Tengragiri Eco Park (Fatrar Chor)
The eastern extension of the Sundarbans
Overview
Located in the Taltali upazila of Barguna district, Tengragiri Eco Park (often referred to locally as Fatrar Chor) is a massive coastal mangrove forest that essentially serves as the eastern extension of the great Sundarbans. Covering over 4,000 hectares, the forest borders the roaring Bay of Bengal, offering a stunning mix of deep jungle and wild, sandy beaches.
For tourists visiting the popular Kuakata sea beach, Tengragiri is the most exciting day-trip excursion. A short, thrilling boat ride across the sea takes visitors to the forest, where the government has built extensive wooden boardwalks. These elevated trails allow visitors to safely explore the dense mangrove environment, spotting monkeys, wild boars, deer, and countless bird species.
Unlike the deep Sundarbans, which requires a multi-day cruise, Tengragiri offers a very similar ecological experience that can be enjoyed in just a few hours. The combination of the boat ride, the wild beach, and the deep forest trekking makes it a must-visit destination in the Barisal division.
History & Culture
Tengragiri was officially declared a reserved forest in the 1960s to protect the coastline from cyclones.
In 2010, the government developed the Eco Park infrastructure, including the boardwalks and animal enclosures, to promote eco-tourism from nearby Kuakata.
Top things to do in Tengragiri Eco Park (Fatrar Chor)
Mangrove Trekking
Walk along the wooden trails that wind through the dense forest, observing the unique root systems and wildlife.
Boat Journey
Enjoy the exciting 1-hour trawler boat ride from Kuakata, which offers great views of the coastline and the open sea.
Relax on the Wild Beach
Spend some time on the quiet, untouched beach at the edge of the forest, away from the crowds of Kuakata.
Tengragiri Eco Park (Fatrar Chor) in pictures
Photos via Wikimedia Commons under their respective Creative Commons licences. Click a photo credit for the source and full licence terms.
Highlights
- ✓Dense mangrove forest similar to the Sundarbans
- ✓Extensive wooden boardwalks for safe trekking
- ✓A thrilling boat ride across the open sea from Kuakata
- ✓A pristine, wild sandy beach bordering the forest
- ✓Enclosures for rescued deer and crocodiles
How to get to Tengragiri Eco Park (Fatrar Chor)
The most popular route is taking a tourist trawler or speedboat from Kuakata beach. The sea journey takes about 1 hour.
You can also reach the park by road via Taltali upazila in Barguna, hiring a motorcycle or auto-rickshaw for the final stretch.
Best time to visit Tengragiri Eco Park (Fatrar Chor)
Winter (November to February): The sea is calm, making the boat ride from Kuakata safe and pleasant. The forest is cool for walking.
Monsoon (June to September): The sea becomes dangerously rough, and tourist boats from Kuakata usually suspend operations.
Where to stay
Visitors stay in the numerous hotels and resorts in Kuakata and visit Tengragiri as a half-day excursion.
What to eat
- 🍽️Fried crab and sea fish at the small stalls in Kuakata after returning from the forest.
Travel tips
- 💡Ensure the tourist boat from Kuakata provides adequate life jackets, as the sea can get choppy.
- 💡Keep a close eye on your belongings; the monkeys in the park are known to snatch bags and sunglasses.
- 💡Do not venture off the wooden boardwalks into the deep mud, as it is difficult to navigate and disturbs the ecosystem.
Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there tigers in Tengragiri?+
No, while it is a mangrove forest similar to the Sundarbans, there are no tigers here, making it very safe to explore.
Is there an entry fee?+
Yes, a small entry fee is required at the forest department gate upon arrival.
How long does the tour take?+
From Kuakata, the entire round trip including the boat ride and walking in the forest takes about 3 to 4 hours.
