Visiting the Sundarbans from Bakkhali
Adventure · Jan 5, 2024
Introduction
Bakkhali serves as an excellent base for exploring the Sundarbans — the world's largest mangrove forest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Home to the Royal Bengal Tiger, saltwater crocodiles, Irrawaddy dolphins, and hundreds of bird species, the Sundarbans is one of nature's most extraordinary ecosystems.
About the Sundarbans
The Sundarbans covers approximately 10,000 sq km across India and Bangladesh, with the Indian portion designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Tiger Reserve. The forest is a labyrinth of tidal waterways, mudflats, and mangrove islands — accessible only by boat.
Getting There from Bakkhali
From Bakkhali and Frazerganj, boat tours into the Sundarbans can be arranged through local operators. Day trips take you through the mangrove waterways, while multi-day tours allow deeper exploration with overnight stays on boats or at forest lodges. The nearest entry points are Gosaba and Basanti.
Wildlife to Spot
While tiger sightings are rare and require luck, the Sundarbans never disappoints with its wildlife. Look out for spotted deer, wild boar, monitor lizards, saltwater crocodiles, and a vast array of birds including kingfishers, storks, eagles, and herons. Dolphin sightings in the waterways are also common.
Best Time to Visit
October to February is the best time to visit the Sundarbans — the weather is cooler, vegetation is not too dense, and wildlife is more easily spotted. Boat tours into the forest are available year-round, but the experience is most comfortable in the winter months.
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