| 5 mins read
A hidden gem surrounded by India and Myanmar, Bangladesh has been often overlooked by travel enthusiasts. Yet, those who go beyond the familiar often meet an unparalleled beauty and charm. From the largest mangrove forest of Sunderbans and the bustling streets of Dhaka to the tea gardens of Srimangal, the country has something to offer for all types of experience seekers!
Through this blog, join us on a journey to unravel eight must-have experiences in Bangladesh that beautifully allow one to live the true essence of the nation.
Unravelling Mysteries at Dhaka’s Lalbagh Fort
Lalbagh is an incomplete 17th-century Mughal fort that lost its glory before even being completed! Although the main reason behind its incompletion is the shifting of the throne capital from Dhaka to Murshidabad, legend has it that an important reason was the untimely and mysterious death of Pari Bibi, the beloved daughter of Nawab Shaista Khan (the Mughal Subedar (governor) of Bengal). After the death of his daughter, the subedar thought the fort to be unlucky, so he left Dhaka, leaving the construction mid-way.
Today, the tomb of Pari Bibi serves as one of the main attractions in the fort. You will surely be transported to an era of grandiosity as you explore the mosque, hall, museum, and its gardens in the Charbagh style (characterised by four-part garden layouts).
Sunbathing at Cox's Bazaar
Boasting the title of the world's longest unbroken sandy sea beach, Cox's Bazaar stretches for about 120 kilometres. The joy of standing in its clear waters amidst the crashing waves of the Bay of Bengal in the backdrop of a beautiful sunset presents a sight you can't afford to miss! What all the more enhances the beauty of the beach is the opportunity to explore beyond the beach.
While at Cox's Bazaar, consider visiting the nearby fishing port to meet the indigenous communities with a local guide and get an up-close glimpse into their daily life. For adventure seekers, take a speed boat ride or check out the Himchari National Park (a haven for biodiversity and picturesque waterfalls), which serves as a perfect option.
Navigating the Sunderbans
An internationally renowned UNESCO World-Heritage site in Bangladesh (shared with India) is the world's largest mangrove forest, the Sunderbans, also famous for being the house of the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger. The forest is a stunning natural wonder with a network of islands, waterways and mudflats.
When visiting, enjoy an immersive guided boat tour to experience the serenity of its water channels, learn about the forest life and spot its diverse wildlife. Moreover, you can also witness the cultural performances hosted by local communities, showcasing the local tales and folklore with respect to their relationship with the forest.
Marveling at Dahala Kagrabari
Imagine travelling from your home in Bangladesh to your farm in India and back home by evening!
An interesting sight to add to your trip is Dahala Kagrabari, once an Indian territory within a Bangladeshi enclave, which was itself inside an Indian enclave within Bangladesh. Although the India-Bangladesh border dispute has been resolved now, the location still serves as a fascinating catch for travellers. Since the land has a sensitive history, it is best to hire a local guide who can assist you in meeting the locals and learning about how they navigated their lives through such a puzzling time. Beyond its geographical peculiarity, the land stands as a testament to the human ability to adapt, coexist, and thrive amidst complexities.
Tea Tasting in Srimangal
Known as the "Tea Capital" of Bangladesh, Srimangal is a haven for nature and tea lovers! The area is blanketed by lush green tea gardens, where the 'seven-layer tea' is a speciality. It is a tea beverage showcasing seven distinct flavours of tea in seven different colours, offering a visual and sensory delight! To enjoy an immersive experience, you can book tea-tasting tours, where the journey from leaf to cup is intricately unveiled. Walking or cycling through the tea plantations also serves as a nice activity.
Tracing Buddhist History in Paharpur
Dating back to the 8th century, Paharpur is home to the ancient ruins of a renowned Buddhist monastery, Somapura Mahavihara. The site is also recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site, with unique architectural designs- a blend of local, Indian, and Southeast Asian elements.
It will be a great experience to walk through the ruins and get historical insights into the monastic life of ancient Buddhist scholars. It also serves as a great escape for anyone seeking quiet contemplation and a slow visit. Moreover, there is also an option to visit the Paharpur Museum, housing a vast collection of ancient artifacts discovered at the site.
Discovering the Armenian Church of Dhaka
Serving as an escape from the bustling streets of Dhaka, the Armenian Church, with its lush green gardens, ancient bell tower and nearby Armenian graveyard, stands as a reminder of the once thriving Armenian community in the city. Interestingly, in spite of its declining Armenian population, the church still hosts a special prayer on Christmas, which attracts many visitors. Moreover, you can also enjoy strolling through the nearby Armenian street, which offers a glimpse into the history and culture of both Bangladesh and India.
Exploring Barisal's Floating Market
A hidden gem and a perfect sensory delight is the Floating Market of Swarupkathi in the Barisal (the 'Venice of Bengal') division. These markets continue as a 100-year-old tradition, where locals sell fresh fruits, especially the famed Guava, handicrafts, and other goods. By hopping on a boat, you can buy these fresh produce and even interact with the locals to learn about their ways of life.
With its rich tapestry of history, culture and natural marvels, the nation remains a site of untapped beauty, something that you can unravel! From its verdant tea gardens and endless coastlines to ancient ruins and bustling markets, you are sure to have a trip of a lifetime!