Yes, you can see the Sundarbans in a single day. A Sundarbans day trip takes you by trawler from the edge of the forest to one of the eco-tourism spots, then back by evening. You will not reach the deep forest, but you will walk among the mangroves, climb a watchtower and see deer, monkeys and crocodiles.
Here is how a day tour works, and when a ship tour is the better choice.
Where to start a Sundarbans day tour
There are three gateways, each with its own day-trip spots:
- From Mongla (Bagerhat): trawlers run down the Pasur river to Karamjal or Harbaria. This is the most popular day trip.
- From the Khulna side: trawlers run along the Rupsa and Shibsa rivers to Kalabogi or Shekherteck.
- From Satkhira: from Munshiganj near Shyamnagar to Kalagachia or Dobeki, on the western side of the forest.
Harbaria, Shekherteck and Dobeki need a separate Forest Department permission, so go through an operator for those. Karamjal, Kalabogi and Kalagachia are the simplest day trips.
Karamjal: the classic day trip from Mongla
Karamjal is a short trawler ride from Mongla. A raised wooden trail leads through the mangroves to a watchtower, and there is a crocodile breeding centre, spotted deer in an enclosure and plenty of monkeys. Most people spend two to three hours here. It is the easiest way to see the Sundarbans with elderly parents or small children.
Read more about each place in our guide to Sundarbans tourist spots.
How it works
- Get to Mongla, about an hour by road from Khulna. With the Padma Bridge, many people leave Dhaka on a night bus and arrive in time for a morning trip. See how to get there from Dhaka.
- Hire a trawler at the ghat, or join a shared one. A trawler takes a group, and the hire is shared. In 2023, Prothom Alo reported around BDT 2,500 to 5,500 per trawler for Karamjal and BDT 6,000 to 15,000 for Harbaria. Prices change, so agree the fare before you set off.
- Pay the entry fee at the forest station, and visit with the forest staff on duty.
- Be back before dark. Day trips run in daylight only.
Day trip or 3-day ship tour?
A day trip is right if: - You only have one day, or you are already in Khulna or Mongla - You are travelling with elderly parents or very young children - You want a first taste before committing to a longer trip
A ship tour is better if: - You want to see Katka, Kochikhali and Jamtala Beach, which are too far for a day trip - You want the early-morning boat rides into the creeks, the best time to see wildlife - You want everything arranged: meals, cabin, guide, armed forest guard and permission
Want the full Sundarbans?
Our Sundarban Tour Package takes three days from Khulna and covers Harbaria, Kochikhali, Dimer Char, Katka and Karamjal, so you see the day-trip highlights and the deep forest too. Check what it costs and what to pack.
