100 Reasons to Visit Bangladesh

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Your first impressions will no doubt center on the unstoppable curiosity and unrelenting enthusiasm of Bangladeshi people, followed by subsequent insights into their never-ending hospitality and graciousness towards foreign guests.

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In spite of being one of the poorest countries in the world, Bangladesh can boast of the nature beauty. Virgin tropical jungles with bamboo, water lilies and orchids, tigers and leopards, elephants and crocodiles, pythons and mongooses.

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If you are a wildlife fan, Bangladesh will not disappoint. When you are walking down the sidewalk, you may see a monkey walking along beside you, or on a wall above you.

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Dhakeshwari National Temple is a Hindu temple in Dhaka. It is state-owned, giving it the distinction of being Bangladesh's 'National Temple'. The name "Dhakeshwari" means "Goddess of Dhaka".

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Ahsan Manzil was the official residential palace and seat of the Dhaka Nawab Family. This magnificent building is situated at Kumartoli along the banks of the Buriganga River in Dhaka.

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The sweet curd is served in ceramic bowls. The best mishti doi are sold in shops spread throughout Dhaka.

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In the capital, explore the hectic bazaars of Old Dhaka and the crowded waterfront area around Sadarghat. For a sens the country's troubled history, visit the National Museum and the Liberation War Museum.

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People will stare and people will smile. They could be the most unfortunate, homeless, hapless soul that you have ever seen on the streets before, but they will smile at you.

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Accessible from Khulna or Mongla, Bagerhat offers a couple of impressive Mosques and the famous tomb of Khan Jahan Ali. Lots of locals make pilgrimages here daily so expect some organized chaos!

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There are six seasons here. That’s better than the typical four because they turn over more often.

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A new bus service is now operational between Dhaka-Guwahati; a second Maitree Express train between Khulna and Kolkata in addition to the existing one is in the pipeline. There are many international airlines that fly to Dhaka.

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Known as maach bhuna to locals, it consists of fish and meat or vegetables. These main ingredients are cooked in a spice paste that was heated in oil. The Bangladeshi spice paste has cinnamon, garlic, ginger, onions, and red chili in it.

Bangladesh is rich in exotic fruit – juicy mango, rambutan, pitaya, longan, jack-fruit, papaya and mini-banana, which is notable for its curative effect. Mini-bananas are the most affordable and favorite food in Bangladesh.

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Its fascinating to travel through a country and know that your basically the only one of your kind around. This means you are noticed. People see you and want to say hello, ask where your from, say thank you for coming to Bangladesh, invite you for tea (aka cha) and take your photo.

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Located at the southerneastern tip of Bangladesh, the Teknaf Game Reserve is one of Bangladesh’s last remaining pristine rainforests and also holds a population of wild Asian Elephants

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As a country full of colour, life, sound and vibrancy, photographers will find no shortage of material to work with, whether they be extraordinary river landscapes or dozens of beautiful faces, all of whom are rather eager to be photographed.

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The famous picturesque beach Patenga is situated in the second largest city of Bangladesh, in Chittagong. The beach is a true godsend for a photographer.

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Paharpur is the second largest Buddhist monastery south of the Himalayas, and even in its ruined state it's impressive.

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Give Made-in-China shopping a break, and pick up pink pearls instead. Add the super exclusive Dhakai Jamdani to your collection - a result of one of the most time and labour-intensive forms of handloom weaving declared by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

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You might think that singara is a pie but it’s really a deep-fried thin piece of dough. Inside it is a combination of vegetables and spiced potatoes.

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Swadhinata Stambha or Independence Monument is a national monument in Bangladesh to commemorate the historical events that took place in the Suhrawardy Udyan, previously known as Ramna Race Course ground regarding the Liberation War of Bangladesh.

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Dhanmondi Lake is a lake located in the Dhanmondi residential area in Dhaka. The lake was originally a dead channel of the Karwan Bazar River, and was connected to the Turag River.

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Shishu Park is the only public sector children's amusement park in Shahbag, Dhaka. Established in 1979 on 15 acres of land, it is the first children's amusement park in Bangladesh.

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Most street vendors in Bangladesh sell them. Just make sure that what you’re getting doesn’t contain local water to avoid getting a bad stomach.

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Bangladesh has been inhabited for more than 4,000 years and is the birthplace of Buddhism. Over time, Islam has become the country's official religion. Nevertheless, Bangladesh still holds some important Buddhist temples, each more fascinating than the next. Also, native Buddhist tribes still live in certain regions of the country.

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In Chittagong almost the half of the written-off ships from every corner of the globe are being recycled. Every day from 7 a.m. until late at night thousands of workers disassemble the ships barehanded and get maximum 3 dollars a day for the backbreaking labor.

Bangladesh is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. With most people living in the big cities this means there are people, cars, motorbikes and rickshaws everywhere. Arriving into the capital Dhaka is, in two words, completely overwhelming.

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These river islands, known in Bangla as ‘chars’, are spread amongst the basins of the country’s major river systems. Scenic and serene, the chars are not easy places to reach as they can only be accessed by boat.

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Many located in the largely unexplored Chittagong Hill Tracts

The hills of this area are especially good during and shortly after the monsoon. Cycle among tea plantations that carpet the landscape, and walk in rain forests that are alive with life.

New Market is a commercial shopping market in north of Azimpur, Dhaka.

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Kakrail Mosque is a mosque located near Ramna Park, Dhaka. It is the center of Tablighi activities in Bangladesh.

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Star Mosque, is a mosque located in Armanitola area, Dhaka, Bangladesh. The mosque has ornate designs and is decorated with motifs of blue stars. It was built in the first half of the 19th century by Mirza Golam Pir.

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Jatiyo Sriti Shoudho or National Martyrs' Memorial is the national monument of Bangladesh is the symbol in the memory of the valour and the sacrifice of all those who gave their lives in the Bangladesh.

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The Bangladesh National Museum, originally established on 20 March 1913, albeit under another name, and formally inaugurated on 7 August 1913, was accorded the status of the national museum of Bangladesh on 17 November 1983.

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The heavily sweet dessert has balls of paneer as its main ingredient, an Indian-inspired cottage cheese. Sweet clotted cream is added to the dessert and is usually topped with cinnamon and other sweet spices.

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You might mistake them for meat balls but they are really hard-boiled eggs served in a thick, curry sauce. Crispy onions are normally served on top of this local dish. It doesn’t look tasty but believe me, it does.

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This scenic destination offers hilly scenery, indigenous culture, hard drinks and serene Buddhist monasteries.

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Bangladesh’s most pristine wilderness is a true oasis, where relaxing boat journeys can be had among tranquil peace and quiet – something quite rare in this heavily populated nation.

Outside of the large cities it will be difficult to find anyone who speaks English. Although if someone in the area does speak English and sees you they always make their way over for a chat. Therefore you are almost never left in tricky situations as there is normally someone tugging at your sleeve eager to practice their English on you.

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This means of public transportation is one of the most popular in Bangladesh. A bicycle decorated with ribbons and flowers can take maximum two passengers at a time.

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In Bangladesh, to reach the destination without traffic jams is only possible on foot. Chaotic road traffic; absence of any traffic lane markings and lights and driving theory.

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Any river journey is an adventure in the country’s aquatic arteries; these lead directly into Bangladesh’s heart and soul.

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It may sound ridiculous, but it’s definitely worthy. Tropical climate is famous for its frequent and sudden rainfalls.

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Bangladesh's tropical climate and fauna are similar to those of India. You may therefore see snakes, crocodiles, monkeys, gibbons, mongoose, leopards, bears, deer and hundreds of birds and fish.

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The flora of Bangladesh is typically tropical; you will find banana trees, different kinds of palm trees, coconut, mango and date trees, huge trees with leaves, vines and a multitude of plants with flowers.

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Nafa-Khum is a beautiful waterfall found at a 3 hours walk from Remakri, which is found 3 hours away by boat from Tindu, which is a 3 hours drive from Thanchi!

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Chickpeas are mixed together with tomatoes, chopped onions, and spices before they are topped with fried vegetables and popped rice.

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As the longest natural beach in the world, Cox’s Bazaar is often touted as Bangladesh’s beach paradise.

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The Hussaini Dalan was originally built during the later half of the Mughal rule in Dhaka. It was built as the Imambara or house of the imam of the Shia community.

Aromatic spice, boiled white rice, seafood and various milk desserts – the recipes of the Bengali cuisine are rather popular even in Europe.

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The Holy House, one of the biggest mosques in the world is situated in the capital of Bangladesh.

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The culture of Bangladesh is a learned mix of several cultures and religions dating back 2,500 years. Islam, Jainism, Buddhism and Hinduism are the different religions which have influenced the arts of Bangladesh.
Artisanry holds an important place in the culture of Bangladesh; you can find unique styles in the fabrics, jewellery, woodwork, metal crafts and pottery.

You don’t have to worry about being on time for anything because you will be late for everything. Everyone understands.

You will be treated better than you’re used to. You will be called Sir or Madame, even if you are fresh out of college.

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Ramna Park is a large park and recreation area situated at the heart of Dhaka. This park is one of the most beautiful areas in Dhaka with lots of trees and a lake near its center.

Even though there are very few tourists, Dhaka's infrastructure is much better than most Least Developed Countries - thanks to a population of 14 million, a vibrant middle class and lucrative business opportunities for foreigners.

At times in Dhaka, particularly in the old city, in poorer parts of town and at construction sites, you feel as if you have gone back in time.

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Lalbagh Fort is an incomplete 17th century Mughal fort complex that stands proudly before the Buriganga River in the southwestern part of Dhaka

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The Sixty Dome Mosque, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a mosque in Bangladesh, the largest in that country from the Sultanate period. It has been described as "the most impressive Muslim monuments in the whole of the Indian subcontinent."

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Sonargaon was a historic administrative, commercial and maritime center in Bengal. Situated in the center of the Ganges delta, it was the seat of the medieval Muslim rulers and governors of eastern Bengal.

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St. Martin's Island is a small island in the northeastern part of the Bay of Bengal, about 9 km south of the tip of the Cox's Bazar-Teknaf peninsula, and forming the southernmost part of Bangladesh.

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The Liberation War Museum is a museum in Segunbagicha, Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh that commemorates the Bangladesh Liberation War, which led to the independence of Bangladesh from Pakistan.

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Jatiyo Sangsad Bhaban or National Parliament House, is the house of the Parliament of Bangladesh, located at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the Bangladeshi capital of Dhaka.

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The Earth has only 22 freshwater Swamp Forests; the subcontinent has got two of them, and one of them is Ratargul.

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Thought to be Bangladesh's oldest surviving mosque, Goaldi is hidden away amongst the farmland surrounding Painam Nagar.

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Like the more famous floating markets in southeast Asia, the small floating market at Banaripara near Barisal is where locals who live in this river-laden part of Bangladesh come to buy and sell groceries without ever having to step off their boats.

The nature, the people, the hospitality and the feeling of connectivity with the land, you’d need nothing more than that in a lifetime.

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It's rivers galore in Bangladesh, and taking boat trips on them is an undoubted highlight.

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This is what all ruins should be like. There's none of your fancy reconstruction or meticulous renovation going on here.

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Get out and explore any of the Eastern forests – Lawachhora, Saatchhori, Rema Kalenga, Rajkandi

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Near Comilla, and conveniently located near the Chittagong-Dhaka highway are the ruins of an ancient civilization.

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Just south of the town of Comilla there is an interesting Hindu temple in the Bengali style. The interior is very gaudy, kitsch-like in the modern fashion of Bengali Hindus, but the site obviously harbours tradition and the gaudily painted gods don't repel but retain an air of ancient beliefs and philosophy.

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The small rowing boats used at the Rangamati reservoir are seemingly miniatures of the larger ocean-going sailing vessles used in Bangldesh.

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This is a local market near the riverside off Station Road, close to Khulna Junction train station.

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If you are on a really tight budget, you can get a room for only 300 BDT ($4 USD), get breakfast for 30 BDT, get a big meal for 100 BDT. If you want luxury, there are 5 star hotels, and higher standard restaurants in big cities. It’s up to you how you want to travel.

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The Central Shahid Minar in Dhaka is a monument in honour of the language martyrs of 1952. On February 21, 1952, many students and political activists were killed as Pakistani police force opened fire on some protesters who were demanding equal status to their mother tongue, Bengali.

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