Tourist attractions in Bangladesh
Located in Northeast Southeast Asia, Bangladesh is blessed with natural beauty ranging from mountains, rivers, beaches, biodiversity, archaeological sites, medieval monasteries to temples, pagodas, mosques, churches and more. The mighty Himalayas lie some distance to the north, while to the south lies the Bay of Bengal. This vast plain is characterized by lush greenery and numerous waterways. The Padma (Ganga), Megna, and Jamuna rivers create fertile plains, and monsoons bring the rains needed to relieve hot summers and make the climate pleasant year-round. Bangladesh was ranked seventh by Lonely Planet, the world’s leading travel guidebook publisher, on its 2019 “10 Most Valuable Destinations” list. But in a true sense, the whole of Bangladesh is a classic hotspot for ecotourism, with diverse beauty and natural wonders.
A populr destination in Bangladesh
• Southeast: Cox’s Bazar (longest natural beach), Teknaf, Saint Martin, Sonadia, Sitakundu, Chittagong City and Bandaban Hills, Rangamati, Khagrachari;
• Southwest: Sunderbans (largest mangrove forest), Kuakata Beach, Bagerhat Shat Gambuj, Riverine Barisal;
• North East: Tea Gardens, Tanguar Haor, Jaflong, Lawachara Forest, Bisnakandi, Jadukata etc.;
• Northwest region: Pahapur, ancient Buddhist monastery, ancient city of Mahastangarh, Kantajew temple in Dinajpur;
• Capital and Central Regions: Dhaka City, Lalbagh Fort, Ahsan Manzil, Panamnagar, Sonargaon, Comilla Shalban Vihara.
Dhaka City
Dhaka is the capital city of Bangladesh. Dhaka first became a prosperous city during the Mughal period. During that time, the city became an important metropolis, attracting businessmen and dignitaries from all over the world. Although Dhaka lost much of its beauty and importance at the end of the Mughal rule and during the British period, when the capital of Bengal was initially moved to Murshidabad and Kolkata, it began to regain its former glory after becoming the provincial capital in 1947 Brilliant. After becoming the capital of independent Bangladesh in 1971, Dhaka became an important financial and commercial center in South Asia. Dhaka is known as the city of Muslims and mosques, and its unique architectural works remain a special attraction for tourists from the Middle Ages to the present day.
Lalbagh Fort : Initiated by Mughal governor Prince Azim Shah, son of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, but never completed by his successor Shasta Khan
Armenian Church : Built in 1781 by the Armenian community in Dhaka
Shat Gambuj Mosque : Built in the 17th century in the Mohammadpur area, Shat Gambuj Mosque is a fine example of Mughal style architecture
Ahsan Manzil : Is the official residential palace and home of the Nawab of Dhaka. Located along the Briganga River in Dhaka, it was commissioned in 1859 and completed in 1872.
The Savar National Memorial : Was designed by architect Moinul Hossain and was built to honor the million martyrs of the 1971 War of Independence
The National Parliament Building in Dhaka : Was designed by renowned architect Louis Kahn and is known for its unique architectural features
Pahapur Bihar
Sompur Mahabihar or Paharpur Bihar is one of the largest known Buddhist Bihars in South Asia and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. This very important archaeological site was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. Bihar is located in the Paharpur village of Badalgachhi Upazila, Naogaon.
Mahasangar
Mahasthangarh is one of the first urban archaeological sites ever discovered in Bangladesh. It was an important city in the Peacock Empire. The fortress area was used until the 8th century AD.
Shalban Vihara
Shalban Vihara in Mainamati, Comilla is a 7th century Paharpur style Buddhist monastery with 115 cells for monks. Excavations have uncovered numerous archaeological artifacts from the period between the 7th and 12th centuries. Most of them are now stored in the Minamatti Museum.
Kantajew Temple
Kantajew Temple, commonly known as Kantaji Temple, is a late medieval Hindu temple in Dinajpur, Bangladesh. The Kantajew Temple is one of the most magnificent religious buildings of the 18th century.
Sundarbans
Sundarbans is the largest mangrove forest in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It stretches from the Hooghly River in West Bengal, India, to the Baleswar River in Bangladesh. Sixty percent of this mist-shrouded forest is in Bangladesh. Interspersed with a complex network of rivers and streams, mudflats and islets, this magical forest is made up of two basic ecoregions: mangroves and freshwater swamp forests. It is rich in biodiversity and a unique ecosystem with royal Bengal tigers, sika deer, crocodiles, puffer fish, wild boars and more.
Sixty Dome Mosque
The Sixty Dome Mosque, commonly known as the Shat Gambuj Mosque, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was the largest mosque in Bangladesh during the Sultanate period (1204-1576). It was built by a saintly general named Khan Jahan Ali near the coast of Bagerhat district in the Sandbans. Construction of the mosque began in 1442 and was completed in 1459.
Sylhet area
Sreemongol in Sylhet has been considered a top tourist attraction since the early 19th century and is recognized by the city. Although Sylhet’s first tea plantation – Malnichara – was established near Sylhet city in 1854. Anyone traveling in and around Sreemongol is sure to be greeted by lush green tea plantations that stretch for miles and miles of hilly terrain, not to mention the birdsong and the shade of the trees next to pineapple and lemon orchards.
Tangoar Haor
Tangoar Haor, covering an area of nearly 100 square kilometers. Around 30 waterfalls cascade down from the Meghalaya mountains into this mighty body of water, creating a truly rare charm. Tangoar Haor is an important center for biodiversity and is home to a variety of bird species. During the winter, many migratory birds join the native birds and create a dizzyingly rich fauna.
Lawachora
Lawachora is one of seven nature parks and 10 national gardens in Bangladesh. The forest is home to rare flora and fauna, including endangered gibbons, white langurs and a wide variety of apes, cats and snakes, including pythons, as well as parrots, magpies and many other birds.
Jaflong
Jaflong is one of the major tourist destination in Sylhet. The Dawki River originates from the North Kasi Mountains and enters Bangladesh under the name “Piain” along the magnificent Jaflong. Like Jaflong, Bisnakandi is primarily a quarry. This is where the many layers of Mount Kathy meet at one point from both sides. Flowing from above is a high drop. During the rainy season, dark clouds hang over the mountain, adding to its charm.
Cox’s Bazar
Cox’s Bazar is a major tourist attraction in Bangladesh. Cox’s Bazar sea beach is the longest and beautiful beach in the world. Its total length is 120 kilometers. It’s a stretch of miles of golden sand, towering cliffs, surfing waves, stunning shells, beautiful pagodas, Buddhist temples and tribes, and delicious seafood. Shark-free beaches are known for swimming, sunbathing, swimming, surfing and many beach rides. The sunset view behind the vast ocean is mesmerizing.
Saint Martin
Saint Martin is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Bangladesh. Bangladesh’s only coral island is about 8 kilometers long and rarely more than 1 kilometer wide. It is located approximately 10 km (6 mi) southwest of the southern tip of Cox’s Bazaar-Teknaf peninsula. Beaches lined with coconut palms, panoramic views of the island and pristine marine life attract tourists. The majestic scenery, crystal clear waters, coral formations and the whispers of the Bay of Bengal are the main attractions for tourists.
Chittagong Hill tracts
Bandarban
Bandarban, literally “Monkey Dam”, is an area in Chittagong District in the Chittagong Hills of Bangladesh. It has some of the most fascinating tourist attractions in Bangladesh. Beautiful mountains enhance the surrounding natural beauty. The largest Buddhist temple in Bangladesh, called Buddha Dhatu Jadi, is located in Bandarban. Peaks such as Nilgiri and Thanchi are also very attractive for tourists.
Rangamati
Known as the ‘City of Lakes’ of Bangladesh, Rangamati is full of incomparable beauty and is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Bangladesh. It is about 77 kilometers from Chittagong. Rangamati Town, Sajek Valley, Suspension Bridge, Kaptai Lake and Aboriginal Museum are famous landmarks and popular tourist destinations in Rangamati.
Khagrachari
Khagrachari, locally known as Chengmi, is one of the most beautiful areas in Bangladesh. This beautiful area is next to Bandaban and Rangamati in terms of stunning scenery and vibrant culture and lifestyle. Richhang waterfall, Alutilla cave, Dighinala are some of the attractions in Khagrachari.