Bandarban

Bandarban is a district in South-Eastern Bangladesh, and a part of the Chittagong Division and Chittagong Hill Tracts. Bandarban is also known as Arvumi or the Bohmong Circle (of the rest of the three hill districts Rangamati is the Chakma Circle and Khagrachari is the Mong Circle). Bandarban town is the home town of the Bohmong Chief who is the head of the Marma tribe people. It also is the administrative headquarter of Bandarban district, which has turned into one of the most exotic tourist attractions in Bangladesh since the insurgency in Chittagong Hill Tracts has ceased more than a decade back.

It the base for traveling south by country boats is a district in South-Eastern Bangladesh, and a part of the Chittagong Division and down the Sangu river to Ruma, Thanchi and points beyond. Tuesday is the weekly market when you'll see tribal folk from miles around. There is a large Buddhist water festival every April.

Attraction of Bandarban

Lots of hills and hilly areas, waterfalls, River Sangu, Lakes and the tribal culture are the main attraction of Bandarban.

Bandarban lies three hours away from Cox's Bazaar by bus. The Buddha Dhatu Jadi, the largest Buddhist temple in Bangladesh, located in Balaghata, 4 km from the town, is an excellent place to visit. This Theravada Buddhist temple is made completely in the style of South-East Asia and houses the second largest statue of Buddha in Bangladesh. The waterfall named Shoilo Propat at Milanchari is also an excellent site. In addition, the numerous Buddhist temples, known as kyang in local tongue, and vihars in the town include the highly notable the Rajvihar (royal vihar) at Jadipara and the Ujanipara Vihar. Bawm villages around Chimbuk, and Mru villages a little further off, are also lie within a day's journey from the town. Prantik Lake, Jibannagar and Kyachlong Lake are some more places of interest. And, a boat ride on the river Sangu is also an excellent proposition.

Kuakata

A rare scenic spot on the southernmost tip of Bangladesh in Patuakhali district Kuakata has a wide sandy beach from where one can see both the sunrise and sunset. Kuakata is located at a distance of 70 km. from the district headquarters of Patuakhali. Parjatan Holiday Homes at Kuakata offers a number of facilities for the tourists. This sandy beach slopes gently to the Bay of Bengal and bathing here is as pleasant as is diving or simply lazing on the beach. The virgin beaches of Kuakata, lined by coconut trees, are a sanctuary for migratory winter birds. Kuakata has a picture perfect setting where life is laid back and time seems unhurried. The Bay is alive with colorful sail boats, surfing, fishing or walking on the beach - Kuakata offers something for everyone.
Kuakata is a place of pilgrimage for the Hindu and Buddhist communities. Devotees arrive here during the festival of ' Raash Purnima' and 'Maghi Purnima'-- two sacred full moon festivals. A bath in the Bay is a part of the ritual. Fairs are also held where one can buy handloom and other handicraft items. A visit to a Rakhyne family and the hundred year old Buddist temple should be on each visitor's itinerary.

Kuakata has road communication with Dhaka, but the journey may be long and a bit stressful. A much easier way is to go to Barisal by air and from there travel by road or water to Patuakhali or Kuakata. BRTC runs a direct bus service from Dhaka to Kuakata via Barisal. Besides, Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation may organize guided package tours from Dhaka to Kuakata on demand.

Accommodation Facilities
For rates and booking contact:
Central ReservationBangladesh Parjatan CorporationHead Office83-88, Mohakhali C/A, Dhaka - 1212.Phone:(880 - 2) 9899288-91, 8811109, 8821548e-mail : info@bangladeshtourism.gov.bd For more information click here

Cox's Bazar

Cox's Bazar is one of the most attractive tourist spots in the world.Miles of golden sands, towering cliffs, surfing waves, rare conch shells, colorful pagodas, Buddhist temples and tribes, delightful sea-food--this is Cox's Bazar.It is also known by the name "Panowa", the literal translation of which means "yellow flower". It is an unbroken 125 km sandy sea beach with a gentle slope.The warm, shark free, waters are good for bathing and swimming & while the sandy beaches offer opportunities for sun-bathing.
The beauty of the setting-sun behind the waves of the sea is simply captivating.Other attractions for visitors are conch shell market,handloom products of the tribal Rakhyne families, salt and prawn cultivation.

Located at a distance of 152 km. south of Chittagong, Cox's Bazar is connected both by air and road from Dhaka and Chittagong.

Sundarban

The Sundarbans delta is the largest mangrove forest in the world, stretching 80km into the Bangladeshi hinterland from the coast. The Sundarbans cover an area of 38,500 sq. km, of which about one-third is water. Named after Sundari trees, the Sundarbans is a thick tropical forest with deltaic swamps along the country's coastal fringe. It is intersect by a complex network of tidal waterways, mudflats and small islands of salt-tolerant mangrove forests, and presents an excellent example of ongoing ecological processes. The area is known for its wide rang of fauna. The most famous among these are the maneating Tiger, but numerous species of birds, spotted deer, crocodiles and snakes also inhabit it. It is optimistically estimated that there are now 400 Royal Bengal tigers and about 30,000 spotted deer in the area. The sheer exuberance of vegetation and variety of animal, bird and fish life is astonishing. Wood from this forest serves as the principal raw material for the nation's 40,000-ton capacity newsprint mills in Khulna. The park is also home to sea gypsy fishing families who catch fish using trained otters. To see this pristine environment, you need to get a permit from the Divisional Forest Office in Khulna. With permit in hand, it's possible to hire a boat from Mongla or Dhangmari to get you to Hiron Point. From Hiron Point you will have to hire a guide to take you into the park.

FOREST LIMITS: North-Bagerhat, Khulna and Sathkira districts: South-Bay of Bengal; East-Baleswar (or Haringhata) river, Perojpur, Barisal district, and West-Raimangal and Hariabhanga rivers which partially form Bangladesh boundary with West Bengal in India.

MAIN ATTRACTIONS: Wildlife photography including photography of the famous Royal Bengal Tiger, wildlife viewing, boating inside the forest will call recordings, nature study, meeting fishermen, wood-cutters and honey-collectors, peace and tranquility in the wilderness, seeing the world's largest mangrove forest and the revering beauty.It's beauty lies in its unique natural surrounding. Thousands of meandering streams, creeks, rivers and estuaries have enhanced its charm. Sundarbans meaning beautiful forest is the natural habitat of the world famous Royal Bengal Tiger, spotted deer, crocodiles, jungle fowl, wild boar, lizards, theses monkey and an innumerable variety of beautiful birds. Migratory flock of Siberian ducks flying over thousands of sail boats loaded with timber, golpatta (round-leaf), fuel wood, honey, shell and fish further add to the serene natural beauty of the Sundarbans.

COMMUNICATION:There are transport and accommodation facilities available for tourists. Either to or from Dhaka, the 'Rocket' or colonial paddle-wheeler is the most exciting way to arrive at or depart from Khulna city. To get deep enough into the mangroves takes several days of river journey each way.