Bangladesh is a country located in South Asia, bordered by India, Myanmar, and the Bay of Bengal. It’s a land of natural beauty, rich culture, and ancient history. Bangladesh has a lot to offer to travelers looking for a unique experience, including fascinating archaeological sites, diverse flora and fauna, scenic beaches, and bustling markets. Here are the 10 best tourist spots in Bangladesh, each with its own charm and attraction.
- Cox’s Bazar
Cox’s Bazar is a town in southeastern Bangladesh known for its long sandy beach, which is the world’s longest natural sea beach, stretching over 120 km. The beach attracts tourists from all over the world for its breathtaking natural beauty, including the sunrise and sunset views. The town is also home to several ancient Buddhist temples and monasteries, including the famous Ramu Buddhist Temple.
Cox’s Bazar offers a variety of activities, including swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. It’s also an excellent spot for adventure seekers, as there are opportunities for snorkeling, scuba diving, and para-sailing. The town is also known for its seafood, with plenty of restaurants serving fresh catches of the day.
2. Sundarbans
The Sundarbans is a vast mangrove forest located in the delta of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers, covering an area of over 10,000 km², stretching into neighboring India. It’s the largest delta in the world and home to the famous Bengal Tiger, as well as a variety of other wildlife, including saltwater crocodiles, spotted deer, and different species of birds.
The Sundarbans offers a unique experience, with visitors exploring the mangrove forests on small boats, observing wildlife, and bird watching. The forest is also home to several ancient temples and ruins, including the famous Kali temple.
3. Sylhet
Sylhet is a divisional city located in northeastern Bangladesh and is one of the most picturesque regions of the country. The city is known for its natural beauty, tea gardens, hills, and diverse cultural heritage. Here are some of the top tourist spots of Sylhet:
Ratargul Swamp Forest: Ratargul Swamp Forest is a unique natural forest located in Sylhet, Bangladesh. The forest is also known as the Amazon of the East and is the only freshwater swamp forest in Bangladesh. Visitors can explore the forest by boat, which is the best way to experience the beauty of the forest.
Jaflong: Jaflong is a scenic hill station located in Sylhet, Bangladesh. The place is famous for its beautiful landscapes, rolling hills, and rivers. The crystal-clear water of the Piyain River flowing through the hills and the scenic beauty of the surrounding hills make it a popular tourist destination.
Srimangal: Srimangal is a small town located in Sylhet, Bangladesh. The town is known for its tea gardens, lush green forests, and hills. It is also known as the tea capital of Bangladesh and is famous for its seven-layer tea. Visitors can explore the town’s tea gardens, which offer stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
Lawachara National Park: Lawachara National Park is a protected forest reserve located in Srimangal, Sylhet, Bangladesh. The park is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to several endangered species, including the hoolock gibbon. Visitors can explore the park by trekking and bird-watching.
Lalakhal: Lalakhal is a beautiful river located in Sylhet, Bangladesh. The river is famous for its crystal-clear water and scenic beauty. Visitors can take a boat ride on the river and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding hills and landscapes.
Shrine of Hazrat Shah Jalal: The Shrine of Hazrat Shah Jalal is a sacred site located in Sylhet, Bangladesh. It is the final resting place of the famous Sufi saint Hazrat Shah Jalal and is a popular pilgrimage site for Muslims.
Madhabpur Lake: Madhabpur Lake is a beautiful lake located in Srimangal, Sylhet, Bangladesh. The lake is surrounded by lush green tea gardens and is known for its scenic beauty. Visitors can take a boat ride on the lake and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding hills and tea gardens.
Bichanakandi: Bichanakandi is a beautiful river located in Sylhet, Bangladesh. The river is known for its crystal-clear water and scenic beauty. Visitors can take a boat ride on the river and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding hills and landscapes.
Lawachara Eco Park: Lawachara Eco Park is an eco-park located in Srimangal, Sylhet, Bangladesh. The park is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to several endangered species. Visitors can explore the park by trekking and bird-watching.
Tea Research Institute: The Tea Research Institute is located in Srimangal, Sylhet, Bangladesh. It is the oldest and largest tea research institute in Bangladesh and is famous for its research on tea cultivation and production. Visitors can learn about the history of tea cultivation in Bangladesh and the research being done to improve tea production.
Sylhet is a beautiful region of Bangladesh with a rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Visitors can explore the region’s tea gardens, hills, rivers, and forests and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. Sylhet is a must-visit destination for travelers looking to experience the beauty of Bangladesh.
4. Rangamati
Rangamati offers a variety of activities, including trekking, hiking, and boating. Visitors can explore the district’s many scenic waterfalls, including the Kaptai Lake, which is the country’s largest artificial lake, formed by a hydroelectric dam. The lake is surrounded by lush green forests and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills.
Rangamati is also home to several ancient Buddhist temples and monasteries, including the famous Rajban Vihara, which is the largest Buddhist temple in Bangladesh. Visitors can also visit the Rangamati Tribal Museum, which showcases the rich cultural heritage of the district’s indigenous communities.
5. Paharpur
Paharpur is an archaeological site located in northern Bangladesh, known for its ancient Buddhist monastery, which dates back to the 8th century AD. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important archaeological sites in South Asia.
The monastery was built during the reign of the Pala dynasty and served as an important center of learning and culture. The site contains several ruins, including the main stupa, the monastic cells, and the meditation halls. Visitors can explore the site and learn about the history of Buddhism in Bangladesh.
6. Shait Gumbad Mosque
The Sixty Dome Mosque, also known as Shait Gumbad Mosque, is a remarkable historical monument located in Bagerhat, a small town in southwestern Bangladesh. It is considered one of the most significant examples of the Sultanate architecture of Bengal, and it is also one of the largest mosques in the Indian subcontinent.
The mosque was built by Ulugh Khan Jahan, who was a Turkish general and the governor of the province during the reign of Sultan Nasiruddin Mahmud Shah, the ruler of the Bengal Sultanate. The construction of the mosque started in 1442 AD and was completed in 1459 AD. The mosque was built to serve as a congregational mosque for the inhabitants of the city of Khalifatabad, which was the capital of the region at that time. The mosque is located in a large walled complex that includes several other structures such as a mausoleum, a darbar hall, and a madrasa. The complex is surrounded by a moat and is entered through a grand gateway located on the eastern side of the complex.
The mosque is rectangular in shape, with a length of 160 feet and a width of 108 feet. It is built on a high plinth of about 3 feet and has a height of about 70 feet. The mosque has 77 low domes, out of which 60 are visible from the exterior. The domes are arranged in seven rows of eleven, with the central dome being the largest and the highest. The mosque is constructed of brick and terracotta tiles, which are arranged in various geometric and floral patterns. The mosque has three mihrabs, which are decorated with intricate floral and calligraphic designs. The interior of the mosque is divided into 7 aisles with 11 arched openings, each of which is supported by a series of columns and piers.
The mosque has several unique features that make it stand out from other mosques of the Sultanate period. One of the most notable features is the use of a double-layered roof, which helps to create a cool and comfortable environment inside the mosque. The mosque also has a unique ventilation system that allows air to circulate freely throughout the interior. The mosque is considered a masterpiece of Islamic architecture and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also an important pilgrimage site for Muslims in Bangladesh and attracts a large number of visitors every year. The mosque is an excellent example of the rich cultural heritage of Bangladesh and is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history and architecture.
7. Kuakata
Kuakata is a seaside town located in southwestern Bangladesh, known for its stunning panoramic views of the Bay of Bengal. The town is home to a unique natural phenomenon known as the “sunset point,” where visitors can observe both the sunrise and sunset over the sea.
Kuakata offers a variety of activities, including swimming, sunbathing, and boating. Visitors can also explore the town’s many fishing villages and markets, where they can sample fresh seafood and other local delicacies.
8. Sonargaon
Sonargaon is an ancient city located in central Bangladesh, known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. The city was once the capital of the Bengal region and served as an important center of trade and commerce.
The city is home to several historical structures, including the Panam City, which is a cluster of abandoned mansions and houses, dating back to the colonial era. Visitors can explore the city’s many museums and galleries, which showcase the region’s rich cultural heritage and history.
9. Chittagong
Chittagong is a coastal city located in southeastern Bangladesh, known for its rich history and cultural heritage. The city has played a significant role in the region’s maritime trade and commerce and is home to several historical sites and monuments.
The city is home to several impressive structures, including the Chittagong Ethnological Museum, which showcases the region’s diverse cultural heritage and traditions, and the Shrine of Bayazid Bostami, which is a sacred site for Muslims and Buddhists alike.
10. Saint martins
Saint Martin’s Island, also known as Narikel Jinjira, is a small coral island located in the Bay of Bengal, about 9 kilometers south of the mainland of Bangladesh. The island is named after St. Martin of Tours, a patron saint of France, and it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Bangladesh. Saint Martin’s Island is a natural wonder, known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and colorful marine life. The island is only 8 square kilometers in area, and it takes about 3 hours by boat from the mainland to reach the island.
The island is surrounded by coral reefs, which are home to a diverse range of marine species such as clownfish, barracuda, parrotfish, and sea turtles. The coral reefs are also a popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving, allowing visitors to explore the underwater world of the Bay of Bengal. The island has several beautiful beaches, including the famous Coconut Beach, which is known for its soft white sand and turquoise waters. The beach is lined with coconut trees, and visitors can relax on the beach chairs and soak up the sun while enjoying the stunning views of the sea.
Apart from the beaches and coral reefs, Saint Martin’s Island also has several other attractions. The island has a lighthouse, which offers panoramic views of the island and the surrounding sea. Visitors can also take a boat tour around the island to explore the nearby fishing villages and observe the daily life of the local fishermen.
One of the unique features of Saint Martin’s Island is its bioluminescent plankton, which lights up the sea at night. Visitors can take a boat tour at night to witness the magical sight of the glowing sea. The island has a small population of about 4,500 people, and there are only a few hotels and guesthouses on the island. Visitors can choose to stay in simple beach huts or opt for more comfortable accommodations. There are also several restaurants on the island that serve fresh seafood and local cuisine.
Saint Martin’s Island is a popular destination for both local and international tourists, especially during the winter months from November to February when the weather is mild and pleasant. The island offers a unique experience of natural beauty and tranquility, making it an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Bangladesh is a land of natural beauty, rich culture, and historical significance. The country offers a diverse range of tourist attractions, from stunning hill districts to ancient archaeological sites, bustling cities, and beautiful beaches. The warmth and hospitality of the Bangladeshi people add to the charm of the country and make it an ideal destination for travelers looking to experience a unique and authentic cultural experience.
Whether you are interested in exploring the country’s rich cultural heritage, taking in stunning natural beauty, or simply relaxing on a beautiful beach, Bangladesh has something for everyone. So, pack your bags, and come experience the beauty of this amazing country for yourself.