Bangladesh

Bangladesh: Land of Rivers and Rich Heritage

The world’s most densely populated large country, home to the Sundarbans mangrove forest, one of the longest beaches in the world, and a culture of remarkable energy and resilience.

Bangladesh occupies the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta in South Asia, bordered by India on three sides and Myanmar to the southeast, with the Bay of Bengal to the south. The country is extremely flat and low-lying, formed almost entirely by the alluvial deposits of the great rivers that flow through it. It is one of the most densely populated countries in the world and one of the most climate-vulnerable, with a significant portion of its territory at risk from flooding and sea-level rise.

Bangladesh is rarely on international travel itineraries, which is precisely what makes it interesting for curious, adventurous travelers. The country has significant natural and historical attractions, extraordinary cultural energy, and people whose warmth and hospitality toward foreign visitors is consistently noted by those who come.

Why Visit Bangladesh

The Sundarbans, shared between Bangladesh and India, is the world’s largest mangrove forest, stretching across approximately 10,000 square kilometers of tidal delta at the mouth of the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the habitat of the Bengal tiger, the largest population of which lives in Bangladesh. Boat trips through the Sundarbans’ tidal channels offer genuine wildlife experiences and an extraordinary landscape of twisted mangrove roots, mudflats, and river light.

Cox’s Bazar has one of the world’s longest natural sea beaches, stretching approximately 120 kilometers unbroken along the Bay of Bengal. The beach is wide, sandy, and backed by sea-facing hills in the south. The local fishing communities, the Buddhist temples in the Ramu area, and the Inani Beach section with its unique rock formations make Cox’s Bazar more than just a beach destination.

The Paharpur ruins in the northwest are a UNESCO World Heritage Site preserving the remains of the Somapura Mahavihara, the largest Buddhist monastery south of the Himalayas, built in the 8th century AD. The archaeological site gives excellent insight into the Buddhist civilization that once flourished in Bengal.

The Sixty Dome Mosque (Shat Gombuj Masjid) in Bagerhat, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built in the 15th century and is the largest mosque in Bangladesh. Its 60 stone pillars supporting 77 domes make it one of the most distinctive Islamic monuments in the region.

Top Places to Visit Bangladesh

1. Dhaka

The capital is one of the most densely populated and intensely alive cities in Asia. Old Dhaka, particularly the area around Sadarghat (the main river port where hundreds of rocket steamers and ferries dock), the Ahsan Manzil Pink Palace, the Star Mosque, and the Shankhari Bazaar are extraordinary urban environments of great historical interest.

3. The Chittagong Hill Tracts

The southeastern hill tracts bordering Myanmar have beautiful forested landscape, Buddhist communities including the Chakma, Marma, and Mro peoples, and a distinctive culture very different from the Dhaka lowlands. Access requires permits and is subject to changing regulations.

4. Sylhet and the Tea Gardens

The northeastern Sylhet region has rolling tea gardens, the Ratargul swamp forest (one of the few freshwater swamp forests in Bangladesh), and the Srimangal town known as the “tea capital of Bangladesh.”

Bangladeshi Food and Culture

Rice and fish are the heart of Bangladeshi cuisine, reflecting the delta environment. Hilsa (ilish), a large silver river fish considered the national fish, is caught in the Padma and Meghna rivers during the monsoon season and is extraordinarily prized.

Mustard-cooked hilsa (shorshe ilish) is one of the most celebrated dishes in Bengali cooking. Shutki (dried and fermented fish) adds intense flavor to many dishes.

Travel Tip for Bangladesh

Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport or an e-visa online. Bengali (Bangla) is the official language. English is spoken in business and educated circles.

The Bangladeshi taka is the currency. The best time to visit is October to March. Malaria prevention is recommended in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.