I visited Sundarbans, a couple of times. But our nomadic journey during the holidays was worth mentioning for two reasons. Using a 70-300mm lens for wildlife photography and experiencing the forest beauty by my toddler was worth recalling. In my own dictionary, I found Sundarbans as an exceptional forest.
Against all odds, I had the intention to visit Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest with my family. My friend proposed to me to take the opportunity to visit Sundarbans. He knew that I am such a person who could visit the forest anytime if I get time. My last 2 visits to Sundarbans were conducted by the same professional guided tour company. The name of the company is Bengal Tours Ltd. I can only say that they have secured our travel with utmost comforts.
Sundarbans journey begins: 7 October 2014: Night 1
The day after Eid-ul-Azha, we started our overnight journey from Dhaka to Khulna by luxury AC bus. After reaching, we have relocated to MV Dinghy, a luxurious yacht, from Rupsha Ghat in the early morning.
8 October 2014: Day 1 Night 2
Our journey started at 7.30 am for Kotka forest sanctuary from Sarankhola range, entry checkpoint of Sundarbans deep forest. The next 12 hours were so serene in nature. The stock of daily food supplies and necessities were abundant. After taking dinner, we enjoyed spectacular full-moon sight from the vessel in the deep forest of Kotka. This full-moon was different from what we observe in the city. The entire forest’s silhouette was visible as farther as one’s eyesight could go. The reflection of the moon on the water was like glowing golden water in the Sundarbans delta. Did you ever imagine to watch Crocodile in moonlit night? Yes, we saw this rare sight on the full moon. It was spectacular. The first night in Sundarbans with my son was worthwhile because he enjoyed every bit of it. We went to bed early to rise early for the next morning.
9 October 2014: Day 2: Night 3
Sundarbans Creek & Beach Exploration
Around 5.40 a.m. on the 9th morning, we went to experience the creek trip in the deep forest by country boat. It was like enjoying the sound of the silence. To enjoy the nature and sound of Sundarbans, you have to have the capacity of being complete silence. An hour and a half trip through the canals, everyone mesmerized by seeing the beauty of Sundarbans. Birds chirping sound, the sound of rhesus monkeys, and the sound of the waterfall through the creeks caused by low tidal effect. Kingfisher, heron, the eagle were the few birds that captured well during the morning trip.
After taking breakfast, we headed towards the forest trekking up to Kotka beach. My realization was that all green colors probably found in Sundarbans. Total trekking minutes were 130 both way inclusive of half an hour stopover to Jaamtola. Due to the high tide, the beach area was underwater. But the fun went unlimited till we come back to a resting place called “Jaamtola”. Our group members, about 38 tourists, made a full circle surrounding the tree and gossiped on their group way. That’s the moment; I liked most during the whole trip.
Sundarbans Forest Trekking
After the lunch hour, we went for deep forest trekking activities on the swampy land of Kotka west bank. In the first part, we had to walk through marshy land for 15 minutes. Then in the second part, we had to walk through the knee height waterway for 10 minutes. In the last part, it was so scary because we had to walk through a very dense forest. We were frightened by the tiger attack during the last part of the trekking. Yes, we were safe ultimately.
After having mouthwatering dinner with Chicken BBQ and Coral fish, we had great time watching moon-lit night. Out of that day’s activity, my son liked seawater splash during high tide and enjoyed making sandcastles in Kotka beach. Lastly, he enjoyed resting under “Jaamtola”. Like the first night, we went to bed early to rise early for the next morning trip.
10 October 2014: Day 3: Night 4
Sharp at 6.00 a.m. on the 10th morning, we went to experience Kochikhal by country boat. Unlike Kotka canal trip, Kochikhal had allowed us to figure out Spotted Deer in the wild. As forecasted, we experienced a gutsy storm. We took shelter at the guard office in the deep forest. After the rain was over, a spectacular rainbow blew our eyesight on the horizon.
Our journey further started at 8.00 am for Rupsha Ghat from Kochikhali and it took almost 12 hours. These 12 hours, we enjoyed the natural beauty of another side of Sundarbans with extreme contentment. At the end of our journey, we had taken group pictures, selfie images for memories on the deck.
Statistically speaking, my son was the only child out of 38 tourists. Almost 12 foreigners from Europe, Asia, Canada, Australia were there. And 26 Bangladeshi tourists were there. That’s how we bonded with nomads on the road. At the end of the journey, we praised all the boat staff with tips who worked hard for all of us.
Let’s visit Sundarbans now!!
The last piece of advice, I recommend travelers to make a trip to Sundarbans in the winter season. The ideal time would be to visit between November to February month. I strongly advise not to visit Sundarbans those who are physically and mentally unfit.
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