Bangladesh
Bangladesh Discovery Tour

On arrival in Dhaka, transfer to hotel accommodation. Time permitting, attempt to get to grips with this seething, populous south Asian capital. It’s a tall order. Overnight at Asia Hotel or similar.

Today we spend time in the city. Dhaka doesn’t have the obvious headline sights found in other regional capitals. However, the country’s low level of tourism adds an unaffected aspect to any sightseeing exploration, and indeed you may end up becoming ‘the sight’ yourself. Highlights include the Ahsan Manzil (the Pink Palace), the intestinal alleys of 400-year-old Shakhari Bazar (Hindu Street), Dhakeshwari Temple, the historic Armenian church and the Star Mosque. Overnight at Asia Hotel or similar. (BL)

(Approximate driving time: six-hours)

Early this morning we travel out of Dhaka, through rural Bangladesh, to the Bogra district. We expect to arrive in the afternoon, and will visit the archaeological site of Mahastangarh, a significant Buddhist monastery dating from the 3^rd century BC. Overnight at Hotel Naz Garden or similar. (BL)

(Approximate driving time: one-and-a-half-hours)

After breakfast we drive to Sariakandi and visit the chars (low-lying islands) of the Jamuna River. We take a boat along the river to see how erosion and flooding affect the lives of local people. In the late afternoon we will drive back to Bogra. Overnight at Hotel Naz Garden or similar. (BL)

(Approximate driving time: two-and-three-quarter-hours)

After breakfast we drive to Paharpur and visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Somapura Mahavihara. This famous Buddhist complex, dating from the 8^th century AD, is the most impressive archaeological site in Bangladesh. Later, we visit the Hindu terracotta temples in Rajshahi. Overnight at Hotel Nice or similar. (BL)

(Approximate journey time:  Train – six-hours, approximate driving time: one-and-a-half-hours)

Train travel makes a welcome change from Bangladesh’s unpredictable road conditions, and generally offers a comfortable and relaxed way to travel, and to interact with other passengers. The early morning express to Khulna arrives mid-afternoon, allowing time to transfer by road the remaining few kilometres to Mongla where you’ll meet your Sundarban boat. Overnight on board. (BLD)

Please note: Accommodation on the boat is very basic. Facilities are shared and cabins are small. However, the boat is clean, safe and functional, and local crew to prepare meals delicious meals on an open area of the deck.

The Sundarbans are the planet’s largest mangrove forest, home to Royal Bengal tigers, many other mammals and a rich birdlife. You’ll explore both larger rivers and enter smaller canals for maximum wildlife viewing opportunities. The Sundarbans are very difficult to negotiate on land. However, there are some areas where you’ll tie up and walk through the mangroves to experience the forest first-hand. Overnight on board. (BLD)

(Approximate driving time: one-and-a-half-hours)

This morning is spent in the Sundarbans as you proceed north to the Pashur river, arriving back at the port in Mongla. After lunch we will disembark and drive to Khulna, stopping off to visit Shat Gombuj Masjid, the famous ‘60 dome mosque’ (which actually has 77 domes) forming part of  Bagerhat’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnight at the City Inn, Khulna. (BL)

(Approximate driving time: three-and-a-half-hours – Approximate flight time: one hour)

In the morning we aim to witness the remarkable practice of otter fishing. At a nearby village we meet the local otter fishermen. This is one of the last places in Bangladesh where otters are trained to round-up fish, much as shepherds use dogs to round-up sheep. We’ll talk with the fishermen, learn about the challenges they face, and observe the otters in action. In the afternoon we’ll continue by road to Jessore, later catching a short domestic flight to Dhaka. Overnight at Afford Inn or similar. (BL)

(Approximate driving time: six-hours)

Early this morning we drive to Sylhet, north east of Dhaka, and endowed with a much more relaxed atmosphere than the capital. We’ll take a short tour of the city in the afternoon. Overnight at Hotel Metro International or similar. (BL)

(Approximate driving time: one-and-a-half-hours)

Today we drive to Jaflong, close to the Indian border and one of the most scenic areas in Bangladesh. Here we see how local people collect stone, a rare commodity in Bangladesh. We visit a village on the river’s far shore and meet Khasia tribal people, observing their daily lives. It’s a great chance to see a different side of Bangladeshi life, and a superb opportunity for photography. Later, we return to Sylhet and visit the shrine of the revered Sufi Muslim saint, Hazrat Shah Jalal. Overnight at Hotel Metro International or similar. (BL)

(Approximate driving time: two-and-a-half-hours)

After a morning drive to Srimongal we spend two days exploring the surrounding are, perhaps the country’s most beautiful region. We hike in the Lawachara Forest Reserve where wildlife highlights include the extremely rare Hoolock gibbon, and a rich avian population. Later we take a boat trip in Hail Haor wetland sanctuary, renowned for its water birds. Other visits include nearby tea plantations, and the villages of the Monipuri tribal people. Overnight at Nishorgo Eco Resort or similar. (BL)

Please note: Walking in the Lawachara Forest Reserve requires sturdy footwear and it’s advisable to wear long socks and long trousers.

Nishorgo Eco Resort is locally owned and managed accommodation on the edge of the Lawachara Forest. The rooms are simple, either bamboo huts on stilts or mud-walled rooms, with bathrooms and a fan but no air-conditioning. The accommodation is basic but full of character. However, if you wish to upgrade, nearby The Grand Sultan Tea Resort provides 4-star international standard hotel rooms. Upgrades start from £170 per room, per night.  Contact us for details.

(Approximate driving time: four-and-a-half-hours)

Today we drive to Dhaka, stopping at the small market town of Dhamrai, famous for fine pottery, brass casting and other traditional crafts still practiced today. We visit a family involved in casting brass, through several generations, for over 200 years. Finally, we return to Dhaka and check-in to our hotel. Overnight at Rosewood Hotel or similar. (B)

After breakfast we transfer to the airport for onward flights. (B)