Feature: Bangladesh's Karamjol a stunning gateway to world's largest mangrove forests

Karamjol in southwestern Bangladesh's Khulna district, 200 km from the capital Dhaka, is considered to be the main gateway to the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest and one of the last remaining habitats for tigers.

Thousands of visitors from home and abroad make their way to Karamjol, a ranger station deep in the forest that also serves as a deer-breeding center.

Karamjal is part of the 38,500 square km of Sundarban, which straddles both Bangladesh and India. As it has been declared a wildlife sanctuary, hunting in this area is strictly prohibited and illegal, but the picturesque Karamjal is a place to view some of the most precious species of Bangladeshs wildlife.

The preservation and conservation of rare and endangered species, such as the Royal Bengal Tiger, are the primary concern of conservation efforts in the mangrove forests, which are now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

In Karamjal, the tranquility of the dense forests and peaceful waters transport visitors into a magical wildlife kingdom.

It's a place where visitors can feast their eyes on a vast range of mammals, insects, birds, reptiles and fish.

Wildlife enthusiasts can look forward to seeing the Gangetic River Dolphins, Salt-Water Crocodiles, deer, wild boar, ducks, sandpipers, moths, monkeys, snakes and foxes.

Ahsan Habib Hasan, a local journalist, said Karamjol and the breathtaking natural world of the Sundarban Wildlife Sanctuary await the adventurous travelers.

"Now I am standing here at Karmajal point of Sundarban, one of the most wonderful sites in Sundarban, which is also known as an animal Breeding Point.

This is basically the main gateway to travel Sundarban, he said.

"There are some crocodiles, deer, monkey and other animals in this area and everyday throngs of people come here to enjoy the exquisite wildlife.

In this area of Sundarban tourists can see plenty of diverse trees and animals, he said adding, they enjoy Sundarban which literally means "beautiful forest.

Baker Ahmed, a Forest Department employee, said he works at an Eco-Tourism Center in Karmajal.

"Usually we need to provide services to the people who come here for picnics and other recreation. Our primary function, however, is to look after the natural resources in the reserved forest areas.

"Hundreds of local and foreign people come here during their holidays and were even seeing more people visiting during winter," he said. Endit