Sundarbans, world’s largest mangrove forest, is abuzz with footsteps of a large number of tourists – both local and foreign – due its scenic beauty and diverse wildlife. After three months of closure, Sundarbans opened to tourists on September 1. The mangrove forest was off-limits to tourists from June 1 to August 31 by the Forest Department to ensure the breeding of 375 species of wild animals and 291 species of fish, including the Bengal tiger and deer. According to the Forest Department, at present, 114 Royal Bengal tigers, 375 species of wildlife including 200,000 deer, 334 species of plants including Sundari, 165 species of algae, 13 species of orchids, and 300 species of birds call the Sundarbans home. Fence to be erected in parts of Sundarbans to tackle human-tiger conflicts Kazi Muhammad Nurul Karim, forest officer of Sundarbans East zone, said a total of 4,908 local and 72 foreign tourists have visited the Sundarbans since it reopened till September 26. Last year, the number of local tourists was 2,332 and foreign tourists were seven in the 26 days of September. Md Saiful Islam, director of Sundari Eco Resort, said an eco village has been set up in Dhangmari, and they are working on developing community-based tourism. Sundarbans reopens to tourists, foresters after three-month closure “We have provided employment to hundreds of locals, and the local stakeholders are also being benefited through this,” he said. “This month, we have provided services to 34 tourists from China, Germany, Japan, Poland and India and the visitors felt delighted to visit the village, wearing local attire,” he added. Abu Foysal Mohammad Sayem Babu, director of Holidays Tours and Travels, said, “The Sundarbans has become the biggest attraction for foreign travellers, and keeping that in mind we are providing services to tourists through modern and luxurious cruise ships.” Deer poaching in Sundarbans rising at alarming rate amid lax monitoring He also claimed that the number of tourists in the Sundarbans will see further increase if the government lowers the travel fee for foreign travellers. A Japanese tourist, currently in the Sundarbans, said, “After hearing the story of the Sundarbans, I came here, at the Sundari Eco Resort. I did not expect to see such a charming village.” Azad Kabir, in-charge of Karamjal Tourist and Wild Animal Breeding Center, said that hundreds of tourists have visited the main attractions in the Sundarbans, and were overwhelmed by the scenic beauty.

Beyond the luscious greenery and eye-soothing forestry, Sundarbans is also the largest mangrove forest in the world. Situated in the southwestern end of Bangladesh, the forest comprises over 10,000 square kilometers of unaltered forest. Of this, over 6,000 square kilometers are situated in Bangladesh part. Every year, there’s a high influx of tourists in the post-monsoon and early winter seasons. Naturally, several eco-parks and resorts have been built to cater to the growing number of tourists each year. Let’s look at some of the best eco-resorts in Sundarbans which can be an ideal stay for your visit to the world’s largest Mangrove forest. 5 Popular Eco Resorts in Sundarban  Harbaria Eco Park The first one on the list is Harbaria Eco Park. The place was first established as a tourism center back in 2010. Subsequently, the area was expanded to make way for the eco-park. The place itself is situated deep within the forest area on the opposite bank of the Sundarbans. Read Sundarbans reopens to tourists, fishermen after 3 months Tourists can easily visit the eco-park from the Mongla Port downstream through the Rupsha river. There is a large open area to embrace the scenic beauty of the Sundarbans. Moreover, the wanderlusts can easily hop onto one of the watch towers of Sundarbans to experience the surrounding majestical panoramic views. Iraboti Eco Resort and Research Center Iraboti Eco Resort offers some of the best cottage experiences in the greater Sundarban Area. Moving away from the main Rupsha river, the cottage is nestled upstream on the Goran tributary. Read Sundarbans to have 4 more eco-tourism centres The resort itself also serves as a research center for Sundarban wildlife. On the river end, several cottages are arranged facing the deep jungle of Sundarban right across the river. The cottage also has its own boats for touring the mangrove forest.  The tourists can easily spot hordes of monkeys and deer as they move along the bank. And if it's a lucky day, the travellers might even see the royal Bengal Tiger. Iraboti has a standard package of single cottage housing 4 people for 4000 BDT per day. The rate is standard for all the cottages with food expenses charged separately. Read Sundarbans tourism: Now focus on automation to improve services