What special things are there to see in Bangladesh? The reality is
that you cannot afford to be ignorant of some of the highly magnificent
places without visiting them, which are the signature sites of
Bangladesh. Missing those wonderful places would perhaps be somewhat
like visiting Paris without enjoying the grandeur of Eiffel Tower. Here
are the top 12 magnificent places to visit in Bangladesh:
1. Cox’s Bazar
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The
seaside town Cox’s Bazar is located in Chittagong Division. Also known
as Panowa, it has the longest (125 kilometers) natural and sandy
sea-beach. ‘Panowa’ literally means ‘yellow flower’. Cox’s Bazar is the
district headquarter.
Cox’s Bazar is considered as one of the most
widely visited tourist destinations in Bangladesh. The huge Buddhist
monastery named Aggmeda Khyang is one of the top tourist attractions
here. Ramu is a village where the Buddhist population resides. Cox’s
Bazar is well known for its homemade cigars and handicrafts. Also the
first safari park of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Safari Park is
about 50 kilometers away from Cox’s Bazar Town.
2. SMartinaint
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The
only coral island of Bangladesh, Saint Martin’s Island is quite small
and it embraces about 8 square kilometers of the land area. Located
close to Chhera Island, it was first named as Zajira by some unknown
Arabian sailors.
The present name ‘Saint Martin’s Island’ came
into existence during the rule of British. Sunrise and sunset, exotic
village life, sea turtle hatchery, coral rocks, and plentiful stars at
night are some most cherished attractions here. Fishing, oceanic scuba
diving, and walk by the sea beach are some fascinating activities here.
3. Kuakata
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Kuakata
is located in the southern part of Bangladesh. The panoramic view of
the sea beach and the beautiful tourist attractions in and round Kuakata
makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Bangladesh.
The
sunset and sunrise can be seen in their full splendor from the wide
sandy beach of Kuakata. Fatrar Chor (part of Sundarban), Gangamati
Reserved Forest, Jhau Bon (forest), Keranipara Seema Temple, Misripara
Buddhist Temple, and Eco Park are very popular among both domestic and
foreign tourists.
4. Sundarban
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Sundarbans,
literally meaning ‘beautiful forest’ is known all over the world for
the tidal halophytic mangrove forest. Several documentary films have
been made on this exotic forest.
Sundarban is a UNESCO World
Heritage Site. The major part of it is in Bangladesh; some part of it
also comes under Indian Territory. Densely covered with forest, it is
considered to be one of the largest reserves that protect Royal Bengal
Tiger. Captivating flora, and fauna like avifauna, aqua-fauna,
predators, and reptiles add beauty to the charm of Sundarban National
Park, Sundarbans West Wildlife Sanctuary, Sundarbans South Wildlife
Sanctuary, and Sajnakhali Wildlife Sanctuary.
5. Bandarban
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Bandarban,
literally meaning ‘dam of monkeys’, is a district of Bangladesh in
Chittagong Division and Chittagong Hill Tracts. After the Chittagong
Hill Tract Insurgency, it emerged as one of the most fascinating tourist
attractions of Bangladesh.
The beautiful mountain ranges escalate
the natural beauty of the surroundings. The largest Buddhist temple of
Bangladesh known as Buddha Dhatu Jadi is situated in Bandarban. Shoilo
Propat waterfall at Milanchari; several Buddhist temples like Ujanipara
Vihar and Raj Vihar; Chimbuk Hill and Tribal Villages are worth
watching. Also the peaks like Nilgiri and Thanchi captivate the eyes of
the tourists immensely.
6. Rangamati
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Known
as the ‘Lake City’ of Bangladesh, Rangamati is full of matchless beauty
and is one of the most visited tourist destinations of Bangladesh. It
is located about 77 kilometers away from Chittagong.
Buses, taxis,
and some other private vehicles can be taken from Chittagong to
Rangamati. Rangamati Town, Hanging Bridge, Kaptai Lake, and Indigenous
Museum are among the notable landmarks and popular tourist destinations
of Rangamati. Hotel Sufia International, Hotel Green Castle, Parjaton
Motel and Banapura Tourist’s Inn are some favorite hotels for the
tourists who visit Rangamati.
7. Chittagong
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Chittagong
is quite a big town. The largest international seaport in Bangladesh is
situated here. Shah Amanat International Airport connects Chittagong to
various hot destinations of the world through airways. It functions as a
domestic airport too.
Patenga Beach, Foy’s Lake, Shrine of Baizid
Bostami, World War II Cemetery, Ethnological Museum, Chittagong Medical
College, Court Building, and Kattali Beach are some of the most famous
tourist spots in Chittagong. There are several hotels of different
categories in Chittagong that cater to the needs of all types of
tourists and visitors.
8. Sylhet
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Located
amidst the picturesque landscape of Surma Valley, Sylhet is such a
well-visited and popular tourist destination that no tourist desires to
miss a visit. Sylhet is the largest city of Sylhet Division of
Bangladesh. It embraces the population of more than 500,000 residents.
The
scenic beauties of Tamabil-Jaflong, Kalibari Temple near Jaflong, Sri
Mahalaxmi Temple near Sylhet city, the largest tea garden named Sree
Mangal, and Lawacherra Rain Forest are really eye-catching in and around
Sylhet. The tourists can enjoy shopping at the places like Al Hamra,
Blue Water, Millennium, Aarong, Monorom, Artisti, Westecs, and Kumarpara
etc. There are several hotels like Hotel Supreme, Hotel Palash, Hotel
Western, Hotel Golden City, Hotel Hilltown, and Niravana Inn etc. These
hotels cater to the holistic needs of the tourists visiting and staying
here.
9. Comilla
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A
big district in Chittagong Division along the Dhaka-Chittagong Highway,
Comilla is a well-known tourist destination in Bangladesh. There are
various places in Comilla that fascinate the tourists with many of the
attractions there.
Lalmai Hills, Bangladesh Academy for Rural
Development, War Cemetery, Maynamoti Museum, Shah Shuja Masque, and
Comilla Zoo etc. brings in thousands of domestic and foreign tourists
every year. The hotels like Bangla Restora, Nurjahan Hotel, Jur Kanon
Hotel, Dina Hotel, and Moynamoti Hotels etc. are some well known and
popular hotels & restaurants in Comilla.
10. Dhaka
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Without
visiting Dhaka, the visit to Bangladesh is incomplete. Dhaka is the
largest and also the capital city of Bangladesh. Dhaka is an economic,
academic and cultural hub of Bangladesh. There are more than eighteen
million people dwell in Dhaka.
Dhaka is the center of almost
everything and every activity in Bangladesh. The National Memorial,
Liberation War Museum, National Parliament House, Shahid Minar, Hatir
Jheel (Lake), Lalbag Fort, Dharmajika Buddhist Monastery, Pink Palace,
Ahsan Manzil, American Church of the Holy Resurrection, Baldha Gardens,
Ramna Park, Bangabandhu Memorial Museum, and Maynamati Ruins are some of
the hottest tourist spots in Dhaka. Dhaka has so many places to visit
that hardly can it be summed up in few words!
Furthermore, being
the capital city of Bangladesh, Dhaka has several five, four and three,
star hotels along with innumerable small hotels, guest houses, and
restaurants.
11. Sonargaon
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About
29 kilometers away from Dhaka, Sonargaon is located on Dhaka-Chittagong
Highway. The rulers of different dynasties in the past had made
Sonargaon the capital of Bangladesh and today, it exhibits the rich
historical and cultural values.
The visit to Sonargaon is an
unforgettable tour for lifetime. Folk Arts and Crafts Museum, Panam
City, Royal Palace, beautiful gardens, and Old Lake etc. are some of the
most fascinating tourist spots in Sonargaon.
Visiting Dhaka would be of course incomplete if anyone misses out Sonargaon.
12. Bogra
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Bogra
is located in Rajshahi Division of Bangladesh and is known as one of
the oldest towns of Bangladesh. Due to its tourist hot-spots and
escalating flow of domestic and foreign tourists, Bogra is considered to
be one among the top tourist destinations in Bangladesh.
The
ancient urban archaeological site Mahasthangarh, Behular Bashor Ghar,
Nawab Palace, and Jaina Temple are some of the most visited tourist
attractions in Bogra.