Bangladesh (Tourists Spots for Tourism)

DHAKA
The capital of Bangladesh is Dhaka (formarly known as the city of mosque) with its exciting history and rich culture. 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 :

Mosque
-Dhaka has several hundred mosques
-Prominent are the seven Domed Mosque (17th century)
-Baitull Mukarram-National Mosque
-Star Mosque (18th century)
-Chawkbazar Mosque
-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.



Sites:
Lalbagh Fort
Location: old-Dhaka
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
Location: Dhanmondi
The residence of the father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman has been turned into a musuam. It contains rare collection of personal effects and photographs of his lifetime.

Mukti Juddha(Freedome fight) Museum
Location: at Segun Bagicha
The museum contains rare photographs of Liberation war and items used by the freedom fighters during the period.

Ahsan Manzil Museum
Location: old-Dhaka
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
Location: Dhaka University
Beautiful architectural building named after Lord Curzon. It now houses the Science Faculty of Dhaka University.

Old High Court Building
Location: old-Dhaka
Originally built as the residence of the British Governor. It illustrates a happy blend of European and Mughal architecture.

Dhaka Zoo
Location: at Mirpur
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
Location: Shahbag
The museum contains a large number of interesting collections including sculptures and paintings of the Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim periods.

Botanical Garden
Location: at Mirpur and adjacent to Dhaka Zoo
Built on an area of 205 acres of land . One can have a look at the zoo and the botanical garden in one trip.

National Park
Location: 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
Location: Dhaka Medical College
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
Location: adjacent to the Dhaka University Mosque.
Revolutionary poet Kazi Nazrul Islam died on the 29 August 1976 and was buried here.

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
Location: 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
Location: Ramna
A vast stretch of green garden surrounded by a serpentine lake near the Sheraton Hotel.

National Assembly
Location: at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar
Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban (Parliament House) was designed by the famous architect Louis I. Kahn, has distinctive architectural features, It may be called an architectural wonder of this region.

Science Museum
Location: at Agargaon
The museum is a modern learning center related to the latest scientific discoveries.

National Memorial
Location: 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.

Sonargaon: The ancient capital of Bengal
Location: About 27 km. from Dhaka
Sonargaon is one of the oldest capitals of Bengal. It was the seat of Deva Dynasty until the 13th century. From then onward till the advent of the Mughals, Sonargaon was subsidiary capital of the Sultanate of Bengal. Among the ancient monuments still intact are the Tomb of Sultan Ghiasuddin (1399-1409 A.D.), the shrines of Panjpirs and Shah Abdul Alla and a beautiful mosque in Goaldi village. The ancient capital of bangle was called 'Panam Nagar' which is still standing with its past.
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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.
The places within Chittagong Division you might find interesting are given below:

Shrine of Bayazid Bostami
Location: Bayazid Bustami
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
Location: beside Probortok Moore
In this well-preserved cemetery at quiet and picturesque place lie buried over 700 soldiers from commonwealth countries and Japan.

Foy's Lake
Location: beside Khulshi residential area
Set amidst panoramic surroundings, this ideal spot for outings and picnics is thronged by thousands of visitors. Recently Concord Developers has taken various projects surrounding The Foy's Lake. It is being mordernized to look more beautiful. A water park is also opened recently for all visitors.

Ethnological Museum
A unique treasure house of variety of tribal culture and heritage of Bangladesh and the world.

Court Building
Location: 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
Location: 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
-Biponi Bitan.
Tribal Life
The inhabitants of the Hill Tracts are mostly tribal. Life of the tribal people is extremely fascinating. Majority of them are Buddhists and the rest are Hindus, Christians and Animists. Despite the bondage of religion, elements of primitiveness are strongly displayed in their rites, rituals and everyday life. The tribal families are matriarchal. The women-folk are more hardworking than the males and they are the main productive force. The tribal people are extremely self-reliant, they grow their own food, their girls weave their own clothes and generally speaking, they live a simple life. Each tribe has its own dialect, distinctive dress and rites and rituals. The common feature is their way of life, which still speak of their main occupation. Some of them take pride in hunting with bows and arrows. Tribal women are very skilful in making beautiful handicrafts. Tribal people are generally peace (loving, honest and hospitable. They usually greet a tourist with a smile.

Rangamati Hill District
Location: about 77 km from Chittagong by metalled road.
Rangamati, the focal point of Chittagong Hill District. The: township is located on the western bank of the Kaptai Lake. Rangamati is a favorite holiday resort because of its beautiful landscape, scenic beauty, its flora and fauna, homespun textiles, bamboo handbags, flower vases and silver jewelry and the tribal men and women who fashion them, are other attractions. The tribal handicraft factory and sales center run by BSCIC produces many varieties of souvenirs made of bamboo, cane, straw, textile and leather. For the tourists the attractions of Rangamati are numerous-tribal life, fishing, speedboat cruising, water-skiing, hiking or merely enjoying nature as it is
Other places worth visiting include
-Tribal Museum
-Bein Textile Factory and Sales Center
-Kalpataru
-Ivory product shop
-Hanging Bridge
-Tribal village
-Chakma Raj Bari (King's palace)
-Weekly Hat (market)
Above all tribal dance and music captivate visitors that can be organized by us if prior notice is given.

Kaptai
Location: 64 km from Chittagong
Kaptai is an upazila under Rangamati district. It is famous for hydro-electric project. A panoramic man-made lake called Kaptai lake (680-sq. km.) in the midst of hills has added to its beauty. A pleasant and picturesque drive of 64 km. from Chittagong brings you to huge expanse of emerald and blue water ringed with tropical forest. Only 3 km. from Kaptai along Chittagong road, lies the ancient Chit Morong Buddhist temple having beautiful Buddhist statues.


Bandarban Hill District
Location: Ninety-two kilometer from Chittagong by metalled road
Bandarban is the district headquarters of the Bandarban Hill District. Bandarban is the hometown of the Bohmong Chief, who is the head of the Mogh tribe (The Moghs King). The Moghs are of Myanmar origin and Buddhists by religion. Jovial and carefree by nature, the Moghs are simple and hospitable people. Bandarban is also the home of the Murangs who are famous for their music and dance. Far into the interior there are several other tribes of great interest for anyone who cares to make the-journey.

Khagrachari Hill District:
Location about 112 km from Chittagong
Khagrachari is the district headquarters of Khagachari Hill District. For the tourists seeking nature in here restful mood, Khagrachari is an ideal spot.


Cox’s Bazar
Location: 152 km. to the south of Chittagong.
Famous for the world's largest sea beach of 120 km. It is the tourist capital of Bangladesh. Because of its natural beauty Cox's Bazar is one of the most attractive tourist spots in the world. The beach is open for all for bathing, swimming and sunbathing. The best part here is the time while the sun sets. Many kinds of attractive local things are sold the local (Rakhine) tribal families. As this is the most famous tourist spot of Bangladesh so the communication to Cox's Bazar from any part of Bangladesh is very cofortable. Cox's Bazar is connected both by both air and road from Dhaka, Chittagong and any other places of Bangladesh.
There are also some nearby fascinating picnic spots at
-Himchari
-Inani
-Teknaf
-Buddhist temple at Ramu
-nearby island of Sonadia
-St. Martin and Mohaskhali.
There are only a few people who do not buy at least something from the Burmese Markets at Cox's Bazar which not far away from the Sea Beach. Things there are very much attractive and the prices are also reasonable if you can burgain!

Mainamati
Location: 165 km from Chittagong city
An isolated low, dimpled range of hills. dotted with more than 50 ancient Buddhist settlements of the 8th to 12th century AD known as Mainamati-Lalmai range.

· Salban Vihara, almost in the middle of the Mainamati-Lalmai hill range, consisting 115 cells.

· Kotila Mura situated on a flattened hillock. about 5 km. north of Salban Vihara inside the Comilla Cantonment area. It is a picturesque Buddhist establishment. Here three stupas are found side by side representing the Buddhist "Trinity" or three jewels i.e. the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha.

· Charpatra Mura is an isolated small oblong shrine situated about 2.5 km. north-west of Kotila Mura. The Mainamati site Museum has a rich and varied collection of copper plates, gold and silver coins and 86 bronze objects. Over 150 bronze statues have been recovered mostly from the monastic cells, bronze stupas, stone sculptures and hundreds of terra-cotta plaques.
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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 and Hazrat Shah Poran, 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.
There are many places of interests of which some are as follows:

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 teagardens 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.

Tamabil & Jaflong
Situated amidst splendid panorama, Tamabil is a border outpost on Sylhet-Shilong road, about 55 km. away from Sylhet town. Beside enchanting views of the area one can also have a glimpse of the waterfall across the border from Tamabil. Jaflong is also a scenic spot nearby amidst tea gardens and rare beauty of rolling stones from hills.
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RAJSHAHI
Rajshahi is the headquarter of Rajshahi Division, one of the six administrative divisions in Bangladesh. Rajshahi Municipality was established in 1876, one of the first in Bangladesh. Rajshahi is located near many ancient capitals of Bengal, notably Lakhnoiti or Lokhonaboti and Pundra. Rajshahi is home to many educational institutes, and is often referred to in Bangladesh as the education city. It is famous for pure silk, mango and lichi. Attractive silk products are cheaper in Rajshahi and it is often referred to as silk city. There are also a number of ancient mosques, shrines and temples in and around Rajshahi.

Places of interest

Shrine of Hazrat Shah Mokhdum (Rh.)A Majar or Dorga (Shrine) is established around the grave of Hazrat Shah Mokhdum Ruposh (Rh.) in Rajshahi city. It is said that Hazrat Shah Mokhdum Ruposh (Rh.) was the first Islam preacher in the Rajshahi region. It is also said that he came to Rajshahi through the river Padma riding on a crocodile. Even now, some crocodiles are reserved in the Dighi (Large Pond) next to the shrine of Hazrat Shah Mokhdum (Rh.).

Varendra Research MuseumThe Varendra Research Museum,one of the oldest museums in this subcontinent is situated in the heart of Rajshahi city. Its library contains 22,000 printed books and journals and 6000 manuscripts in Bengali, Sanskrit, Arabic and Persian Language. The library has been shifted from the Museum building to a new modern house.Md Abdul Matin khan

MahasthangarhLocation: 18 km. to the north of Bogra
Mahasthangarh is the oldest archaeological site of Bangladesh on the western bank of river Karotoa. The spectacular site is an imposing landmark in the area having a fortified long enclosure. Beyond the fortified area, other ancient ruins fan out within a semi-circle of about 8-km. radius. Several isolated mounds, the local names of which are Govinda Bhita Temple, Khodai Pathar Mound, Mankalir Kunda, Parasuramer Bedi, Jiyat Kunda etc. surround the fortified city.
This 3rd century BC archaeological site is still held to be of great sanctity by the Hindus. Every year (mid-April) and once in every 12 years (December) thousands of Hindu devotees join the bathing ceremony on the bank of river Karatoa. A visit to the Mahasthangarh site museum will open up for one a wide variety of antiquities, ranging from terracotta objects to gold ornaments and coins recovered from the site. Also noteworthy are the shrine of Shah Sultan Bulki Mahisawary and Gokul Medh in the neighborhood of Mahasthangarh.

Paharpur
Location: 5 km. west of Jamalganj railway station
A small village 5 km. west of Jamalganj railway station in the greater Rajshahi district, the remains of the most important and the largest known monastery south of the Himalayas has bee excavated. This 8th century A.D. archaeological find covers approximately an area of 27 acres of land. The entire establishment occupies a quadrangular court, measuring more than 900 ft. and from 12fh to 15ft. in height with elaborate gateway complex on the north. There are 45 cells on the north and 44 in each of other three sides with a total number of 177 rooms. The architecture of the pyramidal cruciform temple is profoundly influenced by those of South-East Asia, especially Myanmar and Java. It had taken its name from a high mound, which looked like pahar or hillock. A site museum built recently houses the representative coactions of objects recovered from the area. The excavated findings have also been preserved at the Veranda Research museum at Rajshahi. The antiquities of the museum include terracotta plaques, images of different gods and goddesses, potteries, coins, inscriptions, ornamental bricks and other minor clay objects . It has been declared as a World Heritage site by UNESCO.

Bangladesh BetarRadio Bangladesh has a regional station in Rajshahi which transmits various programs of mass interest. Rajshahi station has a broadcasting house and transmitters in different locations. Two transmitters of 100 kW and 10 kW transmitting capacity transmit the programs developed at the broadcasting house.

Central Park and ZooA central park and zoo is one of the main attractions of Rajshahi city. A wide area with lush green trees and grasses also houses different animal species. It is located by the bank of river Padma.

BorokuthiIn the compound of the Barakuthi there is a small cemeterywith groves dating back to the years of the nineteenth century. There are 14 tombs with thirteen epitaphs within the cemetery. Here also some natureral calimetari which make people enjoy for time being.

KazihataRajshahi radio center is located here.

Harian
Harian, a place few Kilometers away from the city, is famous for a sugar mill which was established by B.I.D.C.
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BARISALBarisal is located in south-central Bangladesh. Formerly a district called Bakerganj, it is now a division. The town lies in the Ganges (Padma) River delta on an offshoot of the Arial Khan River (Kirtonkhola). The Barisal town was under the control of the Roychoudhury family, which now has moved to Calcutta. Incorporated as a municipality in 1876 and upgraded to city corporation in 2002, it is a trans-shipment center for rice, hides, and pulses. Bakery, textile, Pharmaceutical products are output of a few industrial installation. It is linked by steamer with Dhaka (73 miles [117 km] north) and with Chittagong to the southeast. Road communication improved in last decade with building of few bridges.
Places of interest
Durga Sagar
Location: 30 km out of Barisal city
It is a large pond. Serving as a place for holiday trips for the city's residents, it is also attracts visitors from other places. This is one of the main places of residence for the migrant birds that comes in winter.
Near Durga Sagar are the ancient ruins of the palace of a local Lord (Jamidar). Anyone can have a view of the palaces of this time by the sight of it.

The Bell's Park
Location: Barisal City, right on the banks of River Kirtonkhola.

Kuakata
Location : 70 km from Barisal
A rare scenic beauty spot on the southern most tip of Bangladesh in the district of Patuakhali. It has a wide sandy beach from where one can get the unique opportunity of seeing both the sunrise and sunsetting. Kuakata is accessible by road, by air to Barisal and then by road, by river vessel.
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KHULNA
Khulna is the third-largest city in Banglades. It is located on the banks of the Rupshaand Bhairab rivers in Khulna District. With a population of over 1.4 million, it is the capital of Khulna Division and a major industrial and commercial center. It has a seaport named Mongla on its outskirts, 60 km from Khulna City.
The city is 333 km southwest of Bangladesh's capital Dhaka, to which it is connected by air, road, train and water transportation. The steamer fleet for this route includes the ancient ships Tern (1912), Osrich and Lepcha.

Places of interest

The Sundarbans
The largest single block of tidal halopytic mangroveforest in the world, lies at the mouth of the Ganges and is spread across areas of Bangladeshand West Bengal, India, forming the seaward fringe of the delta. The forest covers 10,000 sqkm of which about 6,000 are in Bangladesh. It got inscripted as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1997; but while the Bangladeshi and Indian portions constitute the same continuous ecotope, these are separately listed in the UNESCO world heritage list as the Sundarbans and Sundarbans National Park respectively. The Sundarbans is intersected by a complex network of tidal waterways, mudflats and small islands of salt-tolerant mangrove forests. The area is known for the eponymous Royal Bengal Tiger, as well as numerous fauna including species of birds, spotted deer, crocodiles andsnakes. It is estimated that there are now 500 Bengal tigers and about 30,000 spotted deer in the area. Sundarbans was designated a Ramsar site on May 21, 1992

For more about Sundarban, visit here  The Sundarban (Bangladesh)