Hiron Point (Nilkamal)
The deep forest sanctuary of the Royal Bengal Tiger
Overview
Located in the southern part of the Sundarbans, near where the mighty rivers meet the Bay of Bengal, Hiron Point (officially known as Nilkamal) is a premier wildlife sanctuary. Along with Kotka, it forms the core itinerary for deep-forest liveaboard cruises. The name 'Hiron' translates to deer, and the area truly lives up to its name, hosting massive populations of spotted deer.
Hiron Point is renowned as one of the most likely places in the Sundarbans to spot the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger, as the tigers frequently come to the nearby freshwater ponds to drink. The area features a long, elevated wooden boardwalk that allows visitors to safely trek through the dense, muddy mangrove forest, offering an immersive experience of the unique flora, including the spike-like pneumatophore roots.
The station is beautifully serene, surrounded by endless green canopies and wide rivers. Aside from deer and tigers, it is a paradise for birdwatchers, home to kingfishers, white-bellied sea eagles, and adjutant storks. Visiting Hiron Point is a true wilderness adventure.
History & Culture
Hiron Point was established as a UNESCO World Heritage site and a highly restricted wildlife sanctuary to protect the core breeding grounds of tigers and deer.
It houses a prominent Forest Department outpost, which serves as a base for anti-poaching patrols and research.
Top things to do in Hiron Point (Nilkamal)
Walk the Boardwalk
Follow the armed guard along the wooden trail to safely explore the interior of the mangrove forest.
Wildlife Spotting
Spend time quietly observing the freshwater ponds near the forest station, where deer, monkeys, and occasionally tigers come to drink.
Canal Cruising
Take a silent wooden rowboat through the narrow, overhanging creeks early in the morning to experience the eerie silence of the forest.
Hiron Point (Nilkamal) in pictures
Photos via Wikimedia Commons under their respective Creative Commons licences. Click a photo credit for the source and full licence terms.
Highlights
- ✓One of the best zones for spotting Royal Bengal Tigers and large deer herds
- ✓An extensive elevated wooden boardwalk through the deep jungle
- ✓Pristine, untouched mangrove ecosystem
- ✓A tall watchtower for panoramic forest views
- ✓Excellent birdwatching opportunities along the tidal creeks
How to get to Hiron Point (Nilkamal)
Inaccessible by road. Visitors must book a multi-day liveaboard cruise package from Khulna or Mongla, as it takes over 10 hours of sailing to reach.
Best time to visit Hiron Point (Nilkamal)
Winter (November to February): The weather is pleasant, mosquitoes are fewer, and the calm seas allow for safe navigation.
Monsoon (June to September): Extremely dangerous due to rough seas in the Bay of Bengal; most tourist cruises suspend operations to the deep forest.
Where to stay
There is a government rest house at Nilkamal (Hiron Point) that can be booked with special permission, but almost all tourists sleep on their anchored liveaboard boats.
What to eat
- 🍽️All meals are provided on the liveaboard vessels by the tour operators.
Travel tips
- 💡Silence is crucial. The quieter you are, the higher the chance of seeing wildlife. Do not wear bright colors.
- 💡You must always be accompanied by an armed forest guard when stepping off the boat onto the land.
- 💡Bring binoculars and a camera with a good zoom lens, as wildlife is often spotted from a distance.
Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is an armed guard required?+
Hiron Point is core tiger territory. The guards are there to ensure your safety and to fire warning shots in the air if a tiger approaches aggressively.
Is there mobile network coverage here?+
No, you will be completely disconnected from mobile networks and the internet while deep in the forest.
Is it safe from crocodiles?+
Saltwater crocodiles inhabit the rivers. Swimming or dangling your legs in the water from the boat is strictly prohibited.
