Tourist Influx Expected in Sundarbans, Raising Prospects for Revenue Growth

With its extraordinary natural beauty, rich biodiversity and enchanting forests that change their appearance throughout the day, the Sundarbans remains a unique attraction for tourists. From the soft light of dawn and the midday sun to the magical atmosphere of late afternoon and the deep darkness of night, the world’s largest mangrove forest offers a different experience at every moment.

After the monsoon, tourists from home and abroad begin visiting the Sundarbans in increasing numbers from early October. Government measures to curb piracy have improved security, strengthening the prospects for tourism and creating opportunities to increase government revenue.

According to the Khulna regional office of the Forest Department, the government earned a total of Tk 134,810,051 in revenue from tourists and pilgrims who obtained permission to visit the Sundarbans during the 2023–24, 2024–25 and 2025–26 fiscal years.

Revenue stood at Tk 36,105,385 in 2023–24 before rising to Tk 53,812,410 in 2024–25. In the latest fiscal year, 2025–26, revenue amounted to Tk 44,883,256. Forest Department officials and tourism operators believe the sector has greater potential if the Sundarbans’ natural beauty, growing tourist interest and safe travel can be maintained. However, tourism expansion must go hand in hand with the protection of biodiversity, the environment and the forest’s natural balance.

Tourist Numbers and Revenue

Forest Department data show that 197,293 domestic tourists and 2,622 foreign tourists obtained permission to visit the Sundarbans in the 2023–24 fiscal year. Another 11,994 pilgrims visited the forest during the period. The government collected Tk 36,105,385 in revenue.

In 2024–25, the number of domestic tourists increased to 328,017. The forest received 1,734 foreign tourists and 11,033 pilgrims that year, generating Tk 53,812,410 in revenue. In 2025–26, the number of domestic tourists fell to 259,421, while foreign tourist numbers rose to 2,228. The number of pilgrims stood at 11,994. Revenue for the year was Tk 44,883,256.

The figures show that both tourist numbers and revenue increased significantly in 2024–25. Although domestic tourist numbers and revenue declined in the following fiscal year, the number of foreign tourists increased.

Popular Destinations and Travel Options

According to the Forest Department, visitors can obtain permission to stay in the Sundarbans for up to five days. However, most tour operators offer packages lasting two nights and three days. Tourists can also book a vessel privately and arrange a trip on any day of the week. Most tourist vessels departing from Khulna leave at around 8am on Thursdays and Fridays.

In September and October, popular destinations include Andharmanik, Kotka, Jamtala Beach, Kochikhali, Dimer Char and Karamjal. From October to February, tourists can also visit Andharmanik, Kotka, Jamtala Beach, Hiron Point and Dublar Char.

For day trips, many visitors travel from Mongla in Bagerhat to Karamjal and Harbaria by trawler or small boat. The Sundarbans can also be accessed from the Munshiganj area of Shyamnagar upazila in Satkhira. Along with its scenic beauty, the forest offers opportunities to observe wildlife, rivers, canals, mangrove vegetation and the natural environment up close. The forest also presents a different atmosphere during moonless nights and under moonlight.

Tour Packages and Costs

According to the Tour Operators Association of Sundarbans (TOAS), around 70 vessels currently carry tourists from Khulna to the forest, including luxury boats. Each vessel is permitted to carry up to 75 tourists. For a two-night, three-day package, the cost per person ranges from Tk 12,000 to Tk 20,000 on luxury air-conditioned vessels. Packages on non-air-conditioned vessels cost between Tk 7,500 and Tk 11,000 per person. Food, accommodation and other facilities vary by vessel.

Tourists are advised to contact tour operators at least two to four weeks in advance to secure a place on their preferred vessel during the peak season. At least 50 percent of the total fare is generally required as an advance payment to confirm a booking.

The Forest Department and tour operators are working together to ensure safe movement for tourists in the Sundarbans. They are also focusing on protecting the forest environment, ensuring visitor safety and allowing wildlife to move freely in its natural habitat.

Security and Environmental Protection

Mohammad Moinul Islam Jamaddar, president of the Tour Operators Association of Sundarbans, said, “Since the Sundarbans was opened to tourists in 1987, tourists have been allowed to visit only 10-12 kilometres of the 6,017-square-kilometre Sundarbans. So far, nature lovers have visited the Sundarbans safely. We are working sincerely to ensure safe and comfortable journeys for tourists. We request visitors to follow all the rules and regulations of the Forest Department while travelling through the Sundarbans. Everyone’s cooperation is needed to maintain biodiversity and the natural balance by avoiding plastic and polythene and ensuring environmentally friendly tourism. World-class vessels have been introduced in Khulna. We are moving towards world-class tourism while protecting the environment.”

Imran Hossain, Conservator of Forests for the Khulna region, said the Forest Department remained committed to protecting the Sundarbans at all times. A.Z.M. Hasanur Rahman, divisional forest officer of the Sundarbans West Forest Division, currently serving in the role, said two armed Forest Department guards were assigned to each tourist boat, alongside representatives of the tour operators. He added that all Forest Department camps inside the forest had been instructed to remain alert.

He said tourists were being made aware of the need to protect the overall environment of the Sundarbans and encouraged to act responsibly to conserve the forest. Tourism in the Sundarbans offers opportunities to support the local economy and increase government revenue. However, a rise in visitor numbers could also place greater pressure on the forest environment. Controlled tourism, regular monitoring, proper waste management and strict compliance with Forest Department rules are therefore essential.

Balancing tourism growth with environmental protection will be the biggest challenge in preserving the Sundarbans, a unique natural habitat rich in biodiversity, for future generations. With improved security, organised management and environmentally responsible tourism, the Sundarbans could further strengthen its position as one of Bangladesh’s most attractive tourist destinations.