Bangladesh Discovery

Itinerary

Day 1 - Dhaka
On arrival in Dhaka, transfer to the hotel. Time permitting, explore Dhaka and get to grips with this vibrant city. Overnight Rosewood Hotel or similar.

Day 2 - Kurigram
Travel to Kurigram in the north west of Bangladesh. The journey takes you through a diversity of landscapes and is a good introduction to the geography of the country. Arrive Kurigram in the late afternoon. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore. Overnight Chinnamukul Guesthouse or similar. (BLD)

Day 3 – Kurigram - Rangpur
We spend much of the day exploring the chars of the Brahmaputra River. These are large sandbank islands, isolated from the mainland, home to some traditional and fascinating communities. We spend our time here visiting local settlements and learning about the challenges of life here. In the late afternoon driver to Rangpur. Overnight Parjatan Motel or similar. (BL)

Day 4 – Rangpur
Today we explore the highlights of northern Bangladesh, visiting the Tajhat Palace, one of the finest in Bangladesh, as well as the temple of Kali Mandir. Later visit Kantanagar temple, a stunning terracotta Hindu temple built in 1652 by the Maharaja of Dinajpur. In the afternoon visit the Ramsagar, a huge and picturesque pond. Overnight at Parjatan Motel or similar. (BL)

Day 5 - Paharpur
Morning visit to Paharpur, a famous Buddhist site dating back to the 8th century and one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the country. Later visit the Hindu temples in Puthia before returning driving to Rajshahi. Overnight at Parjatan Motel, Rajshahi or similar. (BL)

Day 6 – Khulna – Bagerhat – Mongla
Early morning train journey to Khulna. Arrive early afternoon and visit Bagerhat, home to the famous 60-domed mosque Shad Gambuj Masjid. Overnight in Pasur Hotel or similar. (BL)

Day 7 - Sundarbans
Spend the day exploring the Sundarbans by boat. This is the planet's largest mangrove forest, the home of the Royal Bengal Tiger and many other mammals and birds. You cruise both the larger rivers and are able to enter smaller canals for maximum opportunities to see wildlife. You will also be able to go ashore to walk through and experience the forest first-hand. Return to Khulna for the evening. Overnight in Western Inn or similar. (BL)

Day 8 – Dhaka - Sylhet
Drive to Jessore and fly back to Dhaka. From here we travel to Sylhet, in the north east of the country, stopping en route at anything of interest that we may see. Overnight Hotel Rose View or similar. (BL)

Day 9 - Jaflong
Today drive to Jaflong, one of the most scenic areas in Bangladesh, close to the Indian border. Here we can see how the local people are collecting stone, with great opportunities to see a different side of Bangladeshi life and superb chances for photography. Visit the village across the river to meet Khasia tribal people and see their daily lifestyle. Return to Sylhet and visit the shrine of the great saint Hazrat Shah Jalal. Afternoon drive to Srimongal, the centre of Bangladesh’s tea growing industry. Overnight at Nishorgo Eco Resort or similar. (BLD)

Days 10-11 - Srimongal
We spend two days exploring the area around Srimongal, perhaps the most beautiful region of the country. We hike in the Lowacheera Forest Reserve, with its numerous species of birds and primates including the extremely rare Hoolock gibbon, which we hope to spot. We also take a boat trip in the Hail Haor wetland sanctuary, locally renowned for its waterbirds. Other visits include the charming tea plantations and villages of the Monipuri tribal people for an insight into their daily lives. Overnight at Nishorgo Eco Resort or similar. (BL)

Day 12 - Dhaka
Return to Dhaka. After arrival visit the National Assembly Building of the Bangladesh Parliament, time and traffic permitting. Overnight at Rosewood Hotel or similar. (B)

Day 13 - Dhaka
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)

Please contact us for details of our extensions to the Chittagong Hill Tracts.