Essential Bangladesh

Bangladesh

Culture | Tribal

Mangroves, rural villages & ancient temples

15 days £3,395 pp This is the per person group tour price, based on 2 sharing. The price is subject to change with exchange rate and flight cost fluctuations.
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Intro, Dates & Prices

Intro

Little understood and less visited Bangladesh rewards the curious traveller. Discover the bustling port city of Dhaka by rickshaw and walk in the footsteps of the ancient monks at the Paharpur Buddhist Monastery. Scour the scrubland for Bengal tigers as you cruise the Sundarbans' vast mangrove forest. Seize the chance to see the endangered Gibbon up close at Lawachara National Park. Feast your eyes on the ever-rolling tea hills of Srimangal and meet the Khasi and Tripura tribes to get an authentic taste of tribal living.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • The bustling city of Dhaka
  • Puthia's labyrinthine temple complex
  • Diverse birdlife, Royal Bengal tigers and spotted deer
  • Cruise the world’s largest mangrove forest
  • So-called City of Gold, and Bengal's original capital.
  • Tea gardens of Srimangal
  • Endangered Hoolock Gibbons, Lawachara National Park
  • Buddha's relics at the Golden Temple of Bandarban

Places Visited

Dhaka - Bogra - Rajshahi - Jashore - Sundarbans National Park - Kotka - Sonargaon - Srimangal - Garo Tribal Village - Lawachara National Park - Khasi and Tripura Villages - Chittagong - Rangamati - Bandarban

What's Included

Shared group arrival & departure transfers
Ground transport with driver
Accommodation
Domestic flight (Chattogram - Dhaka)
Train ticket (Sreemangal - Chattogram)
Cruise in Sunderbans
Special permits for Rangamati & Bandarban Hill Tracts
Meals (refer to itinerary for meal plan)
Escorted English-speaking guide
Entrance fees to sites & parks

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Itinerary & Map
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Overview Itinerary Detailed Itinerary
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Day 1 : Arrival

Arrive into Dhaka airport where you will be met by a Travel The Unknown representative and transferred to your hotel. Time-permitting, a short city tour can be conducted. Overnight in Dhaka.

Overnight in The Pearl Hotel, Dhaka

Meal plan: n/a

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Day 2 : Dhaka

Spend a full day exploring the old city of Dhaka. Visit the various sites this city has to offer, including Sadarghat river port, Old Hindu Street, the Armenian Church, Lalbagh Fort, and Ahsan Manzil. Overnight in Dhaka.

Overnight in The Pearl Hotel, Dhaka

Meal plan: Breakfast

Dhaka is the capital city of Bangladesh. With a population of 18 million, it is one of the most populated cities in the world. Filled with national monuments, Dhaka became known as the 'City of Mosques' during the rule of the Mughals in the 17th century. It contains more rickshaws than any other city on earth.

Founded in 1608 as Jahangir Nagar, Old Dhaka is a term used to refer to the historic old city of Dhaka. Located on the banks of the Buringanga River, this city was once the centre of the world’s muslin trade. Old Dhaka is famous for its variety of food and culture, with many religions living in harmony celebrating festivals such as Eid-ul-Fitr, Muharram, and the Hindu festivals of Durga Puja and Saraswati Puja together.

The Sadarghat, meaning City Wharf, is located in the south of Dhaka. Set on the Buringanga River, it's the busiest port in the country in terms of passengers despite no longer being used by larger boats due to shoaling and the downsizing of inland waterways. Small boats, barges and steamers still utilise the port. The Sadarghat is also known for its floating fruit and vegetable market.

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Day 3 : Dhaka - Tangail - Sirajganj - Bogra

After breakfast, you will be driven to Tangail to explore the traditional weaving village. Later, we move on to the Mohera Jamindar Palaces and Atia Mosque. Afterwards we will drive to Sirajganj (70 km/ 1.5 hrs approx) to visit the terracotta-ornamented Hatikumrul Navaratna Temple. We end the day's activities in Bogra, where your accommodation awaits. Overnight in Bogra. 

Overnight in Momo Inn, Bogra

Meal plan: Breakfast

Famous for the Tangail Sari, Tangail is well known for its weaving. The weavers of Tangail use a special technique to hand weave saris making them unique to that area. It is believed the district has over 60,000 looms. Until 1969, Tangail was part of Greater Mymensingh but was separated to break up the Mymensingh District.

Many call Bogra the nerve centre of Bangladesh. Rich in culture, this city is known for its Buddhist stupas and Hindu temples, and is thought to be the oldest city in Bengal. One of Bogra’s major industries is the growth and harvest of red chillis.

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Day 4 : Bogra - Mahasthan - Paharpur - Rajshahi

First off, we visit archaeological sites at both Gokul Medh and the country's oldest at Mahasthangarh.  Following on, our tour takes you to Somapura Mahavihara, the largest Buddhist monastery in Paharpur. We end our day on a drive to Rajshahi where you will enjoy the comfort of your hotel, spending the evening at leisure. Overnight in Rajshahi.

Overnight in Grand River View, Rajshahi

Meal plan: Breakfast


Mahasthangarh is an archaeological site 11km north of Bogra. Containing the remains of the city of Pundranagara or Pundravardhana, the site is thought to be one of the oldest ancient cities discovered so far in Bangladesh. A limestone slab uncovered in 1931 containing lines of Brahmi script date the city back to the 3rd century BC. However, the city is thought to be much older. It was in use until 18th century BC. The modern name Mahasthangarh translates to Mahasthan - ‘excellent sanctity’ and garh – ‘fort’.

Paharpur is home to the remains of Somapura Mahavihara, the largest Buddhist monastery in Bangladesh. In 1985, the site was granted UNESCO World Heritage status and is thought to be one of the most important archaeological sites in the country. The site covers 27 acres of land consisting of 177 cells with a central Buddhist stupa.

Nicknamed ‘Silk City’, Rajshahi is a city in North West Bangladesh. It is the urban, commercial and educational hub of North Bengal. Located on the north bank of the Padma River, Rajshahi has a population of 750,000 and lies within the ancient city of Pundravardhana. Rajshahi is known for its silk production, which dates back to the 13th century. The unique silk is produced using silkworms and is primarily sold in the form of saris.

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Day 5 : Rajshahi - Puthia - Jashore

Out first port of call is the Puthia Temple Complex, home of the Shiva temple. Complementing this, we then head to Kushtia and the shrine of revered 19th century mystic, Lalon Shah. End the day retiring to your hotel in Jashore. Overnight in Jashore.

Overnight in The Zabeer Jashore, Jashore

Meal plan: Breakfast

Puthia Temple Complex is located in Rajshahi. It consists of a cluster of Hindu temples built by Zamindars Rajas of the Puthia Raj family – well known philanthropists from the city. Based around a lake, the three main temples are made of terracotta. The first temple, titled Pancharatna Gobind, was built between 1823 and 1895 AD and was dedicated to Lord Krishna, as was temple Jagannath. The Bhubaneshwar Shiva Temple (1823) is the largest Shiva temple in Bangladesh. It has a distinctive five spire style, and is full of stone carvings and sculptures.

Take a sneak peek into the spiritual side of Bangladesh with a visit to this serenely-domed shrine dedicated to the mystic who lived for 120 years. 
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Day 6 : Jashore - Bagerhat - Sundarbans

Moving on to Bagerhat from Jashore, we visit the sixty-dome mosque, as well as others dotted around town. Onward to Mongla where you'll board your cruiser for a voyage into the world's greatest-remaining mangrove forest: the Sundarbans. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere with an evening visit to a fishing village near the forest range. Dinner and overnight aboard your cruise vessel.  

Overnight in Sundarbans Vessel, Sundarbans , Standard Cabin

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

The Sundarbans is a vast forest located in the Bay of Bengal. It covers 10,000 square km, split between Bangladesh and India, and is the largest coastal mangrove forest in the world, despite being one third of its original size. It was granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 1997 following the 1992 designation as a Ramsar Site of Ecological Importance. The forest is packed with flora and fauna, including Bengal tigers. Sundarban literally translates to “beautiful forest”.

Sundarbans National Park, is a Tiger Reserve and also a Biosphere Reserve. Due to the thick vegetation and nature of the environment here, one can only explore certain parts of the Sundarbans on foot and sightings of tigers are limited.  There are watch towers in the forest which offers panoramic views of the area.The tours of the mangroves are done by boat which makes for a relaxing experience.

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Day 7 : Sunderbans - Kotka - Kochikali - Sundarbans

We start the day by cruising to the beauty spot of Kotka where you'll disembark the boat for an easy natural trail through jungle, admiring wildlife along the way. Afterwards the boat takes you to Kochikali for an authentic wooden boat cruise along the canal. Time-permitting, a jungle trail walk is possible. End the evening aboard your cruiser, enjoying a full-board dinner. Overnight on board the riverboat.

Overnight in Sundarbans Vessel, Sundarbans , Standard Cabin

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Kotka Sea-beach is located in the south-east corner of the Sundarbans and about 90 kilometers away from Mongla port. One of the main attractions of the Sundarbans is the Royal Bengal Tiger. Kotka Sanctuary always occupies a different place in the list of tourist favorites as it has beautiful deer, variety of birds, crocodiles, peaceful nature, presence of wild animals. From certain angles, huge waves of the ocean can be observed. Numerous small canals surround Kotka. Tours with boats in the canals make the experience most enjoyable.
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Day 8 : Sundarbans - Sonargaon

On your final morning aboard, we'll go bird-watching. Lunch will be had on the boat. And then on arrival in the port of Mongla, we pick up a ride to the golden city of Sonargaon, where your hotel is located. Overnight in Sonargaon.

Overnight in Sonargaon Royal Resort, Sonargaon

Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch

Sundarbans National Park, is a Tiger Reserve and also a Biosphere Reserve. Due to the thick vegetation and nature of the environment here, one can only explore certain parts of the Sundarbans on foot and sightings of tigers are limited.  There are watch towers in the forest which offers panoramic views of the area.The tours of the mangroves are done by boat which makes for a relaxing experience.

Sonargaon, or the 'City of Gold', was the ancient capital of Bengal. Home to the administrative seats of medieval Muslim rulers and governors, Sonargaon was a bustling city of trade and commerce. It contains some of the oldest buildings in the whole of Bangladesh.

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Day 9 : Sonargaon - Srimangal

See Sonargaon's Goaldi Mosque, Folk-Art museum, and ruined settlement of Panam Nagar. Once seen, we head onward to Srimangal, where prior to checking in to your hotel, you'll be escorted on a visit to the Garo tribal village. Overnight in Srimangal. 

Overnight in Paragon Hotel & Resort, Srimangal

Meal plan: Breakfast

This Tibeto-Burmese ethnic group are scattered around India's Northeast, with communities fragmented as far south as Bangladesh. They call themselves A-Chik Mande, literally the Hill People. 
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Day 10 : Srimangal - Lawachara National Park - Srimangal

From our base in Srimangal we journey to nearby Lawachara National Park, a semi-evergreen tropical forest hosting a treasure trove of exotic animals. Later in the day we go fully ethnic with a trip to the Khasi & Monipuri tribal villages, before returning to base. Overnight in Srimangal. 

Overnight in Paragon Hotel & Resort, Srimangal

Meal plan: Breakfast

Lawachara is a national park and nature reserve located near Srimangal. It measures 1250 hectares and contains over 460 species of flora and fauna. This includes the endangered western hoolock gibbon which is amongst the top 25 most endangered primates. Lawachara was declared a national park in 1996 under the Wildlife Act of 1974.

The Khasi and Tripuri tribes can be found on the outskirts of Lawachara National Park. The Muslim Khasi tribe speak the indigenous language of Khasi, an Austroasiatic language.They live in a matrilineal society.The Hindu Tripuri tribe were the original inhabitants of the Twipra Kingdom and ruled for over 2000 years. Speaking the language of Kokborok, the Tripuri people live in groups of five to fifty families.

In the Monipuri Weaving Village of Srimangal, the villagers use hand looms to create their own clothes and wares such as saris, bed sheets and bags. These items can often be found on sale at markets in other towns, or sold by the villagers themselves.

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Day 11 : Srimangal - Chittagong

A daybreak start sees us in Srimangal's tea garden. We then farewell Srimangal, catching the Paharika Express train to Chattogram (formerly Chittagong). Once there, check into your hotel in the Agrabad area of this famous British colonial city by the sea. Overnight in Chattogram.

Overnight in Hotel Agrabad, Chittagong

Meal plan: Breakfast

Chittagong is the second largest city in Bangladesh, with a population of 6.5 million. It’s a coastal seaport. The history of the city dates back to the 4th century BC, and the old quarter contains ancient mosques, sufi shrines and churches. Cleaner than a lot of cities in the country, the roads are filled with rickshaws. Chittagonians are known for hosting huge feasts called mezbani which mainly consist of very hot curries.

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Day 12 : Chittagong - Rangamati

After paying your respects at the Commonwealth War Cemetery, we leave Chattogram (Chittagong) for Rangamati, where you can check-in early to your hotel to freshen up. In Rangamati you'll take a private cruise on Kaptai, the nation's largest artificial lake. Overnight in Rangamati.

Overnight in Hill Ambassador, Rangamati

Meal plan: Breakfast

Chittagong is the second largest city in Bangladesh, with a population of 6.5 million. It’s a coastal seaport. The history of the city dates back to the 4th century BC, and the old quarter contains ancient mosques, sufi shrines and churches. Cleaner than a lot of cities in the country, the roads are filled with rickshaws. Chittagonians are known for hosting huge feasts called mezbani which mainly consist of very hot curries.

Rangamati is also known as the Lake City of Bangladesh. It is located on the western bank of Kaptai Lake and is famous for its scenic beauty. Rangamati is home to the Chakma King residence and the hanging bridge of the Parjatan site.

Rajban Bihara Pagoda is a Buddhist temple located in Rangamati. It is home to Spiritualist Principal monk Shrimath Sadhana Nanda Mohasthabir.

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Day 13 : Rangamati - Bandarban

We start the day exploring the Banarupa tribal market in Rangamati, before embarking - through certain checkpoints - on a ride to Bandarban. Check-in to your hotel before setting out again to the famed golden temple, containing relics of the Buddha himself. Later you'll gently ascend Nilachel Peak (not a technical or strenuous climb) before settling into an evening in the comfort of your hotel. Overnight in Bandarban. 

Overnight in Hotel D'More, Bandarban

Meal plan: Breakfast

Rangamati is also known as the Lake City of Bangladesh. It is located on the western bank of Kaptai Lake and is famous for its scenic beauty. Rangamati is home to the Chakma King residence and the hanging bridge of the Parjatan site.

Bandarban is a remote district within the Chittagong Hill Tracts with a population of under 300,000. There are fifteen known tribes within the area, including the Marma, Tripuri and Chakma people. The three tallest peaks in Bangladesh are located here - Tahjinding (1280 metres), Mowdok Mual (1052 metres) and Keokradong (883 metres).

The Golden Temple or 'Buddha Dhatu Jadi' is a Buddhist temple in Bandarban. Dhatu, meaning material remains of a holy person, in this case refers to the relics of Buddha which are kept within the temple. The Buddhists believe these items bring peace of mind and happiness. The temple sits atop a 60 metre high hill and is the largest Theravada Buddhist Temple in Bangladesh.

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Day 14 : Bandarban - Marma - Chittagong - Dhaka

After check-out, we commence our final day with a sidleine trip to a Marma tribal village (pending authorised permission). A drive back to Chattogram (Chittagong) sees us stop briefly at Patenga Beach before catching an early evening flight to the capital, Dhaka, where you will conclude your final night of the tour. Overnight in Dhaka. 

Overnight in The Pearl Hotel, Dhaka

Meal plan: Breakfast

Bandarban is a remote district within the Chittagong Hill Tracts with a population of under 300,000. There are fifteen known tribes within the area, including the Marma, Tripuri and Chakma people. The three tallest peaks in Bangladesh are located here - Tahjinding (1280 metres), Mowdok Mual (1052 metres) and Keokradong (883 metres).

The Marma tribe are the largest group of Theravada Buddhists and make up the majority of the Bandarban population. Other tribes that inhabit Bandarban include the Chakma people - the largest ethnic group in Bangladesh, the Tripura tribe, which has over 36 sub-groups, and the Tanchangya tribe, one of the first in the area to take up wet rice cultivation. There are over fifteen separate tribes within Bandarban.

Chittagong is the second largest city in Bangladesh, with a population of 6.5 million. It’s a coastal seaport. The history of the city dates back to the 4th century BC, and the old quarter contains ancient mosques, sufi shrines and churches. Cleaner than a lot of cities in the country, the roads are filled with rickshaws. Chittagonians are known for hosting huge feasts called mezbani which mainly consist of very hot curries.

Read more
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Day 15 : Departure

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home or, if you chose, on onward destination to continue your adventure. 

Meal plan: Breakfast

Accommodation

Accommodation

All accommodation subject to availability. Final accommodation choices will be confirmed after booking.

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The Pearl Hotel

Dhaka (3 nights)

The hotel located at the heart of the city Dhaka with our luxurious retreat offers a peaceful place where you can enjoy your staying. The contemporary comfort will refresh your mind. We welcome you with luxurious rooms, modern facilities, conference rooms and a promise of 24 hours service. We take care of our guests as we ensure all the demand of our guests. Pearl Hotel ensures your health & safety.

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Momo Inn

Bogra (1 night)

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Grand River View

Rajshahi (1 night)

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The Zabeer Jashore

Jashore (1 night)

A place that sparks creativity, fuels the imagination and welcomes reflection and relaxation.

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Sundarbans Vessel

Sundarbans (2 nights)

Cruising in and around the Sundarbans area on a boat exhibits the unique and intriguing mangrove swamp surroundings and impressive wildlife that lives there. The boat can accommodate upto 10 passengers between shared twin cabins. Given the size of the vessel, amenities are very basic and facilities are shared, but guests can expect a fairly good degree of comfort, freshly-cooked meals, and incredible access to this rich natural area.

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Sonargaon Royal Resort

Sonargaon (1 night)

Built in period style, the Sonargaon Royal Resort is just 30 minutes’ drive from Dhaka, It's a fine place where you can spend luxurious weekends while also enjoying, Sonargaon, the city of gold. 

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Paragon Hotel & Resort

Srimangal (2 nights)

Paragon Hotel & Resort is a beautiful and luxurious resort located in the foothills of the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains at country’s tea capital Sreemangal. The resort offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is just a short drive away from a variety of attractions and activities.
The resort itself is a perfect destination for couples and families alike. It offers a wide range of amenities and activities, including a spa, fitness center, game room, jacuzzi and swimming pool. The resort also offers a variety of dining options, ranging from casual dining to fine dining. Guests can even enjoy a romantic dinner for two on the resort’s beautiful rooftop terrace.

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Hotel Agrabad

Chittagong (1 night)

Just a short distance from Chittagong’s intriguing Ethnological Museum and the Bay of Bengal, close to many of the city’s other attractions including the Chandanpura Mosque, Hotel Agrabad offers a comfortable stay in an excellent location. The hotel’s rooms possess a homely feel, with spacious en-suite bathrooms and access to all modern amenities. The Agrabad also offers Bangladeshi, Japanese and Korean dining options, as well as an open-air pool and Thai spa facilities.

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Hill Ambassador

Rangamati (1 night)

Modest 2* accommodation offering city views, conventiently placed for visitors to Rajban Bihara.

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Hotel D'More

Bandarban (1 night)

Elegant contemporary design and service along with generously decorated rooms and suites combine with unrivalled facilities such as gymnasium, 24 hours business center, restaurants, jacuzzi, meeting rooms, pick and drop service, integrated technology, high connectivity, Wi-Fi access, high security service and complimentary benefits will ensure a perfect stay.

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Essential Bangladesh (15 days)

Mangroves, rural villages & ancient temples

Hidden Bangladesh (13 days)

Bustling cities, remote villages & cruise rural backwaters

Reviews

We keep coming back to TTU because you find some really good guides, and we've experienced some bad ones. You need to keep this guide on your books as he really made the trip...having ascertained the areas Janet teaches on, the cyclones, the flooding, and the Rana Plaza disaster, she has come back much more fully briefed. In visiting the sites on the itinerary, he took full account of Janet's knee and how we were managing the heat and humidity to work out how this was best achieved, threw in extra sites once he realised how interested were, and was always willing to stop if folk were threshing rice by the side of the road, unloading fruit or fish at the quay, processing salt, etc. He has built up a good local network, from which we benefitted.

Paul Dixon , Tailormade Bangladesh
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