Sylhet: Land of Two leaves and a Bud

Next to the Hill Tracts of Chittagong, Sylhet is the marvelously beautiful district in the country. Cradled in the beautiful Surma valley amidst scenic tea gardens and deep green tropical forest, Sylhet is a prime attraction for all kinds of tourists. The district has plenty of tea gardens, marvelous orange groves and hilly pineapple plantations. The Sylhet valley has a number of haors which are large natural wetlands. During winter these haors are vast stretches of greeneries, but during rainy season these haors turn into vast sea. These haors are actually the sanctuary of the million of migratory birds that fly from Siberia across the Himalayas Mountains to avoid the severe cold over there.  Srimongol in Sylhet is famous as the tea capital of Bangladesh. For miles and miles around, there are tea gardens like green carpet over the plain land and on the sloping hills. Visiting the tea gardens of Sythet is obviously a memorable experience. Sylhet is also famous as the land of the Muslim saint Hazrat Shah Halal. The Shrine of this great saint is located in the heart of Sylhet town. Colorful Monipuri, Khasia and Garo tribes of Bangladesh live in Sylhet. Monipuri tribal maidens have reputation for their dance. Sylhet is also famous for its variety of exquisite cane and bamboo hanicrafts. Sylhet is connected with Dhaka and other cities of Bangladesh by rail, road and air.
Tamabil & Jaflong: Located amidst splendid panorama, Tamabil is the border out post on Sylhet. It is about 55 km away from Sylhet town. Besides scenic beauties of the area one can also see the waterfalls across the border from Tamabil checkpost. Jaflong is also a scenic picnic spot nearby tea gardens. This place is famous for the rare beauty of rolling stones from Indian hills. Other places of tourist attraction include Moulvibazar, Janitipur, Madhabakunda. The biggest waterfall ob Bangladesh is located in Barlekha of Moulvibazar district.

Sundarban: the abode of Royal Bengal Tiger:

Located in Khulna about 320 km. west of Dhaka Sundarbans has its bewitching beauty. It looks so marvelous from airplane.  The place has a good network of plenty of small and big rivers. Spread over an area of about 6000 sq. km. Khulna is the biggest mangrove forest in Bangladesh. One finds sea tides flowing in two directions in the same creek and very often tigers swimming across a river or big crocodiles basking in the sun. Other wild animals in this region are cheetahs, spotted dears, wild bears, moneys, pythons and hyenas. The forest can be reached from Khulna and Mongla by water. There are good accommodations for the visitors to stay and watch Sundarbans with all its charm and majesty. Spending some time inside the deep forest can be a rare experience for the lovers of nature.

Kuakata 
A rare scenic spot on the southernmost tip of Bangladesh in the district of Patuakhali is Kuakata. It has a wide sea beach from where one may get the unique opportunity of watching both the sunrise and sunset.  It is 70 km away from the district headquarters of Patuakhali. Actually it is somewhat difficult to visit the area.

Mainamati – Seat of lost Dynasties: 
About 8 km. to the west of Comilla town Mainamati is situated 114 km south east of Dhaka. It is known as Mainamati-Lalmai ridge, a centre of Buddhist culture. On the slopes of the hills lie scattered a hub of information about the early Buddhist civilization (7th-12th Century A.D.). At Salban, excavations laid bare a large Buddhist Vihar (monastery) and imposing central shrine. It has revealed valuable information regarding the Chandra and Deva dynasties which flourished here from the 7th to 12th century. The entire range of hillocks lie for about 18 km. There are more than 50 spots worthy of tourist visit. There is a museum of archaeological findings which include bronze statues and casket, coins, terra cotta plaques, jewellery, utensils, pottery and votive stupas embossed with Buddhist inscriptions. The museum is open from Sunday to Friday and closed on Saturday.

Mahasthangarh –the oldest archaeological site
Located at a distance of 18 km north of Bogura town, Mahasthangarh is the oldest archaeological spot of Bangladesh on the western bank of river Karatoa. The spectacular site has a fortified long enclosure. Beyond the fortified area, there are other ancient ruins within a semicircle of about 8 km radius. There are several isolated mounds, the local names of them are “Govinda Bhita Temple”, “Khodia Pathar Mound”, “Mankalir Kunda”, “Parasuramer Bedi”, “Jiyat Kunda” etc. surround the fortified city. This 3rd century B.C. archaeological site is still regarded to be of great sancitity by the Hindu community. Every year (mid - April) and also once in every 12 years (December), thousands of Hindu devotees from all over the country join the bathing ceremony on the bank of river Karatoa.

Paharpur: the largest Buddhist seat of learning 
Paharpur, a small village, 5 km. west of Jamalganj in the greater Rajshahi district the remains the most important and the largest known monastery south of the Himalayas. This 7th century archaeological find covers approximately an area of 27 acres of land. The entire establishment occupies a quadrangular court, measuring more than 900 ft. & from 12 ft. to 15th. in height. 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 immensely influenced by those of South-East Asia, especially Myanmar and Java. It had taken its name from a high mound that looked like pahar or hillock. A site museum houses the collection of objects recovered from the area. The antiquities of the museum include terra-cotta plaques, potteries, images of different gods and goddesses, coin inscriptions, ornamental bricks and other minor clay objects. 
DINAJPUR - OLD

Mymenshingh: the heart of Bengal’s folklore
Starting from the foot of the Garo Hills in the north down to plains of Dhaka in the south lies greater Mymensingh. Along the northern frontier of the district there are many aboriginal tribes such as Garos, Hajongs and Kochis who are ethnically quite distinct from the people around them. Mymensingh has earned a notable position in Bengali literature because it the birth place of rich folklores and folk songs. On the road from Dhaka to Mymensingh there is a national park at Madhupur about 160 km. from Dhaka. There are a number of reserve forests in the area with good rest houses and beautiful picnic spots. World famous painter Zainul Abedin's Art Gallery at Mymensingh bears the boyhood memories of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam.

Places of Tourist Attractions in Chittagong

Chittagong- the Gateway to the Bay of Bengal is the second largest city of Bangladesh and the busiest international sea port in the country. With a picturesque large hill forests and lakes, Chittagong is an ideal vacation spot. Its green hills, broad sandy beaches and the fine cool climate always attract holiday makers. Chittagong is the country's chief seaport and is the major site for the establishment of heavy, medium and light industries. Bangladesh's only steel mill and oil refinery are also located in the city. Chittagong is connected with Dhaka and Sylhet by rail, road, air and water. The city is also connected with Cox's Bazar and Kolkata by Air.
Places of Interest:

1. Shrine of Byazid Bostami : This holy shrine attracts a large number of visitors and pilgrims from a far-away location. At its base there is an old large tank with several hundred tortoises floating in the water. The tortoises are so aged that some of them can’t even move. The pilgrims consider them to be holy. Some people offer various foods to the tortoises as holy offerings.
2. World War II Cemetery: It is a well preserved cemetery where more than 700 soldiers from Commonwealth countries and Japan were buried.

 3. Foy's Lake: Located amidst excellent panoramic surroundings, this ideal lake is for outings and picnics. This lake is visited by thousands of visitors everyday.
4. Ethnological Museum: An exquisite treasure house of variety of tribal culture and heritage of Bangladesh.
5. Court Building: Situated on the Fairy Hill, this building presents a magnificent bird's eye view of Chittagong city especially at night.

6. Patenga Beach: About 12 kilometers from the city center this is the sandy beach. This is the meeting place of the roaring Bay of Bengal and the river Karnaphuli.
7. Sitakund: About 40 km from Chittagong, this is famous for the Chandranath Hindu Temple as well as for the Buddist Temple. There is a hot water spring about 5 km to the north of Sitakund. Other important places of interest in Chittagong include Shrine of Shah Amanat, Chandanpura Mosque, Portuguese Arsenal Port Area, Marine Academy, Shahi Jame Mosque, Biponi Bitan (New Market) and Government Circuit
8. Cox’s Bazar: The tourist capital. Miles of golden sands, towering cliffs, rare conch shells, colorful pagodas, Buddhist temples and tribes, surfing waves, delightful sea food- all are in Cox's Bazar, the tourist capital of Bangladesh. Cox's Bazar is one of the most attractive tourist spots in the world because it has the world's longest unbroken (120 km) sea beach sloping gently down to the blue waters of the Bay of Bengal against a chain of hills covered with deep green forests. The beach is famous for bathing, sun bathing, diving and swimming. The breath taking beauty of the purple sun setting behind the waves of the blue sea is exquisitely captivating. Attractive variety of cigars and handloom products of the Rakhyne tribal communities are good buys. Their unique costumes attract visitors. Located at a distance of 152 km. south of Chittagong city, Cox's Bazar is connected with Dhaka and Chittagong  both by air and road. There are fascinating picnic spots at  Himchair and Teknaf- southern part of Bangladesh. Buddist temple at Ramu and nearby islands of Sonadia, St. Martin and Moheskhali are obviously some memorable experience of visitor. Government has taken steps to develop Sonadia as an exclusive beach resort.

9. Hill Tracts Districts:  The hill Tracts Districts with their perennial forest, emerald blue water of Kaptai Lake, thrilling drives through hills and dales, colourful tribal life and culture, attractive handicrafts and artisans will satisfy you to the world of panoramic beauty. Greater Hill Tracts is dividend into three districts, namely Rangamati, Khagrachari and Bandarban. Each one has its equally unique attractions.

10. Rangamati

From Chittagong city center, a 77 km. road amidst winding hills green fields will take you to Rangamati, the headquarters of Rangamati Hill District. It is a wonderful place of scenic splendors with flora and fauna. The town is located on the western bank of the Kaptai Lake. Rangamati is a popular holiday resort because of the beautiful landscape, scenic beauty, lake, colorful tribes. Its hanging bridge, homespun textile products, ivory jewellery will attract the visitors. Obviously the attractions of Rangamati are: tribal life, fishing, hiking, speed boat cruising, water skiing, bathing or enjoying nature as it be. Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation provides excellent hotel and cottage accommodation, catering, speed boat and other facilities at Rangamati.

11.Kaptai
If you’re in Chittagong area and not visiting Kaptai, you’re missing something. Just a pleasant drive of 64 km. from Chitagong brings you to huge blue water surrounded with tropical forest. This is the famous man-made Kaptai Lake (680 sq. km) formed by damming the Kamaphuli river. Merely 3 km. from Kaptai along Chittagong Road, lies the ancient Chit Morong Buddist temple with beautiful Buddist statues. Other places of interest in the Hill Tract districts include Chandraghone, Khagrachari and Bandarban. Foreign tourists must inform the local authority and Bangladesh Parjatan Board before visiting the Hill Tracts.

Places of Tourist Attractions in Dhaka

DHAKA the capital of Bangladesh with its exciting history and rich culture is known all over the world as the city of mosques and muslin. Dhaka has grown into a busy city of about nine million people with an area of about 815 sq. km. Having a happy blending of old and new architectural trends, Dhaka is developing fast as a modern city. It is the centre of commercial, cultural, educational and political activities for the country. At Tongi, Tejgaon, Demra, kanchpur, there are the industrial establishments. Dhaka's major waterfront is Sadarghat; it is on the bank of the river Buriganga. Colorful rickshaws (tricycle) plying on the city streets are common attractions for the overseas visitors. Some of the major tourist attractions of Dhaka are:

 1. Mosque: Seven domed Mosque (17th century), Atia Mosque (Mugal Element), Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, Rose Garden (Rajbari), Star Mosque (18th century).

2.  Hindu Temples: Ramkrishna Mission. Dhakashwari Temple (11th Century.
3.  Churches : Armenian Church (1781). Church of Bangladesh or former St Thomas Cathedral Church (1677) at Tejgaon. St. Mary's Cathedral at Ramna,

4.   Lalbagh Fort : It was built in 1687 A.D., by Prince Mohammad Azam, son of Mughal emperor Aurangazeb. The monuments of the Lalbagh Fort are the tomb of Pari Bibi (Fairy lady), Lalbagh Mosque, audience hall and Hammam of Nawan Shaista Khan now housing a museum. 1857 Memorial (Bhahudar Shah Park): Built to commemorate the martyrs of the first liberation war (1857 - 59) against British rule.

5.  Ahsan Manzil Museum: On the bank of river Buriganga. It is an example of the nation’s rich cultural heritage. Today's renovated Ahsan Manzil is a monument of immense historical beauty. It has 31 rooms with a huge dome atop. It has 23 galleries in 31 rooms displaying portraits, furniture and household articles and utensils used by the Nawab.

6.   Curzon Hall: Beautiful architectural building named after Lord Curzon. It now houses the Science Faculty of Dhaka University. Old High Court Building: Originally built as the residence of the British Governor. It displays a happy blend of European and Mughal architecture.

7.   Dhaka Zoo: Popularly known as Mirpur Zoo. Colourful and attractive collections of different local and foreign species of animals and birds including the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger are found here.

8.   National Museum: Centrally located, the museum contains a large number of valuable collections including sculptures and paintings of the Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim periods.

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

10. National Park: Situated at Rejendrapur, 40km. north of Dhaka city. This is a vast (1,600 acres), national recreational forest with facilities for picnic & rowing etc. Central

11. Shahid Minar: Symbol of Bengalee Nationalism. This monument was built to commemorate the martyrs of the historic Language Movement of 1952. Thousands of people place floral wreaths on 21 February every year to pay respect and homage.

 12. Buddhist Monastery: Kamalapur Buddhist Monastry. National Poet's Graveyard: Revolutionary poet Kazi Nazrul Islam died on the 26th August 1978 and was buried here. The graveyard is adjacent to the Dhaka University.

13. Suhrawardy Uddyan (Garden): Ramna Park. The oath for independence of Bangladesh was taken here on the 7th March 1971.

14. Mausoleum of National Leaders: Location 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 Nazimmuddin.

15.  Banga Bhaban: The official residence of the President, located in the city. One can have the outside view.

16. Baldha Garden: It has a rare collection of botanical plants and flowers.

17.  National Assembly: Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban (Parliament House) at Shere e Bengla Nagar, designed by the famous architect Louis, Kahn. It may be called an architectural wonder of this region.

18. Science Museum: Located at Agargaon, the Museum is a modern learning centre related to the latest scientific discoveries.

19. National Memorial: Located at Savar, 35 km. from Dhaka city. The memorial designed by architect Moinul Hossain bears the  sacred memory of the millions of unknown martyrs of the 1971 war of Liberation.

20.  Sonargaon: About 29 km. from Dhaka. Sonargaon is the oldest capital of Bengal. A Folk Art and Crafts Museum has been established here. Other attractions in and around Dhaka include the institute of Arts and Crafts with its representative collection of folk art and paintings, handicraft shops.

21. Aparajeya Bangla monument, picnic spots at Chandra and Salna, cruising by country boat in the nearby river or a visit to a village to see jute cultivation, weaving and pottery making may be a good experience.