Mongla (মোংলা): travel guide

Main port for boat trips into the Sundarbans; the nearby Karamjal wildlife breeding centre keeps saltwater crocodiles.

Mongla is in Bagerhat district, Khulna division, Bangladesh. Compare bus, train and air fares to Mongla and see the route on a map.

Things to do in Mongla

  • Harbaria: Forest Department tourist spot in the Sundarbans on the Mongla - Karamjal - Harbaria route, described as a place to see the Royal Bengal Tiger, birds and spotted deer; reached by launch with Forest Department permission and an armed guard. Nature, free entry, best time: October to February
  • Mongla Port (মংলা বন্দর): Bangladesh's second-largest seaport on the Pashur River, about 48 km south of Khulna and the departure point for Sundarbans tourist ships; ships and cranes can be seen from the riverbank. Port, free entry, best time: October to February

Where to stay in Mongla

  • Hotel Pashur (Parjatan) (MidRange), about ৳2,500 - ৳3,800/night. Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation hotel at Mongla Port; AC and non-AC rooms, restaurant, parking
  • Gol Kanon Eco Resort (EcoCottage), about ৳2,500/person/day including three meals (2022). Community-based ecotourism lodge set up by Relief International, with guided tours and boat trips; Airbnb shows 4.5/5 from 10 reviews.
  • Rainbow Eco Resort Sundarban (EcoCottage). Eco resort listed with a 24-hour front desk and lake-view rooms; no price found, check live rates.
  • Iraboti Eco Resort and Research Center (EcoCottage), about ৳4,000/night per cottage for 4 people, food extra (2022). Forest-facing cottages with their own tour boats; doubles as a wildlife research centre.

Travel advice for Mongla

  • Harbaria needs permission: Harbaria is reached only with forest department permission and an armed guard, usually through a tour operator.
  • Boats to Hiron Point: A boat from Mongla or Dhangmari reaches Hiron Point, where you must hire a guide; hiring your own boat is expensive, so a package is usually better value.
  • Mongla as a gateway: Mongla port is about 48 km south of Khulna and is the departure point for tourist ships into the Sundarbans.
  • Annual June-August closure: Sundarbans tourist spots (except Karamjal) were closed from 1 June to 31 August 2026 and reopened on 1 September, so most Mongla tour boats only run between September and May.

More places to explore in Bangladesh

JatraSathi is a free Bangladesh trip planner in English and Bangla. Prices are estimates; check before you travel.