Cultural Tour Of Bangladesh

We begin this fascinating adventure in the Bangladesh capital Dhaka, one of the largest and most populous cities on earth. Lying along the banks of the Buriganga River, the city can trace its rich history back to the Buddhist kings of the Pala Empire and, following the partition of India in 1947, it served for a time as the administrative capital of Eastern Pakistan. A city of mosques and rickshaws, today it is one of the fastest growing cities in southern Asia.

Overnight Standard Hotel

Today we have a chance to explore more of this remarkable city on a sightseeing tour around some of its more famous sights. We’ll take in the architectural contrasts of Curzon Hall, the Lalbagh Fort and the city’s distinctive National Parliament building. We also pay a visit to the Dhakeswhwari Hindu temple, the pink palace of Ahsan Manjil and the city’s Liberation War Museum, home to a collection of rare archival photographs and artefacts from the country’s nine month long struggle for independence in 1971. In the afternoon we take a boat trip on the Buriganga River, leaving from the bustling Sadarghat terminal.  The river used to be the only method of transporting goods and we will share the waters with boats transporting everything you can imagine, small ferry boats and even wedding parties making their way out of the city.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Leaving the capital this morning we drive east  to Srimongal.  The drive will take most of the morning but there is plenty to see along the way and each town has a lively bazaar so there are plenty of opportunities to stop for hot, sweet Bangladeshi tea.  After lunch we take to bikes and cycle through one of Srimongals many tea and rubber plantations before stopping for 'Seven Layer Tea', a bizarre cuppa with 7 different types of tea in the same cup.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

A short cycle ride takes us to the Lawachhara Forest where we leave our bikes and take a walk through the forest looking out for Hoolock gibbons as we go.  The forest is a popular spot for families and sometimes school visits so there is a great opportunity to talk to locals as we walk.  In the centre of the forest we stop to take tea at Khasia Village, the families living here have kept themselves largely seperate from the rest of the society.  Returning to our bikes we cycle to nearby Madabpur Lake where we can relax by the shore before cycling back to Srimongal.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Leaving Sri Mongal behind this morning we drive to Mymensingh, a city based on the banks of the Old Brahmaputra.  The city was home to one of Bangladesh's most famous artists, Zainul Abedin and we visit the gallery set by the river before taking some free time to wander along the riverbank, a popular spot for families and young couples it offers us a great chance to meet people.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Travelling north we drive to the small town of Askipara and then continue on further to reach the tiny village of Haluaghat where we spend the night in a traditional Garo village. We spend our time here learning about the simple way of life and there is a chance to visit the small school, take a walk through the rice fields or visit a handicraft stall where we can try our hand at weaving.  If you would like to take any gifts for the village we would suggest childrens books, pens, pencils, notebooks. Your Tour Leader can help you buy these in Bangladesh.

Overnight Basic Homestay Included meals: Breakfast

Today we head back to the city and make our way to the university city of Rajshahi.  On the way we stop and visit the 16th century terracotta temples at Puthia.  Three buildings are still standing from this former estate including a beautiful Shiva Temple.  We also visit the nearby Bagha Mosque which has been recently repaired by the Department of Archaeology.  We continue on to Rajshahi where we have free time to explore the town and visit the bazaar.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Leaving Rajshahi we drive to Bogra, our base for exploring two of Bangladesh's main archaeological sights.  On the way we stop and visit Mahasthangarh, a ruined citadel which has been dated back to 2nd century BC.  The irregular walls give an idea of the sheer enourmity of this site although they have been severely erroded over the years.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Today we visit the large ruins of the Buddhist monastery at Paharpur, granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 1985.  The site is dominated by a central temple rising up from the flat fields which surround the site.  The site has been dated back to the late 8th century and is thought to have been made in a single round of construction, extremely unusual for BUddhist temples of that time. There is a small museum on site detailing the coins, urns and Buddha statues that have been found on the site.  After our visit we drive to Tangail, arriving in the late afternoon.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Today we visit one of the country's most interesting mosques, the Atia Mosque.  The structure combines both Moghul and pre-Moghul architecture creating a unique design, a mix of graceful curves and ornate terracotta carvings.  Before making our way back to Dhaka we take a walk in the Bhawal National Park, a favourite of Bangladeshis wanting an escape from the crowded streets of Dhaka. We make our way back to the capital for a farewell dinner this evening.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Our tour ends this morning after breakfast.

Included meals: Breakfast