Covered in greenery as well as undulating hills. Bangladesh echoes with the Muslim call to prayer as well as Buddhist chants, and is one of the most mysterious and wonderful lands in Asia. Bangladesh is the neighbor of India, but you will find a less developed and more laid back atmosphere here.
The country had a tumultuous past that saw it gain freedom from first the British and then from Pakistani rule. When you consider that all this happened in the 20th century, it just goes to show what a turbulent recent past Bangladesh has had to endure. As a result, it offers a slice of authentic life to travelers who want an untainted image of the region.
The people of Bangladesh are famously friendly and welcoming and the country is full of cultural wonders such as the tea covered highlands of Srimangal to the gorgeous golden sands of Cox’s Bazar, which is actually the third longest beach in the world. Other highlights include bustling cities like Dhaka as well as areas of rural paradise like the Sundarbans National Park.
Here are the best places to visit in Bangladesh:
<h2>1. Cox’s Bazar</h2>
Spilling out into the Bay of Bengal is Cox’s Bazar, an area covered in salty fishing skiffs and bustling jetties.
This little town in the far south-east of Bangladesh is known for its stunning beach which stretches for an amazing 120 kilometers from north to south along the side of the balmy Indian Ocean.
This is the third longest beach on the planet and you will find local fishermen reeling in the day’s catch as well as bubbling rock pools and crashing turquoise waves that make this a great spot for surfing.
<h2>2. The Sundarbans</h2>
The Sundarbans are located at the point where the mighty waterways of the Brahmaputra and the scared Ganges crash into each other at the edge of the Bay of Bengal.
As you would expect, the area is also covered in spectacular wildlife and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Here you will find Bengal tigers stalking the mangroves as well as rhesus macaques swinging in the canopies.
Other highlights include chitals and you will also find local huts dotted around the area and hiding beneath waxy palm trees.
<h2>3. Srimangal</h2>
Srimangal is the tea-growing capital of Bangladesh and the area is a riot of different hues of green.
The area is famous for its rains which help the tea to grow and you will find a sea of different plantations here as you explore the highlands and the hamlets that make up Srimangal.
On a trip here make sure to visit a local tea processing plant which will usually include a trip to a tasting house so that you can enjoy a cup of fragrant tea whilst enjoying the views over the rippling fields.
Hiking is also poplar in the area although the undulating landscapes mean that some hikes are more challenging than others.
<h2>4. Rangamati</h2>
Set amongst the beautiful Chittagong Hill Tracts is the delightful mountain town of Rangamati which is a serene and peaceful alternative to many of Bangladesh’s frantic cities.
The town sits on the banks of Kaptai Lake which is known for its blue and green waters as well as the woodlands that surround it.
Small, colorfully painted boats bob on the surface of the lake and if you are lucky then you may see an Asian elephant strolled along the riverbank.
The main draw here is the hiking and wildlife excursions as well as the golden statue of Buddha Dhatu Jadi.
Other top spots to visit also include the Parjatan Hanging Bridge and the regal palaces of the old Chakma Raj.
<h2>5. Bandarban</h2>
Surrounded by the Muranja, Wayla, and Chimbook mountains that rise to nearly 1,000 meters above sea level is the stunning town of Bandaran.
The area is covered in misty green and is home to tobacco farms and hilltop lookouts and there is also a lively bazaar where you will find arts and crafts from the Shan tribes from Myanmar across the border.
Other reasons to come here include lazy bamboo boat rides along the majestic River Sangu as well as the mighty Nilgiri Hill and the crashing waters of the Jadipai Waterfall.
