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PLACES OF
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
1 Dhaka the capital
The capital of Bangladesh is Dhaka with its exciting history and
rich culture, Known the world over as the city of mosques and
muslin, it has attracted travellers from far and nearer throughout
in all the ages. It has a history dating back to earliest time. But
the exact date of its foundation is not known. However, according to
recorded history it was founded in 1608 A.D. as the seat of the
imperial Mughal Viceroy of Bengal. Dhaka as the capital of
Bangladesh has grown into a busy city of about seven million people
with an area of about 815 sq. km. Having a happy blending of old and
new architectural trends, Dhaka has been developing fast as a modern
city and is throbbing with activities in all spheres of life. It is
the centre of industrial commercial, cultural, educational and
political activities for Bangladesh. At Tongi, Tejgaon, Demra, Pagla,
kanchpur, the industrial establishments turn - out daily
necessities. Motijheel is the main commercial area of the city.
Dhaka's major waterfront Sadarghat is on the bank of the river
Buriganga and is crowded with all kinds of river craft, batches,
country boats, motor launches, paddle-steamers, fishermen's boats
all bustling with activity. Colourful rickshaws (tricycle) on the
city streets are common attractions for the visitors. Some of the
outstanding tourist attractions of Dhaka are: Mosque: Seven domed
Mosque (17th century), Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, Star Mosque
(18th century). Hindu Temples: Dhakashwari Temple (11th Century),
Ramkrishna Mission. Churches : American Church (1781). St. Mary's
Cathedral at Ramna, Church of Bangladesh or former St Thomas
Cathedral Church (1677) at Tejgaon. Lalbagh Fort : It was built in
1687 A.D., by Prince Mohammad Azam, son of Mughal emperor Aurangazeb.
The fort was the scene of bloody battle during the first war of
independence (1857) when 260 sepoys stationed here backed by the
people revolted against British forces. Outstanding among the
monuments of the Lalbagh Fort are the tomb of Pari Bibi (Fairy
lady), Lalbagh Mosque, audience hall and Hammam of Nawan Shaista
Khan now housing a museum. 1857 Memorial (Bhahudar Shah Park): Built
to commemorate the martyrs of the first liberation war (1857 - 59)
against British rule. It was here that the revolting sepoys and
their civil compatriots were publicly hanged. Ahsan Manzil Museum:
On the bank of river Buriganga in Dhaka the pink majestic Ahsan
Manzil has been renovated and turned into a museum recently. It is
an example of the nations rich cultural heritage. It was the home of
the Nawab of Dhaka and a silent spectator to many events. Today's
renovated Ahsan Manzil is a monument of immense historical beauty.
It has 31 rooms with a huge dome atop which can been seen from miles
around. It now has 23 galleries in 31 rooms displaying portraits,
furniture and household articles and utensils used by the Nawab.
Curzon Hall: Beautiful architectural building named after Lord
Curzon. It now houses the Science Faculty of Dhaka University. Old
High Court Building: Originally built as the residence of the
British Governor. It illustrates a happy blend of European and
Mughal architecture. Dhaka Zoo: Popularly known as Mirpur Zoo.
Colourful and attractive collections of different local and foreign
species of animals and birds including the majestic Royal Bengal
Tiger are available here. National Museum: Centrally located, the
museum contains a large number of interesting collections including
sculptures and paintings of the Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim periods.
Botanical Garden: Built on an area of 205 acres of land at Mirpur
and adjacent to Dhaka zoo. One can have a look at the zoo and the
botanical garden in one trip. National Park: Situated at Rejendrapur,
40km. north of Dhaka city. This is a vast (1,600 acres), national
recreational forest with facilities for picnic & rowing etc. Central
Shahid Minar: Symbol of Bangladesh nationalism. This monument was
built to commemorate the martyrs of the historic Language Movement
of 1952. Hundred and thousands of people with floral wreaths &
bouquet gather on 21 February every year to pay respect in a solemn
atmosphere. Celebrations begin at zero hour of midnight. Buddhist
Monastery: Kamalapur Buddhist Monastry. National Poet's Graveyard:
Revalutionary poet Kazi Nazrul Islam diend on the 26 th August 1978
and was buried here. The graveyard is adjacent to the Dhaka
University. Suhrawardy Uddyan (Garden): Popular Park. The oath for
independence of Bangladesh was taken here on the 7th March 1971. The
place is famous for its lush verdure and gentle breezes. Mausoleum
of National Leaders: Location at the south western corner of
Suhrawardy Uddyan, it is the eternal resting place of three great
national leaders, Shree - Bangla A.K. Fazlul Haque, Hossain Shahid
Suhrawardy and Khawja Nazimmuddin. Banga Bhaban: The official
residence of the President, located in the city. One can have a
outside view. Baldha Garden: It has a rare collection of botanical
plants and flowers. Ramna Green: A vast stretch of green garden
surrounded by a serpentine lake near the Sheraton Hotel. National
Assembly: Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban (Parliament House) at Shere e Bengla
Nagar, designed by the famous architect Louis, Kahn, has distinctive
architectural features. It may be called an architectural wonder of
this region. Science Museum: Located at Agargaon, the Museum is a
modern learning centre related to the latest scientific discoveries.
National Memorial: Located at Savar, 35 km. from Dhaka city. The
memorial designed by architect Moinul Hossain, sacred memory of the
millions of unknown martyrs of the 1971 war of liberation. Sonargaon:
About 29 km. from Dhaka. Sonargaon is one of the oldest capital of
Bengal. A Folk Art and Crafts Museum has been established here.
Other attractions in and around Dhaka include the institute of Arts
and Crafts with its representative collection of folk art and
paintings, handicraft shops, Aparajeya Bangla monument, picnic spots
at Chandra and Salna, industrial estates of Tongi, Narayanganj Demra,
Tejgaon: cruising by country boat in the nearby river or a visit to
a village to see jute cultivation, weaving and pottery making. Last
but not least travel by a horse driven cart or rickshaw along busy
Dhaka streets is a rewarding experience. Sight seeing tours:
Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation (National Tourism Organisation)
offers conducted sight - seeing tours form its tourist information
centre (TIC) at Dhaka Sheraton Hotel (Phone: 509479). Special sight
seeing tours for the transit passengers are also run by the Tourist
Information Centre at Dhaka Airport (Phone : 894416). River cursing:
Day long attractive river cursing is organised in Dhaka by
Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation (BPC) during tourist season. For
bookings one may contact the Tourist information centres in Dhaka or
Manager (Tours) BPC Head Office Phone : 325155 - 9.
CHITTAGONG
- GATEWAY TO THE BAY OF BENGAL
With a picturesque
hinterland of large hill forests and lakes. Chittagong is a good
vacation spot. It is the second largest city of Bangladesh and a
busy of Bangladesh and a busy international sea port. Its green
hills and forests, broad sandy beaches and fine cool climate always
attract holiday makers. It combines the hump of a restless seaport
with the pleasure of a charming hill town with its undulating
topography. Chittagong is the country's chief port and is the main
site for the establishment of heavy, medium and light industries.
Bangladesh's only steel mill and oil refinery are also located here.
Chittagong is connected with Dhaka by rail, road, air and water. It
is also connected with Cox's Bazar and Calcutta by Air.
1 Places of
Interest: Sharine of Byazid Bostami : This holy shrine attracts a
large number of visitors and pilgrims. At its base there is a large
tank with several hundred tortoises floating in the water.
2 World War II
Cemetery: In this well preserved cemetery at a quiet and picturesque
place lie buried over 700 soldiers from Commonwealth countries and
Japan.
3 Foy's Lake: Set
amidst panoramic surroundings, this ideal sport for outings and
picnics is thronged by thousands of visitors.
4 Ethnological
Museum: A unique treasure house of variety of tribal culture and
heritage of Bangladesh.
5 Court Building:
Situated on the Fairy Hill, this building commands a magnificent
bird's eye view of Chittagong city particularly at night.
6 Patenga Beach:
Sandy beach at the meeting place of the roaring sea and the river
Karnaphuli.
7 Sitakund: About
40 km from Chittagong. This is famous for the Chandranath Hinduy
Temple and the Buddist Temple. There is a hot water spring 5 km to
the north of Sitakund. Other important places of interest include
Shrine of Shah Amanat, Shahi Jame Mosque, Chandanpura Mosque,
Portuguese Arsenal Port Area, Marine Academy, Biponi Bitan (New
Market) and Government Circuit House built during British days.
Accommodation, sightseeing and car hire services run by Bangladesh
Parjatan Corporation (BPC) may be booked at Tourist information
Centre, Motel Shaikat, station road, Chittagong Phone : 209845,
220181 - 5.
8 Cox's Bazar - the
tourist capital Miles of golden sands, towering cliffs, surfing
waves, rare conch shells, colourful pagodas, Buddhist temples and
tribes, delightful sea food this is Cox's Bazar, the tourist capital
of Bangladesh. Having the world's longest unbroken (120 km) beach
sloping 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, Cox's Bazar is one of the most attractive tourist
spots in the world. The beach is good for bathing, sun bathing and
swimming. The breath taking beauty of the 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. Located at a
distance of 152 km. south of Chittagong, Cox's Bazar is connected
both by air and road from Dhaka and Chittagong. Visits to the
fascinating picnic spot at Himchair, Teknaf, southern most tip of
Bangladesh, Buddist temple at Ramu and nearby islands of Sonadia,
St. Martin and Moheskhali are memorable experience of a life time.
Government has taken initiatives to develop Sonadia as an exclusive
beach resort. The Cox's Bazar Holiday complex of Bangladesh Parjatan
corporation is an ideal tourist resort having comfortable
accommodation, catering, sightseeing and other facilities for the
visitor. There is a nine hole golf course also for the guests.
Booking may be done at the Tourist Information Centre, Cox's Bazar
Phone: 4202, 3274, 3275, 3211, 4246 or Central Reservation,
Commercial Division, BPC Head office, Dhaka Phone: 325155 - 9 ,
317836, Fax: 880-0341-4202.
9 Hill Tracts
Districts - world of panoramic beauty The hill Tracts Districts with
its perenial forest, thrilling drives through hills and dales,
emerald blue water of Kaptai lake, colourful tribal life and
culture, attractive handicrafts and artisans beackons you to a world
of panoramic beauty mother nature has so lavishly unfolded. Greater
Hill Tracts is dividend into three districts, namely Rangamati,
Khagrachari and Banderban each one equally unique in its
attractions. For visits of foreign tourists to the Hill tract
districts prior permission form the Government is required which can
be arranged through BPC.
RANGAMATI
- THE HEART OF THE LAKE DISTRICT
From Chittagong a
77 km. road amidt green fields and winding hills will take you to
Rangamati, the headquarters of Rangamati Hill District which is a
wonderful repository of scenic splendours with flora and fauna of
varied descriptions. The township is located on the western bank of
the Kaptai lake. Rangamati is a favourite holiday resort because of
its beautiful landscape, scenic beauty, lake, colourful tribes (Chakma,
Marma etc.) its flora and fauna, tribal museum, hanging bridge,
homespun textile products, ivory jewellery and the tribal men and
women who fashion them. For tourists the attractions of Rangamati
are numerous, tribal life, fishing, speed boat cruising, water
skiing, hiking, bathing or merely enjoying nature as it is.
Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation provides suitable hotel and cottage
accommodation, catering, speed boat and other facilities at
Rangamati. For advance booking you may contact Parjatan Motel
Rangamati Phone 3126 or Central Reservation, BPC Head Office, Dhaka
Phone: 325155 - 9, 317836.
KAPTAI
A pleasant and
picturesque drive of 64 km. from Chitagong brings you to huge
expanse of emerald and blue water ringed with tropical forest. It is
the famous man made Kaptai lake (680 sq. km) formed by damming the
Kamaphuli river. Only 3 km. from Kaptai along Chittagong Road, lies
the ancient Chit Morong Buddist temple having beautiful Buddist
statues. Other places of interest in the Hill Tract districts
include Chandraghone, Khagrachari and Bandarban all in picturesque
surrounding.
SYLHET -
LAND OF TWO LEAVES AND A BUD
Next to the Hill
Tracts, Sylhet is the widely hilly district in the country. Nestled
in the picturesque Surma valley amidst scenic tea plantations and
lush green tropical forest, it is a prime attraction for all
tourists. Its terraced tea gardens, eye catching orange groves and
pineapple plantations and hills covered with tropical forests form a
beautiful landscape. the Sylhet valley has a good number of haors
which are big natural wetlands. During winter these haors are vast
stretches of green land, but in the rainy season they turn into a
turbulent sea. These haors provide sanctuary to the million of
migratory birds who fly from Siberia across the Himalayas to avoid
the severe cold. Srimangal in Sylhet, known as the tea capital of
Bangladesh, is the main tea centre of the area. For miles and miles
around, the visitor can see the tea gardens spread like green carpet
over the plain land or on the sloping hills. A visit to the tea
plantation in Sythet is a memorable experience Sylhet the tea
granary of Bangladesh , not only has over 150 tea gardens but also
proudly possesses the tree largest tea gardens in the world both in
area and production. Sylhet is also known as the land of the famous
Muslim saint Hazrat Shah Halal the great torch bearer of Islam to
the region. The Shrine of this great saint is located at Sylhet
town. Colourful Monipuri, Khasia and Garo tribes live in Sylhet.
Monipuri tribal maidens are famous for their dance. Sylhet is also
well known for its wide variety of exquisite handicrafts of cane and
bamboo. Sylhet is linked with Dhaka by rail road and air.
1 Tamabil - Jaflong
Situated amidst splendid panorama, Tamabil is a border out post on
Sylhet- shilong Road, about 55 km away from Sylhet town. Besides
enchanting views of the area one can also have a glimpse of the
waterfalls across the border from Tamabil. Jaflong is also a scenic
spot nearby amidst tea gardens and rare beauty of rolling stones
from hills. Other places of tourist attraction in Sylhet include
Moulvibazar, Janitipur, Madhabakunda and Haripur gas field.
2 Guided Tours
Bangladesh parjatan corporation (BPC) arranges guided package tours
for groups of 10 and above from Dhaka to Sylhet. For details please
contact : Manager (Tours), BPC Head Office, 233 Airport Road,
Dhaka-1215 Phone: 317836, 325155 - 9, Telex: 642206 Tour BJ Fax
880-2-817235.
SUNDARBANS
- HOME OF THE ROYAL BENGAL TIGER
Located near Khulna
about 320 Km. west of Dhaka. Here in the south, spread over an area
of about 6000 sq. km. of deltaic swamps along the coastal belt of
Khulna is the biggest mangrove forest, Sundarbans (beautiful
forest)- the home of the Royal Bengal Tiger. Its dense rain forests
are criss crossed by a network of rivers and creeks. One finds here
tides flowing in two directions in the same creek and often tigers
swimming across a river or huge crocodiles basking in the sun. Other
wildlife in this region are cheetahs, spotted dears, moneys,
pythons, wild bears and hyenas. The forest is accessible by river
from Khulna and Mongla. There are rest houses for the visitors to
stay and enjoy the unspoiled nature with all its charm and majesty.
Spending some times inside the forest can be a rara treat for the
lovers of nature.
KUAKATA
A rare scenic
beauty spot on the southernmost tip of Bangladesh in the district of
Patuakhali. It has a wide sandy beach from where one can get the
unique opportunity of seeing both the sunrise and sun setting. It is
located at a distance of 70 km, from the district headquarters of
Patuakhali. Access to the area is difficult.
MAINAMATI
- SEAT OF LOST DYNASTIES
About eight km. to
the west of Comilla town which is situated 114 km south east of
Dhaka lies a range of low hills known as Mainamati-Lalmai ridge, an
extensive centre of Buddhist culture. On the slopes of these hills
lie scattered a treasure of information about the early Buddhist
cMlization (7th-12th Centure A.D.). At Salban in the middle of the
ridge, excavations laid bare a large Buddhist Vihara (monastery) and
imposing central sharine. It has revealed valuable information about
the rule of the Chandra and Deva dynasties which flourished here
from the 7th to 12th century. The whole range of hillocks run for
about 18 km. and is studded with more than 50 sites. A site museum
houses the archaeological finds which include terra cotta plaques,
bronze statues and casket, coins, jewellery, utensils, pottery and
votive stupas embossed with Buddhist inscriptions. Museum is open
Sunday-Friday and closed on Saturday. Bangladesh Academy for Rural
Development (BARD) established nearby in 1959 is known for its
pioneering role in co-operative movement.
MAHASTHANGARH - THE OLDEST ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
Located at a
distance of 18 km north of Bogra town. Mahasthangarh is the oldest
archaeological site of Bangladesh on the western bank of river
Karatoa. The spectacular site is an imposing landmark in the area
having a fortified long enclosure. Beyond the fortified area, other
ancient ruins fan out within a semicircle of about 8 km radius.
Several isolated mounds, the local names of which are Govinda Bhita
Temple, Khodia Pathar Mound, Mankalir Kunda, Parasuramer Bedi, Jiyat
Kunda etc. surround the fortified city. This 3rd century B.C.
archaeological site is still held to be of great sancitity by the
Hindus. Every year (mid - April) and once in every 12 years
(December) thousands of Hindu devotees join the bathing ceremony on
the bank of river Karatoa. A visit to the Mahasthangarh site museum
will open up for one a wide variety of antiquities, ranging form
terra-cotta objects to gold ornaments and coins recovered from the
site. Also noteworthy are the shrine of Shah Sultan Bulki Mahisawary
and Gokul Moth in the neighbourhood of Mahasthangarh.
RAJSHAHI -
A NATURAL SILK PRODUCING CENTRE
Rajshahi has seen
the most glorious periods of Bengal's Pala dynasty. It is famous for
pure silk, mangoes and lichis. Attractive silk products are cheaper.
A visit to Varendra Research Museum at the heart of the city of rich
archaeological finds, would be most rewarding. There are also a
number of ancient mosques, shrines and temples in and around
Rajshahi. Connected with Dhaka by road, rail, river and air,
Rajshahi is located on the bank of the Padma river. Bangladesh
Parjathan Corporation offers comfortable accommodation and
restaurant facilities at Rajshahi.
NATORE -
PLACE OF DIGHAPATIYA RAJBARI
About 40km. from
Rajshahi by road is Natore, an old seat of Maharajas with a
beautiful palace, now serving as the Uttara Ganabhaban (President's
Official residence of the northern region). It was residence of the
Dighapatiya Raj. It is situated amid well kept ground surrounded by
a fine moat. The buildings are modern. They include a well equipped
guest house, an imposing gateway and a fine garden decorated with
statues of white marble.
PAHARPUR -
THE LARGEST BUDDHIST SEAT OF LEARNING
Paharpur is a small
village 5 km. west of Jamalganj in the greater Rajshahi district
where the remains of the most important and the largest known
monastery south of the Himalayas has been excavated. This 7th
century archaeological find covers approximately an area of 27 acres
of land. The entire establishment, occupying a quadrangular cout,
measuring more than 900 ft. and from 12 ft. to 15th. in height. With
elaborate gateway complex on the north there are 45 cells on the
north and 44 in each of the other three sides with a total number of
177 rooms. The architecture of the pyramidal cruciform temple is
profoundly influenced by those of South - East Asia, especially
Myanmar and Java. It had taken its name from a high mound, which
looked like pahar or hillock. A site museum built recently houses
the representative collection of objects recovered from the area.
The excavated findings have also been preserved at the Varendra
Research Museum at Rajshahi. The antiquities of the museum include
terra-cotta plaques, images of different goods and goddesses,
potteries, coin inscriptions, ornamental bricks and other minor clay
objects. Interest tourists may avail "Palace & Archeological Tour
Dhaka - Natore - Rajshahi- paharpur - Mahasthangarh - Bogra - Natore
- Dhaka" offered by Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation to visit most of
the interesting places in the northern Bangladesh. For details
please contact Manager (Tours), BPC Head Office, 233 Airport Road,
Dhaka - 1215 Phone : 817855-9 or any Tourist Information Centre.
DINAJPUR -
OLD ORNAMENTAL TEMPLE TOWN
The northern most
district of the country, offers a number of attractions to the
visitors. The Ransagar (great sea) lake with rest houses is a good
picnic spot having facilities for fishing and rowing in a serene and
quiet green countryside atmosphere. Kantanager temple, the most
ornate among the late medieval temples of Bangladesh is situated
near Dinajpur town. It was build by Maharaja Pran Nath in 1752 A.D.
Every inch of the temple surface is beautifully embellished with
exquisite terra-cotta plaques, representing flora, fauna, geometric
motifis, mythological scenes and an astonishing array to
contemporary social scenes and favourite pastimes. The Maharaja's
palace with relics of the past centuries and local museum are worth
a visit.
MYMENSINGH
- THE HEART OF BENGAL'S FOLKLORE
From the foot of
the Garo Hills in the north down to the plains of Dhaka in the south
lies greater Mymensingh. Along the northern frontier of the district
there are many aboriginal tribes such as Garos, Hajongs and Kochis
who are ethnically quiet distinct from the people around them.
Mymensingh has earned a notable position in Bengali literature as
the birth place or rich folklores and folk songs. On the road from
Dhaka to mymensing there is a national park and game sanctuary at
Madhupur about 160 km. from Dhaka. There are a number of reserve
forests in the area with rest houses and picnic spots. World famous
painter Zainul Abedin's Art Gallery at Mymensingh carries the
boyhood memories of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. Other places of
tourist interest include the following:
1 Shilaidaha
Kuthibari Carries memory of the Nobel laureate poet Rabindranath
Tagore who made frequent visits to this place and used to stay in
connection with the administration of his jamindari and enriched
Bengali literature through his writings during that time. It is
located at a distance of about 20 km. from Kushita town.
2 Shahjadpur
kuthibari About 75 km. from Pabna town, it is also a historical
place connected with the frequent visits of poet Rabindranath Tagore.
3 Sagardari Birth
place of modern Bengali poet Michael Madhusudhan Datta who first
introduced sonnet in Bengali poetry. Located at a distance of about
90 km. from Jessore town.
4 Meherpur Memorial
Located at a distance of about 7 km. from the town of Meherpur.
First provisional revolutionary Government of Bangladesh was
declared here on 14 April during the liberation war in 1971. A
monument has been built to commemorate this occasion.
FAUNA & FLORA
The abundance of
Bangladesh's bird life makes it an ornithologist's paradise. Of the
525 recorded species 350 are resident. Among them are bulbul, magpie
robin (national bird), common game birds, cuckoos, hawks, owls crows
kingfishers, wood packers, parrots, moyna ( the talking bird) etc. A
wide variety of war biers are also found, of which some are migrants
that appear only in winter. The migratory and seasonal birds are
predominantly ducks. Of the 200 species of mammals, pride of place
goes to famous Royal Bengal Tiger of Sundarbans. Next comes the
elephant found in the forests of Chittagong Hill Tracts Districts.
South Himalayan black and Malayan Bear are seen here. Six types of
deer are found in the Hill Tracts and Sundarbans forests of which
the spotted deer, barking deer and samber are most familiar. Clouded
leopard, leopard cat, mongoose, jackal, rhesus monkey etc. are also
found. Monkeys are found in the old part of Dhaka city. Among the
bovine animals three species namely buffalo, ox and gayal are found.
There are about 150 species of reptiles of which the sea turtle,
river tortoise, mud turtle, crocodiles, gavia, python, krait, cobra
are common. About 200 species of marine and fresh water fishes are
also found. Prawn and lobster are in plenty and are also exported
besides meeting local needs.
PARK/SANCTUARIES
1 Baldha Garden
Unique creation of the late Narendra Narayan Roy, the landlord of
Baldha. Year of establishment was 1904. Located in Wari area of
Dhaka city (opposite Christian Cemetery), the garden with its rich
collection of indigenous and exotic plants is one of the most
exciting attraction for naturalists and tourists. Dividend into two
units: `Psyche' meanings the mother goddess of nature, the garden
house about 1500 plants and trees covering 672 species and 87
families. Many of them are rare plants procured from about 50
different countries of the world. Papyrus, Amazou Lily, Victoria
Regia, Camelias (Camellia japonica) Ashoke tree, Baobab (Adansonia
digital) Century flower plant (Fureraea gigantea), Canyehor and
Sugar palm of Philippines are some of the rare collections. A lovely
lily pond inside the `Psyche' and a sun dial are worth visiting. The
tombs of the founder and his son are located within `Cybele'. Visit
both the twins for rewarding experience . Open: Saturday- Thursday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm Friday closed. Entrance fee Ta. 2.00.
2 National
Botanical Garden Located at Mirpur, near the Dhaka Zoo. Spread over
an area of 205 acres of land. It has a collection of nearly 100
species of local and foreign plants. Outstanding attractions are 100
varieties of roses in the rose corner, 100 varieties of bamboos in
the bamboo grove, varieties of sandal wood and an old banyan tree. A
quiet place out of the main city to meet the nature. Open: Saturday
- Thursday, 9:00 am. - 5:00 pm. Entrance : Free.
3 Dhaka Zoological
Gardens Popularly known as Mirpur Zoo and located at a distance of
about 16 km. from the Dhaka city centre. Establiushed on 230 acres
of land. It has nearly 1400 animals and birds belonging to 124
species latest addition being the Kangaroo and Tapir. Busy
enclosures are those of lions, Royal Bengal Tiger, Panthers, Deers,
Monkeys, Chimpanzees, Pythons, Crocodiles, Elephants, colourful
birds and other animals. A zoological museum with stuffed animals
and birds is rich in collection. Angling and picnic facilities
available inside the zoo besides Kiosks and restaurants. Open: Daily
: 8.00 a.m.- 6.00 p.m. Entrance Fee: Adult Ta. 2.00 Children. Ta
1.00 and foreigners Ta. 5.00.
4 National Park
Situated at Bhawal, 40km, north of Dhaka Trishal - Mymensingh
Highway. An ideal spot for visitors, artists, photographers,
omithologists and tourists. A vast (16,000 acres) national
recreational forest. Main flora is Garjan (Assam Sal) and fauna
includes small tigers, leopards, foxes, pythons, lizards and many
local birds. A 1000 metre long meandering man made lake having
angling and rowing facilities, the flower gardens inside are added
attraction to natural beauty. Mere walking or lazing under the shade
of trees is pleasant. 20 picnic spots., 6 rest houses of the forest
department with comfortable bed and modern amenities are available
inside the national park. Prior premission/booking may be obtained
from the Divisional Forest Officer, Mahakhali, Dhaka Phone:
602709.
MUSEUMS
1 National Museums
Established as Dhaka Museum in 1913. It has been renamed as the
National Museum and was shifted to its new building at shahbag in
1983. It is a four storied building and has forty galleries under
four departments, namely (1) Natural History, (2) History and
Classical Art, (3) Ethnography and Decorative Art and (4)
Contemporary art and world civilization. The museum contains a large
number of interesting collection including sculptures and paintings
of the Buddhist and Muslim periods. It also has a rich collection of
old coins, metal images, books on art, ivory and silver filigree
works, textiles including the world famous muslim fabric embroidered
quilt (Nakshi Kantha), arms and ammunitions of the bygone warriors,
varieties of fine handicrafts and models of the village and town
life, contemporary paintings and sculptures. Above all, the valuable
articles of the heroic liberation war of Bangladesh are also there.
Open: Saturday - Wednesday 10.00 am - 7.00 pm. Thursday: closed.
Entrance Fee: Ta 2.00 Phone : 509992
2 Folk Art Museum
The Folk Art Museum was established in 1975 to fulfill the dream of
the celebrated painter Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin. The Museum has a
very rich collection of folk objects of different materials and
forms of aesthetic and utilitarian values. These undoubtedly reflect
the sentiments, impulse, temperament, moods, idiosyncracy skill and
expertise of the artists and artisans. It is a national traditional
art heritage of Bangladesh, exhibiting objects of exceptional design
and skill. Open: Saturday - Wednesday 9.00 am. 5.00 pm. closed
Thursday, Friday & Govt, Holidays. Entrance: free.
3 Ethnological
Museum The ethnological museum at Chittagong stands as a milestone
in our national progress. It is a place where ample facilities have
been provided to carry out enthnologiczal research. This museum is
recognised as one of the best specialised museum is recognised as
one of the best specialised museums in south east asia. It houses
objects of 12 different tribes of Bangladesh and also of many tribes
of Australia, India and Pakistan. Entrance fee : Adult Ta 1.00 and
children Ta. 0.50.
4 Archaeological
Museums Every place of archaeological importance houses a small
archaeological museum i.e. at Lalbagh Fort, Mahasthangarh, Paharpur,
and Mainamati. Admission fee to these museums is adult Ta. 100 and
children Ta. 0.50.
5 Varendra Museum
Situated at Rajshahi. This museum has a rich collection of objects
of Mohenjodaro and also of 16th to 19th century A.D. This is devoted
to the study of ancient history an culture. Its rich collections
contain interesting objects of past Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim
heritage. It is located at the heart of Rajshahi town and maintained
by Rajshahi University authority. The year of its formal
establishment is 1910. Admission is free.
6 Tribal Museum The
only Tribal Cultural Museum in the Hill Tracts region was
established at Rangamati town in 1978 and run by the Tribal Cultural
Institute. It preserves valuable objects and articles of different
tribes depicting their socioeconomic, cultural and historical
tradition. These include typical tribal dresses, ornaments, arms and
ammunitions, coins, statues made of wood, bronze and other metals,
musical instruments, ivory products, handicrafts, paintings on
tribal life etc. Open : Saturday - Thursday 10.00 am. - 4.00 pm.,
closed: Friday & Public Holidays. Admission is free.
ENTERTAINMENT
1 Cinema Dhaka has
several excellent air conditioned cinema halls which screen British.
American, continental and Bangladeshi films. All district towns have
their own cinemas. Check the daily morning newspapers for details of
current attractions.
2 Theatre Bengali
and Bengali transiations of western plays are staged frequently.
Popular theatre groups are: Dhaka Theatre, Nagarik Nattya Sampraday
and Theatre.
3 Cultural Shows
Cultural shows are quite frequently performed at several venues like
Mohila Samity, Guide House and British Council Auditorium. Check
with hotel receptions and the daily newspapers for details.
4 Fairs, festivals
& Holidays Fairs and festivals have always plaued a significant role
in the life of the citizens of this country. They derive from them a
great amount of joy, entertainment and colour for life. While most
of the festivals have sprung from religious rituals, the fairs have
their roots in the very heart of the people, irrespective of
religion, caste or creed. The biggest muslim festivals are Eidul
Fitr. Next comes Eid ul Azha. Other widely celebrated muslim
festivals are Eid e Miladunabi, Shab - e - Barat, Ashura (10th day
of Lunar Month, Muharram), and Jamt ul wide. Festivals like Durga
Puja of the Hindus, Christmas of the Christians, Buddha Purnima of
the Buddhists are also celebrated with equal fervour. Among the
nonreligious festivals Bengali New Year's Day, Victory Day (16th
December) and Independence day (26th March) are celebrated nation
wide. All these festivals are marked as public holidays. Other
national holidays are 21st February (National Mourning Day in memory
of the martyrs of Language movement) Ist May and 7th November
(National Solidarity Day).
DANCE
Classical forms of
the sub continent predominate in Bangladeshi dance. The folk, tribal
and middle eastern traits are also common. Among the tribal dances,
particularly popular are Monipur and Santal.
MUSIC
The music in
Bangladesh can be divided into three distinct categories classical ,
folk and modern. The classical music, both vocal and instrumental is
rooted in the remote past of the sub continent. Ustad Alauddin Khan
and Ustad Ayet Ali Khan are two names in classical instrument music
who are internationally known. Folk song nurtured through the ages
by village poets, rich in devotional musticism and loveres is
popular in Bangladesh. The best known forms are Bhatiali, Baul,
Marfati, Murshidi and Bhawaiya, Lalan, Hansan Raja, Abbasuddin and
Abdul Alim are four great manes in flok song. Modern Bengali song
pioneered by Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam blended
western and middle eastern traits with traditional forms.
Contemporary patterns have more inclinations to west. Pop song and
band groups are also coming up mainly in Dhaka city.
FAIRS AND
FESTIVALS
Fairs and festivals
have always played a significant role in the life of the people of
the country. Brief information on the important and regular
festivals are given below. It may not be out of place to mention
here that besides these, there are various fairs and exhibitions
held during the winter (November - March).
Source:
Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation |
