Huge tourists visit Sunderbans braving winter weather

On weekends, particularly Fridays and Saturdays, the main tourist spot at Karamjal sees an influx of visitors. Tourists arrive in droves to experience the mesmerizing landscapes of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Speaking to BSS at Karamjal on Sunday, Ranjan Majumder, a student from a private university, described his experience as enchanting. He remarked that the beauty of the Sundarbans can never be fully appreciated through books alone. "There is so much to learn here, from its rich biodiversity to its tranquil surroundings," he added.

Shawkat Chowdhury from Narayanganj shared that this was his first visit to the forest, and despite the biting cold, he thoroughly enjoyed the lush, unspoiled beauty of the area. "The weather didn’t deter me from appreciating the forest's serene charm," he said.

Hawlader Azad Kabir, Officer-in-Charge of Karamjal Tourist and Wildlife Breeding Centre, confirmed that there has been a surge in visitors, especially during weekends, despite the wintry conditions. He noted that this rise in tourist numbers is contributing to increased revenue for the region.

Kabir also highlighted that foreign tourists have been particularly impressed by the forest's beauty. For example, on Saturday, 16 tourists from England and Russia visited, and on New Year's Day, 38 foreign tourists from eight different countries toured the Sundarbans. "We expect this trend to continue through February," Kabir said.

Mihir Kumar Doe, the Conservator of Forests in Khulna, mentioned that in response to the growing number of visitors, three additional eco-tourism centers have already opened, and another is planned for the near future.

To manage the surge in tourism, the authorities are setting up four more eco-tourism centers in Alibanda, Andamanik, Shekhertek, and Kalabagi, complementing the seven existing centers at Karamjal, Herbaria, Kalagachia, Katka, Kochikhali, Dubla Char, and Heron Point.

The forest is also seeing new infrastructure developments to enhance the visitor experience, including watchtowers, hanging bridges, walking trails, sitting rooms, pontoons for waterway access, and rest houses.

Tourists typically visit three centers—Karamjal, Herbaria, and Kalagachia—paying a fixed entry fee for a day trip. On average, over 100,000 local and international tourists visit the Sundarbans annually, generating more than 1 crore Taka in revenue.

Beyond tourism, the Sundarbans plays a crucial role in supporting the livelihoods of over one million people. As a vital coastal shield, it protects communities from cyclones and floods.

In addition, a feasibility study is underway to develop world-class tourism facilities near the Sundarbans, ensuring that the forest's delicate ecosystem remains intact while further elevating its status as a premier global tourist destination.