Bangladesh holidays
Currently off the mainstream tourist radar and all the better for it in our opinion. If you seek adventure in an authentic, diverse and largely undeveloped location, Bangladesh could well be for you. The country offers a surprisingly diverse range of experiences and getting to them is generally easy and comfortable – we also found road conditions to be very good. Additionally Bangladesh is one of the most populated countries in the world, but also one of the friendliest. Outside of Dhaka, most Bangladeshis will not have come across foreign tourists and their interest is warm and genuine. The land is dotted with waterways that flood in the summer, providing rich soil to generate the lush landscape that follows. A journey through this rural wonderland is certainly a very special experience.
Locations
Bangladesh Tours
Below are a selection of our favourite sample itineraries that we have created based on our experiences of travelling extensively throughout Bangladesh. As with all our tours, every aspect can be tailor-made to your individual requirements.
Hotels
For the time being, tourism is still in its infancy in Bangladesh, especially outside of Dhaka. However, if you don’t mind skipping 5 star luxury, you’ll be rewarded with stunning rural landscape, friendly locals and authentic experiences.
The Sundarbans National Park is one of the main reasons why many people come to Bangladesh. The world’s largest mangrove forest is a myriad of tidal waterways where a range of wildlife can be spotted, including the famous Bengal tiger.
Dhaka is a city of two halves. Most tourist hotels are found in the newer business district of Gulsham, although there are few sights of interest here. Old Dhaka however is a sensation overload; narrow crowded lanes, bustling bazars and thousands of brightly painted rickshaws make this a truly unforgettable experience.
Take the overnight paddle-wheel steamer boat from the fascinating Sadarghat boat terminal in Dhaka, where enormous multi deck ferries tower alongside tiny wooden canoes. In the early morning, you’ll arrive at Barisal from where you can explore the tranquil backwaters of Bangladesh by traditional country boat, stopping at local villages along the way and visiting a floating market.
History lovers should make for Paharpur and Mahasthangarh where you will find impressive Buddhist and archaeological sites. The ancient mosques and mausoleums at Bagerhat are also a highlight, especially the 60 domed mosque.
Nature lovers shouldn’t miss the Sylhet area for trekking, cycling and exploring the tea gardens around Srimangal.
Stroll on the longest stretch of natural beach in the world at Cox’s Bazar and venture into the Chittagong Hills to discover Bangladesh’s Adivasi culture. The communities living on the chars (river islands made of silt) are also fascinating to visit and gain an insight into their way of life.
Bangladesh has something to offer everyone looking for a diverse, authentic experience and a bit of adventure. Our advice is to go now, before the inevitable development and sanitisation.
Best Time to Go:
The high season in Bangladesh is from October to March; temperatures are cooler and the worst of the main monsoon rains are over. January and February can sometimes get chilly. However, temperatures rise in April and May and can be unbearable without the cooling monsoon rains. However, this is the time to join honey harvesters in the Sundarbans. Monsoon rains arrive in June which cools the air but can disrupt travel plans due to flooding. The monsoon season generally lasts from June to September. At this time, the tea picking in Sylhet is fully underway.
Dhaka
| Month | Jan | Feb | March | April | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max °C | 25 | 28 | 33 | 35 | 34 | 32 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 29 | 26 |
| Min °C | 12 | 13 | 16 | 23 | 25 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 24 | 18 | 13 |
| Rain mm | 18 | 31 | 58 | 103 | 194 | 321 | 437 | 305 | 254 | 169 | 28 | 2 |
Chittagong
| Month | Jan | Feb | March | April | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max °C | 26 | 28 | 31 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 30 | 30 | 31 | 31 | 29 | 26 |
| Min °C | 13 | 19 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 24 | 24 | 23 | 18 | 14 |
| Rain mm | 5 | 28 | 64 | 150 | 264 | 533 | 597 | 518 | 320 | 180 | 56 | 15 |
Sylhet
| Month | Jan | Feb | March | April | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max °C | 25 | 27 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 29 | 26 |
| Min °C | 12 | 14 | 18 | 21 | 23 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 22 | 18 | 14 |
| Rain mm | 13 | 27 | 108 | 319 | 549 | 780 | 751 | 595 | 468 | 227 | 31 | 8 |
Main Tourist Destination: (in alphabetical order)
Barisal, Bogra, Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Dhaka, Khulna, Kushtia, Mahasthangarh, Mongla, Srimangal, Sundarbans, Sylhet, Paharpur.
Capital:
Dhaka
Main Airports:
Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet
Local Language:
Bengali
Visa:
Usually Required
One month visa on arrival available at Dhaka airport
Time Zone:
GMT +6
Currency:
Taka
Electricity:
220v, 50 Hz. Sockets type C, D, G and K
Fun Fact:
The longest continuous sea beach in the world can be found in the Bangladesh at Cox’s Bazar.
Honey Collecting
Known as the “Festival of Light” due to the fireworks, lamps and candles that are lit. The festival celebrates the return of Lord Rama and his wife Sita to their kingdom after defeating the demon King Ravana. It takes place in October or November, depending on the cycle of the moon and lasts for five days.
Bishwa Ijtema
Ramadan
One of India’s most famous festivals, the “Festival of Colours” involves people throwing coloured powder and water over each other. There is also a carnival atmosphere in the streets with dancing and partying. It’s great fun to join in with, providing you don’t mind getting wet and covered in colours. The festival celebrates the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring. It lasts for two days, typically in March.
Janmasti
Bengali New Year
Holi
Known as Dol Purnima in Bengal, the “Festival of Colours” involves Hindus throwing coloured powder and water over each other. It is best observed in Dhaka’s Shankharia Bazar and usually takes place in March.
Durga Puja
A six day Hindu festival in October celebrating the goddess Durga. Effigies are built and paraded through Dhaka’s Shankharia Bazar before being placed into the Buriganga River on the final day.
Eid ul fitr
The end of Ramadan is celebrated by much feasting.