Sundarban is the world biggest mangrove forest. In
Bangladesh tourism, Sundarban plays the most vital role. A large number of foreigners come to
Bangladesh every year only to visit this unique mangrove forest. Besides, local tourists also go to visit Sundarban every year. The area of great Sundarban is approximately 6000 sq. km.
General Information about Sudarban:
AREA: Nearly 2400 sq. miles or 6000 sq. km.
FOREST LIMITS: North-
Bagerhat,
Khulna and
Satkhira districts : South-
Bay of Bengal; East-Baleswar (or Haringhata) river, Perojpur,
Barisal district, and West-Raimangal and Hariabhanga
rivers which partially form
Bangladesh boundary with West Bengal in India.
MAIN ATTRACTIONS: Wildlife photography including photography of the famous Royal Bengal Tiger, wildlife viewing, boating inside the forest will call recordings, nature study, meeting fishermen, wood-cutters and honey-collectors, peace and tranquility in the wilderness, seeing the world's largest mangrove forest and the revering beauty.
The Sundarbans are the largest littoral mangrove belt in the world, stretching 80km (50mi) into the Bangladeshi hinterland from the coast.
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 38,500 sq km, of which about one-third is covered in water.
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. 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 (Crocodiles paresis) in
Bangladesh, and that
population is estimated at less than two hundred individuals
Here land and water meet in many novel fashions, Wildlife presents many a spectacle. No wonder, you may come across a Royal Bengal Tiger swimming across the streams or the crocodiles basking on the riverbanks.
With the approach of the evening herds of deer make for the darking glades where boisterous monkeys shower Keora leaves from above for sumptuous meal for the former. For the botanist, the lover of nature, the poet and the painter this land provides a variety of wonder for which they all crave.

It's beauty lies in its unique natural surrounding. Thousands of meandering streams, creeks,
rivers and estuaries have enhanced its charm. Sundarbans meaning beautiful forest is the natural habitat of the world famous Royal Bengal Tiger, spotted deer, crocodiles, jungle fowl, wild boar, lizards, theses monkey and an innumerable variety of beautiful
birds. Migratory flock of Siberian ducks flying over thousands of sail boats loaded with timber, golpatta (round-leaf), fuel wood, honey, shell and
fish further add to the serene natural beauty of the Sundarbans.
This is indeed a land for the sportsmen, the anglers and the photographers with its abundance of game, big and small, crocodile, wild boar, deer, pythons, wild-
birds and above all the Royal Bengal Tiger, cunning, ruthless and yet majestic and graceful, For the less adventurously inclined, there are ducks and snipes,
herons and coots, yellow-lags and sandpipers. It is also the land for the ordinary holiday makers who desire to rest or wander around at will to refresh their mind and feast their eyes with the rich treasure that nature has so fondly bestowed.

Means of Communication: Water transport is the only means of communication for visiting the Sundarbans from
Khulna or
Mongla Port. Private motor launch, speedboats, country boats as well as mechanized vessel of
Mongla Port Authority might be hired for the purpose. From
Dhaka visitors may travel by air, road or rocket steamer to
Khulna - the gateway to the Sundarbans. Most pleasant journey from
Dhaka to
Khulna is by Paddle Steamer, Rocket presenting a picturesque panorama of rural
Bangladesh. Day and nightlong coach services by road are also available. The quickest mode is by air from
Dhaka to
Jessore and then to
Khulna by road.
Journey time: It varies depending on tides against or in favor in the river. Usually it takes 6 to 10 hours journey by motor vessel from
Mongla to Hiron Point or
Katka.

FAMOUS SPOTS: The main tourist spots in Sundarban are
Karamjol,
Katka, Kochikhali, Hiron point and Mandarbaria. Hiron Point (Nilkamal) for tiger, deer, monkey, crocodiles,
birds and natural beauty.
Katka for deer, tiger, crocodiles, varieties of
birds and monkey, morning and evening symphony of wild fowls. Vast expanse of grassy meadows running from
Katka to Kachikhali (Tiger Point) provides opportunities for wild tracking.
Tin Kona Island for tiger and deer.