Bangladesh — Where to Go
Top Things to See
Dhaka's attractions
In Dhaka, the historic city and capital of Bangladesh (north central), visit the uncompleted 17th-century Lalbagh Fort, the stately Ahsan Manzil Palace and Museum (sometimes called the Pink Palace), the Chota Katra and some of its many mosques.
Sonargaon
The historic Sonargaon, about 25km (15 miles) southeast of Dhaka, is the capital of the region between the 13th and early 17th centuries. The area retains a number of historical buildings that include semi-derelict Hindu mansions and a folk-art museum.
Archaeology
Explore the archaeological sites of Paharpur, Mahasthanagarh and Sherpur, close to the town of Bogra in the country's northwest.
Bagerhat
Visit the town of Bagerhat in the southwest near Khulna, where there are many historic mosques in the surrounding area. The 15th-century Shait Gumbad, the so-called ‘Sixty-domed' Mosque, is the most well known. There are other impressive brick-built mosques nearby.
Maheskali Island
Make the boat trip from Cox's Bazar across to Maheskali Island with its mixed Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist population. Take a rickshaw up the hill to the Hindu Adinath temple, from where there is a good panoramic view of the island.
Sylhet
In Sylhet pay a visit to the shrine of Hazrat Shah Jalal, a 14th-century Sufi mystic. This is one of the holiest sites in the country and pilgrims come from all over Bangladesh to pay their respects.
Tamabil
Take in the splendid views at Tamabil, a border outpost on Sylhet-Shillong road, from where spectacular waterfalls across the Indian border can be seen. Zaflong is another scenic spot nearby, set amidst tea gardens and beautiful hills.
Top Things to Do
Old Dhaka
In the capital, explore the hectic bazaars of Old Dhaka and the crowded waterfront area around Sadarghat. For a sense of the country's troubled history, visit the National Museum and the Liberation War Museum.
Rajendrapur National Park
Go birdwatching in the Rajendrapur National Park, about 50km (31 miles) north of the capital, which is noted for its varied birdlife. There's also the Madhupur National Park and Game Sanctuary, situated about 160km (99 miles) from Dhaka.
Sundarbans National Park
The elusive Royal Bengal tiger can be found in the Sundarbans National Park, a lush coastal area of Khulna Division that contains the largest mangrove forest in the world. Deer, monkeys and a great variety of birds are also found here.
Beaches
For beaches head to Kuakata, a newly developed tourist resort on the southernmost tip of Bangladesh in Barisal Division. The wide sandy beach here is an ideal vantage point from which to watch the sun rise and set.
Inani Beach
The world's longest and broadest beach, Inani Beach, is just south of Cox's Bazar, a thriving regional tourist center and beach resort in the extreme southeast of Bangladesh.
Boat trips
Take an overnight boat trip on the Rocket paddle-wheel boat service that plies the river between Dhaka and Khulna or Mongla to the south, an excellent and inexpensive way to get a feel for the country.
Watersports
An excursion to Kaptai Lake in the Rangamati Hill District, east of Chittagong, offers opportunities for sailing, swimming and fishing as well as an opportunity for a glimpse at Chittagong Hill Tracts tribal culture.
Sylhet Division
Take an excursion to Sylhet Division, northeast of Dhaka, known as ‘the land of two leaves and a bud' because of its long tradition as a tea-growing area. The best known estates are found close to the town of Srimangal.
