Tourists flock to Sundarbans to enjoy Eid vacation. Photo : BSS

By S M Zahid Hossain

KHULNA, April 2, 2025 (BSS) – Thousands of visitors flocked to the Sundarbans, especially Karamjal, with their families and friends to enjoy Eid-ul-Fitr vacation

Although there was not much crowd on the Eid day, the number of tourists significantly increased on Tuesday and Wednesday, in different tourist spots in the Sundarbans.

Forest officials said, the influx of tourists would continue for few more days.

The Sundarbans, a world heritage site, is known for its wide range of flora and fauna that include the Royal Bengal Tiger, the rare Irrawaddy and Ganges dolphins and various species of birds and animals.

Besides Karamjal, tourists also thronged different spots including Harbaria, Hironpoint, Katka, Kocikhali, Dublar Char, Dimer Char in the forest to enjoy its natural beauty as well as wildlife.

Despite the mild heat wave sweeping over the region, thousands of tourists visited the mangrove forest from Tuesday at Karamjal and different spots on Eid holidays, Howlader Azad Kabir, in-charge of Karamjal Wildlife Breeding and Tourism Center, told BSS today.

“Eid means joy as well as travel; several thousand tourists have visited Karamjal in two days. The number will go up over the next few days due mainly to the favourable political atmosphere in the country,” said Azad.

They roamed different areas of the forest to see the wildlife, including deer, monkeys, and crocodiles. The rich biodiversity of the forest fascinated them. As a result, revenue collection during the Eid holidays is expected to be higher than on regular days,” he said.

To attract more tourists, various eye-catching structures and infrastructures have been built in Karamjal. Different spots in the Sundarbans have been decorated to attract the tourists, he added.

He, however, said “We are cooperating tourists with tight security. There have been no complaints, so far, from any corner. With a rise in number of tourists, revenue collection will go up from Sundarbans.”

According to the Sundarbans Department, even though it is not the peak travel season, visitors from distant places have come to the Sundarbans to spend their Eid holidays. Some have travelled with friends, while others have come with their families to make the Eid holidays memorable.

Sakibur Rahman Nishat (24), a student of North-South University, visited the Sundarbans for the first time with his friends. He said, “Instead of travelling abroad, why don’t people come to visit such a beautiful tourist spot in Bangladesh? We will return here if we get another chance.”

Mokbul Hossain (42), a government employee from Pabna, came with his wife and two daughters. He mentioned that they visited the Sundarbans due to the favourable political atmosphere.
 
“The breathtaking beauty of the Sundarbans has captivated us, that is why we came back here again,” he added.

Md Nurul Karim, the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the Eastern Sundarbans, said, “Many sites especially Kochikhali is one of the most attractive places in the Sundarbans, offering unparalleled natural beauty. For travel enthusiasts, Kochikhali is a must-visit.

Besides, Katka and Hiron Point are also popular tourist spots. It takes around 12 to 14 hours for a trawler from Mongla to reach these destinations. Katka is home to a deer sanctuary and a watchtower, from where visitors can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the Sundarbans.

Meanwhile, Karamjal’s charm continues to impress visitors.” He also added that although it is not the peak season, tourist footfall increases during festivals like Eid.

Nur Alam Sheikh, the convener of Bangladesh Environment Movement (BAPA) in Mongla, remarked, “The Sundarbans is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful natural attractions. That’s why travel enthusiasts from both home and abroad rush to visit it whenever they get a chance. First-time visitors often fall in love with the beauty of the forest and return again and again.”

He also demanded more bridges and jetties in different spots of the Sundarbans.

Abul Fazal, a resort owner in Mongla, said he made good business during the Eid holidays and said that all rooms of the resort had already been booked.

Officer-in-Charge of Mongla Tourist Police (Sundarbans Zone) Md Monir Hossain said, “Although there were no visitors on Eid day, tourists started arriving the following day. Many are reaching the Sundarbans from Mongla in small boats. We are actively ensuring their safety and overall management.

“The numbers of tourists are increasing this year because of the long Eid vacation as well as tight security measures,” he added.