Holiday in Khulna
City in Bangladesch — tips, highlights & best time to visit
Country
Bangladesch
Type
City
Best time to travel
November to February (15-28 °C, dry season). Best season for the Sundarbans. June-October monsoon with flooding, unsuitable.
Budget/day
25-60 €
Getting there from Germany
Flight to Dhaka (DAC, approx. 10-14 h with layover), then domestic flight to Jessore (JSR, 45 min.) + 2 h drive. Alternatively, night train from Dhaka (8 h). Visa required for Germans.
Deals for Khulna:
What makes Khulna special as a destination?
Khulna is the third largest city in Bangladesh and the essential gateway to the Sundarbans — the largest contiguous mangrove forest in the world and home to the endangered Bengal tiger. The city on the Rupsha River in the southwest of the country is the starting point for one of Asia's most extraordinary nature experiences. The Sundarbans extend over 10,000 square kilometers at the confluence of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers into the Bay of Bengal. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a labyrinth of tidal river arms, mudflats, and dense mangrove forests, home to around 100 Bengal tigers — the only tiger population adapted to mangrove forests. Multi-day boat tours to the Sundarbans start from Khulna: on the deck of a traditional wooden boat, one glides silently through narrow waterways, while kingfishers, crocodiles, and darters appear along the shore. The Mongla port area south of Khulna is the second largest port in Bangladesh and a busy hub for goods from the entire southwest. The Khan Jahan Ali Mazar in Bagerhat, 30 km south, is a UNESCO World Heritage site: the complex surrounding the tomb of the 15th-century Muslim saint includes the Sixty Dome Mosque (Shait Gumbad Masjid) — the largest and oldest mosque in Bangladesh with its 77 domes and 60 pillars. The Rupsha River shapes city life: ferry boats, fishing boats, and cargo barges share the water, while traditional boat builders craft wooden boats by hand along the shore. Shibbari Morh and Khan-e-Sabur Street are the lively commercial centers with textile markets and street food.
What are the top highlights in Khulna?
The top highlights in Khulna include Sundarbans (UNESCO), Sixty Dome Mosque (UNESCO), Sundarbans Boat Tours, Rupsha Riverbank, Mongla Port.
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Sundarbans (UNESCO)
Largest mangrove forest in the world with Bengal tigers: multi-day boat tours through tidal channels from Khulna.
Sixty Dome Mosque (UNESCO)
Largest historical mosque in Bangladesh in Bagerhat: 77 domes and 60 pillars from the 15th century, 30 km south.
Sundarbans Boat Tours
Multi-day trips on traditional wooden boats: tigers, crocodiles, kingfishers, and darters in the mangroves.
Rupsha Riverbank
Vibrant river life with ferries, fishing boats, and traditional boat builders: authentic Bangladesh by the water.
Mongla Port
Second largest port in Bangladesh south of the city: busy transshipment hub and gateway to the southern Sundarbans.
Hotels in Khulna
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Reise-SIM für Khulna
Günstig surfen im Urlaub mit travSIM
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
When is the best time to visit Khulna?
The best time to visit Khulna is November to February (15-28 °C, dry season). Best season for the Sundarbans. June-October monsoon with flooding, unsuitable.. 28-36 °C, humid with heavy monsoon rain (June-October) In winter: 12-26 °C, dry and pleasant, ideal travel time
Recommended travel time
November to February (15-28 °C, dry season). Best season for the Sundarbans. June-October monsoon with flooding, unsuitable.
Summer
28-36 °C, humid with heavy monsoon rain (June-October)
Winter
12-26 °C, dry and pleasant, ideal travel time
How much does a holiday in Khulna cost?
Budget travellers: 10-20 €/day, mid-range: 25-60 €/day, luxury: 70-180 €/day.
Average costs per person per day
Budget
10-20 €
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
25-60 €
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
70-180 €
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
How do I get from Germany to Khulna?
Flight to Dhaka (DAC, approx. 10-14 h with layover), then domestic flight to Jessore (JSR, 45 min.) + 2 h drive. Alternatively, night train from Dhaka (8 h). Visa required for Germans.
Book a package holiday to Khulna
Compare thousands of package holidays to Khulna and find the best deals with flight & hotel.
Compare package holidays nowWhat travel tips are there for Khulna?
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
Visa required — apply in advance at the embassy or Visa on Arrival at Dhaka airport (30 days, 51 USD).
Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) — 1 € ≈ 120 BDT. Almost only cash is possible, ATMs in Khulna are limited.
Book Sundarbans tour in advance — 2-3 day tours from Khulna through licensed providers. Forest Department Permit is required, providers will arrange it.
Definitely bring mosquito repellent — there is a malaria risk in the Sundarbans. Use long-sleeved clothing and DEET spray.
Bagerhat as a day trip — the UNESCO sites are reachable by bus in 45 minutes. Start early for beautiful morning light.
What should you eat in Khulna?
Typical specialities in Khulna: Ilish Bhapa — Hilsa fish steamed in mustard paste with coconut and chili: Bangladesh's national dish, especially fresh in Khulna., Chingri Malai Curry — shrimp in creamy coconut milk sauce with spices: specialty of the coastal region, mild and aromatic., Bhuna Khichuri — spiced rice with lentils, meat, and vegetables: hearty comfort food, especially popular on rainy days., Pitha — traditional rice cakes in many varieties: sweet with date palm syrup or savory with coconut filling, typical for winter., Sundarbans Honey — wild mangrove honey, collected by honey hunters in the Sundarbans: unique taste, sought after as a souvenir..
These specialties you must try!
