KHULNA

This division can boast of two of the three world heritage sites in Bangladesh, the Sundarbans forest, the largest mangrove forest in the world, popularly known as the habitat of the Bengal Tiger and the Shait Gambud Mosque, an unique example of Sultanate monuments in Bagerhat. Situated in the south-west of the country, about half of the division is occupied by the Sundarbans Forest. The Padma (Ganges) separates it in the north from Rajshahi division , Barisal division forms the eastern boundary while West Bengal in India lies in the west. Industries like Jute, Newsprint, Match factory, Hard board, etc., were set up, but Jute is now on the decline, while Sea fish, Cement, and Shrimp processing industries are thriving. Mongla, 40km to the south, has been developed as the second port of Bangladesh. Jessore is located at the crossroad of Dhaka, Khulna and the northern part of Bangladesh. Its location is very prominent as it is connected with West Bengal through Benapole border outpost at one hours' drive, with Dhaka by road and through the only airport of this division for domestic flights.
There are some traditional and unique profession being practiced by some communities of this division for hundreds of years. Wild honey collection in the Sundarbans and Fishing with the help of Otter are still being practiced in this area. The Honey Hunter's community lives along the borderline of the western forests of the Sundarbans. Honey Hunting season continues from end March to June every year. But the professionals engaged in fishing with the tame Otter, mainly live in Gobra, Gazipur and Haria Gope areas of Narail district. This unique profession is about to be extinct. It will take 1 &1/2 hours from the district head quarter to reach this area by road.
There are some remarkable archaelogical ruins in some villages adjacent to the Baro Bazar Railway Station of Kaliganj Upazilla of Jenaidah district. These establishments were built during the Sultan Shahi period. Fifteen numbers of Mosques of this area have been declared as protected sites by the Archaeology department.

SUNDARBANS FOREST  03 nights & 04 days (Both ways by air)
Day 01: Take the morning flight to Jessore . Upon arrival drive to Mongla by reserved vehicle. At Mongla board the waiting motor boat. Immediately lunch will be served and the boat will start its journey towards the Sundarbans forest. The cruising will continue till it is dark to anchor the boat near a suitable Forest Station for the night. Overnight on the boat inside the forest.
Day 02: Early in the morning the boat will resume its journey to-wards the Forest which will continue till it reaches Kotka. At kotka it might be possible to take a walk through the forest trail up to the beach, climbing the watch tower, etc. You can bathe and swim here also. Back to the boat and after lunch, you can visit the Kotka forest office and adjoining areas to look for deer, monkeys ,etc . Back to the boat in the evening for dinner and overnight inside the forest.
Day 03: Early in the morning trip inside the kotka canals with small country boat to see the wild life, birds, etc., feel the forest from very close range. After breakfast, more forest activities will follow. Around late afternoon the boat will start its journey back towards Mongla and will stop near the Forest Station either at Harintana or Supothi for overnight inside the forest.
Day 04: Today, early in the morning the boat will resume its journey towards Mongla. You will leave the boat at Mongla port immediately after having an early lunch to drive to Jessore airport to take the afternoon flight for Dhaka. Arrival at Dhaka in the evening.