Overnight cruise to Barisal, floating markets, Bagerhat's UNESCO mosques and a deep Sundarbans wildlife expedition.
Meet your guide at the hotel and transfer to Sadarghat terminal around 19:30 hrs to board the Barisal launch with VIP cabins. Settle in for an overnight cruise down the river, with mostly Bengali dishes available on board. Enjoy the slow journey through the night towards Barisal.
Arrive at Barisal Launch Ghat at first light and transfer to Banaripara, taking a local breakfast on the way. Board an engine boat for half a day to explore the seasonal floating market at Sopukati, the floating wood market and the famous floating gardens of the canals. Then drive about four hours to Mongla, stopping at the Bagerhat UNESCO site to see the Sixty Dome Mosque, Nine Dome Mosque, the shrine and Ranvijaipur Mosque before boarding the chartered boat.
Board the Sundarbans cruising boat at Mongla and head for the far south-east of the forest at the Kotka-Kochikhali wildlife sanctuary near the Bay of Bengal. Stop at the forest office for permits and an armed forest guard, then cruise through narrow channels lined with fishing boats. In the afternoon take a small engine and rowing boat into Pokkhir Khal creek for birding, and climb the watchtower for a chance of wildlife sightings.
Before breakfast take an early country-boat trip into the small creeks, the best time to spot kingfishers, lesser adjutants and sunbirds along with deer, boar and monkeys. By day, trek the forest around the Kotka office, once a Portuguese pirate salt works and now raised mounds known as the 'Tiger Den', crossing one to three dens through thick, adventurous terrain. In the afternoon cruise towards Tambulbunia forest office for a BBQ dinner and overnight.
Take an early morning boat trip inside the creeks, then cruise towards Daingmari forest area to drop the forest guards and stop to watch the Ganges river dolphins that are common here. Visit some fishermen's villages before an early lunch and disembarking at Mongla. Drive back to Dhaka where your guide drops you at your hotel or the airport.
