Must See

Bogra

Located near Bogra in Northern Bangladesh is the ancient Hindu settlement of Sherpur and the ancient capital, Mahastanagar, which dates back to the third century BC. Vasu Vihara, situated 14 km (9 miles) to the northwest, is the site of an ancient but now ruined monastery.

Dhaka

This historic capital city sits on Buriganga River, which connects it to all the major inland ports. It is home to an estimated 11.9 million, making it the largest city in Bangladesh and one of the most populous in the world.

The old part of the city is dominated by commercial bustle and visitors may see the exquisite Ahsan Manzil Palace and Museum (sometimes referred to as the Pink Palace), the uncompleted 17th-century Lalbagh Fort and the dilapidated Chotta Katra. To the north of the old part of the city is the European quarter (also known as British City), which contains the Dhakeswari Temple, the Banga Bhavan, the presidential palace and several parks.

Also worth visiting are the Baldha Gardens with its collection of rare plants, the Mausoleum of Pari Bibi, the Khan Mohammed Mirdha Mosque and the beautiful Kashaitully Mosque. The Dharmarajika Buddhist Monastery near Central Railway Station is home to a 1,000-year-old black stone Buddha. North of the city lies Rajendrapur National Park, with varied bird species and Madhabkunda, a spot noted for its enchanting waterfalls and beautiful panoramic views.

Chittagong

Chittagong, located in the southeast, is Bangladesh's second largest city and a thriving port set amid charming natural surroundings, with coconut palms, mosques and minarets.

The old part of the city retains much of its European past, mainly Portuguese, as well as many mosques such as the Qadam Mubarek Mosque and the 17th-century fort-like Shahi Jama-e-Masjid set astride a hilltop. The Chilla of Bada Shah, a place of meditation, stands to the west of Bakshirhat in the old city. The Dargah of Sah Amanat is a holy shrine located in the heart of the town.

About 6 km (4 miles) northwest of the town is the Tomb of Sultan Bayazid Bostami, a holy shrine situated on a hillock in Nasirabad. At its base is a large tank with several hundred tortoises, which are supposedly the descendants of evil spirits. Eight kilometres (5 miles) from Chittagong is the picturesque Foy's Lake in the railway township of Pahartali.

Cox's Bazar

Inani Beach, the world's longest and broadest beach, can be found in Cox's Bazar, a beach resort and regional tourist centre in the extreme south of Bangladesh. The beach is 120 km (75 miles) long and 55 m (180ft) to 90 m (300ft) wide (depending on the tide). The town also has many thriving cottage industries for weaving and cigar making; however, the area has not been fully developed for tourism.

Khulna

The Sundarbans National Park is located in the northeast of the country, in Khulna, a marshland and jungle division. It is a supreme example of lush coastal vegetation and the variety of wildlife it supports, including the country's national animal, the Royal Bengal Tiger. Other wildlife includes monkeys, birds and spotted deer.

Kuakata

Kuakata is a newly developed tourist resort located on the southernmost tip of Bangladesh in the district of Patuakhali. This scenic beauty spot has a wide sandy beach, which is an ideal spot to watch the sun rise and set. Visitors to the area can also see the traditions and unique lifestyle of the Rakhane tribes.

Rajshahi

Often ignored by tourists, this area in the northwest contains many archaeological sites. Paharpur is home to one of the most important of these, where the vast Buddhist monastery of Somapuri Vihara and the Satyapir Vita temple can both be seen.

Sitakund

Sitakund, 37 km (23 miles) from Chittagong, is famous for its temples, including Chandranath and Buddhist temples, along with the supposed footprint of Lord Buddha and a hot spring. In February, it is home to an annual 10-day pilgrimage.

Sylhet

Due to its long tradition as a tea-growing area, Sylhet, north of Dhaka, is known as 'the land of two leaves and a bud'. Srimongol is the main centre of the Sylhet tea garden.