Combine two unique experiences in Bangladesh with a tour of the Sundarbans and a visit to the famous Barisal Floating Market. Journey deep into the world’s largest mangrove forest – home to Bengal tigers, rare estuarine crocodiles and over 270 bird species. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sundarbans offer a magical escape with its muddy landscape, twisting roots and tranquil waterways – best explored by boat. Extend your adventure by visiting the vibrant floating markets of Barisal, where life thrives on the river, creating a colorful, cultural experience unlike any other.
What awaits you
Your journey will begin in the afternoon, when our guide picks you up from your hotel or home and takes you to the busiest waterway in Bangladesh – Sadarghat River Port. Board an overnight passenger ship in a first-class cabin bound for Barisal. Arrive early in the morning and explore the picturesque floating market on a local boat. Next, head to Bagerhat to visit the 60-Domed Mosque, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travel to Khulna for an overnight stay. The next morning, embark on a 3-day Sundarbans cruise, discovering the wonders of the world’s largest mangrove forest, before returning to Khulna and returning to Dhaka.
Itinerary
Your guide will bring you to Sadarghat River Port, where you'll board an overnight passenger ship. Enjoy a scenic cruise to Barisal under the stars.
Arrive in Barisal early in the morning and board a motorboat at Banaripara Boat Station to explore the famous floating markets. Experience riverside life as you cruise through the calm waterways and narrow canals - farmers bring their produce by boat, locals bathe, residents’ fishing, or cross wooden bridges. The 200-year-old tradition of floating markets has seen small to large wooden boats selling vegetables, fruits, and rice. Enjoy breakfast on the floating boat amidst the vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy views of both banks of the river and disembark before noon to drive along narrow village roads, and en route you will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bagerhat, where you will see the magnificent Sixty Dome Mosque, Nine Dome Mosque, and the Tomb of Khan Jahan Ali, a testament to the medieval Islamic architecture of Bengal. By evening, reach Khulna and check into your hotel for an overnight stay.
Board your scheduled Sundarbans cruise boat in Khulna. Once the formalities are completed, your unforgettable journey through the world’s largest mangrove forest will begin.As the boat enters the forest, enjoy the picturesque views of the riverside fishing villages and remote settlements on the edge of the forest. The day’s destination is the Kotka-Kochikhali Wildlife Sanctuary, which takes about 7-9 hours depending on the tide.En route, you will explore the tranquil forest canals by small boats – an ideal opportunity for bird watching and wildlife spotting. Spend the night on the boat anchored near the Kotka Forest Station, surrounded by the tranquil wilderness of the Sundarbans.
Awaken to the tranquil sounds of nature and embark on an early morning country boat journey through the serene creeks—when the forest is at its most magical. The golden sunrise filtering through the misty mangroves offers a breathtaking start to the day. Glide silently through the waterways, spotting birds and wildlife up close, then return to the main boat for a hearty Bengali breakfast, freshly prepared on board.After breakfast, set off for an immersive experience in Kotka Wildlife Sanctuary—one of the most wildlife-rich zones in the Sundarbans. Wander through forest trails where spotted deer graze, monkeys swing playfully, and kingfishers flash by in brilliant colors. If fortune smiles, you may even catch sight of tiger footprints in the soft mud.
Start your last day with a boat trip on the tranquil canals of Kachikhali, a perfect time to get up close and personal with wildlife and immerse yourself in the peaceful rhythm of the forest.After breakfast, visit the Kachikhali Forest Office area - an open grassland in the heart of the forest, where deer and vibrant birds often gather around a freshwater pond to sustain life in this remote corner of the Sundarbans.After the visit, we will start the cruise towards Khulna, enjoying the scenic views of the mangroves. After arriving in the afternoon, we will return to Dhaka. Upon reaching the city, you will be dropped off at your chosen location - ending your unforgettable journey through the wild beauty of the Sundarbans.
