Tour Details
Overview
Step into the extraordinary world of the Sundarbans, a sprawling expanse of wonder that stands as the largest mangrove forest on the globe. Its awe-inspiring beauty has earned it a distinguished spot on UNESCO's list of natural world heritage sites.
This enchanting mangrove forest is a sanctuary of unparalleled diversity, where the tapestry of life weaves together in stunning harmony. Here, amidst the intertwining roots and lush greenery, you will find a captivating array of fauna and flora. It's home to what is believed to be the largest surviving population of the majestic Royal Bengal tigers, a testament to nature's magnificence. The elusive estuarine crocodile, the enchanting Ganges River dolphins, and a myriad of vibrant bird species complete the ensemble of life that calls this forest home.
Picture yourself aboard our luxurious cruise, an experience that seamlessly blends opulence and discovery. As you navigate this intricate maze of tidal waterways, every twist and turn reveals a new facet of this natural gem nestled within Bangladesh's heart. The journey is as much a destination as the forest itself.
Indulge in the symphony of senses as you explore the diverse ecosystems, from the dense mangrove thickets to the tranquil waterways. With each moment, you'll be immersed in the spellbinding allure that the Sundarbans effortlessly casts. And when it's time to savor a moment of reprieve, our cruise-ship promises not only comfort but culinary delights, with a tantalizing array of full-board meals to satiate your appetite for both adventure and fine dining.
This is your chance to be a part of something truly remarkable – a voyage into the heart of a natural treasure, where every glimpse is a glimpse into the timeless rhythm of nature's dance. Join us in discovering the Sundarbans, where the extraordinary is simply the ordinary.
Embark on a captivating 3-day, 2-night journey into the mesmerizing beauty of the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest. Luxury vessel, MV GOLPATA, ensures both safety and indulgence as you explore this natural wonder. Encounter diverse wildlife, from the iconic Royal Bengal tigers to rare estuarine crocodiles and Ganges River dolphins. Sail through tidal waterways, visiting Herbaria, Kochikhali, Dimer Char, Katka, and Karamjal. Indulge in delicious full-board meals while immersing yourself in the Sundarbans' allure. This is your gateway to a unique Bangladeshi treasure.
Location
Pick-up: Jailkhana Ghat, Khulna
Timing
Reporting Time: 7:00 am Departure Time: 7:30 am
Duration: 3 days
Itinerary
Day-1
Reporting
Meet & greet with tour representative cum coordinator at the Khulna Jailkhana Ghat at 7:00 am
Tour starts
Board the ship at 7:30 am and the ship will depart from Jailkhana Ghat.
Breakfast
Breakfast will be served on the ship (see description for menu). Cruising through the river while having breakfast will be a very calming experience giving travelers the thrill to kick start a journey towards the world’s largest mangrove forest, the Sundarbans.
Chadpai Forest Office
Following the completion of the boarding, the boat will begin its journey to the south. After a few hours of cruising, the boat will make a stop at a forest station to complete formalities and to pick up armed forest guards to stay onboard. Your Sundarbans journey has begun in the world's largest mangrove forest.
Lunch
Lunch will be served on the ship between 1:30 pm to 2:00 pm (see description for menu) while still cruising through the river to the way to Kotka. Travelers will see the faraway view of the shore slowly turn greener, with taller and denser trees along the way.
Kotka overnight stay
It has natural beauty in the form of dense forests that face the vast sea, the Bay of Bengal. The beach is well-known for its abundance of various types of remaining and signs of various wild and sea creatures. The East Kochikhali Khal and Supati khal are well-known as the Tiger's entrance to Kochikhali. Aside from that, it is ideal for boating along the canals that crisscross the area and viewing a variety of basking crocodiles, deer, lizards, wild boar, and numerous birds. At Kochikhali, there is a rest stop. Tourists can enjoy nature's tranquility and scenic beauty.
Dinner
Dinner will be served on board. Experience the eerie beauty of the forest at night while cruising through the forest, the silence of the forest gives a more thrilling experience, especially at night.
Day-2
Breakfast
Cruising through the forest while having breakfast will be a unique experience giving travelers the thrill and energy to prepare for a small hike around the forest with a tour guide.
Explore Jamltala Sea Beach
Jamtala sea beach is a breathtakingly beautiful location in Sundarbans.
Explore Kotka
Arrive at Kotka Wildlife Sanctuary. The Kotka forest is filled with trees of various shapes, standing tall along the shore of the canal. The ambiance of the cruise gets more thrilling as the view takes a wilder look. Kotka monkeys and deer can be seen in good numbers from afar. Like other parts of the Sundarbans, there are many floras and faunas in Kotka.
Lunch
Lunch will be served on board (see description for menu), while travelers go deeper in to the mangrove forest cruising through the canal. In the evening, most of the wild animals come near to the banks of the canal to drink water. If travelers are lucky they can easily watch lots of deer, monkeys, snakes, crocodiles and wild birds roaming around in their natural habitat.
Tambulbunia overnight stay
We will give a rural boat ride through minor streams and canals, returning to the vessel for dinner, and spending overnight near Tambulbunia's forest office.
Dinner
Mouth-watering BBQ dinner will be served on board while the ship cruises through the canals of Sundarbans. Experience the eerie beauty of the forest at night while cruising through the forest, the silence of the forest gives a more thrilling experience, especially at night.
Day-3
Breakfast
Get up early in the morning and have a well-balanced breakfast. The final morning in the Sundarbans will be spent exploring the waterways and taking in the enigmatic beauty of the deep mangrove jungle. After breakfast, disembark from the ship and board the ship for a final exploration of the forest through little creeks and canals.
Karamjal Wildlife Rescue Center
The boat will head towards to Karamjal Wildlife Rescue Center is one of the wonderful visiting places in Sundarbans. We shall also visit the crocodile farm and deer-breeding center with the opportunity to spot basking crocodiles, deer, lizards, wild boar, and lots of birds,
Return Journey to Khulna
Get on the mother ship, start cruising towards Khulna, watch the forest fade away on the back as the city landscape forms in the faraway shores.
Lunch
Lunch will be served on the ship (see description for menu) while the ship keeps sailing towards Khulna city, on the Rupsha River.
Drop-off at Khulna
Arrive at Khulna City and get off from the ship.
Inclusion & Exclusion
Inclusion:
- Two nights’ accommodation on a Single/Double/Triple Bed-sharing cabin
- All meals during the trip
- All activities inside the forest as per itinerary
- Mineral water for drinking during the trip
- Forest fees & permission (for Bangladeshi nationals only)
- Armed forest guard from the forest department
- An experienced tour Guide
- All-time Tea, Coffee, and drinking water in the lounge room.
- Country boat cruise inside the forest
- All applicable taxes and tolls
Exclusion:
- Beverages / Drinks - Hard & Soft.
- Items of personal nature - Postage, Phone, Fax, Internet, Medicine, Laundry, etc.
- Tips to Guide & Driver.
- Anything that is not mentioned in the inclusions
Package Price for MV GOLPATA:
- Cabin Type-1: Panorama Deluxe Single Cabin - Attached Bath with Geyser for Solo Traveler Price: BDT 19,000 Per Person
- Cabin Type-2: Panorama Deluxe VIP Couple Cabin - Attached Bath with Geyser for 2 Travelers Price: BDT 19,000 Per Person
- Cabin Type-3: Panorama Deluxe Couple Cabin - Attached Bath with Geyser for 2 Travelers Price: BDT 18,000 Per Person
- Cabin Type-4: Panorama Deluxe Family Cabin - Attached Bath with Geyser for 3/4 Travelers Price: BDT 17,000 Per Person
To book this tour, please follow these steps:
- Step 1: Fill out the "Customer Inquiry" form.
- Step 2: MV GOLPATA will contact you and will send you a tour proposal.
- Step 3: Confirm your desired tour.
- Step 4: Proceed to payment
Additional Information
- Additional charges will be applied as permit fees for foreigners and non-Bangladeshi travelers as per government regulation.
- A national ID card must be provided on booking. All mentioned durations and activities are subject to change depending on tide, weather, and safety conditions.
- MV GOLPATA will be responsible for the operation of the tours and excursions as mentioned under the normal situation. So, for personal accidents, sickness, loss of baggage during the tour, delay or cancellation of a tour, any political problem resulting in an unusual situation to conduct a tour, etc, MV GOLPATA shall not be directly responsible.
- While MV GOLPATA will be responsible for extending all possible assistance in overcoming those problems, the guest must pay any extra cost incurred due to these problems.
- The time schedules mentioned in the itinerary are subject to change due to weather conditions, tides in the river, the convenience of the travelers, and other unavoidable circumstances.
- Travelers are requested to cooperate with the ship authority, host, or organizer in such circumstances.
- The travelers are requested to contact the ship authority, host, or organizer in case they face any kind of trouble or problem during the tour.
- No alcohol will be available for sale on board.
- No phone signal works inside the deeper forest. But at some point, you will get a phone signal to call the emergency number.
- If you use a Bangladeshi TeleTalk SIM, you will get better coverage in a remote area like Kotka.
Requirements:
- Must bring National ID card
- Valid permission for drone and professional camera from respective authorities
Travel Tips
Guidelines While on the Cruise:
- Dispose of Waste Properly: Please refrain from dropping any items into the water or within the jungle. Utilize the designated "Bin" on the boat to dispose of waste responsibly.
- Fire Safety: Smoking and any form of fire are strictly prohibited within the cabins for the safety of all passengers.
- Conservation of Resources: Please use water and electricity efficiently, considering the limited resources available during the cruise.
- Timely Meals: To ensure smooth operations, kindly adhere to meal timings.
- Child Supervision: Keep a watchful eye on your children to ensure their safety and enjoyment.
- Valuables Protection: Take necessary precautions to safeguard your valuables during the journey.
- Liability Notice: Understand that MV GOLPATA will not be held responsible for accidents, theft, loss, or damages. Travelers are encouraged to take necessary precautions.
- Booking Changes: If you need to change your booking date or cancel, it's imperative to inform MV GOLPATA in advance.
- Preserving the Environment: Littering is strictly prohibited in the river, along the shore, and at tourist spots. Please maintain the cleanliness of these areas.
- Respect for Nature: Avoid making noise, disturbing animals, or damaging plant life, respecting the natural ecosystem.
- Seat/Cabin Adjustments: In certain situations, the authorities might need to modify seat or cabin assignments for operational reasons.
- Forest Regulations: Travelers are kindly requested to adhere to the rules and regulations of the forest authorities.
Guidelines While in the Jungle:
- Stay Together: Always remain in a group while inside the jungle. Avoid solitary exploration for safety reasons.
- Flora and Fauna: Refrain from causing harm to plants and animals in the forest. Please respect their natural habitat.
- Communication: If you encounter any issues, communicate exclusively with your assigned tour guide, who is trained to handle various situations.
- Appropriate Attire: Opt for jungle-friendly attire, avoiding bright colors that might disturb the natural environment.
- Minimize Scents: Avoid using perfumes while in the jungle, as scents can imitate wildlife and disrupt their behavior.
- Respecting the Reserve: Recognize that the Sundarbans is a reserved forest without human habitation. In unforeseen circumstances, remain calm and follow the guide's instructions to manage the situation effectively.
By adhering to these guidelines, you'll contribute to the safety of all passengers, the preservation of the environment, and the enjoyment of an enriching experience in the mesmerizing Sundarbans.
Preparing for a 3-day tour in the Sundarbans requires packing thoughtfully to ensure your comfort, safety, and enjoyment. Here's a list of essentials you should consider taking:
Clothing:
- Lightweight shirts and pants
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sandals or water shoes
- Hat or cap
- Rain jacket or poncho
Personal Items:
- Identification documents
- Medications
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Personal hygiene items
Accessories:
- Sunglasses
- Binoculars
- Camera
- Power bank
Miscellaneous:
- Cash money
- Backpack or daypack
- Swimsuit (if applicable)
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Travel towel
Electronics:
- Mobile phone
- Charger cables
- Camera gear
Important Documents:
- Passport or ID
- Booking confirmation
- Emergency contact information