The Sundarbans is a protected forest, a wildlife sanctuary and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so every visit runs under Forest Department rules. None of them are hard to follow, but a few catch people out, and forgetting your ID can stop you boarding. Here is what to know, and what to pack.
The permit: what you need
You cannot enter the forest on your own. Every visit needs Forest Department permission, and for an overnight trip that is arranged by the tour operator. On our Sundarban Tour Package we arrange it for you.
- Bangladeshi nationals: your National ID card. For children, a birth certificate.
- Foreign nationals: your passport. The forest fee for foreigners is separate and higher. Read Sundarbans for foreign travellers.
- Book a few days ahead. The permission has to be ready before the ship sails, so same-day bookings are rarely possible.
- Season: the forest is closed to tourists from 1 June to 31 August. Read the best time to visit.
Sundarbans travel rules
- No drones. Flying a drone in the Sundarbans is completely banned.
- No firearms, other than those carried by the forest guard.
- Stay with your guide and forest guard on every walk. Never wander off a trail or walk into the forest alone.
- Do not feed or disturb the animals. That includes the monkeys at Karamjal, however much they ask.
- No single-use plastic. The Forest Department restricts plastic bottles and throwaway plastic. Bring a refillable bottle and carry all rubbish back to the ship.
- Keep the noise down. No loud music on the trails. Wildlife hides from noise, and quiet groups see more.
- Wear the life jacket whenever you are in a small boat in the creeks.
- Professional camera equipment may need a separate fee. Ask before you travel.
Sundarban tour dress: what to wear
- Light cotton clothes in muted colours like green, brown or grey. Bright colours and strong perfume scare wildlife away.
- Long trousers and long sleeves for forest walks, against insects and sun.
- Closed walking shoes or sandals with a back strap. Trails can be muddy, and the Katka to Jamtala Beach walk is around 45 minutes each way.
- A warm layer from November to February. Evenings on deck get cold.
- A light rain jacket in September and October.
- A cap or hat and sunglasses. The open decks have little shade.
Packing list for a 3-day ship trip
- National ID card or passport
- Clothes for three days, plus one spare set
- Walking shoes and flip-flops for the ship
- Warm layer or rain jacket, depending on the month
- Cap, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Refillable water bottle
- Power bank. Charging points on board may be limited.
- Personal medicines, plus motion-sickness tablets if you need them
- Binoculars, if you have them, for birds and deer
- A small torch for the evenings
- Some cash. There are no ATMs in the forest.
Mobile network
Expect a weak signal or none at all once the ship is deep in the forest, especially around Katka and Kochikhali. Let your family know before you sail, and enjoy three days offline.
Ready to go?
Send your dates from the Sundarban Tour Package page and we will handle the permission. To plan the rest, see what the trip costs and how to get there from Dhaka via the Padma Bridge.
