A Sundarbans trip with family is one of the best holidays you can give children in Bangladesh. They see deer in the wild, monkeys in the trees, crocodiles on the mud banks and maybe a tiger's pugmarks, all from the safety of a ship with meals, a guide and an armed forest guard. With the Padma Bridge, the journey from Dhaka is short enough for young travellers too.
Here is how to make it easy.
Is the Sundarbans safe for children?
Yes, on an organised ship trip. An experienced guide and an armed forest guard stay with the group on every forest walk, and your booking names the vessel and the life-saving equipment on board. Children should wear life jackets in the small boats and stay close to an adult on deck and on the trails. Sailings are delayed or rescheduled if a cyclone warning is issued.
Best time for a family trip
December to February is ideal: cool, dry, calm rivers and school holidays. It is also the busiest season, so book several weeks ahead, especially for the December break. Avoid April and May with small children, when it is hot and storms are more likely. Read more in the best time to visit the Sundarbans.
Choosing a ship and cabin
- Ask for a private or family cabin, where the ship has one, so you are together and not sharing with strangers.
- Choose a mid-range or premium ship for air conditioning and an attached bathroom, which matter most with young children. Compare options in Sundarbans tour cost, ship by ship.
- Ask about children's prices when you book. Prices for children depend on the ship and whether they need their own bed.
Getting there with kids
The ship leaves Khulna early in the morning. With small children, a night bus or train via the Padma Bridge works well: they sleep on the way and wake up in Khulna. If you prefer, fly to Jashore and drive about 1.5 hours to Khulna the day before. Read how to get there from Dhaka.
What children love most
- The country-boat rides into the narrow creeks at dawn
- Spotted deer grazing in the meadows at Katka and Kochikhali
- The crocodile breeding centre and the monkeys at Karamjal
- Jamtala Beach, an empty beach where the forest meets the sea
- Watchtowers, where they can look out over the forest
- The BBQ evening on deck, on ships that offer one
Tips for the walks
- The walk from Katka to Jamtala Beach takes around 45 minutes each way. It is fine for most children who walk regularly. Bring a carrier for toddlers.
- Pack snacks and water for each walk. Meals are on the ship.
- Use insect repellent and long sleeves.
- Keep food out of sight at Karamjal. The monkeys are bold.
On top of the usual Sundarbans packing list, bring:
- Children's birth certificates, for the forest permission
- Children's medicines, a thermometer and oral saline
- Extra clothes, as shoes and trousers get muddy
- Snacks your children like
- A small toy or book for the quiet hours on the river
- Wet wipes and hand sanitiser
Plan your family trip
Send your dates, and how many adults and children are going, from the Sundarban Tour Package page. We will suggest ships with cabins that suit your family and confirm children's prices on WhatsApp.
