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Please Chose Your Favourable Tourist spot:
The capital of Bangladesh is Dhaka with its exciting history and rich culture. It has attracted travellers from far and near through ages. According to recorded history it was founded in 1608 A.D. as the seat of the imperial Mughal Viceroy of Bengal. Dhaka has grown into a busy city of about seven million people with an area of about 815 sq. km. It is the centre of industrial, commercial, cultural, educational and political activities for Bangladesh. Some of the outstanding tourist attractions of Dhaka are:
Mosque: Seven domed Mosque (17th century), Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, Star Mosque (18th century).
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 (1677 A.D.) at Tejgaon.
Lalbagh Fort: It was built in 1678 A.D. by Prince Mohammad Azam, son of Mughal emperor Aurangazeb. Outstanding among the monuments of the Lalbagh are the tomb of Pari Bibi (Fairy lady), Lalbagh Mosque, Audience Hall and Hammam of Nawab Shaista Khan now housing a museum. |
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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.
1857 Memorial: (Bahadur Shah Park) Built to commemorate the martyrs of the first liberation war (1857-59) against British rule.
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Mukti Juddha Museum: Situated at Segun Bagicha area of the city contains rare photographs of liberation war and items used by the freedom fighters during the period. |
Old High Court Building: Originally built as the residence of the British Governor. It illustrates a happy blend of European and Mughal architecture.
Curzon Hall: Beautiful architectural building named after Loard Curzon. It now houses the Science Faculty of Dhaka University. |
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Dhaka Zoo: Colourful and attractive collections of different local and foreign species of animals and birds including the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger are available here.
Botanical Garden: Built on an area of 205 acres of land at Mirpur and adjacent to Dhaka Zoo.
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National Museum: The museum contains a large number of interesting collections including sculptures and paintings of the Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim periods. |
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.
Buddhist monastery: Kamalapur Buddhist monastery.
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 |
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atmopshere. Celebrations begin at zero hour of midnight.
National Poet's Graveyard: Revolutionary poet Kazi Nazrul Islam died on the 29 August 1978 and was buried here. The graveyard is adjacent to the Dhaka University Mosque.
Mausoleum of national leaders: Located at the south western 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 Nizamuddin.
Banga Bhaban: The official residence of the President, located in the city. One can have an outside view of this grand palace.
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National Assembly: Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban (Parliament House) at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, designed by Louis I. Khan. |
Science Museum: Located at Agargaon, the museum is a modern learning centre related to the latest scientific discoveries.
National Memorial: Located at Saver, 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. |
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Bangladesh is a land of unspoiled beauty and rich heritage. To come closer to the glamours of the land one must stay longer. Still persons having a few waiting hours, can at least see and feel the beauty underlying the capital city. Take any of the guided tours of Dhaka and enrich your memory with the unforgettable delights of this capital city.
The tingling bells of the innumerable oriental rickshwas plying all over with their ocean of clours will thrill your heart with joy and pleasure.
Feel the exotic beauty of the ornamental structures superbly created by our skilled craftsmen. Visit the colourful shops full of traditional handicrafts of wood, bamboo, straw, jute, clay, brass and copper.
Get lost in the oriental beauty of lush green meadows and the panorama of mother nature, breathe her fragrance and it will remain a joy for ever. Choose any one that suits your time.
Tour A (2 hours)
US$ 10 Per person
See Gulshan; the diplomatic enclave of the clty - Parliament House, Dhaka University - our highest seat of learning; the Curzon Hall - named after Loard Curzon, now housing the science faculty of the Dhaka University; Suhrawardy Uddyan - a lush green park where oath for the liberation of Bangladesh was taken in March 1971; Old High Court Building, originally built as the residence of British Governor; Baitul Mukarram, our National Mosque, a Prototype of the Holy Kaaba; Motijheel Commercial area, country's busiest commercial centre. Visit one of our numerous gift shops storing well-famed silk and jamdani sarees and a wide range of handicrafts. Take home the famous pink pearls of Bangladesh, a gift of sheer beauty and elegance, available nowhere in the world.
Tour B (3 hours)
US$ 10 Per person
This tour, in addition to Tour A, adds to your treasure of visiting Sadarghat Terminal of the river Buriganga and Bahadur Shah Park, immortalizing the historical monument erected in memory of the martyrs of the war of 1857 against the British rule, the historic Lalbagh Fort, built in 1678 A.D. by Mughals, Ashan Manzil Museum and the National Museum (subject to remaining open during the tour).
In addition to tour A & B guests may also avail extended sightseeing tour to Rayer Bazar (Pottery making), Savar (national memorial) and Dhamrai (brass ware village) or Sonargaon (ancient capital of Bengal). Tour duration will be 6 hours and price per person will be US$ 15.00 (US$ 20 inclusive lunch).
Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation (National Tourism Organization) offers conducted sightseeing tours from its Tourist Information Centre (TIC) at Dhaka Sheraton Hotel Phone: (02)509479. Special sightseeing tours for the transit passengers are also run by the TIC at Dhaka Airport Phone: (02)894416.
River - cruising: Day-long attractive river-cruising by Shalook Vessel is organised in Dhaka by Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation(BPC). For booking one may contact the TIC in Dhaka or Manager (Tour) BPC Head office Phone: (02)817855-9, 819192.
Rent-a-Car and Transfer Serviece: BPC also offers regular transfer services from Dhaka Airport to city locations and vice versa and comfortable car hire service. For booking one may contact TIC, Phone: (02)894416, 509479 or Rent-a-Car Phone: 819193.
Nestled in the picturesque Surma Valley amidst scenic tea plantations and lush green tropical forests, greater Sylhet is a prime attraction for all tourists visiting Bangladesh. Lying between the Khasia and the Jaintia hills on the north and the Tripura hills on the south, Sylhet breaks the monotony of the flatness of this land by a multitude of terraced tea gardens, rolling countryside and the exotic flora and fauna. Here the thick tropical forests abound with many species of wild life, scented orange groves and luxuriant pineapple plantations spread their aroma around the typical hearth and homes of the Manipuri Tribal maidens famous for their dance.
The Sylhet valley is formed by a beautiful, winding pair of rivers named the Surma and the Kushiara both of which are fed by innumerable hill streams from the north and the south. The valley has good number of hoars whIch are big natural depressions. During winter these haors are vast stretches of green land, but in the rainy season they turn into a turbulent sea. These hoars provide a sanctuary to the millions of migratory birds who fly from across the Himalayas to avoid the severe cold of Siberia.
Sylhet has also a very interesting and rich history. Before the conquest by the Muslims, it was ruled by local chieftains. In 1303, the great Saint Hazrat Shah Jalal came to Sylhet from Delhi with a band of 360 disciples to preach Islam and defeated the then Raja Gour Gobinda. Sylhet thus became a district of saints, shrines and daring but virile people.
Its rich potentialities became easily attractive and the 18th century Englishmen made their fortune in tea plantation. About 80 km. from Sylhet town connected by road and rail, Srimangal, which is known as the tea capital of Bangladesh, is the actual tea centre of the area. For miles and miles around, the visitor can see the tea gardens spread like a green carpet over the plain land or on the sloping hills. A visit to the tea plantation in Sylhet is a memorable experience. Sylhet, the tea granary of Bangladesh, not only has over 150 tea gardens but also proudly possesses three largest tea gardens in the world both in area and production.
Greater Sylhet Consists of the districts of Sylhet, Sunamganj, Habiganj and Moulvibazar.
Srimongal: Srimongal is famous for the longest tea gardens of world covered by lush green carpet. One can have a look into the spectacular tea processing at Tea Research Institute. |
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Temple of Sri Chaitanya Dev: About 500 years old famous temple of Sri Chaitanya Dev is located at Dhaka Dakhin about 45 Km south east from Sylhet town. The place is revered for being the ancestral home of the famous Vaishnava saint. Yearly fair is organised on the fullmoon day of the Bangla month Falgun. Hundreds and thousands of devotees from home and abroad attend this colourful fair.
Shahi Edgah: Three kilometers to the north-east of the circuit house, the Shahi Eidgah was built on a hill by the Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb in the 17th century. It looks like a grand fort but is actually meant for Eid congregation - the two biggest Muslim festivals.
Gour Gobinda Fort: The Murarichand Government College is situated in a beautiful surrounding on a hilltop. To the north-west of the college lie the remains of King Gour Gobinda's Fort.
Jaintiapur: Situated 43 km. to the north of Sylhet town, on the Sylhet - Shillong road, Jaintiapur was the capital of an ancient kingdom which included the Khasi and Jaintia Hills and plains of Jaintia. Interesting ruins of this forgotten period lie scattered throughout Jaintiapur. A drive to Jaintiapur is an interesting and worthwhile experience.
Haripur Gas Field and other spots: Twentytwo kilometers from Sylhet town is the Haripur Gas Field and at 35 km. point is the Jaintiapur's Rajbari. Onty 5 km. from Jaintiapur is Jaflong, a scenic spot amidst tea gardens. At about 35 km. north-west of Sylhet town, linked by rail, road and river is Chhatak, the seat of Assam Bengal Cement Factory. Chhatak is famous for orange gardens.
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Madhabkunda: About 3 km. from Dakhinbagh Railway Station there is the famous waterfall of Madhabkunda which attracts large number of tourists every year. |
Manipuri Dance: An interesting feature of Sylhet region is the aboriginal tribes such as the Tipperas, the Monipuris, Khasis and Garos who still live in their primitive ways in the hills, practising their age-old rites, rituals, customs and traditions. During festivals such as, Rash Leela (Full-moon night in February) and Doljatra, the attractive young girls dressed in colourful robes, dance with the male members of their choice & love. The Monipuris perform their famous dance, based on allegorical love themes of the ancient mythology.
Tamabil-Jaflong: Situated amidst splendid panorama, Tamabil is a border out post on sylhet - Shilong Road about 55 km away from sylhet town. Besides enchanting views of the area one can also have a glimpse of the waterfalls across the border from Tamabil. Jaflong is also a scenic |
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spot nearby amidst tea gardens and rare beauty of rolling stones from hills.
Handicrafts: Sylhet is well-known for its wide variety of exquisite handicrafts. Well-known sylhet cane products such as chair, table, tea trays, flower vases, bags and the exquisitely designed fine Sital Pati (a kind a mattress having natural cooling effect) are colourful souvenirs.
For accommodation at Sylhet town, some reasonably good hotels are availalble. Rest house accommodation at Srimangal and other places are also available for tourists.
Parjatan Facilities: Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation operates a first class motel (Phone: 712426) and restaurant located in the Picturesque sorroumdings near the sylhet airport besides the Duty Free shop at the airport (Phone:713206) and transport service.
Guided Tours: Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation-Nattonal Tourism Organization arranges guided package tours for groups of 10 and above from Dhaka to Sylhet.
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In the south western part of Bangladesh, in the district of greater Khulna, lies the Sundarbans, "the beautiful forest". It is a virgin forest which until recently owed nothing to human endeavour and yet nature has laid it out with as much care as a planned pleasure ground. For miles and miles, |
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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. 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 river banks. Wth the approach of the evening herds of deer make for the darking 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 inslands 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 natural 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.
Area: Nearly 2400 sq. miles or 6000 sq. km.
Forest limits: North-Bagerhat, Khulna and Satkhira districts; South - Bay of Bengal; East - Baleswar (or Haringhata) river, Perojpur, Barisal district, and West - Raimangal and Hariabhanga rivers, which partially form Bangladesh boundary with West Bengal in India.
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.
Hiron Point (Nilkamal) for tiger, deer, monkey, crocodiles, birds and natural beauty.
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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) provide 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.
Water transport is the only means of communication for visiting the Sundarbans from Khulna or Mongla Port. Private motor launch, speed boats, country boats as well as mechanised vessel of Mongla Port Authority might be hired for the purpose. From Dhaka visitors may travel by air, road or rocket steamer to Khulna - the gateway to the Sundarbans. Most pleasant journey from Dhaka to Khulna is by paddle Steamer, Rocket presenting a picturesque panorama of rural Bangladesh. Day and night-long coach services by road are also available. The quickest mode is by air from Dhaka to Jessore and then drive to Khulna by road.
It varies depending on tides against or in favour in the river. Usually 6 to 10 hours journey by motor vessel from Mongla to Hiron Point or Katka.
Hiron Point: Comfortable three-storied Rest- House of the Mongla Port Authority. Prior booking is to be made.
Katka: Forest Department Rest- House located here. Prior booking essential.
Drinking Water: Drinking water is to be carried. Water available is saline.
Journey by Rocket Steamer to Mongla and Khulna
Minimum Journey time is 22 Hours for Mongla and 24 Hours for Khulna from Dhaka.
Prior permission must be obtained through written application from the Divisional Forest Office, Circuit House Road, Khulna (Phone 20665, 21173) to visit the Sundarbans. Required entrance fees for visitors, vessel or boat payable at the relevant forest station/range office.
Movie Ta.5,000.00 per role exposed
Video Ta.4,000.00 per Cassette
Still Ta. 1,000-00 per role exposed
Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation, National Tourism Organization offers all-inclusive guided package tours from Dhaka to Sundarbans and return during the tourist season (October to March). Group size Minimum 12 pax.
For rates and booking please contact :
Manager (Tours), Bangladesh parjatan Corporation, 233, Airport Road, Tejgaon, Dhaka-1215, Phone : 817855-59 Fax : 880-2-817235 Telex : 642206 TOUR BJ.
Climate in the Sundarbans is moderate. Air is humid. Full monsoon is from June to September. The annual rainfall average between 65" and 70". During ebb-tide the forest becomes bare by 6-7 feet and at high tide (30 miles an hour) the entire territory of the forest floats on water.
Only means of transportation inside the forest is boat. There is no road, no trail of a path anywhere. The wood-cutters make temporary dwellings at the edge of the forest at a height of 8-10 feet for fear of wild animals - others live on boats. In the Chandpai region it is fascinating to see the nomadic fishermen (living with families on boats) catching fish with the help of trained otters. Exciting activities take place in Dublar Char in the forest where fishermen from Chittagong gather for four months (mid Oct. to mid Feb.) to catch and dry fish. But the most daring and exciting of all activities is presented by the honey-collectors who work in groups for just two months (April-May) and it is interesting to see how they locate a hive and then collect honey.
Visit to the forestPermission from the Divisional Forest Officer, Khulna is required to visit to the forest. Cholera vaccine is to be taken well in advance. |
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Anti-malarial, anti-diarrhoeal, insectrepellent cream, drinking water, green coconuts, medical kit, light tropical dress, thick rubber soled boots etc. are to be carried with the tourist. It will be wise to take the help of an experienced guide to make the journey fruitful.
Khulna: Khulna is the third biggest industrial city of the country. It is a divisional headquarter which serves as a gateway to the sea port of Mongla and the Sundarbans. Khulna is also famous for shrimp processing and newsprint.
Bagerhat: This little town is 40 km. south-east of Khulna on the northern fringes of the Sundarbans. It is a district headquarter. Bagerhat is famous for SHAIT-GUMBAD MOSQUE (60-domed) built in 1459 and shrine of the Muslim mystic Khan Jahan Ali.
Mongla: Mongla is the second sea port of the country and gateway to the Sundarbans. It lies 38 km. to the south of Khulna. The port authority has got motor launches to go to the forest.
Tourist season & shooting: Best time to visit the Sundarbans is from November to March. Exciting honey collection season is during April-May. Hunting is prohibited by law in the country for the preservation of wild life. Certain species of birds, however can be shot with prior permission of the Divisional Forest Officer, Khulna (Phone : 20665 & 21173).
Important phone numbers
Mongla Port Authority (Dhaka Office) 404071
Rocket Steamer Reservation, Dhaka 9559779, 9555031-6
Rocket Steamer Reservation, Khulna 21532, 20423
Divisional Forest Officer Khulna 20665
Biman Booking Office Khulna 61020
Khulna Metropolitan Police Control Room 20220
Khulna Sadar Hospital 20133
Hotel Royal 21638, 21639
Hotel Park 20990, 24077
Chittagong, the second largest city of Bangladesh and a busy international seaport, is an ideal vacation spot. Its green hills and forests, its broad sandy beaches and its fine cool climate always attract the holiday-makers. Described by the Chinese traveller poet, Huen Tsang (7th century A.D.) as "a Sleeping beauty emerging from mists and water" and given the title of "Porto Grande" by the 16th century Portuguese seafaers. Chittagong remains true to both the descriptions even today. It combines the busy hum of an active seaport with the soothing quiet of a charming hill town.
Chittagong is the country's chief port and is the main site for the establishment of heavy, medium and light industries. Bangladesh's only steel mill and oil refinery are also located in chittagong.
Climate: Pleasant and cool in winter and warm and humid in summer.
Language: Bangla, English is spoken and understood.
Wearing Apparel: Tropical in summer and light woollen in winter.
Communication & Transport: Chittagong is connected by roads and rail with rest of the country. Air link is available with Dhaka and Calcutta.
World War II Cemetery: In a well-preserved cemetery at a quiet and picturesque place within the city lie buried in eternal peace over 700 soldiers from Britain, Australia, |
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Canada, New Zealand, India, Myanmar, East and West Africa, The Netherlands and Japan who laid down their lives on the Myanmar front during the World War II.
Court Building Museum: Situated on the Fairy Hill, this building commands a panoramic bird's eye view of Chittagong. This had been the scene of intense activity during the independence War in 1971. A museum has been established here.
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Foy's Lake (Pahartali Lake):
Set amidst picturesque surroundings in the railway township of Phartali 8 km. from Chittagong, this is an ideal spot of outing and picnic thronged by |
thousands of visitors every week.
Mercantile Marine Academy at Juldia: The only training institute of its kind in Bangladesh, situated on the mouth of the river Karnaphuli.
Patenga and Fouzdarhat Sea Beaches: Patenga beach is about 22 km. from Chittagong and is approachable by a motorable road. On the way to the beach one passes the Patenga Airport. Another ideal picnic spot is the Fouzdarhat sea beach about 16 km. from Chittagong.
Port Area: Located near the river mouth of the river Karnaphuli, the Chittagong port has a recorded history from 9th century. Today, this is the principal seaport of the country.
Ethnological Museum: This museum located in Agrabad is a treasure-house of a variety of tribal culture and heritage of Bangladesh.
Sitakunda: About 37 km. Chittagong, lies an interesting place known sitakunda, served by a railway station of the same name. Famous among the many temples in this place are the Chandranath Temple and the Buddhist Temple has a footprint of Lord Buddha. These places particularly the hilltops are regarded as very sacred by the Buddhists and the Hindus. Siva-chaturdashi festival is held every year in February when thousands of pilgrims assemble for the celebrations which last about ten days. There is a salt water spring 5 km. to the north of Sitakunda, known as Labanakhya.
Motel Shaikat at Station Road is a good Motel for budget tourists. It has 2 AC suites; 13 AC Twin Rooms; 13 non-AC Twin Rooms; Shaikat Resturent 60 seating, Tourist Information, Phones: 619514, 619845, 611046-8. Other hotels in town are Hotel Agrabad, Hotel Shahjahan, Hotel Miskha, Hotel Safina & Hotel Hawaii.
Car rental: Rent-A-Car facilities are available for city sightseeing and trips to Rangamati, Cox's Bazer, Sitakunda and other touristically important places.
The Hill Tracts is divided into three districts, namely Rangamati, Khagrachari and Bandarban. From Chittagang 77 km. road amidst green fields and winding hills will take you to Rangamati, the headquarters of the Rangamati Hill District which is a wonderful repository of scenic splendours with flora and fauna of varied descriptions. It is also connected by water way from Kaptai.
The Hills: The Hill Tracts is divided into four valleys surrounded by the Feni, Karnaphuli, Sangu (Sankhu) and Matamuhuri rivers and their tributaries. The ranges or hills of the Hill Tracts rise steeply thus looking far more impressive than what their height would imply and extend in long narrow ridges. The highest peaks on the northern side are Thangnang, Langliang and Khantiang while those on the southern side are Ramu,Taung, Keekradang (3000 ft, highest in Bangladesh), Mowdok Mual, Rang Tlang and Mowdok Tlang.
The Lakes: Famous Kaptai Lake, the largest "man-made" lake, spreading over 680 sq. km. of crystal-clean water flanked by hills and evergreen forests lies in the Rangamati Hill District. The Lake was formed when the Karnaphuli river dam (153 feet high, 1800 feet long crest) was built for the purpose of hydroelectric power project at Kaptai. The old Rangamati town was submerged under lake water and a new town had to be built later. The Lake is full of fish and provides facilities for cruising, swimming and skiing. There are also facilities for angling and short trip by Sampan, local name for country boats.
The Forests: The valleys of the Hill Tracts are covered with thick planted forests. The vegetation in semi-evergreen to tropical evergreen dominated by talk teak trees. The natural vegetation can be seen best in the Rain- khyong valleys of the Bandarban district. This district provides the country with valuable wood used for various purposes, besides supplying wood and bamboo for the Karnaphuli Paper Mills and the Rayon Mills situated at Chandraghona. Here a tourist may be lucky to see how huge logs of wood are being carried to the plain by the tamed elephants.
Climate: There are three main seasons, the dry season (November to March), which is relatively cool, sunny and dry, the premonsoon season (April and May), which is very hot and sunny with occasional shower, and the rainy season (June to October), which is warm, cloudy and wet.
Tribal life: The inhabitants of the Hill Tracts are mostly tribal. Life of the tribal people is extremly fascinating. Majority of them are Buddhists and the rest are Hindus, Christains and Animists. Despite the bondage of |
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religion, elements of primitiveness is strongly displayed in their rites, rituals and everyday life. The tribal families are matriarchal. The women-folk are more hard-working than the males and they are the main productive force. The tribal people are extremly 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.
For visit of foreign tourists to the Hill Districts prior permission from the Government is required which can be arranged through BPC.
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Rangamati: Rangamati, the focal point of Rangamati Hill District, is connected with Chittagong by a 77 km. metalled road. The township is located on the western bank of the Kaptai Lake. Rangamati is a favourite |
holiday resort because of its beautiful landscape, scenic beauty, its flora and fauna, homespun textiles, bamboo handbags, flower vases and silver jewllery and the tribal men and women who fashion them, are other attractions. The tribal handicraft factory and sales centre run by BSCIC produces many varities of souvenirs made of bamboo, cane, straw, textile and leather. For the tourists the attractions of Rangamati are numerous tribal life, fishing, speed-boat cruising, water-skiing, hiking or merely enjoying nature as it is. Other places worth visiting include, Tribal Museum, Bein Textile Factory and Sales Centre, 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 which can be organised by Bangaldesh Parjatan Corporation if prior notice is given.
Kaptai: A pleasant and picutresque drive of 64 km. from Chittagong brings you to a huge expanse of emerald and blue water ringed with majestic tropical forests. It is the famous Kaptai Lake.
Only 3 km. from Kaptai along the Chittagong Road, Lies the ancient Chit Morong Buddhist Temple where there is beautiful Buddhist statues. An annual Buddhist festival is held here on the last day of Bengali year (Mid-Aprill).
Chandraghona: Fortyeight Kilometer from Chittagong, on the Kaptai Road is Chandraghona where one of the biggest paper mills in Asia is located. Close to the paper mill there is a rayon factory which produces synthetic fibres from bamboo.
Khagrachari: Khagrachari is the district headquarters of Khagrachari Hill District. A drive of 112 km. from Chittagong, by an all-weather metalled road through the green forest brings you to Khagrachari, abode of fascinating clam. For the tourists seeking nature in here restful mood, Khagrachari is an ideal spot.
Bandarban: Ninetytwo kilometer from Chittagong by metalled road, Bandarban is the district headquarters of the Bandarban Hill District. Bandarban is the home town of the Bohmong Chief who is the head of the Mogh tribe. 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.
Bangladesh Parjatan corporation, the National Tourism Organization has created a number of facilites for the tourists at Rangamati holiday resorts.These are:
* Parjatan Motel: Ist Class 3 AC Twin Rooms; 15 Non-AC Twin Rooms; Labiyat Restaurant-32 seating. Phone: 3126.
* Cottages: Standard 3 cottages, 4 beds each; phones: 3126.
* Youth inn: Two, 8 beds each, Phone : 3126.
Other Facilities: Speed Boats, Paddle Boats and Canoe Boats for Lakecruise, AC Auditorium for Cultural Functions & Conferences-200 Seating; Picnic Hill, and Tourist information, Phone: 3126.
Miles of golden sands, towering cliffs, surfing waves, rare conch shells, colourful pagodas, Buddhist temples and tribes, delightful sea food - this is Cox's Bazar, the tourist capital of Bangladesh. Having the |
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world's longest (120 kilometres) beach sloping gently down to the blue waters of the Bay of Bengal, Cox's Bazar is one of the most attractive tourist spots in the country. Located at a distance of 152 km. south of chittagong, the leading seaport of Bangladesh, Cox's Bazar is connected both by air and road from Dhaka and Chittagong.
Visits to the picnic spot at Himchari, Teknaf - southern-most tip of Bangladesh and nearby islands of Sonadia and Moheshkhali are memorable experiences of a lifetime.
Other attractions for visitors are conch shell market, tribal handicraft, salt and prawn cultivation, Ramu buddhist temple and tribal village.
The Cox's Bazar Holiday Complex of Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation, the National Tourism Organization is an ideal tourist resort having a number of facilities for the visitors.
Tourist facilities at Cox's Bazar Holiday Complex
Accommodation:
| Deluxe Hotel, Shaibal (22 rooms, 44 Beds) | AC, Suite-2 & AC, Twin-20 | Phone:4202, 3275, 3274 |
| Standard Motel, Upal (38 Rooms, 76 Beds) | AC, Twin-19 & Non-AC, Twin-19 | Phone:4202, 4258 |
| Moderate Motel, Probal (36 Rooms, 72 Beds) | Non-AC, Twin-36 | Phone:3211, 3275 |
| Honeymoon Cottage 1st Class (5 Cottage, 10 Beds) | AC, Twin Each | Phone: 3274 |
| Cottage moderate (5 Cottage, 20 Beds) | Non-AC, Twin Each | Phone: |
| Youth Inn (6 Rooms, 94 Beds) | Reasonable Accommo-dation forYouth | Phone: 3274 |
Other Facilities:
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Conference Room |
Capacity, Seating-100 |
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Sagarika Restaurant & Bar (Deluxe) |
Capacity, Seating-130 |
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Panahar Restaurant |
Capacity, Seating-60 |
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Sea Food Restaurant |
Capacity, Seating-30 |
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* Swimming Pool |
* Bar-B-Que Dinner, Thursday & Saterday evening |
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* Indoor Games |
* Sun bathing |
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* Gift Shop |
* Picnic Hut at Himchari Beach |
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* Changing Closets |
* Beach umbrellas & matresses |
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* Jeep drive on the beach |
* Transfer Service from Airport to Parjatan Complex |
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* Tribal Cultural Show |
* Tennis |
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*Squash |
* Golf Course |
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* Video Games |
* Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Office |
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Bangladesh is a country considerably rich in archaeological wealth, especially of the medieval period both during the Muslim and pre-Muslim rules, though most of it is still unexplored and unknown. |
The major archaeological sites are described below.
Paharpur: Paharpur is a small village 5 km. west of Jamalganj in the greater Rajshahi district where the remains of the most important and the largest known monastery south of the Himalayas has been excavated. This 7th century archaeological find covers approximately an area of 27 acres of land. The entire establishment, occupying a quadrangular court, measuring more than 900 ft. Externally on each side, has high enclosure-walls about 16 ft. in thickness and from 12 ft. to 15 ft. height. With elaborate gateway complex on the north, there are 45 cells on the north and 44 in each of the 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.
A small site-museum built in 1956-57 houses the representative collection of objects recovered from the area. The excavated findings have also been preserved at the Varendra 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.
Mahasthangarh: Mahasthan, the oldest archaeological site of Bangladesh is on the western bank of river Karatoa 18 km. north of Bogra town beside Bogra-Rangpur Road. The spectacular site is an imposing landmark in the area having a fortified, oblong enclosure measuring 5000 ft. by 4500 ft. with an average height of 15 ft. form the surrounding paddy fields. Beyond the fortified area, other ancient ruins fan out within a semicircle of about five miles 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 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 you wide variety of antiquities, ranging from terracotta objects to gold ornaments and coins recovered from the site.
Mahasthangarh and Paharpur are only 18 km. and 75 km. respectively form Bogra town.
Rajshahi is famous for pure silk. Silk processing industry of the Sericulture Board is just ten minutes walk from Parjatan Motel at Rajshahi. Besides the Sericulture Board, a visit to Varendra Research Museum at the heart of the City for archaeological finds, would be most rewarding.
Mainamati: An isolated low, dimpled range of hills, dotted with more than 50 ancient Buddhist settlements of the 8th to 12th century A.D. known as Mainamati-Lalmai range are extended through the centre of the district of Comilla.
Salban Vihara almost in the middle of the Mainamati-Lalmai hill range consists of 115 cells, built around a spacious courtyard with cruciform temple in the centre facing its only gateway complex to the north resembling that of the Paharpur Monastery.
Kutila Mura situated on a flattened hillock, about 5 km. north of Salban Vihara inside the Comilla Cantonment 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 isloted small oblong shrine situated about 2.5 km. north-west of Kutila Mura stupas. The only approach to the shrine is from the east through a gateway which leads to a spacious hall.
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 terracotta plaques each measuring on an average of 9" high and 8" to 12" wide.
Mainamati is only 114 km. from Dhaka City and is just a day's trip by road on way to Chittagong.
Lalbagh fort: The capital city Dhaka predominantly was a city of the Mughals. In hundred years of their vigorous rule successive Governors and princely Viceroys who ruled the province, adorned it with many noble monuments in the shape of magnificent palaces, mosques, tombs, fortifications and 'Katras' often surrounded with beautifully laid out gardens and pavilions. Among these, few have survived the ravages of time, aggressive tropical climate of the land and vandal hands of man.
But the finest specimen of this period is the Aurangabad Fort, commonly known as Lalbagh Fort, which, indeed represents the unfulfilled dream of a Mughal Prince. It occupies the south western part of the old city, overlooking the Buriganga on whose northern bank it stands as a silent sentinel of the old city. Rectangular in plan, it encloses an area of 1082' by 800' and in addition to its graceful lofty gateways on south-east and north-east corners and a subsidiary small unpretentious gateway on north, it also contians within its fortified perimeter a number of splendid monuments, surrounded by attractive garden. These are, a small 3-domed mosque, the mausoleum of Bibi Pari the reputed daughter of Nawab Shaista Khan and the Hammam and Audience Hall of the Governor. The main purpose of this fort, was to provide a defensive enclosure of the palacial edifices of the interior and as such was a type of palace-fortress rather than a seize fort.
Sonargaon: 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 |
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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.
Kantanagar Temple, Dinajpur: The most ornate among the late medieval temples of Bangladesh is the Kantanagar temple near Dinajpur town, which was built in 1752 by Maharaja Pran Nath of Dinajpur. The temple, a 50 square three storyed edifice, rests on a slightly curved raised plinth of sandstone blocks, believed to have been quarried from the ruins of the ancient city of Bangarh near Gangharampur in West Bengal. It was originally a navaratna temple, crowned with four richly ornamental corner towers on two storeys and a central one over the three storey. Unfortunately these ornate towers collapsed during an earthquake at the end of the 19th century. Inspite of this, the monument rightly claims to be the finest extant example of its type in brick and terracotta, built by Bengali artisans. The central cella is surrounded on all sides by a covered varendah, each peirced by three entrances, which are separated by equally ornate dwarf brick pillars, corresponding to the three delicately causped entrances of the balcony, the sanctum has also three richly decorated arched openings on each face. Every inch of the temple surface is beautifully embellished with exquisite terracotta plaques, representing flora, fauna, geometric motifs, mythological scenes and an astonishing array of contemporary social scenes and favourite pastimes.
Besides, there are many other monuments which incite tourist interest.
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 epitome of the nation's rich cultural heritage. Todays renovated Ahsan Manzil 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 in 31 rooms displaying of traits, furniture and household articles used by the Nawab. |
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Star Mosque: A very beautiful mosque of the city is situated at Mahuttuly on Abul Khairat Rd; just west of Armanitola Govt. High School. Architecturally faultless (Mughal style) is a five-dome mosque with hundreds of big and small twinkling stars as surface decorations. The stars have been created by setting pieces of chinaware on white cement. Seen from the front and from far it looks as |
if shining above the surface of the earth. The inside of it is even more beautiful that the outside, lovely mosaic floor and excellent tiles with many floral patterns set on the walls, are all in complete harmony. The sitara Masjid was built originally with three domes in early 18th century by Mirza Ghulam Pir, a highly respectable Zamindar of Dhaka. Frequently used in calendars. Entrance: through a lane named after the mosque.
Baitul Mukarram Mosque: Baitul Mukarram Mosque is situated at Purana Paltan east of Bangladesh Secretariat and north of Dhaka Stadium. Largest Mosque in the city, three storied and built after the pattern of the Kaba Sharif. Very beautiful and costly decorations in the interior. Long lawn, garden and rows of fountains to the south and east. The mosque is on a very high platform. Lovely flight of stairs lead to it; from the south, east and north. On the east is a vast varanda which is also used for prayer and Eid congregation. Below in the ground floor is a shopping centre.
Shait-Gumbad Mosque, Bagerhat: In mid-15th century, a Muslim colony was founded in the inhospitable mangrove forest of the Sundarbans near the sea coast in the Bagerhat district by an obscure saint-General, named Ulugh Khan Jahan. He was the earliest torch bearer of islam in the South who laid the nucleus of an affluent city during the reign of Sultan Nasiruddin Mahmud Shah (1442-59), then known as 'khalifalabad' (present Bagerhat). Khan Jahan aborned his city with numerous mosques, tanks, roads and other public buildings, the spectacular ruins of which are focused around the most imposing and largest multidomed mosques in Bangladesh, known as the Shait-Gumbad Masjid (160'X108'). The stately fabric of the monument, serene and imposing, stands on the eastern bank of an unusually vast sweet-water tank, clustered around by the heavy foliage of a low-laying countryside, characteristic of a sea-coast landscape.
The mosque roofed over with 77 squat domes, including 7 chauchala or four-sided pitched Bengali domes in the middle row. The vast prayer hall, although provided with 11 arched doorways on east and 7 each on north and south for ventilation and light, presents a dark and sombre appearance inside.
It is divided into 7 longitudinal aisles and 11 deep bays by a forest of slender stone columns, from which springs rows of endless arches, supporting the domes. Six feet thick, slightly tapering walls and hollow and round, almost detached corner towers, resembling the bastions of fortress, each capped by small rounded cupolas, recall the Tughlaq architecture of Delhi. The general appearance of this noble monument with its stark simplicity but massive character reflects the strength and simplicity of the builder.
Saat Gumbaz Mosque: This is a Mughal Mosque of actually three domes and four hollow octagonal towers popularly known as Saat Gumbaz Mosque. Situated close to the present Muhammadpur colony, the river Buriganga once flowed passed it. It is built upon a solid and specious platform and measures 58'x27' feet. Panels are usual Mughal, central dome is bigger than other ones. Built by great Mughal subadar Shaista Khan in C. 1680 A.D. It is still in good condition and well-preserved.
Chhota Sona Mosque: One of the most graceful monument of the Sultanate period is the Chhota Sona Masjid or Small Golden Mosque at Gaur in Rajshahi Built by one Wali Muhammad during the reign of Sultan Alauddin Husain Shah (1493-1519). Originally it was roofed over with 15 gold-gilded domes including the 3 Chauchala domes in the middle row, from which it derives its curious name.
Mosque of Baba Adam: Of a slightly later date the elegant 6-domed mosque (43'x36') of Baba Adam in Rampal near Dhaka was erected by one Malik Kafur during the reign of the last llyas Shahi Sultan, Jalauddin Fateh Shah in 1483 A.D. It displays the same characterstic features of the period such as the faceted octagonal turrets at 4 corners, the curved cornice, the facade and 3 mihrabs relieved richly with beautiful terracotta floral and hanging patterns.
The Shrine of Hazrat Shah Jalal: Among the several places of historical interest in Sylhet town is the shrine of Saint Hazrat Shah Jalal. Even today, more than six hundred years after his death, the shrine is visited by innumerable devotees of every caste and creed, who make the journey from far away places. Hazrat Shah Jalal is credited with the help extended to the Muslim army which conquered Sylhet in 1303 A.D.
Shrine of Sultan Bayazid Bostami: Situated on a hillock in Nasirabad, about 6 km. to the north-west of Chittagong town, this shrine attracts a large number of visitors and pilgrims. At its base is a large tank with several hundred tortoises. Tradition has it that these animals are the descendants of the evil spirits (genii) who were cast into this shape because they incurred the wrath of the great saint who visited the place about 1,100 years ago.
Shrine of Shah Amanat: The shrine of Shah Amanat is another place of religious attraction. Located in the heart of the town, the shrine is visited by hundreds of people everyday who pay homage to the memory of the saint who lived in the 19th century.
For advance reservation and further details you can contact with:
Central Reservation, BPC Head office:
Phone: 819192,817855-9; Fax: 880-2-817235.
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Dhaka: Parjatan Head Office |
Phone: 819192, 817855-9 |
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Hotel Abakash |
Phone: 607085-9, 831548 |
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Dhaka Sheraton Hotel |
Phone: 509479, 863391, 861191/566 |
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Zia International Airport |
Phone: 894416 |
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Chittagong: Motel Shikat, Station Road |
Phone: 619514, 619845, 611046-8 |
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Cox's Bazer: Parjatan Holiday Complex |
Phone: 4202,3274,3275,4258, 3211, 4246 |
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Rangamati: Parjatan Holiday Complex |
Phone: 3126 |
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Bogra: Parjatan Motel |
Phone: 6753 |
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Rajshaahi: Parjatan Motel |
Phone: 775492, 775237 |
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Rangpur: Parjatan Motel |
Phone: 3681, 2111 |
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Sylhet: Parjatan Motel |
Phone: 712426 |
