Sundarban Tour

The Sundarbans is a large mangrove forest spread across Bangladesh and West Bengal in India; it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Sundarbans are the largest littoral mangrove belt in the world, stretching 80 km (50 mi) into the Bangladeshi and Indian hinterland from the coast. The Sundarbans has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The forests aren't just mangrove swamps though, they include some of the last remaining stands of the mighty jungles which once covered the Gangetic plain. The Sundarbans cover an area of 10,500 sq km, of which about one-third is covered in water/marsh areas. Since 1966 the Sundarbans have been a wildlife sanctuary, and it is estimated that there are now 400 Royal Bengal tigers and about 30,000 spotted deer in the area. Royal Bengal Tigers are the main draw, but one can also spot Saltwater Crocodiles, various primates, leopards, King Cobras and Indian Cobras.  Sundarbans is home to many different species of birds, mammals, insects, reptiles and fishes. Over 120 species of fish and over 260 species of birds have been recorded in the Sundarbans. The Gangetic River Dolphin (Platanista gangeticus) is common in the rivers. No less than 50 species of reptiles and eight species of amphibians are known to occur. The Sundarbans now support the only population of the Estuarine, or Salt-Water Crocodile (Crocodylus parasus) in Bangladesh, and that population is estimated at less than two hundred individuals.  The park is also home to sea gypsy fishing families who catch fish using trained otters.

Climate:

October to February — (winter, cool and temperate),March to May — (summer, hot and humid) and June to September — (the monsoon season, wet and windy)

How to go:

Safaris are available from Dhaka,Khulna . Ranging from an overnight trip to a week, and are probably the best way to experience the Sundarbans.Organizing your own trip from Munsiganj-Satkhira,Mongla or Khulna is possible, but questionably worth the hassle. You need a permit from the Divisional Forest Office in Khulna. With permit in hand, it's possible to hire a boat from Mongla or Dhangmari to get you to Hiron Point. From Hiron Point you will have to hire a guide to take you into the park.

Also see:

Hiron Point a beautiful spot, great for spotting tigers and other wildlife Tin Kona Island another popular spot for wildlife spotting. Katka a base for safaris, and good spot to see tigers and for bird-watching.Dublar Char Island it's possible to fish here. Sajnekhali Watch Tower - Another watch tower that also houses a museum, a Bonobibi Temple and a crocodile park within its premises.

**Sajnekhali Pakiralaya**, **Dobanki Watch Tower**, **Bhagbatpur crocodile project**, **Buridabri, **Netidhopani - It has a temple that’s 400 years old**, **Kanak - Ideal for viewing the Olive Ridley Turtles**, **Holiday Island - It is famous for the Barking Deers**

Apart from visiting the tourist destinations, you may also take some time-out to go to a nearby village to see the life-style of the local people and talk to them to have an insight into their lives.