Bangladesh rarely makes any ‘top ten’ lists worldwide, but an often asked question comes more along the following lines: ‘Since I’m in Bangladesh, what are the top ten things I should see?’ Here’s a suggestion list to get you started:

~story by Mikey Leung~

You’re considering a journey to Sundarban, one of the world’s most pristine wildernesses and certainly a highlight of the subcontinent. Who do you turn to for more information?

In the course of our research we’ve managed to try out a few operators—but perhaps you know others. Feel free to let us know via your comments if you’ve tried out any other companies, or who to avoid. Here’s our review:

You’ll find several local operators offering tours to Sundarban but there are very few companies who actually own the facilities necessary to facilitate a Sundarban trip, and have guides specifically designated for that purpose. Additionally, it can be much more difficult to arrange your own transport and permits to Sundarban, as they are required for all visitors, local or bideshi. Finally, we suggest that it is best to spend at least three days doing the trip, if not four.

This is because the best part of Sundarban is in the far southeast, where the biodiversity is highest and you can enjoy isolated beaches facing the Bay of Bengal, and it takes almost a full day of travel through the mangrove channels to get there. Ensure your tour includes stops at Kotka and Kochikhali—perhaps the nicest places in Sundarban for enjoying the beach and taking strolls through the forest.

For those who don’t have much time or the budget for a big trip, you can arrange your own brief trip using local boat hire from Mongla. A few other travellers have recommended Mr. Ferdous at the Hotel Pashur. Otherwise, boatmen will easily find you if you hang out around the Mongla ghat.

If you’re opting for an organised expedition, there are several Khulna-based outfits that offer trips to the Sundarbans.

• Guide Tours Offices in Khulna and Dhaka, and Bangladesh’s oldest operator to the Sundarbans. Offers different styles of travel to Sundarban (e.g. research and/or media support as well as standard tours). You can put together a group of people yourself or try and join an already scheduled departure.
  Dhaka Darpan Complex (1st floor), Plot 2, Gulshan 2, tel: 02 988-6983, 02 986-2208, 01711 696 337; fax: 02 988-6984; e-mail: theguide@bangla.net; Web: www.guidetours.com.
  Dhaka Sheraton Sheraton Hotel Lobby, 1 Minto Road, tel: 02 833-0001 ext 4451, 01711 696 331.
  Khulna KDA Building (ground floor), Khulna, tel: 041 731-384, 01711 298 000.
• Bengal Tours Another tour operator with specialized Sundarban boats.
  Dhaka House 45, Road 27, Block-A, Banani, tel: 02 883-4716, 885-7424; fax: 02 988-6381; e-mail: bengal@agni.com; web: www.bengaltours.com.
  Khulna 236 Khan Jahan Ali Road, tel: 041 724-355, 01711 275 231.
• Rupantar Eco-tourism Khulna-based startup with the ability to organise cultural performances in local villages. 8 Hazi Mohsin Road (1st floor), tel: 041-811424 or Mobile 01711 829414, 01711 841276; fax: 041-720629; e-mail: info@rupantareco-tourism.com; web: www.rupantareco-tourism.com.
• Journeys can also be organised from the Western Inn International or the Royal Hotel International.
• Have you got an operator to add? Let us know via comments on this article!