Bangladesh: An Unbeatable Travel Destination

Reading the world’s press you could be forgiven for thinking that Bangladesh is a disaster zone rather than a travel destination. But hiding behind these images of cyclone and flood is a strikingly lash and beautiful land with a rich history and a variety of attractions unusual for a country this size situated in South Asia” as the “Lonely Planet” described.

This is agreeable, Bangladesh is not a tourist haunt place like others in the tourist’s map and She always offered her actual beauty & charm rather than the material facilities of traditional tourism, that might be reason why Bangladesh has not been highlighted as a tourist’s destination. The facilities are really not poor as often pictured; but if you have an independent streak, it’s definitely worth avoiding the crowds heading to India or Nepal and following the old slogan of Bangladesh tourist bodies – “Come to Bangladesh before the tourists”.

Despite its, Bangladesh is a land of miracles and heroic accomplishment, the story of civilization, which is a happy melange of a proud past. For a start you can visit archaeological sites dating back over 2000 years; check out the longest beach in the world at Cox’s Bazaar, Sundarbans -the largest littoral mangrove forest in the world- one of the last strong holds of The Royal Bengal Tiger and see decaying ‘Gone with the wind’- mansion of 19th century Maharajas.

Beside these, The largest tea garden in the world at Sylhet, Chittagong Hill Tracts -where the nature are still virgin, the tribal people of hill tracts, the mighty rivers, Kaptai lake- one of the biggest man maid lake in the world are few of attractions of Bangladesh and many other unique feature to offer to her tourists.

Rural Bangladesh feels relaxed, spacious and friendly, travelers from India have been agreeably surprised to find border official offering them cups of tea rather than reams of form to fill in.

So, if you have a plan to visit South or South-east Asia, Please visit to this beautiful country within easy reach of visitor from anywhere in the world to Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh with a few extra efforts…….for without trying, who knows how far we succeed.

We are waiting for welcome you to discover Bangladesh – one of the last Nations to remain untouched by tourism using this.

As you fly over Bangladesh a mosaic of green farmlands and streaks of meandering rivers offer themselves in an unforgettable kaleidoscope of colours. A placid Bangladesh where shapla (water lily) blooms among the ripple on serene lakes, rivers and ponds that dot the countryside, is one of a many splendoured tale.

Here the pages depict some main places of attractions of Bangladesh and this is the out come of our sincere intention to highlight the attractions of tourists before those people who indeed are very much willing to spend their time in a worthy manner. Please visit the palces or attractions here below and find the brief description and our offer/package on each attraction or place. when you click any link , it will open a new window.

Dhaka

The capital of Bangladesh is Dhaka with its exciting history and rich culture. Known the world over as the city of mosques and muslin. It has attracted travellers from far and near through ages. It has history dating back to earliest time. But the exact date of its foundation is not known. However, according to recorded history it was founded in 1608 A.D. as the seat of the imperial Mughal Viceroy of Bengal. Dhaka as the capital of Bangladesh has grown into a busy city of about eight million people with an area of about 1353 sq. km. Having a happy blending of old and new architectural trends, Dhaka has been developing fast as a modern city and is throbbing with activities in all spheres of life. It is the center of industrial, commercial, cultural, educational and political activities for Bangladesh. Motijheel is the main commercial area of the city. Dhaka’s major waterfront Sadarghat is on the bank of the river Buriganga and is crowded with all kinds of river craft, yatchs, country boats, motor launches, paddle – steamers, fishermen’s boats all bustling with activity. Colorful rickshaws (tricycle) on the city streets are common attractions for the visitors. Some of the outstanding tourist attractions of Dhaka are :

Mosques: Dhaka has several hundred mosques. Prominent are the seven Domed Mosque (17th century), Baitull Mukarram-National Mosque, Star Mosque (18th century), Chawkbazar Mosque and Huseni Dalan Mosque. Hindu Temples: Dhakeshwari Temple (11th Century), Ramkrishna Mission. Churches: Armenian Church (1781 A.D.) St. Mary’s Cathedral at Ramna, Church of Bangladesh or former Holy Rosary Church (1677A.D.) at Tejgaon. Lalbagh Fort: It was built in 1678 A.D. by Prince Mohammad Azam, son of Mughal emperor Aurangazeb. The fort was the scene of bloody battle during the first war of independence (1857) when 260 sepoys stationed here backed by the people revolted against British forces. Outstanding among the monuments of the Lalbagh are the tomb of Pari Bibi , Lalbagh Mosque, Audience Hall and Hammam of Nawab Shaista Khan now housing a museum. 1857 Memorial: ( Bahadur Shah Park) Built to commemorate the martyrs of the first liberation war (1857-59) against British rule. It was here that the revolting sepoys and their civil compatriots were publicly hanged. Bangabandhu Memorial Museum : The residence of the father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Dhanmondi has been turned into a musuam. It contains rare collection of personal effects and photographs of his lifetime. Mukti Juddha(Freedome fight) Museum : Situated at Segun Bagicha area of the city the museum contains rare photographs of Liberation war and items used by the freedom fighters during the period. Ahsan Manzil Museum: On the bank of the river Buriganga in Dhaka the pink majestic Ahsan Manzil has been renovated and turned into a museum recently. It is an example of the nations rich cultural heritage. It was the home of the Nawab of Dhaka and a silent spectator to many events. The renovated Ahsan Manzil is a monument of immense historical beauty. It has 31 rooms with a huge dome atop which can be seen from miles around. It now has 23 galleries displaying portraits, furniture and household articles and utensils used by the Nawab Curzon Hall : Beautiful architectural building named after Lord Curzon. It now houses the Science Faculty of Dhaka University. Old High Court Building: Originally built as the residence of the British Governor. It illustrates a happy blend of European and Mughal architecture. Dhaka Zoo: Popularly known as Mirpur Zoo. Colourful and attractive collections of different local and foreign species of animals and birds including the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger are available here. National Museum: Centrally located, the museum contains a large number of interesting collections including sculptures and paintings of the Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim periods. Botanical Garden: Built on an area of 205 acres of land at Mirpur and adjacent to Dhaka Zoo. One can have a look at the zoo and the botanical garden in one trip. National Park : Situated at Rejendrapur, 40 km. north of Dhaka city. This is a vast (1,600 acres) national recreational forest with facilities for picnic and rowing etc. Central Shahid Minar : Symbol of Bengali nationalism. This monument was built to commemorate the martyrs of the historic Language movement of 1952. Hundreds and thousands of people with floral wreaths and bouquet gather on 21 February every year to pay respect in a solemn atmosphere. Celebrations begin at zero hour of midnight. Buddhist monastery: Kamalapur Buddhist Monastery. National Poet’s Graveyard: Revolutionary poet Kazi Nazrul Islam died on the 29 August 1976 and was buried here. The graveyard is adjacent to the Dhaka University Mosque. Suhrawardy Uddyan (Garden): Popular Park. The oath of independence of Bangladesh was taken here and Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheik Mujibur Rahman gave clarion call for independence on this occasion on the 7th March 1971. The place is famous for its lush verdure and gentle breezes. Eternal Flame to enliven the memory of the martyrs of our Liberation war has been blown here recently. Mausoleum of National Leaders: Located at the southwestern corner of Suhrawardy Uddyan it is the eternal resting place of three great national leaders, Sher-e-Bangla A.K. Fazlul Haque, Hossain Shahid Suhrawardy and Khawja Nazimuddin. Banga Bhaban : The official residence of the President, located in the city . One can have an outside view of this grand palace. Baldha Garden: Unique creation of the late Narendra Narayan Roy, the landlord of Baldha. Year of establishment was 1904. Located in Wari area of Dhaka city, the garden with its rich collection of indigenous and exotic plants is one of the most exciting attraction for naturalists and tourists. Ramna Green: A vast stretch of green garden surrounded by a serpentine lake near the Sheraton Hotel. National Assembly: Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban (Parliament House) at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, designed by the famous architect Louis I. Kahn, has distinctive architectural features, It may be called an architectural wonder of this region. Science Museum: Located at Agargaon, the museum is a modern learning center related to the latest scientific discoveries. National Memorial: Located at Savar, 35, km. from Dhaka city. The memorial designed by architect Moinul Hossain is dedicated to the sacred memory of the millions of unknown martyrs of the 1971 war of liberation.

Chittagong

With a picturesque hinterland of large hill-forests and lakes, Chittagong is a good vacation spot. It is the second largest city of Bangladesh and the biggest International seaport. Its green hills and forests, broad sandy beaches and fine cool climate always attract holidaymakers. It combines the hum of a restless seaport with the pleasure of a charming hill-town with its undulating topography. Chittagong is the main site for the establishment of heavy, medium and light industries. Bangladesh’s only steel mill and oil refinery are also located here. Chittagong is connected with Dhaka by rail, road, air and water. It is also connected with Cox’s Bazar, Calcutta and Dubai by air.

Places of interest:

Shrine of Bayazid Bostami :This holy shrine attracts a large number of visitors and pilgrims. At its base there is a large pond with several hundred tortoises floating in the water.

World war II Cemetery: In this well-preserved cemetery at quiet and picturesque place lie buried over 700 soldiers from commonwealth countries and Japan.

Foy’s Lake: Set amidst panoramic surroundings, this ideal spot for outings and picnics is thronged by thousands of visitors.

Ethnological Museum : A unique treasure house of variety of tribal culture and heritage of Bangladesh and the world. Court Building: Situated on the Fairy Hill, this building commands a magnificent bird’s eye view of Chittagong city, particularly at night.

Patenga Beach : Sandy beach at the meeting place of the roaring sea and the river Karnaphuli.

Sitakunda : About 40 km. from Chittagong. This is famous for the Chandranath Hindu Temple -one of the oldest temple in the subcontinent and the Buddhist Temple having a footprint of lord Buddha. The Hindus and Buddhists regard these places particularly the hilltops as very sacred. Shiva Chaturdashi festival is held every years in February when thousands pilgrims assemble for the celebration which lasts about ten days. There is a hot water spring 5/km. to the north of Sitakunda.

Other important places of interest include shrine of Shah Amanat, Shahi Jame Mosque, Chandanpura Mosque, Portuguese Arsenal, Port Area, Marine Academy and Biponi Bitan.

Cox’s Bazaar

Seventy-five miles (120 Kilo miters) of uninterrupted beach make Cox’s Bazaar one of Bangladesh’s best-known tourist destinations and the perfect place for holiday makers and sun-seekers to relax. The resort area also boasts of exotic Arakanse Buddhist temples. The main reason to visit Cox’s bazaar is, of course, the beach, which is shark-free. Cox’s Bazaar is the world’s longest and broadest beach sloping gently down to the blue water of the Bay of Bengal against the picturesque background of a chain of hills covered with deep green forests.

Explore the peaceful pagodas and Khyangs, just a short walk from the bustling Burmese Market. The Khyangs are elevated upon pier-like stilts in Arakanese style. Ramu is another Arakanese community, a fourteen-kilometer drive north of Cox’s bazaar. It is noted for its khayangs and, in particular, one monastery containing images of the Buddha in bronze, silver, and gold inlaid with precious and semi- precious stones. Near Ramu you’ll also find the Bara khayang at lama Bazaar. The Khayangs consists of three buildings. One of them houses reliquaries and handicrafts along with the largest bronze statue of the Buddha in Bangladesh.

Maheskhali and Sonadia islands are both just a short county and speedboat ride away. Sonadia Island is a sanctuary for migratory birds such as petrels, snipe, shanks, lapwings, geese and ducks.

Saint Martin’s island southernmost point of the country, is reached via a scenic two hour drive south to Teknaf (a border town with Burma) and then a breezy 14 km launch/boat journey. It is a small; sparsely populate Coral Reef Island with a single hotel and plenty of vacant beaches and coconut tree.

Sylhet

This sanctuary of migratory birds where millions of flying creatures congregate every winter will give you pleasure. Known as ” the land of two leaves and a bud”, its terraced tea gardens, rolling countryside, colorful tribesmen, eye-catching orange groves and pineapple plantations, tropical jungles and exotic flora and fauna will attract you. Also known as the land of saints and savants including Hazrat Shah Jalal, its people are known for their hospitality and craftsmanship. And topping it all, the famous Manipuri dance will enliven your evenings out in the open-of course, by prior arrangement. Exquisite handmade Manipuri fabrics and bamboo products are the popular souvenirs.

Srimangol, known as the tea capital of Bangladesh, is the main tea center of the area. For miles and mils around, the visitor can see the tea gardens spread like green carpet over the plain land or on the sloping hills. A visit to the tea plantation is a memorable experience. Sylhet and Srimangol, the tea granary of Bangladesh, not only has over 150 tea gardens but also proudly possesses three largest tea garden in the world both in area and production.

Sundarbans

In the southwestern part of Bangladesh, in the district of greater Khulna, lies the Sundarbans, means “the beautiful forest”. It is a virgin forest, which until recently owed nothing to human endeavor and yet nature has laid it out with as much care as a planned pleasure ground. For miles and miles, the lofty treetops form an unbroken canopy, while nearer the ground, works of high and ebb tide marked on the soil and tree trunks and the many varieties of the natural mangrove forest have much to offer to an inquisitive visitor.

The Sundarbans is the largest mangrove forest in the world’s. And as it is the unusual forest, UNESCO listed it as World Heritage Site

Here land and water meet in many novel fashions. Wild life presents many a spectacle. No wonder, you may come across a Royal Bengal Tiger swimming across the streams or the crocodiles basking on the riverbanks. With the approach of the evening herds of deer make for the darkling glades where boisterous monkeys shower Keora leaves from above for sumptuous meal for the former. For the botanist, the lover of nature, the poet and the painter this land provides a variety of wonders for which they all crave.

The Sundarbans is a cluster of islands with an approximate area of 6000 sq. km. forming the largest block of littoral forests. It’s beauty lies in its unique natural surrounding. Thousands of meandering streams, creeks, rivers and estuaries have enhanced its charm. Sundarbans meaning beautiful forest is the ritual habitat of the world famous Royal Bengal Tiger, spotted deer, crocodiles, jungle fowl, wild boar, lizards, rhesus monkey and an innumerable variety of beautiful birds. Migratory flock of Siberian ducks flying over thousands of sail boats loaded with timber, golpatta (round-leaf, fuel wood, honey, shell and fish further add to the serene natural beauty of the Sundarbans.

This is indeed a land for the sportsmen, the anglers and the photographers with its abundance of game, big and small, crocodile, wild boar, deer, pythons, wild birds and above all the Royal Bengal Tiger, cunning, ruthless and yet majestic and graceful. For the less adventurously inclined, there are ducks and snipes, herons and coots, yellow-lags and sandpipers. It is also the land for the ordinary holiday makers who desire to rest or wander around at will to refresh their mind and feast their eyes with the rich treasure that nature has so fondly bestowed.

Main attractions:

Wild life photography including photography of the famous Royal Bengal Tiger, wild life viewing, boating inside the forest, wild call recordings, nature study, meeting fishermen, wood-cutters and honey-collectors. peace and tranquility in the wilderness, seeing the world’s largest mangrove forest and the riverine beauty.

Famous spots: Hiron Point (Nilkamal) for tiger, deer, monkey, crocodiles, birds and natural beauty. Katka for deer, tiger, crocodiles, varieties of birds and monkey, morning and evening symphony of wild fowls. Vast expanse of grassy meadows running from Katka to Kachikhali (Tiger Point) provides opportunities for wild tracking. Tin Kona Island for tiger and deer. Dublar Char (Island) for fishermen. It is a beautiful island where herds of spotted deer are often seen to graze.