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With its economic development hampered by annual flooding and a string of natural disasters, Bangladesh remains the kind of destination that only those looking for true adventure would consider when bound for South Asia. But within this intriguing land of sparkling rivers and stunning mountains lie a series of treasures waiting to be discovered. Its capital city, Dakha, is a concrete jungle featuring many attractions and cultural institutions which form the perfect introduction to those wishing to learn more about the -hearted people and fascinating traditions of Bangladesh. Explore the National Museum, Liberation War Museum, National Art Gallery, the Bangladesh Shishu Academy and Bangla Academy while staying at one of the city's excellent hotels or health spas. On the outskirts of the city is the impressive Lalbagh Fort, while the Mainimati Ruins are located an hour from the centre a selection of more than fifty scattered Buddhist sites dating back to the 7 th and 12 th centuries which have special significance as one of the main seats of the Buddhist faith in Bangladesh, otherwise a mainly Muslim country.
Known for its role in the tobacco industry, the town of Rangpur in the north has a series of historical attractions from the Mughal period which draw many visitors, fascinated by the faded beauty of the remnants of palaces at Raja Nilambar, Hari Mandir and Mitha Pukur. The spectacular nine-domed Radhanagar Mosque is one of several mosques which add to the interest of the town. A visit to Srimanghal and Sylhet in the beautiful Surma Valley of eastern Bangladesh will lead you to discover the fascinating tea plantations of the region where the cultivation of the land in terraced tea gardens has created a unique and scenic landscape within lush green tropical forests.
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Traditional henna hand painting
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While most of the country is incredibly flat and often monotonous, there are unique features which have now been designated as National Parks or Wildlife Sanctuaries to recognise their importance and create areas for the public to enjoy as well as protect rare species of flora and fauna, which Bangladesh exhibits in abundance. Among eight National Parks, worth mentioning in particular are the Sundarbans with their amazing Bengal tigers, Ramsagar National Park which encompasses man-made forest of ornamental and fruit trees and the Himchari and Medha Kassapia National Parks at Cox's Bazar, where the world's longest beach combines miles of golden sand at the shores of the Bay of Bengal with colourful pagodas, markets and seafood restaurants.
The Bazar is close to the city of Chittagong, Bangladesh's second largest city whose peoples are descended from such diverse cultures as Afghan, Arab and Mughal as well as the Portuguese settlers who now live in the enclave of Paterghatta. This city, with a luscious setting against green rolling hills on the banks of the Karnaphuli River in the Bay of Bengal is a major sea port but manages to hold on to its reputation as one of the country's cleanest and most beautiful cities. A visit to Pahartali Lake and Patenga Beach will help you understand how it came to be known as such. The Island of Maheskali just off the coast of Cox's Bazar has an amazing mangrove jungle while Sonadia Island is popular for its variety of shells.
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With its economic development hampered by annual flooding and a string of natural disasters, Bangladesh remains the kind of destination that only those looking for true adventure would consider when bound for South Asia. But within this intriguing land of sparkling rivers and stunning mountains lie a series of treasures waiting to be discovered. Its capital city, Dakha, is a concrete jungle featuring many attractions and cultural institutions which form the perfect introduction to those wishing to learn more about the -hearted people and fascinating traditions of Bangladesh. Explore the National Museum, Liberation War Museum, National Art Gallery, the Bangladesh Shishu Academy and Bangla Academy while staying at one of the city's excellent hotels or health spas. On the outskirts of the city is the impressive Lalbagh Fort, while the Mainimati Ruins are located an hour from the centre a selection of more than fifty scattered Buddhist sites dating back to the 7 th and 12 th centuries which have special significance as one of the main seats of the Buddhist faith in Bangladesh, otherwise a mainly Muslim country.
Known for its role in the tobacco industry, the town of Rangpur in the north has a series of historical attractions from the Mughal period which draw many visitors, fascinated by the faded beauty of the remnants of palaces at Raja Nilambar, Hari Mandir and Mitha Pukur. The spectacular nine-domed Radhanagar Mosque is one of several mosques which add to the interest of the town. A visit to Srimanghal and Sylhet in the beautiful Surma Valley of eastern Bangladesh will lead you to discover the fascinating tea plantations of the region where the cultivation of the land in terraced tea gardens has created a unique and scenic landscape within lush green tropical forests.
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Traditional henna hand painting
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While most of the country is incredibly flat and often monotonous, there are unique features which have now been designated as National Parks or Wildlife Sanctuaries to recognise their importance and create areas for the public to enjoy as well as protect rare species of flora and fauna, which Bangladesh exhibits in abundance. Among eight National Parks, worth mentioning in particular are the Sundarbans with their amazing Bengal tigers, Ramsagar National Park which encompasses man-made forest of ornamental and fruit trees and the Himchari and Medha Kassapia National Parks at Cox's Bazar, where the world's longest beach combines miles of golden sand at the shores of the Bay of Bengal with colourful pagodas, markets and seafood restaurants.
The Bazar is close to the city of Chittagong, Bangladesh's second largest city whose peoples are descended from such diverse cultures as Afghan, Arab and Mughal as well as the Portuguese settlers who now live in the enclave of Paterghatta. This city, with a luscious setting against green rolling hills on the banks of the Karnaphuli River in the Bay of Bengal is a major sea port but manages to hold on to its reputation as one of the country's cleanest and most beautiful cities. A visit to Pahartali Lake and Patenga Beach will help you understand how it came to be known as such. The Island of Maheskali just off the coast of Cox's Bazar has an amazing mangrove jungle while Sonadia Island is popular for its variety of shells.