flight to Jessore Airport, the nearest airport to Khulna.
By Road
From Jessore, you have the option of hiring a taxi or taking a bus to Khulna, which is about two hours away. Regular bus services, including air-conditioned coaches, are available from Dhaka to Khulna, which takes approximately seven hours. The bus operators like Shohagh Paribahan and Green Line have scheduled services.
By Train
An alternative to road travel is the railway. There are daily train services from Dhaddy to Khulna. However, expect the journey to take a bit longer than the bus, about nine to ten hours. The prominent trains serving this route include the Sundarban Express and the Chitra Express.
By Water
Another common method to access Sundarbans is via waterways. You can take a launch from Dhaka to Khulna. The journey is scenic and gives you a real sense of the riverine country. The journey time is about 20-21 hours. Once you reach Khulna, you can arrange a boat tour to navigate through the numerous rivers and canals of the Sundarbans.
Guided Tours
Guided tours are the most popular and safe way to explore the Sundarbans. These tours can be booked in Khulna and they typically take care of your transportation, accommodation, and permits required to enter the forest areas.
Entry Permits
It's necessary to get an entry permit to visit the Sundarbans, which are usually arranged by the tour operators. Make sure you carry your passport and any necessary visas for these permits.
