Best time to visit Bangladesh for wildlife watching

25/04/2023 02:40:59

The best time to visit Bangladesh for wildlife watching is during the winter season, from November to February

This is because the weather during this time is generally dry and cool, which makes it easier to spot wildlife in their natural habitats. Additionally, many migratory birds visit Bangladesh during this time, making it an ideal time for bird watching.

In particular, the Sundarbans mangrove forest is a popular destination for wildlife watching in Bangladesh, as it is home to the Bengal tiger, saltwater crocodile, and a variety of bird species. The best time to visit the Sundarbans is from December to February, when the weather is cool and dry, and the chances of spotting wildlife are higher.

It's important to note that some parts of Bangladesh can be affected by monsoon season from June to September, which may make it difficult to access certain areas for wildlife watching. Therefore, it's best to plan your trip accordingly and check the weather forecast before traveling to Bangladesh for wildlife watching.

Best places to watch wildlife in Bangladesh

Sundarbans National Park: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the largest mangrove forest in the world and home to the Royal Bengal Tiger.

Lawachara National Park: Located in the northeastern part of Bangladesh, this park is home to several primate species, including the critically endangered Hoolock gibbon.

Srimangal: This area is known for its tea plantations and is also home to several species of birds, including the rare Himalayan cutia.

Bhawal National Park: This park is located near the capital city of Dhaka and is home to several species of deer, as well as monkeys and birds.

Madhabpur Lake: This lake is located in the northeastern part of Bangladesh and is a popular spot for birdwatching.

When visiting these areas, it's important to respect the wildlife and follow the park's rules and regulations to minimize your impact on the ecosystem. Additionally, it's always best to go with a knowledgeable guide to ensure a safe and informative experience.

Sundarbans National Park

The Sundarbans National Park is located in the southwestern part of Bangladesh, near the border with India. Here are some ways to travel to Sundarbans National Park:

By boat: The best way to travel to the Sundarbans is by boat. You can hire a private boat or join a group tour from Khulna or Mongla, which are the nearest cities to the park. The boat ride takes around 4-5 hours from Khulna or 2-3 hours from Mongla.

By road: You can also travel to the Sundarbans National Park by road from Khulna or Mongla. However, the road conditions can be rough, and it's not recommended to travel during the monsoon season.

By air: The nearest airport to the Sundarbans is in Jessore, which is about 80 km from Khulna. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Khulna and then continue to the Sundarbans by boat.

Once you arrive at the Sundarbans, you can explore the park by boat or on foot with a guide. Keep in mind that the park is a protected area, and there are specific rules and regulations that visitors must follow to protect the wildlife and ecosystem. It's best to book a tour with a reputable company that has experience in organizing trips to the Sundarbans.

Lawachara National Park

Lawachara National Park is located in the northeastern part of Bangladesh, near the city of Srimangal. Here are some ways to travel to Lawachara National Park:

By train: The most popular and convenient way to travel to Lawachara National Park is by train. Srimangal is connected to major cities in Bangladesh by rail, including Dhaka, Chittagong, and Sylhet. From Srimangal railway station, you can hire a rickshaw or a CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) auto-rickshaw to reach the park.

By road: You can also travel to Lawachara National Park by road from Srimangal or other nearby cities. Buses and taxis are available from Srimangal to the park. The road to Lawachara National Park is scenic, and you can enjoy the tea plantations and countryside on the way.

By air: The nearest airport to Lawachara National Park is in Sylhet, which is about 80 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Srimangal and then continue to the park by rickshaw or CNG.

Once you arrive at Lawachara National Park, you can explore the park on foot with a guide. The park is known for its rich biodiversity, including several primate species, birds, and plants. Keep in mind that the park is a protected area, and visitors must follow the rules and regulations to minimize their impact on the ecosystem. It's best to book a tour with a reputable company that has experience in organizing trips to Lawachara National Park.

Srimangal

To travel to Srimangal in Bangladesh, you have a few options:

By air: The nearest airport to Srimangal is the Sylhet Osmani International Airport. From there, you can take a taxi or hire a car to reach Srimangal, which is about 1.5-2 hours away.

By train: Srimangal has a railway station, and you can take a train from Dhaka or any other major city in Bangladesh to reach Srimangal. The train journey from Dhaka to Srimangal takes around 4-5 hours, depending on the type of train you choose.

By bus: Srimangal is well-connected by road, and you can take a bus from Dhaka or other major cities in Bangladesh to reach Srimangal. The journey by bus can take anywhere from 4-8 hours, depending on your starting point and the type of bus you choose.

Regardless of which mode of transport you choose, it's always a good idea to plan ahead and book your tickets in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles.

Bhawal National Park

Bhawal National Park is located in the Gazipur district of Bangladesh, near the capital city of Dhaka. Here are some ways to travel to Bhawal National Park:

By road: The easiest way to reach Bhawal National Park is by road from Dhaka. The park is located about 40 km north of Dhaka, and you can hire a taxi, ride-sharing service, or take a bus to get there. The road journey can take anywhere between 1-2 hours depending on traffic.

By train: If you prefer to travel by train, you can take a train from Dhaka to Joydebpur railway station, which is the nearest railway station to Bhawal National Park. From Joydebpur, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the park.

By air: The nearest airport to Bhawal National Park is Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or ride-sharing service to reach the park.

Once you arrive at Bhawal National Park, you can explore the park by foot or by hiring a guide. The park is known for its wildlife, including several species of deer, monkeys, and birds. Keep in mind that the park is a protected area, and visitors must follow the rules and regulations to minimize their impact on the ecosystem. It's best to book a tour with a reputable company that has experience in organizing trips to Bhawal National Park.

Madhabpur Lake

Madhabpur Lake is located in the Srimangal Upazila of the Moulvibazar district in Bangladesh. Here are some ways to travel to Madhabpur Lake:

By road: The most common way to reach Madhabpur Lake is by road. You can take a bus or hire a car/taxi from the nearby cities of Srimangal or Moulvibazar. The journey takes about 30-40 minutes from Srimangal or 1-1.5 hours from Moulvibazar.

By train: You can also take a train from Dhaka to Srimangal railway station, which is the nearest railway station to Madhabpur Lake. From the station, you can hire a car/taxi or take a bus to reach the lake.

By air: The nearest airport to Madhabpur Lake is the Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka. From the airport, you can hire a car/taxi or take a bus to reach the lake.

Once you arrive at Madhabpur Lake, you can explore the lake by foot or by hiring a boat. The lake is surrounded by hills and tea plantations, making it a picturesque destination. There are also several tea gardens nearby that you can visit. It's best to visit Madhabpur Lake during the winter months (November to February) when the weather is pleasant, and the lake is at its best.