Ratargul Swamp Forest

Ratargul Swamp Forest is a fresh water marshland forest located close to river Goain, in Gowainghat Upazila of Sylhet District. This forest is engulfed with freshwater in most of the seasons. This evergreen forest gets over flooded during the rainy season. Different local fish are available here. It’s the terrain of different creatures’ like snakes, monkeys, lizards, insects & birds.

You may also see vulture and Eagle. Some parts of this forest are very small, so boat ride would be tough. However, it is the only swamp forest located in Bangladesh and one of the few freshwater swamp forests in the world. The forest is naturally conserved under the Department of Forestry, Government of Bangladesh.

This evergreen forest is situated by the river Goain and linked with the canal named Chengir Khal. Most of the trees grow here are Pongamia pinnata (Koroch tree). The forest goes under 20-30 feet water in the rainy season. Rest of the year the water level is about 10 feet deep.

How to go:

It is approximately 18.7 km away from Sylhet. You may take bus or CNG auto rickshaw and head towards Saklutikor road. Take rickshaw to reach there.

How To Reach: Sylhet District:

Three type of transportation mode is available towards Sylhet from Dhaka. You can get in there by bus, train or air.

1. Greenline Paribahan
9/2, Outer Circular Road, Rajarbag, Dhaka-1217. (BDT 850 Volvo, BDT 1100 Scania)

2. Shyamoli Paribahan
Arambagh Counter, Dhaka. Phone-7102291, 0193626023
Sayedabad Counter, Dhaka. Phone-0171-8075541, 7511019, 7550071

3. Hanif Paribahan, Dhaka offices
Panthapath: 0173-402670
Arambagh: 01713-402671
Sayedabad: 01713-402673

4. S Al Saudia
Address: Humayun Rashid Chattar, Sylhet
Mobile: 01712920909

5. Shohah Paribahan
Address: Shobhani Ghat, Sylhet
Phone: 0821-722299
Fare: Taka 1100

You will find the above bus operators from Malibag Rail-gate, Razarbag or Sayedabad bus stand. These services are available from 6:30 am to 11:30 pm.

Where to Stay:

There are a number of good quality hotels in Sylhet town. Most of those are at the Mazar road, Amberkhana, or in Zindabazar. A brief list of hotels is given below:

1. Hotel Eastern Gate & Panahar Restaurant.
2. Hotel Gulshan.
3. Hotel Dargah View.
4. Greenland Hotel & Restaurant.
5. Hotel City Link International.
6. Surma Valley Rest House.
7. Hotel Baharain Residential
8. Hotel Qureishi Residence.
9. Hotel Ajmeer.
10. Hotel Payra.
11. Hotel Supreme,
12. Hotel Palash,
13. Hotel Western,
14. Hotel Anurag,
15. Hotel Al-Amin,
16. Hotel Garden’s Inn,
17. Hotel Ferdous,
18. Hotel Panama,
19. Hotel Green,
20. Hotel Hilltown,
21. Hotel Rose View,
22. Hotel Star Pacific,
23. Hotel Tajmohal.

Things to do:

1. Enjoy boat trip.
2. You’ll get the flavor of Amazon forest here.
3. See different types of animals those can’t be seen otherwise.
4. Observe the natural beauty of forest.

Travel Tips:

You have to report and take permission from the forest office first before entering the forest, and request them to arrange a boat. You should not take any boat from outside. It may have the risk of hijacking with unknown boats.

Source: http://offroadbangladesh.com/places/ratargul-swamp-forest/

 

 

Bisanakandi

Bisanakandi is situated at Bangladesh-India border in Sylhet. It is a landscape beauty among gardens and hills. Bichanakandi is a village situated in Rustompur Union under Guainghat Upazilla. This is where many layers of the Khasi mountain meet at a single point from both sides. Flowing from above is a high fall. Adding to its charm are dark clouds hugging the mountain in the rainy season. And flowing underneath towards Bholaganj is a branch of the Piyain. Along the stream flowing from high up in the mountain come huge boulders that are deposited and mined in Bisanakandi.

Much like Jaflong, Bichnakandi is mostly a quarry. Winter is not a suitable time to visit Bisnakandi due to mechanized mining and stone-laden boats and lorries. The absence of such nuisance makes the rainy season the perfect time to visit the beautiful Bisanakandi that coalesces the charms of high mountains, sinuous rivers, graceful falls and dancing clouds.

How to go:

It is located 25 kilometers North of Sylhet City in Gowainghat Upazila. There is more than one way to go to Bisnakandi. Tourists can use the Sylhet-Guainghat Road via the airport and take a left turn to reach Hadarpar from where a local boat may be hired to arrive at Bisnakandi. Visitors can go to Hadarpar by CNG-run auto-rickshaws, which are available for hire at Amberkhana Point in Sylhet city.

An alternative would be to go to Pangthumai first, and then hire a boat near Borhill Fall and ride along the branch of the Piyan which flows west towards Bisnakandi. The boat ride, which takes a little over an hour, on the sinuous river with lush green mountains on both sides is an unforgettable experience.

It is located 315 km away from Dhaka. Bisanakandi is 25 km away from Sylhet. You can take bus or CNG auto-rickshaw heading towards Sylhet-Gowainghat highway. At first you need to head to Sylhet from Dhaka.

How To Reach: Sylhet District:

Three type of transportation mode is available towards Sylhet from Dhaka. You can get in there by bus, train or air.

1. Greenline Paribahan
9/2, Outer Circular Road, Rajarbag, Dhaka-1217. (BDT 850 Volvo, BDT 1100 Scania)

2. Shyamoli Paribahan
Arambagh Counter, Dhaka. Phone-7102291, 0193626023
Sayedabad Counter, Dhaka. Phone-0171-8075541, 7511019, 7550071

3. Hanif Paribahan, Dhaka offices
Panthapath: 0173-402670
Arambagh: 01713-402671
Sayedabad: 01713-402673

4. S Al Saudia
Address: Humayun Rashid Chattar, Sylhet
Mobile: 01712920909

5. Shohah Paribahan
Address: Shobhani Ghat, Sylhet
Phone: 0821-722299
Fare: Taka 1100

You will find the above bus operators from Malibag Rail-gate, Razarbag or Sayedabad bus stand. These services are available from 6:30 am to 11:30 pm.

Where to Stay:

 

There are a number of good quality hotels in Sylhet town. Most of those are at the Mazar road, Amberkhana, or in Zindabazar. A brief list of hotels is given below:
1. Hotel Eastern Gate & Panahar Restaurant.
2. Hotel Gulshan.
3. Hotel Dargah View.
4. Greenland Hotel & Restaurant.
5. Hotel City Link International.
6. Surma Valley Rest House.
7. Hotel Baharain Residential
8. Hotel Qureishi Residence.
9. Hotel Ajmeer.
10. Hotel Payra.
11. Hotel Supreme,
12. Hotel Palash,
13. Hotel Western,
14. Hotel Anurag,
15. Hotel Al-Amin,
16. Hotel Garden’s Inn,
17. Hotel Ferdous,
18. Hotel Panama,
19. Hotel Green,
20. Hotel Hilltown,
21. Hotel Rose View,
22. Hotel Star Pacific,
23. Hotel Tajmohal.

Things to do:

1. Collecting the Rolling Stones
2. See the natural beauty of Bisanakandi Waterfall
3. Observe the Colorful Tribal Life
4. There is scope of boat ride

Travel Tips:

Since Bisnakandhi Zero Point is literally Bangladesh- India Border , Tourist should take exta care. During summer it might be dusty and hot, need care for under age and seniors. At Monsoon sometimes it may affected by flush flood. So get weather information is advisable.

 

Source: http://offroadbangladesh.com/places/bisanakandi/ 

 

Teknaf Sea Beach

Teknaf Peninsula or Teknaf Sea Beach is one of the longest sandy beach ecosystems (80 km) in the world. It represents a transitional ground for the fauna of the Indo-Himalayan and Indo-Malayan ecological sub-regions. Important habitats at the site include mangrove, mudflats, beaches and sand dunes, canals and lagoons and marine habitat. Mangrove forest occurs in Teknaf peninsula both as natural forest with planted stands and mostly distributed in the intertidal zone. the Teknaf peninsula mangroves supports the habitat of 161 different fisheries species. 

How to go:

Teknaf, a romantic old-world border township in the southern tip of Bangladesh territory looking up to the Myanmar high hill ranges across the river Naf. Teknaf is 85 km from Cox’s Bazar by road and 120 km by the beach along the sea. After reaching in Cox’s Bazar, take local transport to reach there.

How To Reach: Cox’s Bazar District:

Dhaka and Cox’s Bazar are linked by road. You can take a bus from Dhaka to reach Cox’s Bazar. Some of the bus services are listed below for your assistance:

1. Green Line
Contact: 0341-62533

2. Hanif Enterprise
Contact: 0341-64170

3. Shamoli Paribahan
Contact: 0443449934

4. Shohag Paribahan
Contact: 0341-64361

5. S Alam Paribahan
Contact: 0341-62902

6. Shah Bahadur
Contact: 01678064880

7. Saint Martins
Contact: 01726520095

Where to Stay:

 

The accommodation facilities in Cox’s Bazar are remarkable. There are several great hotels in the region. Some of the hotels/motels in Rangamati are listed below for your assistance.

1. Hotel Seagull
Hotel Motel Zone
Cox’s Bazar Sea Beach,Cox’s Bazar
Tel: +88 0341 62480 – 90
Cell: +88 01766666530, +88 0176666653

2. Hotel Sea Palace
Kalatoli Road, Cox’s Bazar
Phone: 880-341-63692, 63792, 63794, 63826, and 63853
Mobile: 01714652227-8, 01979405051-2

3. Saint Martin Resort
Plot # ten, Block- a, Kalatoli Road, Cox’s Bazar
Phone: +88-0341-62862, 64275

4. Hotel Sayeman
Hotel Sayeman Road, Cox’s Bazar
Cell: +88-01711-022088
Phone: +88-0341-63900 -4, 63703 -7

5. Hotel Sea Crown
Marin Drive, Kola Toil New Beach
Telephone: 0341-64795, 0341-64474
Mobile: 01817 089420

Source: http://offroadbangladesh.com/places/teknaf-sea-beach/

The Mughal Capital

Daylong visit in Sonargaon, Narayanganj:

• 8:00               : Start from Home
• 10:00- 11:00: Walk through the Old walkway of Panam City
• 11:05 – 12:30: Visit Sonargaon Folk Art Museum
• 1:00 – 1:30: Lunch at Kolapata Restaurant
• 2:00 – 2:45: Drive Back to Boidder Bazar / Ananda Bazar
• 3:00- 4:30: Visit Nuner Tek (a local island and their lifestyle)
• 5:00           : Drive back

Detailed Description:

10:00 – 11:00: Panam City | Recommended time to visit: 1 hour



Panam City was established by some local merchants who came to do business here in Bengal. Now this is an abandoned city situated 2.5 kilometers away from the north of Dhaka-Chittagong highway at Mograpara bus stand. It is said that the site of Hindu capital city of Sonargaon emerging in the seventh decade of the thirteenth century. Now you will see beautiful red brick made duplex houses in here.

11:10 – 12:30: Sonargaon Folk Art and Craft Museum | Recommended time to visit: 1 Hour



Sonargaon Folk Art Museum is prosperous with several unique collection those you’ll never find at any other place. Some are lost from our country, and only those are remains. The main building was built by Bengal Ruler Isha Khan. In 1975, Government of Peoples Republic of Bangladesh took decision to hand it over to Joynul Abedin to convert this place as a museum. Now the place is open 6 days a week. Local people have to pay 20 taka to get entry and foreigners have to pay 200 taka.

3:00 – 4:00: Isolated Islands (chor) in Sonargaon Area | Recommended time to visit: 1 Hour



Visit Nuner tek or Gucchogram, several isolated islands are found in Meghna River where very poor people lives. It will be a great chance to sync up with the rural lifestyle if someone manages to go there. The only way to reach there is using a boat to cross the Meghna River. Usually, inhabitants of these villages welcomes people when someone gives them a visit.

Source: http://offroadbangladesh.com/off-package/sonargaon/

Glorious Old Dhaka

Daylong Tour in Old Dhaka

• 8:00                 : Start from your residence
• 9:00 – 9:30     : Dhakeswari Temple
• 10:00 – 10:45 : Lalbagh Fort
• 10:45 – 11:45  : Lalbagh Fort to Star Mosque
• 11:45 – 1:00    : Armenian Church (if possible)
• 1:00 – 2:00    : Lunch Break
• 2:00 – 3:00   : Ahsan Manjil
• 3:00 – 4:00   : A short Boat ride in Buriganga River
• 4:00 – 5:00   : Shakhari Bazar and Nearby Temples

Detailed Description:

9:00 – 9:30: Dhakeswari Temple | Recommended time to visit: 30 minutes



Dhakeswari Temple, the oldest temple in Dhaka city. Here is a small metal made idol of Hindu Goddess “Durga” is worshiped by the local Hindu community. The ancient temple was ruined in 1971 during war but now the temple has reconstructed.
10:00 – 10:45: Lalbag Fort | Recommended time to visit: 45 minutes

Lalbagh Fort was built by Subadar Azam Shah in 1678 to protect Dhaka city from outsiders attack. After him, Shaista Khan came to rule but after the death of his daughter Pori Bibi the construction work of this fort remain incomplete. Still it is one of the best architectural example of Mughal Era.

10:45 – 11:45: Star Mosque (Tara Mosjid) | Recommended time to visit: 25 minutes



Star Mosque has ornate designs and is decorated with motifs of blue stars. It was built in the first half of the 19th century by Mirza Golam Pir. It is a five domed structure and a must watch place among the mosques of Dhaka City.

11:45 – 1:00: Armenian Church | Recommended time to visit: 45 minutes



Armenian Church was build in 1781 on Armenian Street in Armanitola. The site was an American graveyard just before the church has being built. The main church remain locked during the year. It is said that once in a January, the church remains open for a day for a prayer. However, people who visits that place finds peace and tranquility in this place.

2:00 – 3:00: Ahsan Manjil | Recommended time to visit: 1 hour



Ahsan Manjil was the official residential and seat of the Dhaka Nawab Family. This magnificent building is situated at Kumartoli along the banks of the Buriganga River in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The construction of this palace was started in 1859 and completed in 1872. It was constructed in the Indo-Saracenic Revival architecture. It is now a designated national museum.

4:00 – 5:00: Shakhari Bazar | Recommended time to visit: 30 minutes



Shakhari Bazar: It is often mentioned as the Hindu street. You will see sweet shops around the roadside. Different Hindu idols are made and being sold in here. There are several temples in the Hindu Street too. Two of the most remarkable are Sri Sri Jagannath Mondir and Sri Sri Shani Dev Mondir.

Source: http://offroadbangladesh.com/off-package/glorious-old-dhaka/

Rediscover The Glorious Past Of Baliati Palace

Day Trip in Manikganj and Savar 

• 8:00 am                        : Start From Residence
• 10:30 am – 12:30 pm  : Explore Baliati Zamindar bari
• 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm    : Take lunch at Nabinagar. Start driving for Dhamrai Brass Villege
• 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm     : Get in touch with the Brass people
• 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm    : Get in touch with the pottery people Visit the National Memorial
• 4:00 pm- 5:00 pm      : Visit the National Memorial
• 5:00 pm                        : Drive back to Dhaka

Detailed Description: 

10:30 – 12:30: Baliati Zamindar Bari | Recommended time to visit: 2 Hours



Baliati Zamindar Bari is located at the Saturia Upazila of Manikganj district, in the village of Baliati. This historic building is about 200 years of old. The palace is situated on a lush and sprawling premise, approximately 16000 square meter. There are possibly 200 rooms available inside the premise. It is situated approximately 68 kilometers away from the capital and a remarkable heritage sight in Bangladesh.

2:00 – 3:00: Metal Craft village | Recommended time to visit: 1 hour



Metal Craft Village is situated in Dhamrai, a 5000 years old tradition survives in 30 villages around this area. Magnificent metal made structures (especially status of Mythological characters) are being made by metal artists in here. Some villages are situated in remote places where you may need a boat to reach there during the rains.

3:00 – 4:00: National Martyr Memorial | Recommended time to visit: 45 minutes



National Memorial of Bangladesh or Jatiyo Sriti Shoudho is the national monument of Bangladesh is the symbol in the memory of the velour and the sacrifice of all those who gave their lives in the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971. It is a monument which is consists of 7 parallel concrete made structure and it is situated in Nabinagar, Savar only 37 Kilometers away from the city center. It is the symbol of freedom of Bangladeshi nation.

Source: http://offroadbangladesh.com/off-package/baliati-palace/

Feel like Nawabs

Daylong Visit in Nawabganj, Dhaka:

8:00 AM: Start from Gulistan towards Nawabganj
10:30 AM to 11:00 AM : Visit Judge Bari & Ukil Bari
11:00 AM to 11:30 AM: Visit Kokilpeari Jomidarbari & adjacent Temple
11:30 AM to 12:30 PM: Visit the Ansar & VDP Camp Area (Painna bari & Teli Bari)
12:30 PM to 1:30 PM: Visit Khelaram Data’r Kotha and if possible the RN Shaha House (it is a private property now)
1:30 PM to 2:30 PM: Lunch at Nawabganj Bus stand and start for Bandura
2:30 to 3:30 PM: Visit Hasnabad Holy Rosary Church and move to Moinot Ghat
4:00 to 6:00 PM: Enjoy Natural beauties of Padma River.
6:00 PM: Drive back to Dhaka

Detailed Description of the Tour

10:30 AM to 11:00 AM : Judge Bari & Ukil Bari | Recommended time to visit: 30 minutes

Traveling Nawabganj without paying a visit to Judge Bari and Ukil Bari (formerly known as Brojo Kutir) is nearly an incomplete trip. Originally it was built as the residence of a Zamindar over a century ago, the Brojo Niketan was acquired by a judge in 1984, and henceforth became known locally as the judge bari, the residence of the judge.

11:00 AM to 11:30 AM: Kokilpeari Zamindar bari & adjacent Temple | Recommended time to visit: 30 minutes

This old house has now turned into a residential place for the teachers of the Kokil Peari school nearby.

11:30 AM to 12:30 PM: Ansar & VDP Camp Area (Painna bari & Teli Bari) | Recommended time to visit: 1 hour

Nawabganj is one of the prominent regions in Dhaka containing a large number of old buildings and Zamindar Bari. Over time, many of these buildings have fallen prey to locally influential land grabbers. Most of these buildings are in a state of ruins, desperately requiring due attention. Some buildings have been acquired by the Ansar & Village Defense Party (VDP), a paramilitary force of the government, and the authorities have renovated some of these structures and maintain them fairly well.

 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM: Khelaram Data’r Kotha and RN Shaha House | Recommended time to visit: 1 hour

According to Banglapedia “Khelaram” was a Zamindar, but the locals claim he was a dacoit. Since Banglapedia mentions nothing about him apart from naming him as Zamindar Khelaram Dada. So, there isn’t any other way except relating oral history along with the information of Banglapedia.

2:30 to 3:30 PM: Hasnabad Holy Rosary Church | Recommended time to visit: 1 hour

Hasnabad Holy Rosary Church is considered as one of the oldest Christian establishments of Dhaka, was established by Portuguese missionaries before the advent of British colonial rulers in India. Traders came to Bengal in 1579 after getting farman a royal decree from Mughal Emperor akbar (1556-1605) for trading, preaching of Christian religion and building of churches there freely. By 1580, a Portuguese settlement including trading houses and places of worship was developed in Dhaka City.

4:00 to 6:00 PM: Enjoy Natural beauties of Padma River at Moinot Ghat| Recommended time to visit: 2 hours

Moinot Ghat is that place which is sometimes mentioned as the Mini Cox’sbazar. It is situated at one of the widest places of Padma River so that the bank of the river actually looks like a sea-shore. Everyday hundreds of people come here just for a boat ride. The other side of the river bank is Faridpur. People can also go to some certain parts of Faridpur from this area.

Source: http://offroadbangladesh.com/off-package/feel-like-nawabs/

Experience The Essence of Craftsmanship (A Day Long Trip)

 

This day out trip brings you in a place nearby Dhaka which will make you experience the history, architecture, culture, art & craftsmanship of rural people. We present a mixed view of Religious structures along with the view of unique craftsmanship. On this day out trip, we will cover four distinguish attractions along with the other natural and cultural elements. Our trip will cover the following attractions: 

       

1. The Industry of Dhamrai Metal Art & Crafts:

A 5000 years old tradition survives in 30 villages around Dhamrai and can be traced back to the Pala Dynasty (800-1100 AD), during which time both early Buddhist and Hindu settlements once flourished. It is also known as a ‘Workshop of Metal Arts and Crafts in Dhamrai’.

2. Dhamrai Pottery Industry:

Dhamrai (ধামরাই) Pottery Industry is one of the renowned pottery industries in Bangladesh. There are several pottery villages in Dhamrai. Such as Kagozi Para (Pathantola), Shimulia Paal Para, Kakran & Notun Bondor Paal Para etc.

3. Dhamrai Bazar Jame Masjid:

This Sultani Mosque looks a bit old fashioned and the Minaret of the mosque is designed flamboyantly. The minaret consist of small white colored marble stones. The mosque has around 6 domes at the top of it. All of them are white colored.

4. Dhamrai Rath Yatra:

Dhamrai Jagannath Roth (ধামরাই জগন্নাথ রথ) is a chariot temple, Dhamrai Rath Yatra is dedicated to the Hindu God Jagannath located in Dhamrai Upazila of Dhaka District. The annual Jagannath Roth Jatra is a famous Hindu festival attracting thousands of people. Dhamrai Rath Yatra is one of the most important event for the Hindu community of Bangladesh.

5. National Martyrs Monument in Savar:

On the way back to Dhaka you’ll visit National Martyrs Monument in Savar which was built to pay tribute to the people who was killed during the liberation war of Bangladesh in 1971. This is a tour where you can learn about the traditional life of Bangladeshi people and history of this country.

More Detailed Description

Complete Itinerary of Brass and Pottery Tour (It may vary according to the conditions of Road):

08.00 – 09.30 AM: We will meet you at your hotel or home (inside of Dhaka) to pick you up, and will start driving toward Dhamrai (40km) immediately.

9.30 – 10.30 AM: After reaching at  Nayarhat Bazar of Dhamrai we will leave the car and sail for the village Kakran by a traditional boat. Our boat will move slowly for enjoying the sights of Nature. During the time of boat Journey, we will provide you a light breakfast.

10.30 – 11.45 AM: For generations, Dhamrai has been the house of crafts like pottery making. But these traditional occupations are now in danger as those could not compete with modernization in course of time. Once Dhamrai used to be a whole craft village but now other occupations have come into being reducing the handicraft based jobs. Enjoy the whole process of pottery making. You may also take the pictures with the artisan.

11.45-12.00 AM: Snacks break

12.00 – 12.30 PM: Back to Nayarhat Bazar by boat. Drive toward Nabinagar.

12.30 – 01.45 PM: Lunch and tea break at a local restaurant in Nabinagar .

01.45 – 03.30 PM: Driving towards Dhamrai Bazar from Nabinagar and experience the essence of  amazing status and crockeries with bronze in lost-wax technique. In different areas of Bangladesh this products could be found. But there at the bazar we will take you to the workshop to know the people and their way of making this unique products. It’s a perfect place to buy some souvenir made of brass in cheap rate. They make amazing little things here perfect for souvenir.

03.30 – 03.45 PM: Snacks & Tea break.

03.45 – 05.00PM: Our car will bring you at National Martyrs Monument in Savar which is absolutely out of Dhamrai Upazila. But, as we will come across through the road of this monument that’s why we will pay a visit there for around 30 minutes.

5.00-6.00 PM: We will start journey toward Dhaka from Savar and it may take a little more time upon the condition of road.

Source: http://offroadbangladesh.com/off-package/experience-essence-craftsmanship-day-trip/

Panchari Shantipur Aranya Kutir

Khagrachhari (Bengali: খাগড়াছড়ি) is a district in south-eastern Bangladesh. It is a part of the Chittagong Division and the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Its local name is “Chengmi”. Khagrachhari is also known as Phalang Htaung or the Mong Circle (of the rest of the three hill districts Rangamati is the Chakma Circle and Bandarban is the Bohmong Circle). Khagrachhari town is the home town of the Mong Chief (currently King, or Raja, Saching Prue Chowdhury who is the head of the Arakanese descendants living in the circle. It also is the administrative headquarters of Khagrachhari district.

Panchari Shantipur Aranya Kutir – 25 km south from Khagrachhari is peripheral region. The largest Buddha sculpture of Bangladesh  (Panchari Brihot Buddha Sculpture) is situated here.

How To Go:

It is located in Panchari Upazila of Khagrachari. There are several ways to reach at Khagrahari. The best available bus service is Shanty, Soudia, S. Alam, Shaymoly, Egal etc. The cost is around 520 taka per person. It will take around 7-8 hours to reach at the town from Dhaka. There is no AC bus service for Khagrachari (except Saint Martin Paribahan, only one AC bus per day).

Also you can Use the bus for Dhaka-Chittagong, and from Chittagong you can take bus for Khagrachari. But I’ll suggest you the direct Dhaka-Khagrachari Bus. This will be much easier. Only one bus will go to Panchari from Dhaka. (Shanty paribahan only)

The travelers have to make a trip from Khagrachari to Panchariupozilla by public bus or a private vehicle. From Panchari you can hire auto rickshaw to go to Panichari Brihot Buddha Sculpture.

How To Reach: Khagrachhari District

There are two ways to get in Khagrachari, both by road: Direct from Dhaka via BaroiarHat or from Chittagong. A number of non-stop coach services are available from Dhaka (e.g., Shanti Paribahan, Soudia, S. Alam, Eagle and ShamoliParibahan). Gabtoli, Saidabad, Komolapur and Kolabagan are the bus stand name in Dhaka where you can get bus tickets. Bus fare was about 520 Taka (as of 11-May-2014).

From Chittagong you can get non-AC bus services of BRTC and Shanti Paribahan are most convenient with the fare as cheap as to travel to Khagarachari or the other two hill districts (Rangamati and Bandarban). Oxygen-moor is the bus stand name in Chittagong. But there is no bus service will available after 6 pm.

From Chittagong you can get non-AC bus services of BRTC and Shanti Paribahan are most convenient with the fare as cheap as to travel to Khagarachari or the other two hill districts (Rangamati and Bandarban). Oxygen-moor is the bus stand name in Chittagong. But there is no bus service will available after 6 pm.

Where To Stay:

Budget:
1. Hotel Jiran – Double bed non-A/C – Tk. 600-800
2. Hotel Shoilo Shuborna
3. Hotel Emang,
4. Hotel Lobiat
Mid-range:
1. Pajatan Motel (beautiful river view): Double bed A/C – Tk. 1,500.
Phone: 880-351-3126.
Central Reservation, BPC Head Office, Dhaka. Phone : 880-2-8119192, 8117855-9/117, Fax: 880-2- 8119192,
E-mail : bpcho@bangla.net

Things To Do:

If you visit this district, you can buy some local products from here, for example the hand made products for household works, cloths made from local hand-loom.

Source:  http://offroadbangladesh.com/places/panichari-brihot-buddha-sculpture/

Jugia Tat Palli of Kushtia

Hand loom is one of the traditional ways to weave fabrics from the very beginning of industrial development. The fabrics made by these looms are unique for its quality and outlook. In the village area of Bangladesh once it was a common tradition to own a loom in every house. As a result of Industrial and machinery development day by day that old tradition of hand loom is on the way to extinction.

Whatsoever, in different areas of Bangladesh, still this hand loom industry survives. The village Jugia (জুগিয়া) of Kushtia is one of the renowned areas for its hand loom industry. It’s worth paying a visit while exploring the birth place of Great Philosopher Lalon Shah. A traveler can experience the whole process of making Lungi (লুঙ্গি) and Gamcha (গামছা) while visiting this village.

Hand loom is really a hard working job. Both woman and man work simultaneously in this village and for this job they are not paid equivalently. They just got slapped from the mechanical industries. That’s why now a days the number of people who are working with hand looms are shrinking day by day.

How To Go:

It will cost around 20 taka van fare from the Mozompur bus station. It took around 20-30 minutes to reach the village.

How To Reach: Kushtia District

You can travel to Kushtia from Dhaka by bus. Some of the bus services have been listed below for your assistance:
1. SB Super Deluxe
Gabtoli Counter, Phone: 02-9000627
Fare: TK 600 (AC), TK 450 (Non AC)
2. Shyamoli Paribahan
Gabtoli counter, Phone: 01711-987 028

Where To Stay: 

There are some hotels in the district where you may consider staying in. Some of them have been listed below for your assistance:
1. Azmiree hotel
Contact: 071-53012
2. Desha Guest house
Contact: 01720510212
3. Hotel Al-Amin
Contact: 071-54193
4. Hotel Gold Star
Contact: 071-61675
5. Hotel River view
Contact: 071-71660

Things To Do:

Observe the whole process of weaving fabrics in a traditional village house and you may buy the products on spot.

Source: http://offroadbangladesh.com/places/jugia-tat-palli-of-kushtia/

Surma River Cruise Restaurant

Surma River Cruise Restaurant is the second floating restaurant in Bangladesh after Mary Anderson. It is a two storied vessel.

A luxurious venue on the river Surma, Surma River Cruise Restaurant is the only floating restaurant and event venue in Sylhet. It is open for everyday 7 days a week. This 100 feet long luxury floating restaurant offers a variety of entertainment options. It has sitting arrangement for 200 people at once. Surma River Cruise Restaurant features 3 amazing decks, such as Exclusive deck, River View deck and a VIP deck on the top. These deck can accommodate 50, 120, and 40 guests respectively.

Surma River Cruise Restaurant is one of the amazing ideal venue for sightseeing, romantic dinner, social gathering, corporate events, wedding programs, and so on. Surma River Cruise Restaurant operates daily two trips of ninety minutes on Surma river. First trip starts at 6:30 PM, served with evening snacks at the rate of Tk. 345 only. Second trip starts at 8:30 PM, served with full dinner at the rate of TK. 550. Both trips are entertained by live music.

How To Go: 

It is situated at the Riverbank of Surma River, nearby the corner of Keen Bridge and in front of Ali Amjad Clock Tower.

How To Reach: Sylhet District

Three type of transportation mode is available towards Sylhet from Dhaka. You can get in there by bus, train or air.

1. Greenline Paribahan
9/2, Outer Circular Road, Rajarbag, Dhaka-1217. (BDT 850 Volvo, BDT 1100 Scania)
2. Shyamoli Paribahan
Arambagh Counter, Dhaka. Phone-7102291, 0193626023
Sayedabad Counter, Dhaka. Phone-0171-8075541, 7511019, 7550071
3. Hanif Paribahan, Dhaka offices
Panthapath: 0173-402670
Arambagh: 01713-402671
Sayedabad: 01713-402673
4. S Al Saudia
Address: Humayun Rashid Chattar, Sylhet
Mobile: 01712920909
5. Shohah Paribahan
Address: Shobhani Ghat, Sylhet
Phone: 0821-722299
Fare: Taka 1100

You will find the above bus operators from Malibag Rail-gate, Razarbag or Sayedabad bus stand. These services are available from 6:30 am to 11:30 pm.

Where To Stay:

There are a number of good quality hotels in Sylhet town. Most of those are at the Mazar road, Amberkhana, or in Zindabazar. A brief list of hotels is given below:
1. Hotel Eastern Gate & Panahar Restaurant.
2. Hotel Gulshan.
3. Hotel Dargah View.
4. Greenland Hotel & Restaurant.
5. Hotel City Link International.
6. Surma Valley Rest House.
7. Hotel Baharain Residential
8. Hotel Qureishi Residence.
9. Hotel Ajmeer.
10. Hotel Payra.
11. Hotel Supreme,
12. Hotel Palash,
13. Hotel Western,
14. Hotel Anurag,
15. Hotel Al-Amin,
16. Hotel Garden’s Inn,
17. Hotel Ferdous,
18. Hotel Panama,
19. Hotel Green,
20. Hotel Hilltown,
21. Hotel Rose View,
22. Hotel Star Pacific,
23. Hotel Tajmohal.

Things To Do:

• You may enjoy the sightseeing at the river Surma
• You may chose it for social gathering, corporate events and  wedding programs as well.

Source: http://offroadbangladesh.com/places/surma-river-cruise-restaurant/

Victory Day | The 16th of December

Victory Day Celebrations at Dhaka University. Picture By: Atiqur Rahman

The nine month long Bangladesh's Liberation War (মুক্তিযুদ্ধ) was won on the eve of the 16^th of December. The Bangla Nation- Bangladesh was freed from the clutches of Pakistan. This day is Celebrated as the Victory Day (বিজয় দিবস) allover Bangladesh and among Bangladeshis living abroad to uphold the spirit of liberation and to pay tribute to the three million martyrs; who laid down their lives protesting against the tyrannical and racist Pakistani Rule.

On 16^th of December, 1971 not just the Bangladeshis but also the Bengalis on the Indian side celebrated the Birth of "Bangladesh". I remember my grandmother describing the situation in West-Bengal and other parts of India when the Great News of Liberation of Bangladesh was heard over the radio; the entire Bengali community as well as the non-Bengalis were overjoyed. Newspapers and periodicals featured news of the numerous lives lost and the bravery of the Bengali people in Bangladesh. The cries of “JOY BANGLA” & “JOY BONGOBONDHU” filled the air. Bongobondhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had then become the Bengali icon- the Father of the Bengali Nation.

Hot air balloon at Shurarwardy Udyan on Victory Day.
Photo Courtesy: Ihtisham Kabir's blog Back to Bangladesh

Courtesy: Flickr- Nurus Salam

The 16^th of December was indeed the Victory Day, the victory of the righteous over evil. It forever erased the disgrace of being ruled by others and revived the Bengali Pride among all Bengalis. “JAI BANGLA! Jai Bangla! – From the banks of the great Ganges and the broad Brahmaputra, from emerald rice fields and mustard- colored hills of the countryside, from the countless squares of countless villages came the cry.”  - This was the first line of the article titled- “Bangladesh: Out of War, a Nation is Born” published by the TIME MAGAZING dated 20^th December, 1971.
This was the victory of the Bengali spirit – a nation of Bengalis ruled by Bengalis. This joy was short-lived as revelation of the cold blooded “Killing of Bengali Intellectuals”– About 300 Bengali Intellectuals among which were several teachers, doctors, engineers, journalists, artists, poets, scientists and litterateur were captured by the traitor forces (i.e.  Al-ShamsAl-Badr ) & and were ruthlessly killed. The reason behind this cold blooded murder was that the traitors had known that Pakistan was being erased from the Bangla soil and Bangladesh was marking its place in the World Map with the status of a Free & Independent nation; they wanted to ensure that even if Bangladesh emerges as an independent nation- it should never be self-sustainable and remain undeveloped. On 1^4th of December large number of intellectuals were targeted by the Pakistani army with the help of the information provided by the Razakars, Al-Shams & Al-Badr. 

Photo Courtesy: A Walk Through My Life

Bangladesh, as a sovereign and independent nation was hard to digest for USA and CHINA- who were strong allies of Pakistan. Thus, USA and CHINA were among the last countries to recognize independent Bangladesh. This 16^th of December, Bangladesh will celebrate the 40^th Victory day and it feels miserable that till today the prominent war criminals (traitors) are not punished, instead some of the war criminals are leaders of mainstream political parties. These traitors should be punished and they should be strictly kept away from politics because their aim is to play with the minds of innocent people and continue their dirty-politics. Progress and Development is the need of the hour in Bangladesh.

Concluding this post with the first few lines of this beautiful song written by Dwijendra Lal Roy - dedicated to the glory and magnificence of Bangladesh:

"ধনধান্য পুষ্প ভরা আমাদের এই বসুন্ধরা

তাহার মাঝে আছে দেশ এক সকল দেশের সেরা

ও সে স্বপ্ন দিয়ে তৈরি সে যে স্মৃতি দিয়ে ঘেরা

এমন দেশটি কোথাও খুঁজে পাবে নাকো তুমি

সকল দেশের রাণী সে যে আমার জন্মভূমি

সে যে আমার জন্মভূমি, সে যে আমার জন্মভূমি।।"

 -দ্বিজেন্দ্রলাল রায়

Source: http://promotebangla.blogspot.com/2011/12/victory-day-16th-of-december.html 

Kotka Beach

Kotka beach is one of the beautiful tourist spots among the entire Sundarbans where you can do a jungle trail along with night stay. It is actually a sanctuary area for the wild animals and UNESCO declared world heritage site. In Kotka, deer and monkeys can be seen many in numbers and the predators as the Royal Bengal Tiger can be seen sometimes. It has been said locally that the tigers often being available where the deer are available. If it is managed to get a safari early in the morning with a small boat to the inlet part of the river through forest a lots of wild animal could watched.
Like the other part of Sundarbans, Kotka is also full of flora and fauna. It took a survey and said that there is about 245 genera and 334 types of plants are at The Sundarbans. Moreover, some extinct type of birds likes Grey Eagle, the vultures and hornbills. More than fifty species of birds found at kotka.

The forest authority made a reservoir to get the sweet water for the wild animals during dry season. There is a watch tower also and from the tower tourists get a wonderful view of the forest. Form the watch tower it takes half an hour in walking distance you will reach to a wonderful sea beach out there named as Jamtola Beach. In winter season tigers Paws & Footprint can be seen often in the Kotka Beach.

How To Go: 

After reaching at Sundarban, You can reach Kotka through the help of tour operators. It would be better that you purchase a tour package or group your friend to travel there.

How To Reach: Bagerhat District

Many bus services are available from Dhaka to Bagerhat. Some of them are listed below for your assistance:
1. Meghna Paribahan
Sayedabad Terminal
Contact: 0171717388553
Fare: TK 350 (Approx.)
2. Shakura Paribahan
Gabtoli Terminal
Contact: 01711010450
Fare: TK 500 (Approx.)
3. Porjotok Paribahan
Sayadabad Terminal
Contact: 01711131078
Fare: TK 350 (Approx.)
4. Shohag Paribahan
Gabtoli Terminal
Contact: 01718679302
Fare: TK 380 (Approx.)

 

Where To Stay:

There are only a very few hotels in Bagerhat where you may consider staying in. Our recommendation is:
1. Momtaz Hotel
Area: Rail road Bagerhat
It has simple accommodation with limited facilities and moderately good service. However, the place is costly. There are few more comparable hotels nearby the same area.
2. Hotel Jalico
Jalil Tower 77, Lower Jessore Road, Khulna-9100,
Bangladesh.
Phone: +880-41-283962, 811883, 810933, 725912
Mobile: +880-175-743477
Fax: +880-41-724048
E-mail: jalickhotel@yahoo.com, info@hoteljalico.com
Website: www.hoteljalico.com
3. Hotel Al-Prince And Bar
Mongla Port, Bagerhat, khulna, Bangladesh
Phone 88-04658-482

 

Source: http://offroadbangladesh.com/places/kotka-beach/