Tourism and Nature of Bangladesh

Nature and Tourism

Bangladesh is bordered by India on all three sides (West, North and East) except for a small border with Myanmar (Burma) on the south-east. The Bay of Bengal is on the south. Together with the Indian state of West-Bengal, it makes up the ethno-linguistic region of Bengal. The name 'Bangladesh' means 'the Country of Bengal' in the official Bengali language.

In Sundarbans

Prior to the time of Bangladesh's liberation in 1971, most tourists kept their visits to mainly Dhaka and Chittagong.  Since 2000, however tourism in other areas of Bangladesh has soared in popularity.  Some of the most popular destinations are Cox's Bazar, Teknaf, Sundarbans, Kuakata, Paharpur and Tetulia.

   Plain Land of Bangladesh

Accommodation

Hotel Raddisson

Private sector has been playing the vital role for significant growth in the Tourism sector. There are excellent accommodation and other facilities in a range of hotels and motels run by Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation at all the major tourist destinations like Cox's Bazar, Rangamati, Bandarban, Khagrachari, Kuakata, Sylhet, Bogra, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Dinajpur, Mongla, Teknaf and other parts of the country. In private sector the big hotel chains and some excellent guest houses, especially in diplomatic zone have set up shop in Dhaka. Luxury venues, namely five star hotels offer accommodation at US$100 and above, mid range hotels offer US$70-100, low mid range offer US$50-70 and budget hotels offer around US$25 and below. Apart from Dhaka, Chittagong, the main port city and Cox's Bazar (world's longest sea beach), have many mid range to budget hotels. Besides, you may also wish to enjoy the taste of traditional and simple accommodation under the hospitality of the local community, especially in the far flung places of the hilly parts of the country where there is almost no hotel- motel and the nature is quite pristine and celestial.


For accommodation in Dhaka City, please see the list of Hotels.
To see the top rated restaurants' list of Bangladesh, please click here.

Dhaka

Dhaka (Bangla: ঢাকা; formerly known as Dacca and Jahangir Nagar, under Mughal rule), is the capital of Bangladesh and the principal city of Dhaka District. Dhaka is a megacity and one of the major cities of South Asia. Located on the banks of the Buriganga River, Dhaka, along with its metropolitan area, has a population of around 13 million, making it the largest city in Bangladesh. It is one of the most densely populated cities in the world and forms the world's 9th largest agglomeration and the largest city within the Organization of the Islamic Conference. Dhaka is known as the City of Mosque and renowned for producing the world's finest muslin. Dhaka is also known as the Rickshaw Capital of the World. Approximately 400,000 cycle rickshaws run each day. Today it serves as one of the prime centers for culture, education and business in the region.

Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban

Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban (The National Parliament Building) at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, designed by the famous architect Louis I Kahn, is known throughout the region for its distinctive architectural features. The main building is surrounded by a lake which also doubles as a reflecting pool and in set amidst spacious lawns.

Banga Bhaban

The official residence of the President, located in the heart of capital city, was built in the Moghul architectural style. Areas of well kept grounds and these surrounded the building.

Suhrawardy Uddayan

It is located at stone's throw distance from Dhaka Sheraton Hotel and just opposite the National Museum. Formerly known as the Race Course, it is the popular park of the city. Here the commander of the Pakistani occupation forces surrendered on 16 December 1971.

Bahadur Shah Park / Victoria Park

Built to commemorate the martyrs of the first liberation war (1857-59) against the British rule, it was here that the revolting sepoys (soldiers) and their civil compatriots were publicly hanged. There is a large monument which was erected in 1962.

Ramna Park

A vast stretch of green garden with a lake in the middle near the Dhaka Sheraton Hotel, Ramna Garden is the biggest park in Dhaka. An eye-catching lake has been inside the park. It has well kept roads, trees, flowers, gardens, walking and boating facilities.

Baldha Garden

The century old Boldha Garden is situated in Wari, in the old part of Dhaka city (opposite the Christian cemetery). Set up by Narendra Narayan Roy, a landlord and nature lover, the garden has a nice collection of indigenous and exotic plants and is one of the most exciting attractions for naturalists and tourists alike.

Divided into two units, psyche (the soul) and cybele (mother goddes of nature). The garden has about 1500 plants and trees cover 672 species and 87 families. Many of these are rare plants procured from different countries of the world. A lovely lily pond inside Psyche and a sun dial are worth visiting. The tombs of the founder and his son are located within Cybele

National Botanical Garden

Spread over an area of 205 acres of land, The Botanical Garden is located at Mirpur, near the Dhaka Zoo. It has a collection of nearly 100 species of local and foreign plants. Outstanding attractions included 100 varieties of roses in the rose corner, 100 varieties of bamboo in the bamboo grove, varieties of sandal wood and an old banyan tree. The Garden is a favorite retreat for the city dwellers.

Dhaka Zoological Garden

The Zoological Garden is popularly known as Mirpur Zoo and is located at a distance of about 16 km. from Dhaka city centre. Set up on 230 acres of land, it has nearly 1500 animals and birds belonging to 128 different species. The Zoo has enclosures for Lions, Royal Bengal Tigers, Panthers, Deer, Monkeys, Chimpanzees, Pythons, Crocodiles, Elephants, Giraffe, Tapirs, colorful birds and other animals. There is also a zoological museum with a rich collection of stuffed animals and birds.

Baitul Mokarram National Mosque

Dhaka has several hundred historic mosques. Prominent are the Seven Domed Mosque (17th century), Baitul Mukarram - National Mosque, Star Mosque (18th century), Chawkbazar Mosque and Huseni Dalan Mosque.

Binat Bibi Mosque

The 600-year old mosque, one of the oldest buildings in Dhaka, is being demolished as part of a renovation plan which includes building a 70-foot (21 m) high minaret, and the extension of the current building from three stories to seven. The mosque is a square, single domed mosque measuring 12 feet (3.7 m) square internally with a single hemispherical dome atop the square room. Entrances are from east, north and south. Pre-Mughal features included the curved cornices and battlements, corner octagonal turrets, and arches on the south, north and eastern sides. The ornamentation is modest and the building is coated with plaster.

Star Mosque

Star Mosque, locally known as Tara Masjid, is a mosque located in Dhaka. It is situated at the Armanitola, area of the old part of the city. The mosque has ornate designs and is decorated with motifs of blue stars. The mosque is decorated with imported Japanese and English china clay tiles and utilized both methods of the Chinitikri application. Chinitikri tile work assumes another texture by using assorted pieces of different designs of glazed tiles on the interior surfaces of the mosque. 

Curiously, a very interesting decorative element, the Japanese Fujiyama motif, is found on the surface between the doors.

Armenian Church

The Church of Bangladesh is a church of the Anglican Communion in Bangladesh. It is in fact a united church, having been formed by the union of various Christian churches in the region. The Church of Bangladesh brings together the Anglican and English Presbyterian Churches.

Armenian Church, front view

Dhakeswari - national temple

Dhakeshwari National Temple is a famous Hindu temple in Dhaka, Bangladesh and is state-owned, giving it the distinction of Bangladesh's "National Temple". The name "Dhakeshwari" means "Goddess of Dhaka". The temple is located southwest of the Salimullah Hall of Dhaka University. The Dhakeshwari temple was built in the 12th century by Ballal Sen, a king of the Sena dynasty, and many say the name of the city was coined after this temple. The current style of architecture of the temple cannot be dated to that period because of numerous repairs, renovations and rebuilding in its long years of existence and its present condition does not clearly show any of its original architectural characteristics. It is considered an essential part of Dhaka's cultural heritage.

Dharmarajika Bauddha Vihara

Dharmarajika Bauddha Vihara the first Buddhist vihara (monastery) in Dhaka was established in 1960 at the initiative of BISHUDDHANANDA MAHATHERA. It acts as the cultural and regional centre of Bangladeshi Buddhists. For over four decades it has been the religious centre for both local and foreign Buddhists living in Dhaka. The vihara has a large collection of Buddha statues. Among them are a massive, 10' high, bronze statue, imported from Thailand; and another golden statue, 2'-8" high, imported from Japan.

Chittagong

A picturesque region of large forested hills and lakes, Chittagong is a wonderful holidaying spot. The city itself is the second largest in Bangladesh and is a busy international seaport and airport. Its lush green hills and forests, broad sandy beaches and fine cool climate attract holiday seekers. Chittagong is a major hub of industries, trade and commerce. The country's only oil refinery is located here. Chittagong is connected with Dhaka by rail, road, air and water. The world class Shah Amanat International Airport with all modern facilities is a recent addition to the city. Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation offers tourist class accommodation at Motel Shaikat with restaurant service in Chittagong City.

Foy's Lake

Set amidst panoramic surroundings of small hills and islands in the suburbs of Chittagong, this ideal spot for outing and picnics attracts hundreds of visitors every day.

Patenga Beach

Ads by BDS

The Patenga beach at Chittagong is one of the most popular beaches of Bangladesh, stretching for miles near at the meeting place of the Bay of Bengal and the river Karnaphuli. Nature lovers come around here to enjoy the scenic beach area to gateway from busy city life and breaths in fresh air.

Parki Beach

Parki beach is situated in Gahira, Anwara thana under southern Chittagong region. The beach lies about 28 km. away from Chittagong city. As the beach is situated at the Karnaphuli river channel, visitors can view both the Karnaphuli river and the sea together. Tourists enjoy the views of big ships anchored at the outer anchor, fishermen catching fish in sea, sunset, various colored crabs at the beach, and quiet environment. In picnic season, many visitors come to the beach.

Parki beach lies at Karnaphuli river channel, which is about 8 km. from Anwara thana and 28 km. away in the southern part of Chittagong city. This sandy beach is about 15 km. long and 300 - 350ft. wide with 20 km tamarisk forest created by the forest division. Anwara thana is 20 km from Chittagong. Anwara thana is connected by road with Chittagong - Cox's Bazar highway and is accessible from all over Bangladesh including Dhaka city. The beach is located 8 km. away from the Chatri Choumuhoni point in this highway.

Bayazid Bostami

This holy place in Chittagong attracts a large number of visitors and pilgrims. At its base there is a large pond with several hundred huge tortoises and fishes floating on the water.

Chittagong Hill Tracts

The Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) is a distinct region in terms of its ethnic, cultural and environmental diversity to the rest of Bangladesh. Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) the only extensive hilly area in Bangladesh lies in southeastern part of the country bordering Myanmar on the southeast, the Indian state of Tripura on the north, Mizoram on the east and Chittagong district on the west. The Chittagong Hill Tracts, combining three hilly districts of Bangladesh Rangamati, Khagrachhari and Bandarban districts. The area of the Chittagong Hill Tracts is about 13,295 sq km, which is approximately one-tenth of the total area of Bangladesh.

Rangamati-the lake district

From Chittagong, a 77 km. winding road that passes through lush green fields and forested hills take you to Rangamati at the heart of the lake district. The township is located on the western bank of Kaptai Lake. Rangamati is a favorite holiday resort because of its scenic beauty and its lakeside location, its colorful tribes, homespun textile products, ivory and jewellery.

For tourists the attractions of Rangamati are numerous – speedboat cruising, water skiing, bathing or merely enjoying nature as it is. It is a rare spot for eco-tourism. Visitors are fascinated by the rich culture of its ethnic people. A visit to the tribal museum and the hanging bridge on the lake is a must.

Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation provides good hotel and cottage accommodation, auditorium, catering, speedboat and other facilities at Rangamati.

Khagrachhari - the hilltop town

Khagrachhari is the district headquarters of Khagrachhari hill district. Connected to Chittagong by a 92 km. all-weather metalled road, Khagrachhari is ringed by thick rain forests that shelter a wide variety of birds and animals. For the tourist seeking nature in a restful mood, Khagrachhari is the place.

Bandarban - the roof of Bangladesh

92 km. from Chittagong by a metalled road, Bandarban is the district headquarters of the Bandarban hill district. It is home town of the Bohmang Chief who is the head of the Mogh tribe. The Moghs are of Myanmar origin and Buddhists by religion. The Moghs are a simple and hospitable people. Bandarban is also the home of the Murangs who are famous for their music and dance. Several other tribes of great ethnological interest live in the remote areas of the district. The highest peak of Bangladesh, Tahjin dong (4632 ft.) is located in the Bandarban district.

Cox's Bazar

The flamboyant township at the head of a 120 km long beach with lines of fancy shops on either sides of Cox's Bazar main road, calm and peaceful Khyangs and Pagodas, Rakhyne quarters, fish harbour of Kostura Ghat, the sights of the rising sun behind the hills and setting of it into the Bay of Bengal- all together gives the aura of a fairy land- a tourist paradise.

Inani

Lovesome patches of beaches perched between the sea and the hills behind, some 30 km down south along the sea-front from Cox's Bazar, Inani is a quiet tourist hideout set out in the exuberance of nature. Reachable by public transports plying between Cox's Bazar – Teknaf and by four wheel jeeps driving along the beach.

Himchhari

It is a beauty spot in the solitude of the sea and the hills, about four and a half km southeast from Cox's Bazar along the sea beach. A four wheeled beach drive during low tide hours or part of the way on donkey or elephant back and the remainder afoot would be a rewarding memory.

Ramu

Ramu is a typical Buddhist village, about 10 km. from Cox's Bazar, on the main road to Chittagong. The village has a number of colorful pagodas and Khyangs and monasteries where one can see icons and statues of lord Buddha in gold, bronze and other metals inlaid with precious stones. One of these pagodas on the Bankhali river houses a 13 feet tall bronze statue of Buddha that rests on a six feet high pedestal. The pagoda also contains some interesting relics and rare Burmese handicraft. Weavers in Ramu ply their trade in open workshops and craftsmen make handmade cigars in their pagoda like houses. Attractions include ancient Buddist temples and Khyang, Ramkot Bonashram, Tirthadham, rubber gardens, Buddhist locality Red Chin Khyang, White Chin Khyang, Jhorkhyang. Ramu is half an hour bus ride from Cox's Bazar. Taxi and minibus are available too.

Moheshkhali

An island in the Bay of Bengal, in the north western direction of Cox's Bazar, Moheskhali has an area of 268 sq. km. Through the center of the island and along the eastern coastline rises a range of low-hills, about 300 feet high, but the coast to the west and north is low-lying and fringed by mangrove forest. Atop Moinak Hill lies the old temple of Adinath, dedicated to Shiva, and a buddhist vihara. Fishermen's villages and the Rakhyne villages etc. are also great attractions of the island. Engine boats and trawlers ply between the island and Cox's Bazar main land every hour throughout the day.

Speed-boats and trawlers ferry across passengers regularly. Speed-boats take 10-15 minutes and trawlers half an hour.

Sonadia

This is a maiden island of Cox's Bazar across the Bay, lies in the bay about seven km. off Cox's Bazar and is only 9 sq. km. in area. Under the wide open blue sky fishing community, dry fish processing and colonies of the red sea crabs are attractions of the island. The western side of the island is sandy and different kinds of shells are found on the beach. Off the northern part of the island, there are beds of window pane oysters. During winter, fishermen set up temporary camps on the island and dry their catches of sea-fish.

Teknaf

Teknaf, a romantic old-world border township in the southern tip of Bangladesh territory looking up to the Myanmar high hill ranges across the river Naf. Teknaf is 85 km from Cox's Bazar by road and 120 km by the beach along the sea. One can reach there by public transport that leaves Cox's Bazar every hour. It is about 2 hours' journey each way.

St. Martin's Island

Drifted amidst the immense blue water of the Bay of Bengal, country's only coral island is St. Martin's. Its local name is Narikel Jinjira. Attractions are beaches around the island, coral stones, coconut groves, sea crabs, turtle shells and pearls. One can reach there by engine boat across the Bay from Teknaf.

A number of four and five star hotels are available in Cox's Bazar, including:

1)   Seagull Hotel

2)   Hotel Sea Palace

Sylhet

Blessed with a beautiful and bountiful nature, Sylhet is one of the popular tourist destinations of the country. For most part of plain land, Sylhet is ringed by low hills on northern and southern boundaries. These are the foot hills of the Khasia and Jaintia range. Sylhet is dotted with lakes, thick forests and fruit gardens, abounds in wildlife. The reserved forests have different species of birds and animals and ideal for bird watching and trekking.

The Sylhet valley is formed by a beautiful, winding pair of rivers named Surma and Kushiara both of which are fed by innumerable hill streams from the north and east. The valley has a good number of haors which are big natural depressions. During winter these haors are vast streches of green land, but in the rainy season they turn into turbulent seas. The haors provide sanctuary to millions of migratory birds who fly from the north across the Himalayas every winter. The patron saint of Sylhet is Hazrat Shah Jalal (RA). Sylhet town draws thousands of devotees and visitors every year.

The tea gardens stretch for miles like a green carpet spread over the slopes of the hills. There are excellent rest-house facilities in many of these tea gardens.

Madhabkunda - the unique beauty of waterfall

About 3 km from Dakhinbagh railway station and up a windy road one comes across the lovely waterfall of Madhabkunda. It attracts large number of tourists every year. Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation offers restaurant, retiring room, picnic and parking facilities for the visitors.

Tamabil – Jaflong

Situated amidst splendid panorama, Tamabil is a border outpost on Sylhet - Shilong Road, about 55 km. from Sylhet town. Besides enchanting views of the area one can have a glimpse of the waterfalls across the border and rolling stones from hills. Other places of tourist attractions in Sylhet include Jaintiapur and Haripur Gas Field.

The Shrine of Hazrat Shah Jalal

The great Muslim Saint, Hazrat Shah Jalal (R.A.) is said to have brought the message of Islam to the region in the early 14th century. His shrine is located at Dargah Mahalla in the heart of Sylhet town. At about 6 km away lies the shrine of another great saint Hazrat Shah Paran (R.A.), who is said to be a nephew of Hazrat Shah Jalal (R.A.).

The Shrine of Hazrat Shah Paran

'Shah Paran' (Shah Farhan) (R) was a renowned Sufi saint of the Suhrawardiyya and Jalalia order. It is said that he was the son of a sister of Hazrat Shah Jalal (R) and was born in Hadramaut, Yemen. He was an accomplice of his uncle, Shah Jalal, with whom he arrived in India. In 1303 AD, He took part in the expedition of Sylhet which was led by Shah Jalal. After the conquest of Sylhet, he established a khanqah at Khadim Nagar in Dakshingarh Pargana, about 7 km away from Sylhet town.

Mymensingh

The greater Mymensingh district stretches from the plains north of Dhaka to the Garo foothills that edge the northern border with India. Along the frontier line many tribes such as Garos, Hajongs and Kochis who are ethnically quite distinct from the people around them. Mymensingh has earned an important position in Bangla literature for its rich folklores and folk songs. On the road from Dhaka to Mymensingh there is a national park and game sanctuary at Madhupur about 160 km from Dhaka. There are a number of reserve forests in the area with rest-houses and picnic spots. The famous painter Zainul Abedins Art Gallery at Mymensingh town is worth visiting.

National Park

Situated at Bhawal, 40 km. north of Dhaka- Trisal - Mymensingh highway, it is an ideal spot for visitors, artists, photographers, bird watchers and tourists. A vast (16,000 acres) national recreational forest, the main flora is Gajari (Assam Sal) and fauna includes small tigers, leopards, small bears, monkeys, porcupine, foxes and pythons, lizards and many local birds.

A 1,000 metre long meandering man-made lake, having angling and rowing facilities, the flower gardens inside it are added attractions to the natural beauty. Mere walking or lazing under the shade of tree is pleasant. Twenty picnic spots, 6 rest-houses of the forest department are comfortable inside the national park.

Kuakata – fantastic beach of rising and setting sun

Cooing Kuakata, the lowland lass of Latachapli in the sea-facing south of Bangladesh is 70 km from Patuakhali District Headquarters and 320 km from the Capital City of Dhaka. Here on the Bay, nature left to nature is the up and coming tourist hamlet of Kuakata with cool and kind holidaying kiss.

Fascinating name Kua (well), Kata (dug) was perhaps given to it by the earliest Rakhyne settlers from Kingdom of Arakan who landmarked the place by digging a well. Fabled curative qualities of well-waters of Kuakata, is still a matter of “willing suspension of disbelief”. Fascinating still more is the sight of the sun at dawn rising from the depths of the sea and sinking into the same at dusk which can be glanced from the same point. The main tourist attractions are: The long wide beach in typical natural setting, rising from the sea and setting into it of the crimson sun in a calm environment, fairs and festivals during `Rush Purnima’ and `Maghi Purnima’, unique customs and costumes of the `Rakhyne’ community, ancient Buddhist temple & the largest Buddha statue of Bangladesh, and migratory birds in the winter season.

Sundarbans - Royal Bengal Tigers and Mangrove Forests

Located about 320 km south-west of Dhaka and spread over an area of about 60000 sq, km of deltaic swamps along the coastal belt of Khulna, the Sundarbans is the world's biggest mangrove forest - the home of the Royal Bengal tiger. These dense mangrove forests are criss-crossed by a network of rivers and creeks.

Here, tourists find tides flowing in two directions in the same creek and often tigers swimming across a river or huge crocodiles basking in the sun. Other wildlife of the region includes the cheetahs, spotted deer, monkeys, pythons, wild bears and hyenas. The forest is accessible by river from Khulna or Mongla. There are rest-houses for visitors to stay and enjoy the unspoiled beauty and splendor of the forest.

UNESCO has declared the Sundarbans as the world heritage site that it offers splendid opportunities for tourism.

The main tourist spots inside the Sundarbans include Hiron Point (Nilkamal), Katka and Tin Kona island. These places offer the best vantage points for watching tigers, deer, monkeys, crocodiles and birds. Another major attraction inside the Sundarbans is Dublachar (an island), a fishing village. Herds of spotted deer often come to graze here.

Water transport is the only means of communication within the Sundarbans from Khulna or Mongla port. Private motor launches, speedboats, country boats as well as mechanized vessels of Mongla Port Authority offer regular services on these routes. From Dhaka to Khulna the most pleasant journey is by paddle steamer (Rocket) that offers visitors a picturesque panorama of rural Bangladesh. Day and night coach services by road are also available. The quickest mode is of course by air from Dhaka to Jessore and then to Khulna by road.

Rajshahi - a natural silk producing center

Rajshahi has been the most glorious period of Bengal's Pala dynasty. It is famous for pure silk, mangoes and litchis. The most delicious fruits (mangoes, litchis/lichees, jack-fruits) of Bangladesh have grown abundantly in this district (along with Natore and Chanpai Nababganj - greater Rajshahi district) in  the summer (from April-July) with many varieties and tastes.


Attractive silk products are cheaper. A visit to Varendra Research Museum at the heart of the city would be most rewarding. There are also a number of ancient mosques, shrines and temples in and around Rajshahi. Connected with Dhaka by road, rail, river and air. Rajshahi is located on the bank of the river Padma.

Jamuna Bridge

A milestone in the history of modern development of Bangladesh, it is the single largest project of Bangladesh has ever implemented. The bridge was constructed on the river Jamuna, connecting east and north-western region of the country. The 4.8 km. long bridge was constructed at a cost of US$950 million thus creating an uninterrupted surface transport facility from Teknaf, southernmost tip of Bangladesh to Tetulia, the northern tip of Bangladesh.

Construction of this bridge ushered a new vista to national integration, economic rejuvenation of the northern region, especially tourism development of the country. The Jamuna Bridge Authority (JBA) has a plan to build an international standard tourism resort on the eastern side of the bridge by turning surplus infrastructure and constructing new ones and recreational facilities.

Archaeological sites

Wari Bateshwar

Wari-Bateshwar (Bengali: উয়ারী-বটেশ্বর Uari-Bôṭeshshor) is the site of an ancient fort city dating back to 450 BC [1] situated in the north-eastern part of Bangladesh. This 2500 years old site is a significant archaeological discovery. It challenges the earlier notions about the existence of early urban civilization in Bangladesh.

The site is about 75 km from Dhaka situated near the Wari and Bateshwar villages in the Belabo Upazila of Narsingdi District. It was discovered in the early 1930s by a local school teacher, Hanif Pathan. However, formal excavation started only recently in 2000. The current scientific study is being carried out by a team from the Archaeology Department of Jahangirnagar University led by Professor Sufi Mostafizur Rahman.

Prof. Rahman believes that Wari-Bateshwar is the rich, well planned, ancient emporium (a commercial city) "Sounagora" mentioned by Greek geographer, astronomer, mathematician Ptolemy in his book Geographia. The other emporia mentioned in Ptolemy's work include Arikamedu of India, Mantai of Sri Lanka, Kion Thom of Thailand. All of these were the most ancient civilizations in their respective regions, each was a river port, and all of them produced monochrome glass beads. The artifacts found at Wari-Bateshwar bear similarity with those found in the other emporia sites.

According to researchers, the discovery of Rouletted Ware, Knobbed Ware, stone beads, sandwiched glass beads, gold-foil glass beads, Indo-Pacific monochrome glass beads and importantly its geographical location indicates to Southeast Asiatic and Roman contacts Excavation also unearthed the presence of pit-dwelling. The discovery of a pit-dwelling is the first of its kind in Bangladesh. People used to live in these small ditches. The pit-dwelling is a Copper Age or Chalcolithic artifact. Similar pit-dwellings have been found in India and Pakistan which are believed to be 4000 years old. The unearthing of a 180-meter long, six-meter wide and 21-35cm thick road with a by-lane points to very early urbanization in this area. Before the discovery of this, the widely held view was that urbanization occurred later than what Wari-Bateshwar ruins indicate.

Paharpur

By far the most spectacular Buddhist monuments, discovered in regular excavation is the gigantic temple and monastery at Paharpur in the Noagoan district. Architecturally and historically Paharpur Vihara is a treasured heritage of the world. It has been identified from a set of inscribed clay seals, as the reputed Somapura Vihara, of the great Pala emperor Dharmapala. It is the single largest Vihara south of the Himalayas. This immense quadrangular monastery with 177 monastic cells enclosing the courtyard, its elaborate northern gateway and numerous votive stupas, minor chapels and extensive ancillary buildings within the 22 acre courtyard, is dominated by a lofty pyramidal temple in the centre. A site museum houses the representative collections of objects recovered from the area. The excavated finds have also been preserved at the Varendra Research Museum at Rajshahi.

Mahasthangarh

The oldest archaeological site 'Mahasthan' means a great place located at a distance of 18 km north of Bogra town, Mahasthangarh is the oldest archaeological site of Bangladesh which is situated on the western bank of the Karatoa. The spectacular site is an imposing landmark in the region having a fortified area and its ancient ruins spread 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 B.C. archaeological site is still held by the Hindus to be of great sanctity. Every year in mid-April and every 12th year in December thousands of Hindu devotees join here the bathing ceremony in the river Karatoa.

A visit to the site museum at Mahasthangarh will open up a wide variety of antiquities, ranging from terracotta objects to gold ornaments and coins dug up from the site. Also noteworthy are the shrine of Shah Sultan Bulkhi Mahisawar and Gokul Medh in the neighbourhood of Mahasthangarh.

While visiting Mahasthangarh, the visitors may enjoy the Parjatan (Tourism) hospitality at their Bogra Motel.

Mainamoti, Comilla

Mainamoti once known as 'Samatata' denotes a land lying almost even with the sea-level. An isolated eleven-mile long spur of dimpled low hill range known as the Mainamati-Lalmai range runs through the middle of Comilla district from north to south.

Excavation on this range has revealed over 50 ancient sites dotting the hills, mostly containing various types of Buddhist remains of the 8th to 12th centuries A. D. Excavations at a number of sites, locally known as Salban Vihara, Kutila Mura, Ananda Rajar Badi, Chaarpatra Mura, Mainamati Ranir Badi from 1955 till todate, besides exposing many Buddhist monasteries temples and stupas, have also yielded a rich collection of stones and bronze sculptures of various gods and goddesses, coins, reliquaries, royal copper plate grants, terracotta plaques, jewellery, pots and pans and other miscellaneous objects of daily use which eloquently speak of the glorious cultural attainments of the period.

Salban Vihara is an extensive centre of Buddhist culture of 7th to 12th century. The attractions include Buddhist Vihara (monastery) with imposing central shrine, Kotila Mura, another Buddhist establishment 5 km north of Salban Vihara. Chaarpatra Mura an isolated shrine about 2.5 km north-west of Kotila Mura and Bangladesh Academy for Rural Development, known for its pioneering role in co-operative movement in the country.

Mainamati is only 114 km from Dhaka city and is just two hours drive on way to Chittagong.

Shait Gombudge Mosque, Bagerhat

Among the many surviving monuments of the Khan Jahan style and undoubtedly the most magnificent and the largest brick mosque in Bangladesh, is the Shait Gombudge mosque which means'60-domed Mosque'.

During the mid-15th century, a Muslim colony was founded near the sea coast- what is now known as the Bagerhat district by a saint named Ulugh Khan Jahan. He was the earliest torch bearer of Islam to the south. He laid the nucleus of an affluent city during the reign of Sultan Nasiruddin Mahmud Shah (1442-1452) at Bagerhat which was then known as Khalifatabad.

Khan Jahan adorned his city with numerous mosques, tanks, roads, and other public buildings, the spectacular ruins of which are focused around the most imposing and multi-domed mosque. 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 lying country-side, characteristic of a sea-coast landscape.

While visiting Shait Gombudge Mosque, the visitors may stay at Hotel Posher at Mongla. By road Bagerhat is 368 km. south-west of Dhaka. The nearest air field is at Jessore which is about 30 minutes flight from Dhaka.

Temple of Kantaji, Dinajpur

This temple near Dinajpur town was built in 1752 by Maharaja Pran Nath of Dinajpur. The temple, a 50' squared, three-storied 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 Gangarampur in West Bengal from where the now stolen Radha-Krishna idols are said to have been brought. It was originally a nava-ratna temple, crowned with four richly ornamental corner towers on two storeys and a central one over the third storey. Unfortunately these ornate towers collapsed during an earthquake at the end of the 19th century.

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 favorite pastimes. The Maharaja's palace with relics of the past centuries and local museum are worth a visit.

Sonargaon

About 26 km. from Dhaka, Sonargaon is the earliest known capital of Bengal. It was the seat of Deva Dynasty until the 13th century. From then onward till the advent of the Mughals, Sonargaon was the 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 at Goaldi village.

Ahsan Manzil

Situated on the bank of the river Buriganga near Wiseghat, this stately monument was originally built in 1872 by Nawab Abdul Ghani, as a palace on the site of an old French Factory and it was named after his son Nawab Ahsanullah Bahadur. It was heavily damaged by the devastating tornado of 1888 but was later reconstructed completely with substantial alterations to its original appearance. This two storied grand palace with a broad picturesque river front stands on a high podium, of which the central part is crowned by a lofty dome. An imposing flight of steps from the river-side leads directly to the prominently projecting ground triple-arched portal of the second storey. Today's renovated Ahsan Manzil turned into a museum is a monument of immense historical value. Ahsan Manzil is just a short drive from downtown Dhaka.

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, a 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 1082ft by 800ft and in addition to corners and a subsidiary small unpretentious gateway on north, it also contains 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 palatial edifices of the interior and as such was a type of palace-fortress rather than a seize-fort.

Historical Places

Mausoleum of father of the nation

Tungipara, a remote village surrounded by rivers & canals with lush green & densely built homestead on the banks where the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was born. Incidentally in 1975 Bangabandhu was assassinated with his beloved family members after three & half years of the nation’s independence & buried at the courtyard of his village home.

The surrounding dense neighborhood created a scarcity of land in the graveyard to accommodate the people coming to pay respect for his departed soul.

National Memorial

Located at Savar, about 35 km from Dhaka, the national memorial was designed by architect Moinul Hossain. It is dedicated to the sacred memory of the millions of unknown martyrs' of the war of liberation in 1971.

Central Shahid Minar

Symbol of Bengali nationalism, this monument was built to commemorate the martyrs' of the historic language movement on 21st February, 1952. The day is also now observed as International Mother Language Day across the world. Hundreds and thousands of barefooted people with floral wreaths and bouquets gather at this monument from the first hour of 21st February every year to pay homage to the martyrs.

Martyred Intellectual Memorial

Located at Mirpur, the memorial was built to commemorate the intellectuals who were killed in 1971 by the Pakistan's occupation forces just two days ahead of the Victory Day.

National Poet's Grave

Revolutionary poet Kazi Nazrul Islam died on 29th August 1976 and was buried here. The graveyard is adjacent to the Dhaka University Central Mosque.

Old High Court Building

Originally built as the residence of the British Governor, the High Court Building illustrates a fine blend of European and mughal architecture. The building is situated North of the Curzon Hall of Dhaka University.

Natore - Dighapatiya Rajbari (palace)

Natore lies about 40 km. from Rajshahi and is an old seat of the Maharajah of Dighapatiya, now serving as the Uttara Ganabhaban (The Official northern region residance of the President of the Republic). The palace has large, spacious grounds and is surrounded by a fine moat. The palace has well-equipped guest-house, an imposing gateway and a fine garden decorated with statues of white marble.

Source:   Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism

Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation