Bangladesh:
Embraced by India and connected to Myanmar by a small border it is situated in the Ganges delta formed by the union of Ganges (Padma). While aspiring to develop with the modern world it also holds a rich heritage. It shares its literary treasure with India and possesses wonderful musical tradition which comprises of ektara – a unique instrument with only one string. Beautiful forests and hill regions surround the country.
Travel to Bangladesh: The Bangladeshi visas are valid up to six months. These travel visas are good for holidaying for about three months.
The home airline is Biman Bangladesh Airlines and caters to about 27 cities in the world. The other major names are Air France, Lufthansa, Cathay Pacific, Swiss Air, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Pan Am, British Airways and more. The Zia International airport in Dhaka is about 20km from the city. Other international airports would be MA Hannan International airport in Chittagong and Osmani in Syhlet. To travel within the country bus is economical but a train journey is a lot safer. Internal flights are also available. Tourists’ favourite way of transportation would be through the waters. Various types of boats are available to choose from. Taxis are at hand to roam around the cities but if you want a different experience board the rickshaws and auto-rickshaws.
Attractions:
Shaheed Minar: This is a monument located in the Dhaka University area. It was built in the memory of the victims of the great Language Movement that happened on 21st February 1952. While trying to achieve equal status for their national language many students and political protesters were killed by the Pakistani police. A proxy monument was erected by the students but was soon removed by the Pakistani police. The present monument was planned and constructed by Hamidur Rahman. Many lively sculptures stand around the Shaheed Minar and beautify the campus. On the break of spring, people throng at the exhibitions and concerts and glorify the surrounding areas.
Sundarbans National Park: Though a significant part of this is in India, Bangladesh has its part too. This has taken a place on the World Heritage sites. Being the house of the Royal Bengal Tiger, saltwater crocodile, the King Cobra and various priced possessions foreigners have to obtain special permission to enter the zone.
Bangladesh National Museum: Established in 1913 this museum ahs gone through many stages of improvement. The collection has gradually increased and so are the people visiting it. Artefacts of ethnography, history, art, contemporary civilisation and classical art are well preserved.
Languages: Bangla is the official language which draws its essence from Sanskrit. It is also extensively known as Bengali and spoken by the majority of the population. This is one of the languages spoken widely throughout the world. English and Urdu are also well conversed in the country.
Shopping: Bangladesh is famous for its intensive art works. An ideal souvenir would be beautiful handicrafts like wood works, bamboo decorations material, hand engraved vases, wall hangings, shiny conch shell works, coconut masks, brass work and picturesque paintings. These are available at their best prices in the country. Gold and silver jewellery, leather commodities, silk, cotton, printed saris, jute products, reed, stuff made from animal skins and hides, bangles, quilts and jamdani products are also worth buying. Natural pink pearls are something that women cannot leave the country without. Duty free shopping can be made at the airports and these shops have quality pieces of cameras, hi-fi systems, perfumes, watches, wines and more at good prices. Shital Pati is also a good buy in Bangladesh. These are mattresses that have a cooling effect.
Bangladeshi Taka is the currency. Credit cards and Travellers cheques are also accepted. Shops offer good conversion rates for widely accepted foreign currencies.
Destinations in Bangladesh:
Chittagong: Silvery waters at the bay, green forests and the beaches bring in a lot of tourists to this city which holds the largest port in Bangladesh. The Rangamati Hill District is a wonderful place to visit here with its natural content and rich Buddhist tribal culture. The Ethnographical museum, ancient 17th century Shahi Jama-e-Masjid Mosque, Foy’s lake – an exotic artificial lake and more are other places worth giving a visit.
Cox’s bazaar: This holds one of the world’s longest beach and is located from about 150km from Chittagong. Himchari which is 32km from this district is loved a lot by tourists for its wonderful waterfalls. Maheskhali is a exquisite scenic spot. A Buddhist pagoda and a Lord Shiva temple are located here.
Sonargaon: A lovely embodiment of ancientness is what can be said of Sonargaon which is situated at about 29 km from Dhaka. This city was the capital of Isa Khan’s empire. One can see the heritage still intact from the ruins of Sonargaon.
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