Every time I think of writing about our travels to Sunderbans National Park, Bangladesh, I start putting my thoughts in words, but somehow end up scrapping the post. We have been here 3 times now with the children and I have been twice before, Ashique several times over. It is one of our favourite places in Bangladesh, a real gem of a place.
The Sundarbans mangrove forest is the largest of such forests in the world (140,000 ha), lies on the delta of the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers on the Bay of Bengal. It is adjacent to the border of India’s Sundarbans World Heritage site. It is home to the Royal Bengal Tiger, more than 260 species of birds, salt water crocodile and many other endangered species. It is a travel destination that is very dear to us, a place that is very special and magical, and each time we have been, both with children and without, has been a different experience, full of adventures(good and bad), activities and wonderful memories.
I have decided to just do a photo essay from ONE of our trips, 2013 August. One of these days, I will be happy with writing more in depth about it, probably when we are living in Bangladesh! Until then, enjoy these images from a very special place.
coastal mangrove forests
Very unique vegetation, the trees have to adapt to living in harsh conditions and intertidal environment
This picture courtesy of Mowgliz who do amazing conservation work in the Sunderbans.
We always see a variety of crabs and mudskippers when first stepping off the boat onto land
Father and daughter in their sun hats (Ashique looks quite fashionable wearing mine 🙂
One of the best parts are the boat rides through the many creeks inside the forest.
Mud baths along the edges of the forest, rich in nutrients and minerals, who needs a spa 🙂
Love the fact that we have the beach all to ourselves, water is so fresh and clean! This picture also courtesy of Mowgliz (they also happen to be wildlife photographers and have an amazing photobook published on the Sunderbans)
We always have to do the forest walks with forest guards carrying guns. Thankfully never had to use it during any of the times I have been there!
Water Buffaloes crossing the river along one of the many villages near the Sunderbans
Our home for 5 days, meandering along the river, always a pleasure travelling with Guide Tours..With them you are never a stranger 🙂
Guide Tours, Sunderban Eco cruise
I have never seen a tiger in this spot myself, Ashique has though! I have heard a tiger from the boat, seen the pug prints, have heard the monkeys sending out warning howls indicating the tiger is nearby. It’s still a thrilling feeling knowing a tiger maybe watching you from behind these trees as I am standing here!
I didn’t write about how we got here or about costs, but do feel free to send me any questions you might have regarding logistics, safety, best time to go, how to get there and any other information you might need!
Sunderbans (translated beautiful forest) Forever 🙂
This post is part of #traveladventcalendar2014 hosted by shereypaul where 24 travel bloggers share a post on each day of December leading up to Christmas!
This post is also linked to #weekendwanderlust through justinpluslauren and #weekendtravelinspiration hoped by Reflections Enroute 
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What a beautiful place! I love your photos. I’d love to take a boat ride through the forest. Thanks so much for linking up with #WeekendWanderlust!
What an interesting place and what an exotic destination. Nice pictures.
It’s amazing how weird and wonderful places look in comparison to our own homes. It’s such an interesting place 🙂
What an adventurous journey traveling on the river and seeing all the wild animals wandering around free. I would of liked the mud bath for my skin. Thanks for linking up to #WeekendWanderlust this week.
[…] personal favourite destination in Bangladesh, Sunderbans National Park, seeing the sunset as we lounged on the river cruise […]
I would love to wander round the Sunderbands with my hammock and machete..And a good perimeter fence, hope all is good with you my friend!
Wow, I’m glad you are showing us your beautiful home country! I only read once about travel in Bangladesh, and I must admit I don’t know much about your country, but it does look a place to add on my bucket list! One of the few corners of the world still unspoiled…
Bangladesh is indeed beautiful, the countryside is still unspoilt at least! unfortunately many parts are getting ruined/polluted and not from tourism either…am hoping by promoting it for sustainable/nature tourism it can help to raise awareness and add value the rich natural landscape and wildlife we have left..
Beautiful photos! I’m intrigued to see for myself one day!
I would love to go here…and see a tiger in the wild. Although I wouldn’t want it shot either. Great destination. Thanks for linking up with Weekend Travel Inspiration!
Thanks for linking up with Weekend Travel Inspiration!
I think in all the travel blogs I’ve ever read I’ve never come across a post about Bangladesh before. It’s refreshing and fascinating to read about it here. It’s such an under valued travel destination and obviously has great potential. I look forward to reading more about it on you blog and I love the photo of the mud bath – such fun!
Thank you so much for such positive feedback 🙂 I hope you do get to visit bangladesh one day, it really is a beautiful place to travel, especially the countryside!
Looks like a great adventure. I have to say I’d be a little nervous about the possibility of being shot! Then again, you look like you were well looked after. 🙂
Wow, what a fantastic place. Your photos really tell the story, and I will now be adding Bangladesh to my bucket list – although I am not so sure how I feel about the mud bath 🙂
Hi Sam, it’s so refreshing to see a post from Bangladesh. Not many people write about it. It’s nice to learn about places there. Sunderban looks like a beautiful forest indeed. I love your photo on the little boat. You all looked so relaxed and enjoying your time. I hope you can bring us more post from Bangladesh.
Thank you 🙂 I do have a few posts on Bangladesh on the blog but plan to write more and highlight all the wonderful places one can travel here! Thanks for the words of encouragement 🙂
Trolling through your archives and found this post. Bangladesh is not a destination one finds a lot of travel writing on. Looks like a lovely place!
[…] Photo Essay from one of our Sunderban travels, Bangladesh […]
Beautiful. I’ve never thought of traveling to Bangladesh and I don’t think I’ve ever come across a post on this place. So inspiring.
Thanks zofia 🙂 many parts of Bangladesh are really beautiful, but definitely one of those off the beaten path travel destinations
Beautiful photo and great story of traveling Sundarbans! For a 03 days tour at Sundarbans from Mongla, you can also check here: http://nijhoom.com/bangladesh-tour/sundarbans-tour/