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Sundarbans Mangrove Forest Tour

Sundarbans Mangrove Forest Tour

The tour begins with exploring Old Dhaka's historic forts and vibrant streets. On Day 2, travel south via historic Bagerhat to board a cruise ship into the Sundarbans. Spend three days navigating mangrove creeks, walking wildlife trails, visiting Badamtala Beach, and spotting deer, exotic birds, and Bengal tigers. Enjoy evening barbecues on deck and boardwalks through Harbaria Eco Park before cruising back to Mongla and driving to Dhaka for your return flight.

Duration

5 Days (Extension Possible)

Group Size

6-8 people

Difficulty

Moderate

Physical Fitness

Moderate

Day 1: Arrival in Dhaka & Explore the Old Town

When you arrive at Dhaka International Airport, our representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel to check in. In the afternoon, set out to experience the energy of Old Dhaka. You will take a traditional cycle rickshaw through the lively alleys, colorful markets, and bustling street stalls. Along the way, visit Lalbagh Fort, built in 1678 during the Mughal Empire, as well as the historic Pink Palace (Ahsan Manzil). In the evening, unwind with a welcome dinner at a top local restaurant before returning to your hotel.

Day 2: Dhaka to Mongla via Bagerhat & Board the Cruise

Leave Dhaka early in the morning and drive south toward the coast via the Padma Bridge. On the way, stop in the historic city of Bagerhat to tour the UNESCO World Heritage Sixty Dome Mosque, the shrine of Khan Jahan Ali, and smaller 15th-century brick mosques. By early afternoon, arrive at Mongla port and board your cruise vessel to enter the Sundarbans. As the ship cruises toward Kotka Wildlife Sanctuary, watch local fishermen casting nets and crab traps along the channels. Reach the Kotka Forest Station in the late afternoon for a walk along the wooden trail and a scenic sunset over the waterways. Spend your first night sleeping on board the vessel.

Day 3: Wildlife Trails, Beach & Mangrove Creeks

Wake up to a morning tea and set out on a quiet wooden country boat through the narrowest creeks, which offers the best chance to spot kingfishers, deer, monitor lizards, and occasionally a Bengal tiger. Return to the main boat for breakfast around 8:00 AM, then embark on a guided walk through open grassy meadows to observe herds of spotted chital deer. Continue through the forest until you reach the sands of Badamtala Beach, where you can take a dip in the warm water or stroll the shoreline toward Kachikhali. Later, enjoy lunch on board, catch the sunset at Egg Island, and gather on the open deck for a freshly prepared barbecue dinner under the stars. The boat anchors overnight near Tambulbunia.

Day 4: Harbaria Eco Park & Cruise to Mongla (Sundarbans Day 3)

Begin with another peaceful morning boat trip through the secluded canals of Tambulbunia. The vessel then sails toward Harbaria Eco Park, where you can walk along the elevated wooden boardwalk through dense Sundri mangroves and spot native flora and wildlife tracks. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the upper deck as the boat cruises through the wide riverways back toward Mongla port. Arrive in Mongla by evening, check in to a riverside hotel, and enjoy a hearty dinner.

Day 5: Return to Dhaka & Departure

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and begin the drive back to Dhaka (roughly 4 hours). Depending on your flight schedule, our driver will take you directly to Dhaka International Airport for your departure flight, concluding your journey.

Where You'll Shoot

1 photo stops on this expedition — click any photo to view it full-size.

01 Photo Gallery +

Logistical Framework & Expedition Standards

Accommodation Standards

  • Carefully selected for cleanliness, safety, reliable power (for charging multiple batteries), and comfort.
  • 4-star and 5-star properties in Dhaka, Sylhet, and Cox's Bazar.
  • In regional centers like Bogura and Barisal, the finest available boutique/business hotels meeting high international standards.

Photography & River Logistics

  • All local river charters and boat permits are pre-arranged.
  • Includes wooden skiffs at Sadarghat, Lalakhal riverboats, Dibir Haor watercraft, beach access in Cox's Bazar, and private paddled canoes through the dense Satla water lily fields.

Dedicated Private Fleet

  • A private 12-seater Toyota HiAce with an experienced professional driver, assigned exclusively to your group for the entire itinerary.
  • Ample personal space, plus secure interior storage for equipment and drones.
  • Full scheduling flexibility for dawn shoots and reliable highway transit.

What Is Included

  • Quality accommodation (twin or single, as booked)
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) as outlined
  • Private vehicle with fuel, tolls, parking, and driver expenses
  • Domestic flights where included in the itinerary
  • All local boat charters as outlined
  • Expert photography tour coordination and timing lead
  • Bottled mineral water during all overland journeys

Meals & Water Safety

  • Full-board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) at hotel restaurants or vetted high-end establishments.
  • Street-side food stalls are strictly avoided, to prevent disruptions during intense early-morning shooting schedules.
  • Bottled mineral water supplied daily throughout all drives.

What Is Not Included

  • International round-trip flights to/from Dhaka (DAC)
  • Bangladesh entry visa fees
  • Personal equipment and travel medical insurance
  • Personal laundry, alcoholic beverages, and other personal expenses
  • Gratuities for local drivers, boatmen, and field fixers
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