Dhakeshwari National Temple

The state-owned Dhakeshwari National Temple in Dhaka is considered to be the most important Hindu place of worship in Bangladesh. Situated just southwest of Dhaka University's Salimullah Hall, Dhakeshwari stands behind a boundary wall with its entrance framed by an ornate gateway. Inside the main temple premises are four small identical temples situated from east to west. Each temple is build on a high base with steps to the open entrances on each side of the temples, except the north-facing-side. The dome-like roofs of each temple are constructed with six tiers topped with lotus and kalasa finials. Inside each temple there is a shiva linga-a symbol for the worship of the Hindu god Shiva. To the east of these four small temples is the main Dhakeshwari temple with its marble altar for worship offerings. The main room of the temple contains the statue of the ten-armed goddess Durga and the four-armed god Vasudeva. The two side-rooms each contain a Shiva linga. Worship of the goddess Durga, known as Durga Puja, takes place at this temple on an annual basis. This is the most important event in the Bengali Hindu calender and a number of dignitaries, often including the President, prime Minister and Members of Parliament, attend as a symbol of respect for the Hindu community in Bangladesh. Thousands of worshippers, along with interested onlookers, visit Dhakeshwari during Durga puja. As part of the celebration's a cultural program takes place a few days later in the adjoining parade ground. This is an important cultural event for Dhaka's citizens and often attracts renowned personalities from the Dhaka film and music industry. The name Dhakeshwari means ''Goddess of Dhaka'' and it is believed by many that the city was named in honor of the temple, whereas others believe the temple was named after the city. popular legend has it that the temple was built by king Ballal Sen of the Sena dynasty in the 12th century, but based on architectural styles, researchers do not necessarily agree with this and as yet, no consensus has been reached on the temple's origin. Although Dhakeshwari is a Hindu temple, it is open to all residents of Dhaka city and is often the venue for concerts and disaster relief charity drives, as well as inoculation programs. Irrespective of its origins and the many repairs and renovations that have taken place over the years, there is no doubt that Dhakeshwari is a well-respected part of Dhaka's cultural heritage.

Sundarbans : The Largest mangrove forest of the world

Sundarbans mangrove forest is the largest in the world, and covers areas of India and Bangladesh for more than 80 kilometers in forming Sundarbans National park, declared a world Heritage site by UNESCO. A third of this area is covered by water and marshes, as well Sundarbans since 1966 has been considered a sanctuary for wildlife because it is estimated that there live about 400 Royal Bengal Tigers and more than 30,000 deer in this area. The forest lies at the feet of the Ganges and is spread across areas of Bangladesh and West Bengal, India, forming the seaward fringe of the delta. The seasonally-flooded Sundarbans freshwater swamp forests lie

inland from the mangrove forests. The forests covers 10,000 km2 of which about 6,000 are in Bangladesh. It became inscribed as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1997, but while the Bangladeshi and Indian portions constitute the same continuous ecotope, these are separately listed in the UNESCO world heritage list as the Sundarbans and Sundarbans National park, respectively. The Sundarbans is intersected by a complex network of tidal waterways, mudflats and small inland's of salt-tolerant mangrove forests. The area is known for the eponymous Royal Bengal Tiger(Panthera tigris) as well as numerous fauna including species of birds, spotted deer, crocodiles and snakes. It is estimated that there are now 500 (citation needed) Bengal tigers and about 30,000 spotted deer in te ares. Sundarbans was designated a Ramsar site on May 21, 1992. The fertile soils of the delta have been subject to intensive human use for centuries, and the ecoregion has been mostly converted to intensive agriculture, with few enclaves of forest remaining. The remaining forests, together with the Sundarbans mangroves, are important habitat for the endangered tiger. Additionally, the Sundarbans serves a crucial function as a protective flood barrier for the millions of inhabitants in and around Kolkata against the result of cyclone activity. Sundarbans is home to many different species of birds, mammals, insects, reptiles and fish. It is estimated that there may be found more than 120 species of fish and over 260 species of birds and more than fifty species of reptiles and eight amphibians. Many tourists go there to see the Bengal tigers, saltwater crocodiles, leopards and snakes cobra.

Chalan Beel

Chalan Beel is a series of wetlands connected by channels of water in the lower Altrai basin. During the rainy season, these wetlands become a single body of water with dense aquatic vegetation supporting diverse wildlife. The banks of Chalan Beel are covered in a variety of fauna, which is inhabited by at least twenty-seven species of mammals, and thirty-four species of reptiles, with amphibians  including seven species of frogs and toads. Reptiles include turtles, tortoises, lizards and a number of snake species. Chalan Beel is an extensive lowland  area in the lower Atrai basin, and spreads across singra and Gurudaspur thana on Natore, chatmohor of pabna and ullahpara, Raiganag and Tarash Upazilas of Shirajgong. It consists of a series of beels connected to one another by various channels to from a continuous water body during the rainy season. International research has revealed that wetlands around the world serve a critical role in maintaining biodiversity, contributing to the overall health of the planet, Unfortunately, lack of knowledge regarding the role of wetlands has led to human encroaching on these areas in one way or another. The major problem facing Chalan Beel is the silt carried by the more than forty rivers that empty into it. While it is estimated that Chalan Beel initially covered an area of more than 1000 square kilometers, a survey in 1909 noted that it had been reduced to 368 square kilometers,  and a more recent survey noted that it had shrunk to a mere 26 square kilometers. Developments around the rivers that empty into Chalan Beel, such as the construction of the east Bengal railway in the early1900s and numerous dams, roads and railways since then,have caused the rivers to redirect and gather silt along the way. Although the silt provides fertile soil for agriculture, taking over wetlands for agriculture and habitation has taken away the livelihood of those who fishes for a living, and has impacted negatively on the environment in a number of ways.

Dulahazra Safari Park

Bangladesh is a diverse country that attracts thousands of visitors each year. Tourists flock to the country to experience its unique culture, meet its friendly locals and enjoy the magnificence of the country's wildlife. Many reserves and conservation projects have been established in Bangladesh to project its rare wildlife and bird populations, and one such breathtaking eco-tourism  initiative is the Dulahazra Safari Park. Located approximately a hundred kilometers outside of the tourist hotspot of Cox Bazar, the Dulahazra Safari Park is perfectly located for visitors to enjoy day trips out to this wonderful conservation area. Dulahazra Safari park was developed on an undulating landscape of around 2,224 acres of area at Chakaria Upazila in Cox's Bazar District, Bangladesh, some 107 km away from the port city, with an objective to create facilities for eco-tourism, research work and entertainment aside from conserving wild animals in a natural environment. Dulahazra park is home to at least 4,000 animals of 165 species. After the new government took over in January 2007, joint forces rescued many of these new residents of the park during their drives at houses and establishments owned by graft suspects. Many individuals also'donated' some of the animals to the park during this period. The seized and donated animals recently sent to the park include 90 spotted deer (chital), 42 barking deer (maya, a species of muntjac deer), three sambar deer, one freshwater crocodile, one saltwater crocodile, nine black bear, four pythons, 17 peacocks, 19 Turkish pheasants and two emus.

Visitor attractions :

Safari park- Elephant

Other animal attractions include lions, Bengal tigers, Crocodiles, Bears, Chitals and lots of different types of birds and monkeys. Since the park was made open to the public, it has been drawing a huge crowd all year round- 6,000 visitors daily during peak season (November to March ) and 2,000 visitors daily during off season (April to October).

The Dhanmondi Lake- Dhaka

Dhaka is a busy metropolitan city which is expanding with many satellite cities and suburb towns. Dhanmondi is one of the much planned locations of Dhaka which was developed back in the 1950s and is located almost in the center of the city. It has been traditionally recognized as an up market, affluent residential area. Previously Dhanmondi was more of a quiet location but recently it has become a very busy area with many shopping malls, plazas, banks, restaurants, hospotals, educational institutions as well as art galleries. This is a place where you will find almost everything for a regular life and one of its most attractive parts is the lake that flows in between various points of Dhanmondi. This lake is also named accordingly as the Dhanmondi Lake. Almost 16% of the total area of Dhanmondi was conserved for the lake. Dhanmondi lake is a well visited spot where many interesting activities and events take place on a regular mode. The lake comes with different looks and beauty in different seasons. There are many trees around this lake blossoming with various strokes of colors such as red, orange, pink, yellow, white and purple. On a hot summer like this a walk beside the lake can be very relaxing and enchanting to pass the leisure times. People tend to visit the lake during the evening sunlight as it gets comforting and air becomes cooler with soft breezes. Starting from Jigatola the lake extends up to Road # 27, and bounded by the Mohammadpur-Lalmatia area in the north, Satmasjid Road in the west, BGB Gate (Dhanmondi Road # 2) in the south and in the east by Kalabagan residential area. It is 3 km in length, 35.37 ha. Excess floodwater due to heavy rainfall passes through this rivers drainage. So water level in the lake remains almost the same in all time. There are many food fourts and small restaurants near the side walks of the lake. Dingi, Panshi, Shampaan are one of the popular restaurants beside the lake. Tea, soft drinks, pickles, pithas (Bengali Sweet cake) and ice-creams are available in the walkways too.

Jaflong

Jaflong is one of the most gorgeous tourist spots in Sylhet division. It's about 60 km faraway from Shylhet town and takings two hour drive to touch it. Jaflong is also a scenic spot nearby amongst tea gardens and rare beauty of rolling stones from hills. It is located besides the river Mari in the lap of Hill Khashia. The Mari river is approaching from the great Himalayas of India, which carrying million tons of stone boulders with its flow. You can lookout the stone collection from the river in Jaflong as well as you can delight in the boating in the river Mari. Jaflong is totally a hilly area of real natural attractiveness where hills are greenish with the forests. Lot of wild animal live in this forest. So you need to be cautious to come in the forest alone. You can realize the lifestyle of Tribe Khashia in Jaflong. If you propose to visit Jaflong it is advisable to start from Shylhet in the early morning so that you can comeback by evening covering the other tourists spot of nearby areas of Jaflong. The other tourist areas nearby Jaflong are Tamabil, Sripur and Jaintapur.

 

Himchori and Inanai Beach

There are many attractions for the tourists around Cox's Bazar. From Cox's Bazar Sea shore, you can go to these places by jeep and it is really exotic to drive on the seashore. Himchori is famous for waterfall though in the winter season it dwindles but during the rainy season it's really a fabulous and full waterfall can be enjoyed. Inani beach is famous for the rock and coral boulders; you will find big coral boulders in this beach. you can plan a trip to Inani beach via Himchory for a half day or may be a full day sightseeing. please take packet lunch with you.
 

Saint Martins Island (Narical Gingira)- The Coral Island of Bangladesh

Saint Martin's Island is a small island in the northeastern part of the Bay of Bengal, about 9 km south of the angle of the Cox's Bazar-Teknaf peninsula, and forming the southernmost part of Bangladesh. It is about 8 km west of the northwest coast of Myanmar, at the mouth of the Naf River. Local name of the island is "Narical Gingira", also spelled "Narikel Jinjira/Jinjera", that means 'coconut Island' in Bengali. It is the only one coral island in Bangladesh. St Martin's Island is perfect for tourists who is truly interested in escaping the holds of a modern world. Do not expect to find taxis, tarred roads or electricity here. Lodges are dependent on generators, as the inland is all about sun, sea and palm trees. During the day, the island comes alive with water and beach sports, with beach parties and bonfires lighting up the evening skies. For the use of a phone or a reminder of what a television set looks like, visitors can pop down to the coast Guard station. It's possible to walk around the island in a day because it measures only 8 km2 (3sq. mile), shrinking to about 5 km2 ( 2 sq. mile) during high tide. The island exists only because of its coral base, so removal of that coral risks erosion of the beaches. sadly, st. Martin's has lost roughly 25% of its coral reef in the past 7 years. St. Martin's island has become a popular tourist place. Currently, some  (about 5 in number) shipping liners run daily trips to the island, including Sea-Truck and Keary-Sindbad. Tourists can look their trip either from Chittagong or from Cox's Bazar. The surrounding coral reef of the island has an extension named Chera Dwip

The Monument of Hazrat Shah Jalal

Monument of saint Hazarat Shah Jalal is the most historic attention in Sylhet town. Today, more than six hundred years after his passing, the monument is visited by countless devotees of  every caste and creed, who make the journey from faraway places. Legend says, the great saint who came from Delhi to expound Islam and beaten the then Hindu Raja (King) Gour Gobinda, transformed the sorcery followers of the Raja into catfishes which are still alive in the tank adjacent to the monument Swords, the holy Quran and the robes of the holy saint are still preserved in the monument.

Madhabkunda Waterfall

Madhabkun waterfall is one of the gorgeous tourist acnes in Sylhet division. Lots of tourists and picnic parties come to Madhabkunda every day for enjoument. Anyone can go to Madhabkunda either from Sylhet if you go by road or from Kulaura if you go by train. From Kulaura railstation its about one hour journey by microbus to Madhabkunda. The journey to Madhabkunda itself is interesting. On the way you can see the greenish attractiveness of tea garden, the hills and the zigzag road through the hills will upsurge the joy of your trip. In Madhabkunda you will see the great waterfall-falls of million tons of water from 200ft. height. Big bolder of stones and the black stones in giving a shape of care in Madhabkunda. There is a parjatan motel with a good restaurant for accommodation and fooding. You can stay in a district council Bunglow at night. Here you can enjoy exciting feelings to stay in a jungle. All you need to have a prior booking for the bunglow from Moulvibazar Zilla parishad office.

Nilgiri, Bandorban- The highest hill resort and a wonderful place of Bangladesh

Nil Giri is the highest hill resort of Bangladesh with amazing natural beauty. This Resort is lacated 47 km South-East of Bandarban town on Chimbuk Range at a height of 2400 feet from sea level. It has a high class residential accommodation that makes a defference. This beautiful resort in the top of the mountain maintain by the Bangladesh Army. You will be amazed when you see that the cloudy sky often kisses the peak of the hill. Gentle breeze was blowing down the hill side and then clouds were hanging around on their way to casual fly. Dimmed through the clouds, silver moon light was rolling down the folds and slopes. It is Imagine the scene! Clouds are playing with you and you can touch them! This is the most attractive place of Bangladesh for those who love hills and clouds.