An encounter with action-packed Sundarbans

The journey unfolded as we set out from Dhaka to Mongla Port via a typical overnight bus ride. We were a bunch of thirty people, some unknown and the majority known. However, the night seemed to be frozen from the first hour as we were stuck in a usual Dhaka city traffic jam. Around 4 AM, the bus halted for a small 20-minute break on the Gopalganj highway.

We made it out to the Port at the crack of dawn, drowsy eyed yet surprisingly energetic as we headed like a flock towards a motorboat standing by to escort us to our stay for the next three days. It started to drizzle as we were jam packed with heavy baggage on the boat. We checked into our rooms, got refreshed and had the first meal of the day on the way to the extensive mangrove forest.

Our first station? The Andharmanik Eco Tourism Centre. It was green and diverse as the gigantic trees remained arranged over the reflecting sun, whilst we assembled inside the forest and were met with Sundari, Gewa, Goran and other varieties of trees lined up. Our path led us to a watch tower right in the center, allowing our eyes to swoon over the gorgeous sight of the lake positioned among the lush green life. Our first day concluded as our captain anchored the vessel in a safe and suitable area at the Kotka forest station.

The next day, we woke up very early; it was a chilly winter morning surrounded by heavy fog. Our goal was to catch the sunrise in time as we drifted aboard the smaller boat to Kotka beach.

We were guided deeper into the beach by a trail line; as we hiked inside, the dark and somber surroundings stopped us on the tracks.

The setting represented the catastrophe of Cyclone Sidr during the year 2007. Additionally, we came across a herd of Chitra Deer as well as some monkeys; adding livelihood to the location. The dead trees bade us farewell as we shifted in the direction to Jamtola beach. However, the walk was extensive and tiring so we had to return halfway back to our boat.

Early in the afternoon, our spot was Tinkona Island, a destination known for the Royal Bengal Tiger's den where we caught sight of a dry carcass of a deer which alerted our nerves to potential danger. On the other hand, the walk was a bit of a struggle as the ground was swampy. It was a tranquil environment as we could hear the silence of the jungle that lay ahead.

We carried on our journey late in the afternoon on the way to Dublar Char, famous for fishing, fish fauna and a local 6-month new market. A group of seagulls emerged as the sun set in the wide sky, the island greeted us with a picturesque backdrop delivering a fascinating experience.

After spending a few hours on the Char, we arrived back to our boat during dusk to rejoice in the night scenery with iconic Bangla folk music and Pattaya fish BBQ. It was pretty much a get-together as we were knitted together in one place at the same time. We stayed the night in Dubla enduring the fishy essence from the area.

The following morning carried dense fog, making it impossible to anchor at other locations. While we were waiting to see a glimpse of a clear sky, the crew was busy preparing breakfast for us. When we finished our appetizing breakfast, we started seeing the fog shifting away, revealing the surroundings. After a while, we caught sight of river dolphins, it was spectacular to watch.

In a few hours we reached the Harbaria Eco Tourism centre, the largest littoral mangrove forest in the world. The landscape was no less than a dream-like scene covered with enormous trees, chirping birds and sunlight reflecting in the midst of the water. The breeze was refreshing and the whole view was eye soothing as we trailed inside the forest to capture some well-deserved shots.

By the time we reached Karamjal, the air was crisp and intimidating. It was pitch-dark outside. We had to use flashlights to stroll inside the park. There we observed the breeding of crocodiles, Deer and as we headed back, we noticed a few monkeys up on the trees preparing to doze off.

Later, in the evening, we were chaperoned back to the Port so we could catch our bus on time. As the bus started departing, I realized this Sundarban trip would remain a tremendous thrilling experience of a lifetime. Despite the chaotic life back in Dhaka, it was a breath of fresh air, revitalising the mundane with its unique outlook.