Sundarbans (Bangladesh Side) Closed to Tourists Until August
If you’re a wildlife enthusiast planning to explore the Sundarbans this monsoon, you’ll need to hit pause. The Bangladesh Forest Department has announced a complete closure of the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve to tourists, fishers, and other visitors from June 1 to August 31, 2025. This annual ban is part of a critical conservation effort aimed at protecting the fragile ecosystem during its most sensitive period.
Why the Sundarbans is Closed
The primary reason behind this seasonal restriction is wildlife breeding. The months of June through August mark the peak mating, nesting, and calving season for several species in the Sundarbans—both terrestrial and aquatic. A disturbance-free environment is crucial during this time for the successful reproduction of these animals.
This seasonal closure aligns with the peak breeding period of both aquatic and terrestrial species, explained Md Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the Sundarbans East Forest Division. A disturbance-free environment significantly boosts reproductive success, particularly among aquatic life.
A Sanctuary of Global Importance
Spanning over 10,000 square kilometers, the Sundarbans is one of the world’s largest and most biodiverse mangrove ecosystems, shared by India and Bangladesh. It is home to the iconic Royal Bengal Tiger, along with estuarine crocodiles, spotted deer, mudskippers, and more than 290 species of birds. Its intricate network of tidal rivers, mudflats, and dense mangrove forests makes it a globally significant UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This year marks the third consecutive year of the monsoon-season closure, but with a notable change the restriction now begins a month earlier than before. This adjustment reflects growing ecological awareness and aims to provide wildlife with an even more undisturbed breeding environment.
Part of a Bigger Conservation Vision
The seasonal shutdown is part of the Integrated Resources Management Plan (IRMP), a larger framework introduced to guide the sustainable management of the Sundarbans’ rich biodiversity. IRMP emphasizes long-term ecological health, balancing tourism, livelihoods, and conservation.
By limiting human activity during this critical period, the plan ensures that animals have the space and calm needed to reproduce and rear their young. It also helps rejuvenate the mangrove forests, giving nature a chance to reset and flourish.
What Travellers Should Know
If you’ve been planning a trip to the Sundarbans, you’ll have to reschedule your visit for after August 31. While this might come as a disappointment to some, the temporary inconvenience plays a vital role in ensuring that the delicate balance of this ecosystem remains intact.
Once the forest reopens in September, travelers will find a refreshed landscape teeming with life a powerful reminder of why conservation efforts like these matter.
In the words of conservationists, this is not just a ban it’s a pause for nature. And in a world where climate change and human encroachment threaten wild spaces more than ever, such initiatives are a step in the right direction.
So if you’re dreaming of spotting a tiger, cruising through mangrove-lined rivers, or hearing the call of exotic birds echoing through the wilderness just wait a little longer. The Sundarbans will be back, greener and more vibrant than ever.
