Uncover the Hidden Gems of Bangladesh: A Guide to the Top 10 Tourist Attractions

Bangladesh is a small country located in South Asia, surrounded by India and Myanmar. Despite being home to many picturesque locations, it is a less-explored tourist destination. The people in Bangladesh are known to be warm and welcoming, making it a great place to visit. However, choosing the best places to visit in Bangladesh can be challenging, as there are many options to choose from. Based on my experience of visiting the country, I have curated a list of 10 top tourist attractions that are worth visiting in Bangladesh. These range from historical sites, to natural wonders, to unique cultural experiences. Some examples include: the Sundarbans, Cox's Bazar, Dhaka, and Sajek Valley. The country offers a lot of different kind of places to visit that suits all kind of travelers, from adventure lovers, culture enthusiasts and beach goers. With so much to see and do, Bangladesh is definitely worth a visit and a chance to discover the beauty of this country.

Dhaka

Dhaka, the capital and largest city of Bangladesh, is a metropolis with a rich history and vibrant culture. Founded in the 17th century, the city has grown from a small trading town to a bustling metropolis with a population of over 18 million.

One of the must-see landmarks in Dhaka is the Sadarghat riverfront, the largest river port in the country. The riverfront is a hub of activity, with boats and ferries coming and going all day and night, and vendors selling a variety of goods. Taking a boat ride on the river provides an opportunity to experience a different side of the city and to see the city from a new perspective.

Another important attraction in Dhaka is the National Museum, which is one of the largest museums in South Asia. The museum is home to a diverse collection of artifacts and artworks that tell the story of Bangladesh's history and culture, from ancient times to the present day. Visitors can see ancient Buddhist sculptures, Islamic calligraphy, traditional textiles, and much more.

For those interested in contemporary art and culture, Dhaka's burgeoning art scene is well worth a visit. There are several art galleries and artist collectives in the city showcasing the work of local and international artists. The Zainul Gallery and the Bengal Gallery of Fine Arts are popular destinations for art lovers.

The city is also a food lover paradise, with a wide range of traditional and international cuisines. From street food to fine dining, visitors can find everything from delicious biryani and samosas to sushi and burgers. Dhaka is particularly famous for its street food and visitors can find a variety of snacks, desserts, and drinks being sold on the streets of the city.

In conclusion, Dhaka is a city with much to offer visitors, from its rich history and culture to its contemporary art scene and delicious food. A visit to Dhaka will be an enlightening and enjoyable experience, one that will give visitors a glimpse into the diverse and fascinating culture of Bangladesh.

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Cox’s Bazaar

Cox’s Bazar, located in Bangladesh, is a tourist destination that boasts an array of natural beauty. With a picturesque background of hills covered in dense forest, the area is home to the longest sea beach in the world, stretching for 120km along the blue waters of the Bay of Bengal. The beach got its name from Captain Hiram Cox, an officer of the British East India Company. It is a place of endless golden sands, towering cliffs, excellent surf, and a variety of conch shells, pagodas, Buddhist temples and indigenous tribes.

One of the major draws of Cox's Bazar is its shark-free beach, which is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. The beach is also well-known for its amazing seafood. The view of the setting sun behind the vast sea is truly mesmerizing.

Located 150 km south of Chittagong, Cox's Bazar offers a diverse experience, with the opportunity to explore ancient pagodas, immerse in the culture of local tribes, and take in the beauty of Buddhist temples. Visitor can indulge in mouthwatering seafood while enjoying the panoramic view of the sea. The place offer something for everyone, and it's ideal for people who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a peaceful vacation. If you are looking for a place to relax, explore and indulge in the natural beauty, Cox's Bazaar is a must-visit destination.

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The Sundarbans

The Sundarbans is a one-of-a-kind eco-tourism destination, the largest Mangrove Forest on Earth, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The forest stretches for 80km into the Bangladeshi and Indian mainland from the coast of the Bay of Bengal, with 60% of it located in Bangladesh. Though the 10,500km2 forest area is surrounded by two of the most densely populated countries on three sides, it remains remote, inhospitable and largely uninhabited by people.

The forest is intersected by a complex network of rivers and creeks, mudflats, and tiny islands and is comprised of two primary ecoregions: the Mangrove Forest and the Freshwater Swamp Forest. The name "Sundarbans" means beautiful forest, and it is derived from the "Sundari" trees which are abundant here. The forest is famous for the Royal Bengal Tiger, but visitors will also find spotted deer, saltwater crocodiles, and various types of birds.

The Sundarbans provide habitat for 42 species of mammal, 290 species of bird, 120 species of fish, 50 species of reptiles, and 8 species of amphibians. This huge forest is a haven for biodiversity and is an ideal destination for those who appreciate nature and wish to experience an unspoiled wilderness. It's perfect for people who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature.

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St. Martin's Island

Located off the coast of Bangladesh, St. Martin's Island, also referred to as Narikel Jinjira or "Coconut Island" and Daruchinir Deep or "Cinnamon Island," is a highly sought-after tourist spot. It is the only coral island in the country and is around 8 km in length and up to 1 km wide. The island is situated about 10 km southwest of the southern tip of the Cox's Bazar-Teknaf peninsula.

The island's beaches, lush landscapes, and marine life are some of the main draws for visitors. The coral colonies, crystal-clear sea water, and the crashing waves of the Bay of Bengal all contribute to the island's natural beauty. Tourists come here to relax on the beaches, surrounded by coconut palms and the tranquility of the island's seclusion.

Many visitors choose to stay overnight to fully immerse themselves in the island's peaceful atmosphere and take in the natural beauty under the stars. The lack of artificial lighting makes for a unique stargazing experience, and the island's seafood will delight your taste buds. Overall St. Martin's Island is a perfect spot for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, connect with nature and indulge in delicious seafood. It's a place to rest and recharge and create some unforgettable memories.

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Kuakata

Kuakata, also known as Sagar Kannya or the "Daughter of the Sea," is a renowned tourist attraction in Bangladesh thanks to its panoramic sea beach. The 18 km long and 3 km wide sea beach is located in Kalapara Police Station of Patuakhali district, about 320 km from Dhaka and 70 km from Patuakhali Sadar. What makes Kuakata so special is its location, where visitors can see both the sunrise and sunset unobstructed.

The beach offers a unique blend of picturesque natural beauty, blue skies, sandy beaches, and vast bay, as well as evergreen vegetation. Visitors can also discover a 100-year-old Buddhist temple and two wells that are around 200 years old. The beach is also surrounded by hills and forests and offers an ideal place for adventure and relaxation.

Kuakata is a perfect destination for those who love nature and want to take in the beauty of the sea, while also experiencing the culture and history of the area. Whether you're looking for an adventure or a quiet place to unwind, Kuakata is the perfect spot to create lasting memories.

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Jaflong

Located at the border between Bangladesh and the Indian state of Meghalaya, Jaflong is a popular tourist destination in Sylhet known for its natural beauty and unique stone collection process. Situated 60km from Sylhet town and surrounded by subtropical mountains and rainforests, Jaflong is located along the picturesque Piain River.

Tourists come to Jaflong to witness the stunning landscape, lush gardens and rolling hills. The Mari River, originating from the Himalayan mountain range, brings with it an abundance of stone boulders. Jaflong is known for its stone collection activities, and the area is home to the Khasi tribe. Visitors come mainly in the winter to see the stone collection process, but during the monsoon season, Jaflong reveals a different type of beauty with numerous waterfalls cascading down the lush green mountains. The spectacular sight of white clouds and gushing waterfalls streaming from the green mountains is an enchanting experience for both locals and tourists.

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Madhabpur Lake

Nature lovers, Madhabpur is the place for you. Located in Sreemangal, Moulvibazar, this destination is renowned for its beautiful green landscapes of tea gardens, hills, and a lake. The area is abundant in rainfall which makes tea cultivation possible, but the sloped land doesn't allow for water to be retained for long. To overcome this, the Madhabpur tea state concern constructed a water reserving system in the form of Madhabpur lake in 1965.

The lake stretches for about 3 kilometers, with a width of 50-100 meters. There is a path around the lake for visitors to take a stroll and from the south side, it is possible to see the hills at the Indian border. Note that the lake is only open for visitors between 8 am and 6 pm. Inside the tea estate, you can find a tea processing center, sales center, and a mosque. The area is not only limited to tea cultivation but also features other plants such as herbal plants, rubber trees and woods, as well as spotted aquatic and migratory birds, such as ducks, sarali, pankauri, jalpipi, etc. Fishing is prohibited in the lake but visitors might spot monkeys and weasels among the hills and trees.

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Sajek Valley

Sajek Valley, located in the Rangamati District among the hills of the Kasalong range, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Bangladesh. This beautiful location is approximately 1800 feet above sea level and is known as the "Queen of Hills" and the "Roof of Rangamati." It is situated 80 km from Khagrachari town and 90 km northwest from Rangamati town, and just 8 km away from Mizoram, India.

The valley's lush greenery, scenic hills, wildness and the opportunity to play in the clouds make it a highly sought-after destination for tourists. Every day, thousands of visitors come to Sajek Valley to experience its natural beauty. The deep forests, grasslands and hilly areas make it a wonderful tourist spot, and one of the best choices for travelers, adventure enthusiasts, and digital nomads.

The valley offers a breathtaking view of passing clouds, which can even be touched at the peak of the valley, making it feel like a view of heaven on earth. The winding hilly roads and small rivers among the hills make the place even more thrilling. The weather in Sajek Valley is also unpredictable, adding an extra layer of excitement for visitors.

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The National Martyrs Memorial

The National Martyrs Memorial, also known as Jatiyo Sriti Shoudho, is the national monument of Bangladesh, built in memory of the brave individuals who lost their lives during the 1971 Liberation War. The monument is located in Savar, approximately 35km northwest of Dhaka. The structure was designed by architect Moinul Hossain. The entire complex spans 84 acres, with a green belt of 24.7 acres surrounding it. Visitors will find mass graves and a water body located in front of the monument.

The monument's design and location are intended to symbolize the nation's path to independence, with a jagged, uneven path leading up to the structure, and a man-made lake crossed by a bridge. The monument can be viewed from different angles and each perspective offers a unique view of the structure. From the front, the monument appears as a single structure, but it is actually composed of seven standing isosceles triangular concrete plates of varying sizes and heights. The highest plate has the smallest base, and the plate with the widest base is the lowest in height. These plates are folded at a 90-degree angle in the center, creating a unique configuration that changes as the monument is viewed from different angles.

This marvel of architecture is considered one of the finest monuments in the world, telling the story of a nation's journey to independence through its choreographed design.

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Lalbag Fort

The incomplete Mughal fort, dating back to the 17th century, is one of the most renowned and historically significant structures in Bangladesh. Located in the southwestern part of the old city, it stands majestically before the Buriganga River. The construction of the fort began in 1678 under the orders of Mughal prince Muhammad Azam during his tenure as viceroy in Bangladesh, but was never finished. Azam was called back to the capital, Delhi, before completion, and his son Shaista Khan, who also resided in the fort, did not continue the work, believing it to be unlucky following the death of his daughter, Pari Bibi in 1684. Despite its incomplete state, the fort boasts several structures within its grounds that showcases the art and architectural skill of the Mughal Empire.

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In conclusion, Bangladesh is a country that is often overlooked as a travel destination, but it is truly a hidden gem that is full of surprises. From its bustling cities, to its natural wonders, to its rich culture, the country offers something for everyone. The top 10 tourist attractions highlighted in this article, including Dhaka, Cox's Bazaar, the Sundarbans, St. Martin's Island, Kuakata, Jaflong, Sajek Valley, The National Martyrs Memorial, Lalbag Fort, and Madhabpur lake, are just a taste of what the country has to offer. A trip to Bangladesh will be an enlightening and enjoyable experience, one that will give visitors a glimpse into the diverse and fascinating culture of this amazing country. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or a culture enthusiast, there's something for everyone in Bangladesh. With so much to see and do, this country is definitely worth a visit. We hope this article has inspired you to start planning your own trip to Bangladesh and discover its hidden beauty for yourself.

Google maps location and Video presentations

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