JOURNEY THROUGH BANGLADESH

This Bangladesh program resulted from my month-long trip around the country. I've selected some of the most exciting places that reveal the authentic beauty of this country. Bangladesh has few landmarks or monuments of global or even local scale. However, the entire country is one significant landmark. People travel to Bangladesh for the authenticity that still exists in most parts of the country.

We begin the trip in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. In the city, we will pay a special visit to one of the world's largest river ports - the Sadarghat. We will walk through the old city and the Hindu quarter, where the Hindu population is concentrated in otherwise Muslim Dhaka. We will take a boat to the shipyard on the other side of the Buriganga River and observe traditional shipbuilding.

Next, we will travel by private minibus to Sreemangal, the tea capital of Bangladesh. Over the next four days, we will tour the tea plantations, explore the rural areas, visit the tea museum, and drink a lot of tea. We will visit the Tripura, Garo, and Khasi tribe settlements, exploring the authentic culture and traditions that have not changed for centuries. Rural Bangladesh is rarely explored by travelers but has exceptional raw and natural beauty. We will learn about the cultivation and processing of betel leaves and visit pineapple and rubber plantations. Finally, we will stop at the beautiful Madhobpur Lake and the area's numerous rural markets and settlements.

During the second part of the trip, we will visit the city and region of Barisal, considered the best place to experience rural and idyllic Bangladesh. We will explore the surrounding villages, go boating on the canals, visit and photograph the fishing villages, and enjoy the extraordinary Bengali nature.

The trip will conclude in Dhaka, from where we will fly back to our home countries.

Important information: The country is not dangerous, although occasional reports of unrest exist. Such reports become more frequent during elections, mainly in Dhaka and the big cities. The itinerary includes places with suitable infrastructure (good quality hotels) and safe locations that are frequently visited by tourists.

All photos and videos were taken by me.

This program provides an overview of the main elements of the trip. If you want concrete solutions tailored to your specific case and circumstances, please email us. We can arrange flight tickets from anywhere in the world to the starting point of the trip. Additionally, we can take care of hotel transfers, specific documents, or provide advice on Covid-related travel requirements. We will assist you at every stage of the organization. Don't hesitate to get in touch with us!

Day 1: Arrival in Dhaka

This morning, we will arrive in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. The group will fly from Istanbul airport. If group members have different flights, transfers to the hotel will be arranged for each participant based on their flight time. Our first group meeting will take place at the hotel in Dhaka, where we will discuss the upcoming trip, provide instructions, and allow time for questions and answers. More information about the hotel, meeting time, and location will be provided.

Today, we will take a walk through Old Dhaka, where the city's most monumental and exciting buildings are located. We'll stroll through Hindu Street, the heart of the Hindu community in the city.

In the afternoon, we will visit Sadarghat, one of the world's most impressive river ports and Dhaka's main attraction. We'll spend enough time there to enjoy the thousands of boats and ships, as well as the hustle and bustle of people arriving and departing. We'll also take a boat ride to some local shipyards. We'll spend the night in Dhaka.

Day 2: Srimangal

After having breakfast at the hotel, we will drive to Srimangal, the tea capital of Bangladesh, located approximately four hours from Dhaka. In the afternoon, we will take a city tour and visit the local markets, perfect places to meet the locals. We will spend the night in Srimangal.

Day 3: The Tea Plantations

We will spend the entire day on the tea plantations that make this region famous worldwide. During our visit, we will explore several plantations, meet tea farmers, and enjoy the authentic rural atmosphere. At the tea museum, located in a small village, we will learn more about the production cycle of tea. On the way, we will stop at small settlements where most tea workers live.

We will also pass by rubber plantations where our local guide will tell us about rubber production, which is considered another essential activity in the region. We will spend the night in Srimangal.

Day 4: The Local Tribes - Tripura, Garo, and Khashi

Today, we will visit the villages of the local tribes Tripura, Garo, and Khashi. We will have the opportunity to learn about their traditions and customs, and immerse ourselves in an authentic and extraordinary atmosphere. We will take a short trek between the villages through the jungle. Additionally, we will learn about the local culture of betel use and cultivation.

Rural Bangladesh is rarely explored by travelers, but it offers exceptional rugged and natural beauty. The villagers are very hospitable. In the evening, we will return to Srimangal.

Day 5: More Time with the Tribes, Madhobpur Lake, and Pineapple Plantations

Today, we will continue our trip through the region and visit more tribal settlements. We will stop at the charming Madhobpur Lake and spend some time at a pineapple plantation, where we can learn about pineapple cultivation. Of course, tasting the sweet fruit is also part of the experience. We will spend the night in Srimangal.

Day 6: Transfer to Barisal; Barisal City Walk

In the morning, we will drive to Barisal, the capital of rural Bangladesh. After checking into the hotel, we will take a walk around the city, visit the harbor, and take a boat ride on the numerous canals that crisscross the city. The rivers, rice fields, farms, outdoor markets, and overall atmosphere provide a unique experience.

Day 7: Rural Barisal

On this day, we will dive deep into the countryside and visit small fishing villages, farms, and vast rice fields. The whole area is idyllic and quiet, as if time had stopped in the middle of the last century. In the fishing villages, we will learn about the traditional way of fishing, try to fish with the locals, and learn all about the fish in Bangladesh, which is one of the most essential foods here.

Day 8: Return to Dhaka; Flight back home

In the morning, we will depart for Dhaka airport. The trip will take 4 to 5 hours, leaving us with enough time for lunch and further sightseeing in Dhaka before arriving at the airport for the evening flight. If any group members have different return flights, transfers will be arranged accordingly.

My stories from Bangladesh

Bangladesh is a fantastic travel destination, especially if you stay away from the popular areas. Tourists are still rare in the country, making it an ideal destination for adventurous travelers and photographers.

The best part about Bangladesh is its people. During my month-long trip, I was struck by their natural friendliness and curiosity, as well as the simplicity of their daily lives and their hunger for information and contact with the wider world. They were always happy to be photographed, which was a godsend for a photographer.

Visitors are immediately struck by the interest they attract wherever they go. People gather around, staring curiously. They are not aggressive, just curious, and you have to accept that.

Unfortunately, poverty, slums, and deprivation are undeniable in third world countries. Countries develop at different rates, and there is little one can do except be pragmatic and accept reality without bias. Nevertheless, despite obvious deprivations, people continue to find happiness and smile, and the vitality of children is incredible.

The crime rate is no higher than in comparable countries and mainly concerns household and street crime. The low level of petty and domestic crime should not deter you from visiting Bangladesh.

There are times when the country comes to a standstill due to strikes or so-called "hartals". These take place mainly during elections or other political events. All public transport, banks, and offices remain closed, and the poorly organized urban infrastructure deteriorates. These strikes are easy to avoid, as they are widely announced in advance.

Please email us if you would like more information about this trip or to sign up. We will respond as soon as possible and keep you updated on the organisation and all other details. If you are a group of at least 5 or 6 people (maximum 8), we can discuss dates that work for your group. You can also sign up for future trips. To join the list, simply send us your names. That's it!