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BRIFE INFORMATIOn… Official Name: People’s Republic of Bangladesh (Gana Prajatantri Bangladesh). Capital : Dhaka. From of Government: Parliamentary from of government. Location: Between 20*34 to 26*38` N and 88*01 to 92*41` E. Time: GMT + 6.00 hours. Area: 147,570 sq. km. Administration Units: Divison 7 (Dhaka, , Khulna, , Rangpur, Barisal & Sylhet) & District 64. Climate: Topical. Mild winter (October to March) with temperature ranging from 11*C to 29*C; hot humid summer (March to June) with temperature ranging from 21*C TO 35*C; humid, warm rainy monsoon with humidity going up to 95-100% during then. Religion: Muslim 90%, 9%, Buddhists, Christian and Other 1%. Languages: Bangla (official mother language) with English being the second most important language. Literacy: (7 years and above) 65.5% (2001). Energy sources: Fuel wood, nature gas, liquid petroleum fuels, coal, hydropower, solar power, Biogas etc. Industries: Jute, tea, textile & readymade garments, paper, newsprint, fertilizer, leather and goods, cement, sugar, fish processing, pharmaceuticals and chemicals. Currency: Taka (App. BDT 80= USD 1, October, 2013). Per-capita Income: USD 1700 (2010 east. Adjusted by purchasing power parity). Transport and Communication: Metal road 10,000 km; Railways: 2,891 km. Waterways: 8,900 km. Seaports: Chittagong and Mongla port. International Airports: Hazrat Shahjalal (R) Airport, Dhaka; Amanat Shah Airport, Chittagong and Osmani Airport, Sylhet. Staple Diet: Rice, wheat, vegetable, pulses. Fish and meat. Flora: 6000 species (5000 flowering plants). Fauna: Vertebrates; about 1600 species; fish: 266 inland species and 442 marine species; Amphibians: 22 species; Reptiles: 126 species ( 109 inland and marine); Birds: 628 species (388 resident and 240 migratory); Mammals: 120 species. Forest: Total 21,403 sq. km. Hill forest land: 13617 sq. km, Inland forest land: 1220 sq. km, Littoral forest: 6566 sq. km. National Holidays: Shaheed dibas (Martyrs day) on 21st February now observed as International Mother language day; Swadhinata Dibas (Independence Day) on 26th March; or Bangla Nababarsa (Bangla ) on 14th , Bijoy Dibas () on 16th December. Festivals Common: Navanna, Pahela Baishak (Bangla Nababarsha). Eid-Ul-Fiter, Eid-Ul-Azha, Shab-E-Qadar, Shab-E-Barat, Eid-e-Miladunnabi, Muharram, , , Laksmi Puja, puja, Doljatra, , , Buddha .

Tourist Destination of Bangladesh Smiling people of Bangladesh: The largest delta in the world with some unique ecological zones, Bangladesh is one of the most populated countries in the world. With more than 70% of its people living in the countryside, Bangladesh pulsates with life wherever you go.

Dhaka : Situated on the banks of the River Buriganga. Dhaka the Capital of Bangladesh first came into prominence in 1610 AD. Islam Khan Chishti the then Subader & chief –of-Army of Mughal Army in transferred the capital of Subah Bangla from Rajmahal to Dhaka. Today it is a bustling city of around 16 million people and the 9th biggest of the world. Known for its traffic snarl up, excessive pollution, poor public transportation and housing problems, Dhaka still retains its allure because of the people that live within. A people who love to chat over long sessions of tea and snacks; who love to eat road side food and people who love their cricket and football. Dhaka houses many old and new attractions. Some of the most popular tourist spots of this city includes Shankharia Bazar (Hindu Street), Ahsan Manzil (Pink Palace), Sadarghat (River front), Armenian Church, Star Masque, Dhakeswari Temple, Lalbagh Fort, Rickshaw Art, Curzon Hall (Dhaka University Campus), Kamlapur Buddhist Temple, Bashundhara Shopping Place, National Assembly Building etc.

Lalbagh Fort & Ahsan Manjil: The capital city Dhaka predominantly was a city of the Mughals. In hundred years of their vigorous rule, successive Government and princely Viceroys who ruled the province, aborted it with many Nobel monuments in the Sharpe of magnificent places, mosques, tombs, fortifications and ‘Katars’ often surrounded with beautifully laid out gardens and pavilions. Among these, few have survived the ravages of time, aggressive tropical climate of the land and vandal hands of man. But the finest specimen of this period is the Aurangabad fort, commonly known as Lalbagh Fort which indeed represents the unfulfilled dream of a Mugal Prince. It also contains within its fortified perimeter a number of splendid monuments and is surrounded by attractive garden. These are; a small 3-domed mosque, the mausoleum of Pari Bibi (the reputed daughter of Nawab Shaista Khan) and the Hammam and Audience Hall of the Governor.

National Parliament House & National Martyrs' Memorial: Parliament of Bangladesh, located at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the Bangladeshi capital of Dhaka. Designed by architect Louis Kahn, the complex, which accommodates all Bangladesh's seven parliaments, is one of the largest legislative complexes in the world, comprising 200 acres (800,000 m²)

The building was featured prominently in the 2003 film My Architect, detailing the career and familial legacy of its architect, Louis Kahn. Robert McCarter, author of Louis I. Kahn, described the National Parliament of Bangladesh as one of the twentieth century's most significant buildings.

National Martyrs' Memorial is the national monument of Bangladesh is the symbol in the memory of the velour and the sacrifice of all those who gave their lives in the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971, which brought independence and separated Bangladesh from . The monument is located in Savar, about 35 km north-west of the capital, Dhaka. It was designed by Syed Mainul Hossain.

Chittagong City: Situated on the banks or the River Karnaphuli, is the number one sea port and second largest city of Bangladesh. Being a port city from early times, Chittagong attracted people from various regions of the world and acted as a melting pot for people coming from many different areas and belonging to different religions and races. These international contacts left a lasting impact on the language, religion and culture of the place. Today it is also an important place for different industries of the country. Besides being the gateway to some of the most attractive tourist Spots of Bangladesh lke Chittagong Hill Tract (CHT) , Cox’s Bazar , St Martins Island etc…, Chittagong has also got some very unique attractions of its own like Ethnological Museum , World War II Cemetery , Chatteshwari Temple, Fay’s Lake, Patenga Beach, Parir Pahar (court building), Andarkilla etc.

Sunderban mangrove forest: The Shundarban is the largest contiguous mangrove forest in the world, covering over 10,000 square kilometers of wilderness. This forest is considered as the richest mangrove forest in the world in terms of species diversity and is not only home to critically endangered Royal Bengal Tiger (Pantheratigris) but also other threatened wildlife species.In 1999, the Shundarban came under UNESCO World Heritage Site. Recently a study from Wildlife Conservation Society has identified three areas in the shundarban mangrove forest as dolphin hotspots and the areas have been declared as wildlife sanctuaries for the conservation of threatened freshwater dolphins in 2012.

The vegetation of shundarban is largely compresed of mangrove species. Some of the species mostly seen in the forest are; Shundari ( Heritierafomes ) , Keora ( Sonneratiaapetala) , Gewa ( Excoecariaagallocha ), Golpata ( Nypafruticans), Bean (Avicennia spp.) etc. Over 120 species of fish and 270 species of bird have been recorded in the shundarbans. This includes the rare Masked Finfoot (Heliopaispersonata) and the prized Mangrove Pitta (Pitta megarhyncha). About 32 species of mammals have been recorded in the forest which includes a healthy population of threatended Ganges River Dolphin (Platanistagangetica) and lrrawaddy Dolphin (Orcaellabrevirostris). Among the other mammals Rhesus Macaques (Macacamulatta), Spotted Deer (Axis axis), Wild Boar (Susscrofa) etc. are more common.

Natural beauty and ethnic population: : The Chittagong Hill Tracts is the only extensive hill area in Bangladesh lies in southeastern part of the country bordering Myanmar on the southeast , the Indian state of on the north, Mizoram on the east and Chittagong plain land district on the west. The area of the Chittagong Hill Tracts is about 13,184 sq. km, which is approximately one-tenth of the total area of Bangladesh. The Chittagong Hill Tracts is divided into three individual districts. These are Rangamati, Khagrachhari and Bandarban districts. There are plenty of interesting places to visit in this area which is well connected by land from both Chittagong and Cox’s Bazar.It is possible to arrange soft trekking for a day or two in this area if organized in advance. Both at Rangamati & Bandarban good accommodation facilities are available while at Khagrachori it is rather limited. There is no doubt that meeting the ethnic people in their villages should be on top of your agenda while visiting this area, a cruise on kaptai Lake in Rangamatior driving by the lakeside road from Rangamati to bandarban or driving to Chimbuk or Nilgiri can be very interesting and exiting too.

HAOR & Lakes: There are two natural lakes (Rainkhiangkinelake and Bagakine Lake) and one artificial lake (Kaptai Lake). The Kaptai Lake covers an area of about 767 sq km in dry season and about 1,036 sq km in the monsoon.

World Heritage & Archeological Sites for history & culture: An important site of the , Bangladesh was an integral part of the medival civilizations that inhabited these regions. Although a country considerably rich in archaeological wealth, both during the Muslim and pre-Muslim rules, most of it is still unexplored and unknown. The earlier reveals that Buddhism received royal patronage from some important ruling dynastieslike the great pala rules, the chandras and the kings. Under their support, numerous well-organized, self-contained monasteries sprang up all over the country. These monasteries once thriving with life were also greatly appreciated and written about by travelers like Fa-Shien and Hiuen Tsang. With 2 archeological sites labeld as UNESCO World Heritage sites, Bangladesh still has much to reveal beneath her deltaic plains.

Paharpur: Paharpur is a small village 5 km west of Jamalganj in the greater Rajshahi district where the remains of the largest known monastery south of the Himalayas has been excavated. This monastery known as Sompura Mahavira, was built by Dharmapala (781-821 AD) of the palas, a great dynasty who are majorly responsible for the spread of Buddhism. This 7th century archaeological finding was part of a group of 5 monasteries that all worked towards spreading Buddhism; Vikramashila, Nalanda, Somapura Mahavihara, Odantapura and Jaggadala. The five monasteries formed a network, where famous scholars of that time like Atish Dipankar would come to teach and reside. Paharpur remained active well until 12th century AD.

Mahasthangarh: Mahastangarh is the ancient city of Pundravardan that is known to have been inhabited since the Mauryans (3rd century BC) up until the 18th century AD. This oblong plateau is enclosed by walls and acted as a fortified city, This obolong plateau is enclosed by walls and acted as a fortified city; bordered by the river karatoya. Various isolated mounds spread around the area giving a picture of an ancient and well established civilization on the Bogra- rangpur highway. Radio carbon dating as well as the discovery of some stone inscriptions written in Brahmi script has established the fact that this region was inhabited since 3rd century BC. Of the excavated mounds, Basu Bihara, Totaram Panditer Dhap, Gokul Medh and Govinda Bhita, are some of the more famous ones. Hiuen Tsang the famous Chinese Buddhist scholar stayed around 640 AD.

Mainamati: An isolated low, dimpled range of hills, dotted with more than 50 ancient Buddhist settlements of the 8th to 12th century AD known as Mainamoti-Lalmai range extend through the center of the district of Comilla. This region was known as ; the ancient principality of a series of the 6th to 13th century dynasties like khadga, Deva and Chandras, who ruled in this region. The main monastery built which may have also been known as kanakastupa Vihara, according to the great Chinese monk who passed through this region, Hiuen Tsang in 7- 8th century AD, is more popularity known as Salban Vihar.

Shait-Gambuj Mosque, Bgherhat: Duringthe Sultanate of Nasiruddin Shah Mahmud, a Turkishadministrative General Ulugh Khan Jahan was in charge of certain precincts. One of which was Khalifatabad, present day Bagerhat. He built mosques and dug out ponds and worked towards the development of the area. The Shaith Gumbuj Masjid (60-domed mosque) is a misnomer as I is roofed over with 77 squat domes; including 7 chauchala or four-sided pitched Bengali domes in the middle row. Six feet thick, slightly tapering walls which are how and round, almost detached corner towers, resembling the bastions of a fortress, each capped by small rounded cupolas recall the Tughlaq architecture of Delhi. The general appearance of this noble monument with its stark simplicity but massive character reflects the strength and simplicity of the builder.

Kantanagar Temple, Dinajpur: The most ornate among the late medieval temples of Bangladesh is the Kantanagar temple (Kantaje’s Temple) in Birgonj near Dinajpur. It was built in 1752 by Maharaja Pran Nath of Dinajpur. The temple, a 52 square feet, three storied edifice, rests on a slightly curved raised plinth of sandstone blocks, believed to have been quarried from the ruins of the ancient city of Bangarh near Gangarampur in . It was originally a navaratna temple, crowned with four richly ornamental corner towers on two floors and a central one over the third floor.

COX’S Bazar: One of the longest stretches of beaches in the world, the Cox’s Bazar beach enjoys an unbroken stretch of up to 125 km of natural terrain. Other than being one of the most popular tourist destinations for locals and visitors, Cox’s Bazar houses one of the most revered Buddhist monasteries of the day Buddhist, who practice the Theravada sect of Bubbhisim. The Aggmeda Khyang monastery posted on a series of round timber columns is one of the most visited Buddhist sites of the region. The Ramu village at a distance of about 10 km offers the visitor a unique look into the lives of the locals as they sit outside their homes and weave the local hand-crafted products. A famous Buddhist monastery with many relics including a 13 feet high image of the Buddha in bronze can also be found here.

Kuakata: Literally meaning a dug well, this beach derived such a name when the Rakhaine community in the early 18th century relocated here after being driven out of the Cox’s Bazar area by the Mughals and made this part of the Shundarbans habitable. Running at a stretch of about 30km, dotted with religious centers of both Islamic and Buddhist traditions, the kuakata beach is visited by many Hindu pilgrims throughout the year. Kuakata beach now enjoys a protected Area status given by the Government of Bangladesh. A 100 year old Buddhist temple is a local attraction as well as more than 200 year old wells that were dug up by the Rakhaines.

St. Martin’s Island: According St. Martin’s Island or Narikel Jinjira (Cocunat Island) as it is locally known is the last frontier of the country, disconnected from the mainland. It can only be reached by the blue colored Nafriver, with the Burmese mountains on one side. Bright yellow sand and a vibrant blue water. St. Martin’s is a rustic island that houses one of the country’s most rare collection of corals, Sans electricity and the modern amenities that come with a tourist destination, this off beat site still attracts huge crowds who enjoy travelling back to the basics. An active turtle population nests here and it is a famous touristic activity to watch them lay their eggs on the beach.

Maheshkhali: According to local folklore, a peasant found a stone image in the forest and later dreamt that it was that of a Hindu deity known as Mahesh. So he built, a temple which may now be the Adinath Mandir and Maheshkhali thus came into being. With the Cox’s Bazar on the North-east and the Bay of Bengal at its Southern tip, Maheshkhali has a long range of hills running through it. With many salt fields in the region, Maheshkhali has a variety of shells and local seafood that attract a bevy of visitors the year round.

Tea plantation, Forest & Ethnic communities: Sylhet Situated in the North-eastern belt of the country is known for its tea gardens and the many Islamic saint that hail from this region. This area is not just home to the country’s largest Oxbow lakes or Bowl like depressions called Haors, Sylhet also has a diverse collection of ecologically critical sites and protected areas with some critically endangered wildlife species inhabiting there.

Sylhet being on the corner of a culturally active part of the country is still home to many ethnic communities like the Tipperas, Monipuris, Khasis and Garos. Maintaing their age old customs to this day, these communities continue living the way their ancestors lived.

Srimongal: Is the home to tea gardens and tropical rainforests like the Lawachara National Park, Satchari National Park and the wetland network are an hour’s drive to the North. Lawachara is home to the famous Hoolock Gibbon and Tanguar Haor the bowl like depression is a popular bird sanctuary and one of the RAMSAR sites.

Hotels of Bangladesh Bangladesh has always fascinated foreigners for its rich historical background, colorful cultural life style, foods, spices, sweetmeats and foremost for the warm hospitality of the local people. That’s why Bangladesh is a prime spot for tourists and to accommodate these tourists many world class hotels have established. Of those hotels here are some of the best hotels in Bangladesh. Westin Hotel: This 5 star hotel has gained the popularity of tourists in a very short time compared to the others. Starting from 2005, it provides all the modern needs of a foreigner in Bangladesh.

Hotel Sheraton/Ruposhi Bangla: This is the oldest residential hotel in Dhaka, Bangladesh. For a long time, it was known as Hotel Sheraton. But now it is known as Ruposhi Bangla Hotel. This hotel is situated in an attractive and modern area of Dhaka, with the , the National Museum, Novo Theatre, Basundhara city shopping center, Dhaka University, BIRDEM hospital nearby. It is situated only 16 kilometres away from the Hazrat Shahjalal Airport and 500 yards north to the more.

Radisson Blue Water Garden Hotel: This is one of the finest and attractive five star hotels in Dhaka. This hotel is situated 5 kilometers from the Airport, near the Cantonment Railway Station.

Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel: This is one of the cheapest five star hotels in Dhaka, Bangladesh with quality services. It contains a large hall room which can give space to 1200 people at a time, suitable for seminar, symposium and gathering. You can have a quality room with all modern facilities from 120$ only for one night.

Hotel Lakeshore: One of the best hotels of Dhaka city. Has 6 types of suits that offers luxurious and quality service to you. It is also popular for it’s delicious foods. Only 8 Kilometers from the Airport.

Hotel : The Hotel Agrabad Chittagong offers many services including a lift, a suit press and a restaurant serving Indian, French and local dishes. Welcoming and helpful staff are available 24 hours a day. A concierge, a safe and a free airport shuttle are also offered at the hotel.

Seagull Hotel: Come and experience what our guests talk wildly about – splendid feelings of staying very close to sea! Our rooms and suites are designed to ensure both sea and hill side of beautiful Cox’s bazar. Whatever your expectation, we can match it with rooms and suites ranging from deluxe to presidential suite.

Ocean Paradise Hotel & Resort: Situated on one of the best locations near the beach, Ocean Paradise Hotel & Resort is the ideal Cox's Bazar vacation spot no matter what you are seeking. With first-class restaurants, affordable luxury accommodation and a spectacular view of the ocean.

Long Beach Hotel: Encompassing the spectacular views of Cox’s Bazar, Long Beach Hotel stands very close to the hills and sea-beach, offering world class facilities and exhilarating experience to its guests. .

Rose View Hotel: Rose View Hotel welcomes you to enjoy comfort and luxury, a place where you will find exceptional five star facilities from pleasant surroundings and world class hospitality in Sylhet.

Nazimgarh Resorts: Nazimgarh Resorts, with its luxurious settings, is emerging as the premier hotel and resort destination of Bangladesh. Its different properties in the northeast district of Sylhet offer places to stay in garden, forest and adventure locations. Built in Eco friendly environment, Nazimgarh Resorts offers more than a retreat, it offers a sanctuary amidst nature.

Hotel Royal International: Hotel Royal International is a pioneer international standard hotel and located in the heart of a very affluent neighborhood in Khulna city and which is newly renovated offering you all the luxuries and services of an international hotel with all personal comforts and coziness of home in the traditional essence of its warm hospitality in 50 exquisitely furnished rooms.

Important Notes:

Health: Dhaka is known as one of the most polluted capitals and the excessive dust during winter does not help either. Hence, precautions for breathing problems world include a mask (available at local pharmacies) and other respiratory medicines which are available. Pharmacies are mostly well stocked with medicines of every king.

Getting about: it is best to avoid the streets alone after 7pm as random incidents of mugging do occur. Travelling in large groups certainly helps, however , it is best to avoid the streets altogether after 10pm. Buses in Dhaka do not connect every corner of the city but CNG run auto scooters (tuktuk) will take you anywhere.

Itineraries: NATURE & WILDLIFE TOUR 7 nights and 8 days Day-01: Arrive and overnight in Dhaka. Day-02: Travel to Srimongal. Overnight in Srimongal. Day-03: Full day at Srimongal. Overnight in Srimongal. Day-04: Travel to Khulna via Dhaka and board the boat. Overnight on the boat. Day-05: Stay inside Sundarban Forest on the boat. Day-06: Stay inside Sundarban Forest on the boat. Day-07: Return to Dhaka. Overnight in Dhaka.

Day-08: Departure.

TRIBAL PEOPLE & CULTURAL TOUR 5 nights and 6 days Day-01: Arrive and overnight in Dhaka. Day-02: After full day sightseeing stay overnight in Dhaka. Day-03: Travel to Bandarban / Rangamati via Chittagong and stay overnight. Day-04: Full day stay at Bandarban / Rangamati and experience with the ethnic Population. Day-05: Arrive back in Dhaka and stay overnight.

Day-06: Departure.

HISTORY, ARCILOGICAL & CULTURE TOUR 07 night and 06 days Day-01: Arrive and overnight in Dhaka. Day-02: After full day sightseeing stay overnight in Dhaka. Day-03: Travel to Dinajpur, visit Kantajee and overnight at Rangpur. Day-04: Visit Paharpur, Mahasthan and overnight at Bogra. Day-05: Visit Nator, Putia and overnight at Rajshahi. Day-06: Visit ChotoSona Masjid and other please and overnight at Rajshahi. Day- 07: Departure.

TEA GARDEN & ETHNIC TOUR 4 nights and 5 days Day-01: Arrive and overnight in Dhaka. Day-02: Travel to Sylhet & half day sightseeing to ethnic village and stay overnight in hotel. Day-03: Full day stay at Tea garden and experience with the ethnic population. Day-04: Half day sightseeing at Sylhet & Start for Dhaka and stay overnight. Day-05: Half day sightseeing at Dhaka city and Departure. CRUISE & FISHING (HILSHA FISH) TOUR 4 nights and 5 days Day-01: Arrive and overnight in Dhaka. Day-02: Travel for Chandpur by river cruise and stay overnight in hotel. Day-03: Full day stay at Maghna River and experience with the fisherman & grasp Ilish fish by own hand. Day-04: Half day sightseeing at alluvial land & Start for Dhaka and stay overnight.

Day-05: Half day sightseeing at Dhaka city and Departure.

BEACH & ISLAND TOUR 7 nights and 8 days Day-01: Arrive and overnight in Dhaka. Day-02: After full day sightseeing stay overnight in Dhaka. Day-03: Travel to Cox’s Bazar. Day-04: Stay full day at Cox’s Bazar. Day-05: Transfer to St. Martin’s Island for an overnight trip. Day-06: Arrive back in Cox’s Bazar and stay overnight. Day-07: Return back to Dhaka and stay overnight. Day-08: Departure.

HAOR & RAIN FOREST TOUR 5 nights and 6 days Day-01: Arrive and overnight in Dhaka. Day-02: Travel to Srimongal. Overnight in Srimongal. Day-03: Full day at Hakaluki Haor. Overnight in Srimongal. Day-04: Full day at Laowachora Forest. Overnight in Srimongal. Day-05: Full day at Srimongal. Overnight in Srimongal.

Day-06: Departure.

SUNDERBAN FOREST ADVANTURE & CRUISE TOUR 6 nights and 7 days Day-01: Arrive and overnight in Dhaka. Day-02: Travel to Khulna. Overnight in Khulna. Day-03: Full day at Kotka. Overnight in Launch. Day-04: Full day at Hiron Point. Overnight in Launch. Day-05: Full day at Koromjol. Overnight in Launch. Day-06: Start for Khulna & Half day sightseeing at Mongla. Overnight in Khulna.

Day-07: Departure.

GOLF & DHAKA CITY TOUR 3 nights and 4 days Day-01: Arrive and overnight in Dhaka. Day-02: Travel to Kurmitola Golf field. Full day at golf field. Day-03: Full day sightseeing at Dhaka city. Day-04: Half day tour at Golf field & Departure.