|
Bangladesh is situated in the
northeastern side of South Asia . It is a country of diverse
attractions, bountiful nature and friendly millions of
people with more than a millennium of cultural heritage.
Bangladesh is a magical tapestry woven with the threads of
hope, struggle and love. Its long meandering rivers and
waterways are like motions of a life, vibrant and alive,
taking and returning, loving and being loved. The land is
the frame, which holds the tapestry together, and the people
are the colors, which make it so enchanting.
History and legends are in
timely interwoven with the landmass together with its
distinct tradition and cultural traits. It is, therefore, no
wonder that Bangladesh beckoned travelers from far and near
through ages. In recent times, with the gradual development
of infrastructure facilities and increasing exposition,
Bangladesh is fast emerging as an alluring tourist spot on
the global map. Our tourist attractions are widely spread
throughout the country. The country's historical legacy is
composed of various strands, including Islamic, Hindu,
Buddhist and British. Bangladesh , main tourism assets can
be grouped as follows:
|
Beaches
Cox's Bazar:
Miles of golden sands, towering cliffs, surging
waves, rare conch shells, colorful pagodas,
delightful sea food-this is Cox's Bazar, the tourist
capital of Bangladesh, Here the world's longest
unbroken smooth straight shark free 120km long clean
sandy beach slopes gently down to the blue waters of
the Bay of Bengal against the picturesque background
of a chain of hills covered with deep green forests.
The beach is good for bathing, sunbathing and
swimming. The breath taking beauty of the golden sun
Setting behind the waves of the sea is captivating.
Attractive local variety of cigars and handloom
products of the Rakhyne tribal families are good
buys. Their unique customs and costumes attract
visitors. Cox's Bazar tourist resort has a mine hole
Golf course in addition to varied other tourisr
facilities. |
|
Visits to the fascinating spots
at Inani, Himchari, Teknaf, southern most tip of Bangladesh
, Buddhist temple at Ramu and nearby islands of Sonadia,
Moheshkhali and coral island St. Mattin ate memorable
experience of a lifetime.
Kuakata: It is the only beach in Asia where
one can enjoy both clear sunrise and the sunset in their
entire majestic splendor. Kuakata in Patuskhali district is
one of the few tourist spots in Bangladesh where nature
survives in pristine, unspoiled grace. With its Shima Temple
having 70 feet high statue of Buddha, the highest in Asia ,
thousands of varieties of fish and yearly Hindu Rush
festival ate added attractions in Kuakata for the visitors.
Eco-tourism
Spots
Sundarbans: Bangladesh owns the largest
mangrove on earth, the Sundarbans-the home of the majestic
Royal Bengal Tiger. About 6000 sq. km. of deltaic swamps
along the coastal belt of Khulna, the Sundarbans is also the
natural habitat of spotted deer, crocodiles, monkeys,
cheetahs, pythons, wild boars, hyenas and different species
of colorful birds making it a paradise for the eco-tourist.
Hiron point, Katka and Dublar Char are the main tourist
spots where the visitors may have glimpses of the wildlife
and also the simple life and living of fishermen, bawalis
and other working professionals in the forest. The
Sundarbans is really a place of the mystery of nature. This
wildlife sanctuary is a declared World Heritage Site of
UNESCO. Among other tourist attractions nearly is Khan Jahan
Ali's 60 domed ancient mosque built in 1459 A .D. and his
mausoleum. UNESCO has enlisted it as World Heritage Site.
|
|
Hill
Tract Districts
The there hill districts
of Rangamati, Banderban and Khagrachair are
inhabited by number of distinctive enterprising
tribes like the Chakmas, the Tripuras, the Murang
and the Marmas- all preserving their age old
cultures, colourful rituals, dances and music. Here
the glistening greenery sits on the purple hills
around lakes-manmade and natural. |
Rangamati: is the most favourite holiday
resort in the Hill tracts known for its windings hills,
colourful climate and enchanting beauty as well as for its
colourful tribal life. The hanging bridge over Kaptai Lake ,
the largest manmade lake in Asia (225 sq. km), tribal
handicraft factory and sales centre, ivory jewellery, tribal
museum, fishing, cruising and water skiing are its prime
attractions. Other places of rare beauty in the Hill Tracts
include Kaptai, Suvalong, Chandraghona, Khagrachari,
Matiranga, Banderban and Chimbuk.
|
Sylhet: In the
vibrating Surma valley, the scenic tea plantations
of greater Sylhet district are the main attractions
for all tourists. Its terraced tea gardens eye
soothing orange groves, pineapple plantations and
hills covered with tropical forests form beautiful
landscape. Sylhet, thetwa granary of Bangladesh ,
not only has over 150 tea gardens but also proudly
possesses the three largest tea gardens in the
world.
The Sylhet valley has a good number of haors that
provide sanctuary the millions of migratory birds
from Siberia across the Himalays to avoid serve
cold. The only waterfalls of the country at
Madhabkunda, and Jaflong are other scenic spots of
the area. Colourful Monipuri, Khasia, and Garo
tribes live in Sylhet. Monipuri tribal dance is
world famous. |
|
Rivers
Bangladesh is a riverine
country. It is criss-crossed by the world's three mighty
river system viz. Padma, Meghna, Jamuna and their
innumerable tributaries. The network of the river system
with hundreds of busy village markets, vast green fields,
river ports, fishing, cruising, plying of colourful country
boats, periodic melas (fairs) held every year on the bank of
such rivers are the recreational riverine tourism
attractions enjoyed by the tourists.
Historical and
Archaeological Sites
There are monuments dating back
to 3 rd century B. C at sites like Mahasthangar, Paharpur
and Mainamatai which are of enormous interest to
archaeologists, historical enthusiasts and cultural &
educational tourists alike.
Dhaka has a number of buildings
from the Mughal and British periods, and has national
museums of rich collection. Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka
commemorates the sacred memory of the martyrs of the
historic Language Movement of 1952. it is the symbol of the
Bangladeshi nationalism. The seed of independence was sown
in this movement and it was the source of inspiration of all
subsequent movements leading to the heroic liberation war of
Bangladesh . The day is being observed as the National
Martyr's Day and the UNESCO has declared it as the
International Mother Language Day.
Tourism industry in our
neighboring countries such as Nepal , Sri Lanka , Maldives
and India is given priority under state-patronage. It is one
of the chief sources of earning foreign exchange and
employment generation for many countries. Remarkable growth
and development of tourism has taken place in countries with
similar socio-religious environment such as Malaysia and
Indonesia . Compared to them, Bangladesh is far behind.
Bangladesh can earn more foreign exchange and create
employment opportunities for more people if appropriate
domestic and foreign investments are made and necessary
infrastructure facilities are built. Consequently the
tourism sector may make a worthy contribution to poverty
alleviation and socio-economic welfare of the country.
Present Government of Bangladesh
is giving priority and importance to the tourism as a thrust
sector. Investment by local and foreign investors can act as
catalyst to develop and promote tourism as an industry in
the country. It would help develop the socio-economic
condition of the local people through more new employment
generation and further economic activities to eliminate
poverty from our country. |