Bangladesh
Overview
Bangladesh is not necessarily known for being a popular tourist destination. However, this is exactly what makes the Bangla culture exceptionally warm and welcoming towards the few tourists that do decide to visit. Bangladesh is perfect for everyone who likes to venture where few have ventured before. Explore the Sundarbans National Park or travel Bangladesh, the land of rivers, by boat. Delve into an adventure and visit the lush green mangrove forests but be aware that this is tiger territory. Make sure to check the weather before you plan your trip to Bangladesh, especially from June to October, since this is monsoon season, where heavy downpours and occasional tornadoes are common.
Top Attractions
- Explore the historic streets of Old Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, with its bustling markets, ancient mosques, and colonial-era buildings like Lalbagh Fort, Ahsan Manzil, and Star Mosque.
- Discover the natural beauty of the Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its dense mangrove swamps, winding rivers, and diverse wildlife including Bengal tigers, crocodiles, and spotted deer.
- Visit the ancient archaeological sites of Paharpur, Mahasthangarh, and Mainamati, which date back over 2,000 years and showcase the rich cultural heritage of Bangladesh’s ancient civilizations, including Buddhist monasteries, Hindu temples, and ancient ruins.
- Explore the serene countryside of Srimangal, known as the “Tea Capital of Bangladesh,” with its lush tea gardens, rolling hills, and opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and visiting traditional villages like Madhabpur Lake and Lawachara National Park.
- Relax and unwind on the pristine beaches of Cox’s Bazar, the longest natural sea beach in the world, with its golden sands, turquoise waters, and opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports like surfing and snorkeling.
Local Cuisine
- Indulge in the flavors of Bangladeshi cuisine, known for its rich and aromatic dishes influenced by Indian, Persian, and Southeast Asian culinary traditions.
- Sample iconic dishes like biryani (fragrant rice with meat or vegetables), hilsa curry (a spicy fish curry made with hilsa fish, the national fish of Bangladesh), and pitha (traditional rice cakes), as well as street food favorites like fuchka (fried dough balls filled with spicy chickpeas) and jhalmuri (spicy puffed rice).
- Try Bangladeshi specialties like bhorta (mashed vegetables), panta bhat (fermented rice), and shutki (dried fish), as well as traditional desserts like roshogolla (syrup-soaked cheese balls), sandesh (sweetened cottage cheese), and mishti (sweetmeats).
- Savor refreshing beverages like lassi (yogurt drink), borhani (spiced yogurt), and cha (tea), as well as traditional snacks like singara (spicy samosas), piyaju (spiced lentil fritters), and chotpoti (chickpea salad), perfect for snacking on the go or enjoying with friends and family.
- Don’t forget to try Bangladeshi sweets like rasgulla (syrup-soaked cheese balls), gulab jamun (deep-fried milk balls), and cham cham (cream-filled sponge cake), as well as tropical fruits like mangoes, lychees, and jackfruits.
Outdoor Activities
- Take a boat tour of the Sundarbans, with opportunities for wildlife watching, birdwatching, and exploring remote villages along the way, as well as overnight stays in traditional homestays or forest lodges.
- Go hiking or trekking in the hills of Bandarban, one of the most scenic regions of Bangladesh, with opportunities for exploring tribal villages, waterfalls, and natural caves like the Boga Lake and the Nilgiri Hills.
- Explore the waterways of the Ganges Delta with a river cruise on the Padma, Meghna, or Jamuna rivers, with opportunities for birdwatching, fishing, and visiting traditional riverine communities like the floating markets of Barisal and Khulna.
- Go birdwatching at the Baikka Beel Wetland Sanctuary, a protected area in Srimangal known for its diverse birdlife including migratory birds like the greater adjutant stork, the Asian openbill stork, and the lesser whistling duck.
- Take a leisurely bike ride through the countryside of Bangladesh, with opportunities for exploring rural villages, rice paddies, and traditional markets like the Chandpur Bazar and the Narail Bazar.
Cultural Experiences
- Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Bangladesh with visits to museums, galleries, and cultural institutions like the Bangladesh National Museum, the Liberation War Museum, and the Bengal Foundation.
- Explore the vibrant arts and crafts scene of Bangladesh, with opportunities to shop for locally made textiles, pottery, and handicrafts at markets like the Dhaka New Market, the Bangabazar Market, and the Artisan Village.
- Experience traditional Bangladeshi music and dance performances, such as folk music like baul and bhatiali, as well as classical music like thumri and kirtan, which reflect the diverse cultural traditions of the country.
- Discover the history and legacy of Bangladesh’s independence movement with visits to historic sites like the Shaheed Minar, the National Martyrs’ Memorial, and the Jatiyo Smriti Soudho, which commemorate the sacrifices made during the Bangladesh Liberation War.
- Participate in local festivals and celebrations, such as Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year), Eid al-Fitr, and Durga Puja, to experience the vibrant culture and spirit of Bangladesh firsthand.
