Attractions of Bangladesh

Sundarbans National Park

The Sundarbans are the largest littoral mangrove belt in the world, stretching 80km (50mi) into the Bangladeshi hinterland from the coast. The forests aren’t just mangrove swamps though, they include some of the last remaining stands of the mighty jungles which once covered the Gangetic plain.

The Sundarbans cover an area of 38,500 sq km (14,865 sq mi), of which about one-third is covered in water. Since 1966 the Sundarbans have been a wildlife sanctuary, and it is estimated that there are now 400 Royal Bengal tigers and about 30,000 spotted deer in the area. The park is also home to sea gypsy fishing families who catch fish using trained otters. To see this pristine environment, you need to get a permit from the Divisional Forest Office in Khulna. With permit in hand, it’s possible to hire a boat from Mongla or Dhangmari to get you to Hiron Point. From Hiron Point you will have to hire a guide to take you into the park.

Attractions of Bangladesh

Somapuri Vihara

The 8th-century Somapuri Vihara at Paharpur was formerly the biggest Buddhist monastery south of the Himalaya. It’s by far the most impressive archaeological site in Bangladesh, and covers some 11 hectares (27 acres).

Although in an advanced state of decay, the overall plan of the temple complex is easy to figure out and includes a large quadrangle with the monks’ cells forming the walls and enclosing a courtyard. From the centre of the courtyard rises the 20m (66ft) high remains of a stupa which dominates the surrounding countryside. (more…)

Attractions of Bangladesh

Mainimati Ruins

Famous as an important centre of Buddhist culture from the 7th to 12th centuries, the buildings excavated here were made wholly of baked bricks. There are more than 50 scattered Buddhist sites, but the three most important are Salban Vihara, Kotila Mura and Charpatra Mura.

Salban Vihara was a well-planned, 170 sq m (182 sq ft) monastery facing a temple in the centre of the courtyard. Nearby is a museum housing the finds excavated here, which include terracotta plaques, bronze statues, a bronze casket, coins, jewellery and votive stupas embossed with Buddhist inscriptions. (more…)

Attractions of Bangladesh

Cox’s Bazar

Bangladesh’s only beach resort is near the Myanmar border in an area where Rohingya refugees have settled to escape persecution in Myanmar. It has a Burmese Buddhist flavour and ever increasing amenities to service the visitors attracted by its enormous expanse of shark-free beach.

Even modestly clad bathers, especially females, should expect to be gawked at by locals. South of Cox’s Bazar are more secluded beaches such as Himacheri and Inani where having a swim can still be a private experience. Note that the beaches are not considered entirely safe at night.

Attractions of Bangladesh

Chittagong

The second largest city in Bangladesh sits on the bank of the Karnapuli River and has an interesting old waterfront area known as Sadarghat that reflects the importance of river trade to the city’s growth. Nearby is the old Portuguese enclave of Paterghatta which remains mostly Christian.

The Shahi Jama-e-Masjid and Qadam Mubarak Mosque are two of the most impressive buildings in the city. The Ethnological Museum, in the Modern City, has interesting displays on Bangladesh’s tribal peoples, while Fairy Hill in the northwestern part of the city offers good views and cooling breezes.

Off the Beaten Track

St Martin Island

This small coral island about 10km (6mi) southwest of the southern tip of the mainland is a tropical cliche, with beaches fringed with coconut palms and bountiful marine life. Until recently there was nothing more strenuous to do here than soak up the rays.

But as the island’s tourist potential is becoming recognised a new diving business has opened. It’s possible to walk around the island in a day because it measures only 8 sq km (3 sq mi), shrinking to about 5 sq km (2 sq mi) during high tide.

Off the Beaten Track

Puthia

Puthia has the largest number of historically important Hindu structures in Bangladesh. The most amazing of the village’s monuments is the Govinda Temple, which was erected between 1823 and 1895 by one of the maharanis of the Puthia estate.

It’s a large square structure crowned by a set of miniature ornamental towers. It’s covered by incredibly intricate designs in terracotta depicting scenes from Hindu epics, which give it the appearance of having been draped by a huge red oriental carpet.

Off the Beaten Track

Chittagong Hill Tracts

Untypical of Bangladesh in topography and culture, the Chittagong Hill Tracts have steep jungle hills, Buddhist tribal peoples and low density population. The tracts are about 60km (37mi) east of Chittagong, and if it weren’t for the troubles in the region they would be an idyllic place to visit.

The region is a mass of hills, ravines and cliffs covered with dense jungle. It has four main valleys formed by the Karnapuli, Feni, Shangu and Matamuhur rivers. Unfortunately, the region is not entirely safe because of military operations to subdue the tribes’ Shanti Bahini (Peace Army).

Attractions of Bangladesh

Dhaka

The intriguing capital city of Bangladesh sits on the north bank of the bustling Buriganga River, roughly in the centre of the country. The oldest section of the city runs along the north bank of the waterfront and was developed when Dhaka was a significant Moghul trading centre.

Dhaka’s premier attraction is Lalbagh Fort, an unfinished fort dating from 1678 located in the Old City. The National Museum is north of the Old City in the old European zone known as Modern City. It has fascinating displays of Bangladesh’s Hindu, Buddhist and Moghul past, art and handicrafts.