Sundarbans
Type: Forest
Contributed By: Nayeem
Brief
Satkhira region is mainly famous for the Sundarbans. Sundarbans is most large single block of tidal mangrove forest in the world. It lies between the vast Bay of Bengal Ocean and rivers of the Ganges and the Brahmaputra, it spreads across Bangladesh and West Bengal in India. The waters of these rivers mix with the ocean water and so in this part of their flow the rivers are brackish or saline. Water covers the forest-islands twice a day during high tide.
It is considered a World Heritage site by UNESCO. The forest is mostly popular for incredible plants and wildlife. Trees having roots can breathe directly from the air. There are numerous species and it is mostly famous for Royal Bengal tiger. The forest safeguards people of north from cyclones and tsunami waves. Previously, the islanders were allowed to go into the forest to collect firewood, honey, crab and fish but now these activities have been banned by the governments of both Bangladesh and West Bengal.
How to go
It is (mainly) located in Satkhira district of Khulna divison. It is 66.4km away from Satkhira. For directions from Satkhira-Sundarban see http://bit.ly/1he6D8G. After reaching in Satkhira, you can use local transports or private cars to reach Sundarbans.
How To Reach: Khulna District
Khulna District is connected by road, river and water.
Khulna district can be reached travelling by road from Dhaka. There are several bus services available from Dhaka to Khulna. Some of them are listed below for your assistance:
1. Hanif Enterprise:
Gabtoli Terminal, Phone: 8015366, 8011750, 9003380
From Jhenaidah: 041-810451 (Hotel Royal Circle)
041-810452 (Shivbari Mor)
041-810453 (Sonadanga)
2. Green Line (AC bus):
Fakirapool Counter, Phone-9356506
Sayedabad Counter, Phone-7552739
Kalabagan Counter, Phone-9112287
3. Eagle Paribahan:
Gabtoli Counter, Phone-8017698, 8017320, 04494413673
Dhaka is linked to Khulna by water. There are few Rockets driving between Dhaka and Khulna. They operate on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
Phone: 041-725753
Deck Fare: TK 180
First class cabin (2 seats) fare: TK 2380
First class cabin (1 seat) Fare: TK 1190
Second class cabin (2 seats): TK 1880
Second class cabin (1 seat): TK 720
Dhaka and Khulna is also linked by railway. Some of the train services available from Dhaka to Khulna are listed below.
1. Sundarban Express: Operates every day except Fridays.
Fare ranges from TK 200 to TK 1058
2. Chitra Express: Operates every day except Mondays.
Fare ranges from TK 235 to TK 720
Where to Stay
Some of the places to stay in Khulna are listed below for your assistance:
1. CSS Rest House
Contact: 041722355
2. Hotel Castle Salam
Contact: 041730725
3. Hotel Royal International
Contact: 041813067-9
4. Platinum Jute Mills Ltd Rest House
Contact: 041762335
Things to do
You may see across a Royal Bengal Tiger swimming across the streams or the crocodiles basking on the river banks. You may refresh your mind and feast your eyes with the rich erasure that nature has so fondly bestowed. Sundarban is the best place for bird watchers and photographers. The wild-life and Mangrove forest is crisscrosses river networks.
Eating Facilities
You may not find any restaurants or fast food shops nearby. You can carry your own food or plan for BAR-B-Q.
Travel Tips
Permission from the Divisional Forest Officer, Khulna is required to visit to the forest. Prior permission must be obtained through written application from the Divisional Forest Office, Circuit House Rd., Khulna (tel 20665 or 21173). Required entrance fees for visitors, vessel or boat are payable at the relevant forest station/range office.
Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation offers all-inclusive guided package tours from Dhaka to Sundarbans and return during the tourist season (October to March) for groups (minimum 10 persons).
For details please contact: Manager (Tours), Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation, 233 Airport Road, Tejgaon, Dhaka-1 215, Phone 325155-59. Telex 642206 TOUR BJ.
Below is a list of famous places to be kept in mind for the wildlife spotter:
- 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 is running from Katka to Kachikhali (Tiger Point) provide opportunities for wild tracking.
- Tin Kona Island for tiger and deer.
- Dublar Char (Island) for fishermen. It is a beautiful island where herds of spotted deer are often seen to graze.
