SPOTTING THE ROYAL BENGAL TIGER AND OTHER ENDANGERED WILDLIFE AT SUNDARBANS
If you haven’t heard of the magnificent Sundarbans, you’ve clearly been living under a rock and it’s time to come out of hiding! This magnificent forest was also nominated as one of the seven natural wonders of the world a few years ago and came close to winning that title. Currently a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sundarbans is also the natural habitat of the infamous Royal Bengal Tiger, and that’s not all. An abundance of wildlife – mammals, insects, reptiles and rare birds call this place home. Missing out on this wonderful destination would be a tragedy!
Attractions here include, but are not limited to:
Dublar Char, Kotka Beach, Karamjal, Hiron Point, Tin Kona Island, Kochikhali, Mandarbaria, Tiger Point, Netidhopani, Sudhanyakhali Watch Tower, Kanak, Sajnekhali Watch Tower, Rash Mela during the honey gathering festival, Tiger Reserve, Halliday Island, Kapil Muni Temple, Crocodile Sanctuary and many more!
SPEND A STARRY NIGHT ON A BOAT AT TANGUAR HAOR
Amongst the few waterways in Bangladesh that you should not even consider missing, Tanguar Haor sits right up there, claiming the top-most spot. Bird lovers will enjoy the serenity and tranquility, whilst deeply appreciating the opportunity to witness and spot the many migratory birds here. Owing to its underrated popularity with international and local tourists alike, Tanguar Haor is still relatively untouched, thereby enabling a relaxing experience away from the hustle and bustle of other tourists.
Attractions here include, but are not limited to:
Renting a live-aboard boat for a couple of days to explore the Haor, enjoy spotting migratory birds, explore the tiny villages scattered in and around the Haor and last, but not least, spend a night (or more!) on the water under the starry skies, breathing in the fresh, unpolluted air.
EXPLORE A SWAMPY MANGROVE FOREST AT RATARGUL
Located 21 kilometres from Sylhet city, this swamp forest is an incredible maze of waterways amidst sunken trees, half submerged in the swampy soil. In monsoon, the water level rises and submerges most of the tree trunks (almost 20-0 feet!), which leave only the tops of the trees exposed. The best and only way to explore Ratargul is by hiring a small local boat once you get there. Try to start off early in the morning in order to beat the crowds and be on the lookout for undisturbed wildlife.
Attractions here include, but are not limited to:
Exploring the beautiful forest on wooden boats, bird watching, wildlife spotting, Gowain River, Ratargul Swamp Forest Tower and more!
VISIT THE SHAAT GOMBUJ MASJID AT BAGHERHAAT
Home to the Shaat Gombuj Masjid, this piece of Bangladesh is sometimes overlooked by Bangladeshis and expats because of the lack of information clearly available on the internet. However, the Shaat Gombuj Masjid is actually listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an architectural and historical marvel, very much worth the effort to visit and check out its 60 pillars and 77 domes. Marvel at this historical beauty and then take some time to discover the nearby attractions.
Attractions here include, but are not limited to:
Nine-domed mosque, Chulakhola Mosque, 17th Century Hindu Temple Kodla Moth, Ronobijoypur Mosque, shrine of Khan Jahan Ali, and many more!
TURQUOISE LAKES AND CERAMIC HILLS AT BIRISHIRI
Birishiri is one of those underrated attractions in Bangladesh that even Bangladeshis hardly know about! However, once you’ve witnessed that turquoise blue water amidst the surrounding ceramic hills, it suddenly moves to numero uno on your "Places to see ASAP" list! However, do ensure that you visit in the winter months of December or January to catch that beautiful colour of the water. We made the mistake of visiting in the monsoon season and found slightly muddy water.
Attractions here include, but are not limited to:
Birishiri Lake, Ceramic hill, Shomeshwari River, Tribal area of Hazong people and Garo village, Orange forest, Gajarie forest, Kongsha River, Ranikhong church, Christian mission and many more!
DISCOVER BRONZE METAL WORKSHOPS AND POTTERY MAKING AT DHAMRAI
If you’re interested in the artisan way of life and their products, then a visit to Dhamrai will give you the opportunity to visit remote villages where artisans work at creating amazing metallic works of art with bronze using the lost-wax technique. Peer into the lives of these families, whose ways of living have remained unchanged for generations and perhaps try your hand at metal crafting or pottery making. Located an hour away from Dhaka, Dhamrai is easy to get to and could very well be an interesting destination for a day trip.
Attractions here include, but are not limited to:
Balia Zamindar House, Dhamrai pottery industry, Dhamrai Rath Yatra, Dhamrai metals arts and crafts area, Dhamrai Bazar Jame Masjid, National Martyrs Monument in Savar, Kakran village and more!
THE BATTLE OF THE KITES AT SHAKRAIN
Dhaka’s skies brighten up once a year - and that’s known as the Shakrain festival. Thousands of kites swarm the sky as kite fliers congregate on the rooftops of Old Dhaka to battle it out and determine “Who has the strongest kite of them all?” It’s a spectacular fiesta which doesn’t just consist of the kite battles in the sky - people flock to the streets to engage in colourful games, dancing, food fiestas and general merriment. The nights are fabulous with magnificent firework displays brightening the skies whilst youngsters engage in happening parties on the many rooftops as the DJ’s bring on the beats.
Attractions here include, but are not limited to:
Trying your hand at kite flying, colourful street games, excellent authentic local food, bustling parties, dazzling fireworks and many more!
