Discover Dhaka 4 Days / 3 Nights

Discover Dhaka 4 days / 3 nights

Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh is famous for many historical events, her background is crowded with the activities and achievements of Palas, Senas, Patahans, Mughal and Britons among many other dynasties.

Founded in 1608, the place was originally known as the town of Mosques and the city of Rickshaws.

Dhaka became the capital of a country when Bangladesh emerged as an independent and sovereign country in 1971. Dhaka has an amazing blend of Mughal, Victorian and modern architecture as well as many historic relics.

Discover the beauty and intrigue offered around every corner in this historically rich city.

G.C. Nanda & Sons Ltd. Tourist & Travel Agents Since 1948 Lic 350558. 2903, West Tower Shun Tak Centre, 168-200 Connaught Road, Central, Hong Kong Tel: 2522 3137 / 2522 4228 Fax: 2868 5818 E-mail: [email protected]

Discover Dhaka 4 days / 3 nights

Day 1 - Dhaka Upon arriving at Dhaka airport, enjoy a traditional meet & greet with flowers and traditional sweets, followed by your transfer to the hotel. After having checked-in and unpacked proceed to visit Shakari Bazzar (Hindu Street), without a doubt, the most fascinating street in Dhaka. The Bazzar contains an interesting row of ancient houses, sheltering countless Shankharis (Hindu artisans). Enjoy spending the day perusing the area, once ready; take your transfer back to the hotel for your overnight stay.

Day 2 - Dhaka – Dhamrai After breakfast, you will be escorted to Dhamrai, a small market town once famous for her fine pottery, brass casting and other traditional arts. You shall be hosted by a family that has been casting brass for over 200 years, see how it is done and even have a try yourself. Next, visit the homes of the potters and see them at work, gain insight into the happenings in a true Bengali village.

Thereafter cruise along the Padma River or Sitalakhya River on a traditional wooden boat, an excellent way to see the countryside. Sitalakhya River Here is where you will see the real Bangladesh, a country with over 600 rivers. Experience the riverine life in a very comfortable and relaxing manner, visit a small riverside village and interact with the friendly villagers.

Once ready, you will be escorted back to Dhaka in the late afternoon, followed by your transfer to the hotel.

Day 3 - Dhaka We recommend enjoying a hearty meal today as much will be seen on this historical tour of Old Dhaka city, including Ahzan Manjil (the Pink Palace), Dhakeshwari Temple, Lal Bagh (Red fort), The Armenian church and Sar Mosque. Dhakeshwari Temple

Ahsan Manjil, one of the most interesting buildings in Dhaka, occupies a prominent place in the history books from the mid-nineteenth century to the first quarter of the twentieth century.

The Pine Palace is the residence and official centre of the East Bengal’s most influential Zamindars (landowner) who were later conferred the title of Nawab by the British Government. Enjoy viewing the

magnificent pink building with an imposing staircase leading to the 2nd floor, topped with a lofty dome.

In each of the 23 grand rooms there is a photograph of the rooms dating back to 1902. The museum gives a good insight into the life of the ruling classes of Bengal during the Raj.

Continue to Dhakeshwari Temple, the main Hindu temple of Dhaka city dating from the 12th century, where you are likely to find long- haired Sadhus (itinerant holy men) performing their duties.

Next, visit Lal Bagh (Red fort) this unfinished structure is touted as Lal Bagh (Red Fort) Dhaka’s premier tourist attraction. Construction began in 1677 under the auspices of Prince Mohammed Azam, third son of Aurangazeb, who then handed it over to Shaista Khan for completion.

The death of Khan’s daughter, Pari Bibi (fair lady), was considered such a bad omen that fort was never completed. However, three architectural monuments within the complex, all in the Bangla- Mughal style of architecture, were finished in 1684 and remain in good condition. Enjoy the elegant two storey structure with symmetrical facade and central hall. Inside you will find a small museum containing Mughal miniature paintings and beautiful examples of calligraphy, along with swords and firearms.

The mosque on the western side of the complex is quite attractive Star Mosque however the middle building, the Mausoleum of Pari Bibi, is a unique and important structure. The Mausolem is the only building in Bangladesh where black basalt, white marble and encaustic tiles of various colors has been used to decorate an interior.

Be sure to make time for the Star Mosque, completed in the early nineteenth century. Over the centuries, additions have been made, but one feature has remained consistent, the blue star motifs found on the domes of the mosque and on the tiles on the interior of the building, from which the mosque derived its name. The Star Mosque is beautifully preserved, and even though additions and renovations have been done, most of the original structure still stands, making the mosque a noteworthy attraction.

Continue onwards to visit Parliament house, Liberation war museum, Sonargaon & the National Martyrs Memorial.

Liberation war museum: This museum has a very moving display of the 1971 War of Independence, with lots of English and Bangla Parliament house newspaper reports, photographs (some quite graphic) and memorabilia. The lines on the floor take you on a chronological tour of the conflict, one of the best museums in the country.

Sonargaon (the Golden City) is 27 Km from Dhaka, originally the capital of Bengal from the 13th to early 17th century during the Chandra and Deva dynasty. In 1611, the Sultanat collapsed under the pressure from the Mughal expansion, and the Mughals considered the location too exposed to the Portuguese and the Mogh Pirates and thus established Dhaka as their capital. You can also visit the folklore museum at Sonargaon.

Zainul Abedin Musuem, here you will discover some historical and archeological findings. Among the ancient monuments still intact are the Tomb of Sultan Ghiasuddin (1399-1409 A.D), the shrines of Panjpirs Sonargaon , City of Panam & Shah Abdul Alia and a beautiful mosque in Goaldi Villaae.

National Martyrs' Memorial, this memorial is located in Savar known as Jatia Sriti Saudha, 35 Km from Dhaka. The 50 meter high memorial to the millions who died in the struggle for independence stands tall. The beautifully kept grounds contain a number of glassy platforms that cover the mass graves of some of those that fought in the Liberation War.

Do choose what you wish to take in, everything can be seen if your time is managed accordingly, as the night rolls in do take your transfer back to the hotel for your final overnight stay.

Day 4 – Dhaka – Hong Kong Enjoy your final breakfast in Dhaka, if you wish to shop around for souvenirs do visit “AARONG" which sells a wide variety of handicrafts National Martyrs’ Memorial produced by rural women artisans, (these include embroidered pictures. Each item is unique in design and color, by manipulating the stitches; the women are able to create various ripple effects, creating different textures and looks. Most makers follow a basic pattern for embroidery, using a lotus as a centre piece with vines, representing the tree of life, running from each corner towards the lotus motif.

Enjoy your free time for individual activities before driving to the airport for your onward flight TG322 to Hong Kong at 1335hrs.

JOURNEY END

Aarong