Sundarbans Excursion With Rocket Steamer

Dhaka , Bangladesh

Sundarbans Excursion With Rocket Steamer

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About this experience

Tour Duration: 7 Nights 8 Days

Location: Dhaka, Bagerhat, Mongla, Sundarbans, Khulna.

Tour Attraction: Old Dhaka, Rocket, Sundarbans.

Best Time To Visit: October-April

Arrival to departure package to visit 02 World Heritage Sight in Bangladesh – Sundarbans and Bagerhat, including an overnight journey on a century old paddle steamer called Rocket, and experiencing the life and sights at Old Dhaka. Sundarbans is the largest mangrove forest on earth., home of Bengal Tigers and many birds and wildlife. Best tour to experience Sundarbans.

On this tour, after visiting Old Dhaka the whole day and before embarking paddle steamer in the evening, we’ll take you back to your hotel in the evening for shower, which will significantly improve your experience, as there is no facilities for shower on Rocket and you have yet another day ahead before reaching your next hotel at Mongla.

Available options

Sundarbans Excursion With Rocket Steamer

Pickup included

What's included

Lunch

Dinner

Breakfast

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Minimum 02 person is required to book this tour outside the scheduled tour. Solo travelers can only join the scheduled tours.

This tour is available to start on any Saturday, Monday, Or Friday – round the year.

1st class tickets of Rocket and Train depends on availability. You might have to travel on the 2nd class if 1st class is not available. Only difference on 1st and 2nd class on the Rocket is, 2nd class is located in the back side, and have no air-conditioning. Other facilities are same. Passengers of 2nd class can use all the facilities of 1st class, e.h. dining area, sitting area on the front side etc.

On Monday and Thursday, a traditional ferry comes in service instead of the paddle steam boats. If you book for these days, You have to travel on the traditional ferry instead of a paddle Wheel streamer.

If for some unexpected reason Rocket ticket is not available at all, we’ll take you up to Barisal by atraditional ferry (overnight part) and from Barisal to Hularhat on the Rocket (daytime journey part).

In case of traveling on the 2nd class of train, you’ll have a reserved seat.

Itinerary of Sundarbans Tour is just a general outline and not fixed. It could be changed depending on the season, moon phase, day light hours, tide and fog. But we’ll try to include all the places and activities mentioned in the itinerary as much as possible.

The boat for Sundarbans is a very basic boat without air-conditioning, electricity and running hot water (we will supply them on bucket). It has accommodation facilities for 08 person in max and one western style toilet. But we have a large boat too to arrange tour for bigger groups.

The cabin in the boat at Sundarbans are lit by small lights running on battery. We’ll run the generator in the evening for couple of hours everyday to charge your devices.

You’ll get mobile phone signal of Grameen Phone on the first half Day-04. In Kotka, a new network signal tower of Teletalk opened recently, so yo’ll get full network coverage of only Teletalk in Kotka with 2G internet network facilities which is very slow. No other SIM card will work inside other parts of the forest.

For trekking in the forest on day-05, the land is flat and we will not go through very dense forest, so it will be easy for most of the people, as long as you can walk about 10 Km. The trail is dry, not muddy. Bring covered shoes which is suitable for trekking and can protect you from small grass and trees with spikes.

If you do not want to walk, you can remain on the boat which will be still enjoyable, as it will go from Kochikhali to Kotka through small canals, which will be a ride of about 03 hours.

Single supplement is applicable for the hotels only. You might not be provided separate cabins on Rocket and on the boat at Sundarbans, even if you pay for the single supplement, based on the availability.

Citizens of EU, USA, Australia, Canada, Russia and some Asian countries can get Visa on Arrival in Bangladesh, which is a pretty straight-forward process. Although there is a rule to take visa beforehand if you have a Bangladesh mission on the country where you are coming from, this rule is completely overlooked. They never check where you are coming from. They only check if you are a national of a country which are eligible for VOA and directly issue the Visa.

Unless there is a long Que for VOA, it will take just 10 minutes of your time to get VOA. Fee for most of the country is $51 USD. You’ll not require any previous application or anything else to get the Visa. However, they will ask you for your hotel reservation and a phone number of the hotel. Simply show our details itinerary which we will send you once you confirm your booking, where all the hotel information will be written. They will be happy enough to give you a VOA of maximum 30 days Check for more information on visa on arrival for Bangladesh.

ATM Availability: Although Bangladesh has many ATMs, some of these do not accept foreign cards – your guide can give advice on which ATMs to use but we do not advise relying on ATMs alone for money.

Credit and Debit Card Acceptance: Cards are generally only accepted in the more expensive shops and restaurants.

Local Currency: Taka

Recommended Currency for Exchange: US Dollar, Pounds, Euro.

Where to Exchange: There are a number of exchange houses in large towns and cities.

All the breakfasts, 03 lunches and 02 dinners are included on the trip. You need to pay for rest of the lunches and dinners during your trip. A meal on a decent local restaurant will cost about $5-$7 USD.

Tea and Soft drinks are very cheap. Mineral water is widely available.

Bangladesh is a secular Muslim country and whilst the people are very liberal and friendly, alcohol is not widely available. There are only a couple of hotels on the trip which have a bar, and even at these establishments you cannot usually drink in the restaurant. Local beer, when available, costs approx. $5 USD for a 300ml can and a measure of spirits is similarly priced. Wine is not available. It may sometimes be possible to purchase alcohol outside the hotels, but it is prohibited to consume in public places. There is a duty freeon arrival in Dhaka airport (before immigration) and you are permitted two bottles of spirits per person.

In Dhaka, there are some wire houses from where you can buy alcohol showing your Foreign passport. But they only sell whole cartons of usually 24 bottles/cans.

Tipping is a common practice is Asia. Bangladesh, most workers will expect a small tip, anything from 50 Taka upwards depending on the service provided. At the end of the tour, if your principle guide, together with the driver and the boat crews have been helpful then you could think about tipping them. Normally guest give them $100 USD tip for total trip. But that is obviously your choice. The amount can obviously be left to you.

Booking this tour at least 03 weeks in advance is advised.

Important notes

• Not recommended for pregnant women
• U.S and Canadian Citizens: Must bring a government issued photo ID and proof of citizenship (U.S birth certificate or naturalization certificate) or a passport for re-entry to the United States. Children, ages 18 and under only require a birth certificate. Non-U.S. Citizens: Either a Passport, I-94, Multiple Entry Visa or Resident Alien Card is required for re-entry to the United States.
• A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
• Dress code is smart casual

About Dhaka

Dhaka, the bustling capital of Bangladesh, is a vibrant city where ancient history meets modern dynamism. Known for its rich cultural heritage, bustling markets, and iconic landmarks, Dhaka offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity. The city is a melting pot of diverse experiences, from exploring historic sites to indulging in flavorful street food.

Top Attractions

Lalbagh Fort

Lalbagh Fort is a 17th-century Mughal fort complex that offers a glimpse into Dhaka's rich history. The fort features beautiful architecture, gardens, and museums.

Historical 2-3 hours BDT 20 (USD 0.25)

Ahsan Manzil

Ahsan Manzil, also known as the Pink Palace, is a stunning example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. It served as the residence of the Nawabs of Dhaka and now houses a museum.

Historical 1-2 hours BDT 20 (USD 0.25)

Bangladesh National Museum

The Bangladesh National Museum is the largest museum in Bangladesh, showcasing a vast collection of artifacts, art, and historical items.

Museum 2-3 hours BDT 20 (USD 0.25)

Dhakeshwari Temple

Dhakeshwari Temple is one of the most important Hindu temples in Bangladesh, dedicated to the goddess Dhakeshwari. It is a significant cultural and religious site.

Religious 1 hour Free

Ramna Park

Ramna Park is a large urban park in the heart of Dhaka, offering a green oasis amidst the bustling city. It is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

Park 1-2 hours Free

Star Mosque

The Star Mosque, or Tara Masjid, is a beautiful mosque known for its unique star-shaped tile work. It is a prime example of Mughal and colonial architecture.

Religious 30 minutes Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Panta Bhat

Fermented rice served with fried hilsha fish, pickles, and various side dishes. It is a traditional dish often enjoyed during the Bengali New Year.

Lunch Contains fish, gluten-free

Rice

A traditional Bangladeshi dish made with rice, fish, and various side dishes. It is a staple food and a must-try for any visitor.

Lunch Contains fish, gluten-free

Hilsha Fish Curry

A flavorful curry made with hilsha fish, a popular fish in Bangladesh. It is often served with rice and is a staple dish in Bangladeshi cuisine.

Lunch Contains fish, gluten-free

Kachchi Biryani

A traditional Bangladeshi biryani made with partially cooked rice, meat, and spices. It is a flavorful and aromatic dish that is a must-try for any visitor.

Lunch Contains meat, gluten-free

Popular Activities

Boat rides on the Buriganga River Exploring historical sites Visiting parks and gardens Enjoying traditional tea at local cafes Visiting museums and historical landmarks Exploring local markets and neighborhoods Visiting during the winter festival of Eid Experiencing the vibrant street food culture

Best Time to Visit

November to February

The best time to visit Dhaka is during the winter months when the weather is pleasant and cool. This period is ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

15-25°C 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Bengali
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Bangladeshi Taka (BDT)

Time Zone

GMT+6

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Dhaka is a bustling city with a mix of modern and traditional elements. While it offers a rich cultural experience, travelers should be aware of common safety issues such as traffic congestion, pickpocketing, and scams.

Important Precautions:

• Use reputable taxi services and agree on the fare before starting the journey.
• Keep valuables secure and be cautious in crowded areas.
• Be wary of strangers offering unsolicited help or services.

Getting there

By air

Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport • 20 km from city center

By train

Kamalapur Railway Station, Dhaka Railway Station

By bus

Mohakhali Bus Terminal, Sadharghat Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Dhaka has a vast network of buses, including government-run and private services. Buses are the most common mode of public transport but can be crowded and chaotic.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Pathao, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Dhaka Gulshan Banani Uttara

Day trips

Sonargaon

25 km from Dhaka • Half day to full day

Sonargaon is an ancient city known for its rich history and cultural heritage. It is home to the Folk Art Museum and the ruins of the ancient palace of the Mughal governor, Isa Khan.

Savar

30 km from Dhaka • Half day to full day

Savar is home to the National Martyrs' Memorial, a significant monument dedicated to the martyrs of the Bangladesh Liberation War. It is a place of remembrance and reflection.

Manikganj

50 km from Dhaka • Full day

Manikganj is a district known for its natural beauty and rural landscapes. It is home to the Manikganj Boat Ghats, where visitors can enjoy boat rides and experience the scenic beauty of the area.

Festivals

Eid al-Fitr • Varies by year (end of Ramadan) Pohela Boishakh • 14th April Durga Puja • Varies by year (September/October)

Pro tips

Use app-based transport services like Pathao or Uber for better reliability and pricing.
Carry small change for street vendors and small shops.
Dress modestly and respectfully, especially when visiting religious sites.
Be cautious in crowded areas and keep valuables secure.
Try traditional street food for an authentic and delicious culinary experience.