Discover the untapped beauty of Bangladesh

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Discover the untapped beauty of Bangladesh
An attractive location complete with family-oriented adventures, Bangladesh is a sight to behold

The country is home to breathtaking attractions that have long been waiting to be discovered

by

Farhana Chowdhury

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Published: Sat 1 Apr 2017, 11:00 AM

Last updated: Tue 11 Apr 2017, 1:16 PM

Diversity, culture and natural beauty - Bangladesh is en route to boost itself as a tourist destination with charming getaways and exciting hotspots. An attractive location complete with hospitable people and family-oriented adventures, Bangladesh is a sight to behold.
With effective steps undertaken by the tourism board in Bangladesh to improve accommodation and access, visitors from all over the world could soon be able to indulge in the country's vibrant customs and experience breathtaking attractions that have long been waiting to be discovered.
 
The Sundarbans in Khulna 
A destination that has long been highlighted by travel books across the world, the Sundarbans spans an area of 10,000 square kilometres and is known to be one of the largest collection of mangrove forests in the world. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and serves as a natural reserve for the Bengal Tiger and other wildlife. While tourist numbers remain low due to difficult access and lack of suitable accommodation, visiting the area is not impossible, and worth an experience to remember. Book a boat tour that sets off from Khulna. There are a number of tour operators, namely Nijhoom.com, GuideToursbd.com and BengalTours.com that offer two-day/three-night cruises with Sundarbans part of the itinerary.

Ali Amjad Clock Tower in Sylhet
The vibrant red monument is a symbol of pride as one of the oldest and first structure of its kind in the district. It may not be as impressive as Big Ben in London, but it holds a distinct charm as a timekeeper from centuries past. Situated by the Northern bank of Surma, the clock tower was built during the British rule in 1895, and is set beside Kean Bridge that serves as a gateway to Sylhet, another notable landmark.

Kantaji Temple in Dinajpur 
Listed as a world cultural heritage site by UNESCO, the brick temple holds both citizens and tourists in awe. The Hindu temple, also known as Kantanagar Temple, with its nine majestic spires was erected in the 18th century and features incredible etched details that narrate a series of folklore. The passing of time has led to the loss of its spires, but restoration ensured the other fascinating aspects of the temple are preserved. The area continues to attract visitors with its terracotta artefacts and stories of the past.
 
Sajek Valley in Rangamati
Escape to the hilly vistas of Sajek Valley, about 18,000 feet high above sea level, where visitors can relax and unwind amidst natural beauty. Fresh air, lush greenery and pleasant weather all-year round, the area is impressive for its incredible views and the many rivers that flow across the union. The valley is a two-hour drive away from Khagrachhori district (nine hours from Dhaka city), and the area has a number of spacious guesthouses with warm hospitality for a comfortable night's stay.
 
Bandarban Golden Temple in Balaghata town
Also known as Buddha Dhatu Jadi, the incredible structure in the hill town is a not-to-be-missed attraction that stands 200 feet tall with glittering exterior and houses the second largest Buddha in Bangladesh. The temple, which also houses a small water body, dubbed "Pond of Angels", treats visitors to scenic views that surround the area. It is also an important destination for pilgrims and part of a circuit tour organised by the South Asia Sub-regional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Tourism Development Project. The Bandarban Golden Temple is located beside the Badarban-Rangamati road about 4 kilometres away from Balaghta town and 10 kilometres away from Bandarban city, and can be reached by an auto-rickshaw.
 
Chini Masjid in Nilphamari
The mosque is an archeological wonder that gained popularity for its mosaic feature, known as Chini Tikri. The craftsmanship is decorated with chips of coloured and non-coloured glass and chinaware. Interestingly the ceramic used in construction were imported from The structure, also known as the Glass Mosque, dates back to 1863, has been a subject of beautification projects in 20th century, and to date, hosts prayers for the . The mosque showcases the culture and traditions of the Mughal rule and is set not too far from Saidpur Railway in the industrial town of Saidpur Upazila in Nilphamari district, which is about seven hours away by bus from Dhaka.
 
Lalbagh Fort
A 17th century Mughal fort complex by the Buriganga River in the southwestern part of Dhaka. It consists of three buildings - the mosque, tomb of Pari-Bibi (daughter of the governor at the time) and the Diwan-i-aam palace.
 
Alutila Mysterious Cave
Formed inside a 1,000-metre-high hill, dubbed Alutila (potato hill in Bengali), the 100-metre cave in Khagrachari is a naturally formed dark tunnel with a running stream of cold water.
 
Cox's Bazar Beach
The world's longest natural sandy beach, about 120 kilometres long, located in the fishing port of Cox's Bazar in Chittagong. It is recognised as one of the top tourist destinations in the country.
 
Nafakhum Waterfall
Largest waterfall in Bangladesh in terms of the volume of water that falls. It is a three-hour trek away from Remakri, Thanchi Upazila district.
For more hotspots and essential travel information, visit the official Bangladesh Tourism website: www.visitbangladesh.gov.bd


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