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.
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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.
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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. |
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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.
Memorandum of Understanding
between the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism of
the People抯 Republic of Bangladesh and National Tourism Administration of
the People抯 Republic of China
on the Facilitation of Group Travel By Chinese Tourists to Bangladesh
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