Discover Dhaka & Sundarbans: 6-Day Cultural & Wildlife Adventure

6-Day Dhaka & Sundarbans Journey: Urban Life Meets Wild Nature

Welcome to Bangladesh! Our signature 6-day adventure takes you through the contrasting worlds of bustling Dhaka and the tranquil Sundarbans mangrove forest. This isn't your standard tourist path—we've crafted an experience that reveals the authentic heart of Bangladesh, from crowded rickshaw rides to silent forest waterways.

Why Travel With Us

We've been guiding travelers through Bangladesh since 2008. Unlike larger operators, our small team offers personalized attention to guides who grew up in these regions. Shohrab, who leads our Dhaka walks, knows stories of the city that most locals haven't heard. Farid, our Sundarbans expert, spent 15 years as a forest guard before joining us.

Our travelers consistently mention two highlights: sharing tea with locals in Old Dhaka's hidden courtyards and the moment when the Sundarbans forest awakens at dawn—experiences you simply can't arrange on your own.

Trip Highlights

• Weave through Old Dhaka's 400-year-old neighborhoods on foot and rickshaw
• Sample real street food where locals eat—from hearty kacchi biryani to sweet mishti doi
• Stay overnight on a converted fishing boat in the Sundarbans
• Spot wildlife from silent canoes that glide through narrow forest channels
• Walk with an experienced forest guide on remote beaches and forest paths
• Enjoy home-cooked Bengali meals prepared fresh onboard

Your Day-by-Day Journey

Day 1: Arriving in Dhaka

When you step off your flight at Hazrat Shahjalal Airport, our driver Juel will be waiting. The drive to your hotel takes about an hour (longer in notorious Dhaka traffic). Our recommend Hotel —a family-run place with large rooms and proper water pressure, unlike many Dhaka hotels.

Rest until late afternoon, then meet your guide at 4pm for a gentle introduction to the city. We'll visit Dhaka University campus as students finish classes, walk past Parliament House (though we can't enter), and enjoy a casual dinner at Star Hotel, where the beef tehari is legendary among locals.

Day 2: Old Dhaka Immersion & Journey to Khulna

Be ready by 7am—we'll beat the crowds to experience Old Dhaka at its most authentic. Begin at Sadarghat river port, where hundreds of wooden boats unload produce from the countryside. The morning light here is magical for photos. Then we'll walk to Ahsan Manzil, the "Pink Palace" built in 1872 as a British-Bengali fusion mansion.

The real adventure begins in the ancient lanes behind Shakhari Bazaar, where Hindu artisans still craft shell bangles by hand. Stop for breakfast at Star Hotel (despite the name, it's a 90-year-old café) for fresh paratha and bhaji.

After exploring chaotic Badamtoli fruit market, we'll have a proper lunch at Hanif Biryani—they've been making the same recipe since 1939—no spoons needed, you'll eat with your hands like locals.

By mid-afternoon, we'll drive to Khulna (about 6-7 hours). It's a long journey, but our van has working AC and comfortable seats. We'll stop at a family-run roadside restaurant where the dal is surprisingly good. Overnight at Hotel in Khulna—simple but clean rooms with reliable hot water.

Day 3: Entering the Sundarbans

We'll transfer to our boat by 6am. The boat isn't luxurious, but it's clean, stable, and captained by Monir, who grew up navigating these waters. The upper deck has been converted with four basic cabins (shared bathrooms) and a covered sitting area where all meals are served.

As we cruise toward the Sundarbans, you'll notice villages becoming scarcer and the waterways narrowing. We'll stop at Dhangmari Forest Station for permits and to pick up Rashid, our armed forest guard who accompanies all boats in the reserve.

By afternoon, we'll reach Andarmanik, where we'll anchor for lunch. The cook, Mamun, prepares excellent fish curry. Afterward, we'll take our first forest walk on a marked trail, looking for deer tracks and monkeys in the trees.

As evening approaches, we'll find a quiet spot to anchor. After dinner, sit on deck and experience absolute darkness—a rarity in our modern world—while spotting stars rarely visible in light-polluted cities.

Day 4: Deep Forest Exploration

Wake early to the sounds of the forest. After breakfast, we'll take small country boats through narrow channels where the big boat can't go. Keep your camera ready—kingfishers flash between trees, and monitor lizards often bask on exposed roots.

At Kotka, we'll disembark for a longer forest walk and climb the watchtower for spectacular views. The mangrove ecosystem is fascinating—trees have evolved aerial roots to breathe in tidal mud, and salt-filtering systems that would impress any engineer.

After lunch back on board, we'll cruise to Jamtola Beach—a stretch of sand where forest meets sea. Walking here is particularly special as few people ever set foot on these shores.

In the evening, we'll have a simple BBQ dinner on deck. Fresh fish from local fishermen, grilled with minimal spices to let the natural flavors shine. Sleep comes easily after a day in the fresh air.

Day 5: Wildlife Watching & Return to Khulna

Another early start offers our best chance to spot wildlife. We'll silently cruise smaller channels at dawn when animals come to drink. Spotted deer are common, and with luck, you might glimpse wild boar or even a crocodile. Tigers exist, but sightings are exceptionally rare—perhaps once every few months across all tourist boats.

We'll stop at Karamjol crocodile breeding center before beginning our journey back to Khulna, arriving by late afternoon. From there, we'll drive back to Dhaka, reaching your hotel around 10pm. Tonight's stay is at hotel —we've found that after the basic boat accommodations, travelers appreciate ending with some comfort.

Day 6: Final Taste of Dhaka & Departure

Depending on your flight time, we can arrange a final city exploration. Perhaps visit the Liberation War Museum to understand Bangladesh's birth as a nation, or Baitul Mukarram National Mosque (respectful dress required).

For last-minute shopping, New Market offers traditional handicrafts like nakshi kantha (embroidered quilts) and hand-loomed gamcha towels.

We recommend a final lunch at Fakruddin, famous for its rezala—a yogurt-based meat dish unique to Bangladesh. Our driver will transfer you to the airport with plenty of time for your departure.

What's Included

• Airport pickup and drop-off in private vehicle
• 3 nights hotel accommodation (2 in Dhaka, 1 in Khulna)
• 2 nights on private boat in Sundarbans with all meals
• All transportation between destinations
• Experienced English-speaking guides throughout
• Entry fees to monuments and Sundarbans permits
• Forest guard fees and park taxes
• All breakfasts, plus lunches and dinners as specified

What's Not Included

• International airfare
• Bangladesh visa fees
• Meals not specified (budget $5-15 per meal)
• Camera fees at some monuments (usually 200-300 taka)
• Tips for guides and boat crew
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses and souvenirs

Practical Information

Weather: November-February offers cool, dry days (18-25°C), ideal for walking and boating. March-April gets progressively hotter, while May-October sees heavy monsoon rains, though the Sundarbans is lushest then.

What to Pack: Lightweight, modest clothing (shoulders covered), a light sweater for cool evenings, comfortable walking shoes, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, flashlight, and binoculars. Bring any medications you need—specific brands may be unavailable.

Money: ATMs are common in Dhaka but non-existent in the Sundarbans. Bring enough cash (Bangladesh Taka) for personal expenses. Credit cards work only at upscale establishments.

Connectivity: Purchase a local SIM card upon arrival for data access in cities. The Sundarbans has limited to no coverage—a perfect digital detox opportunity.

Health: No special vaccinations required beyond standard traveler recommendations. Bottled water provided throughout. Our boat carries a basic first aid kit.

Come experience Bangladesh as few travelers do—beyond the headlines, into the warm heart of this remarkable country.