9 Day World Heritage Tour in Bangladesh Dhaka, Sundarbans

Day 1 · Dhaka

1. 1

   National Parliament House

   30 min

   The Bangladesh National Parliament is a must-see landmark and an architectural masterpiece, symbolizing a significant achievement for the country. Designed by world-renowned American architect and Yale University professor Louis I. Kahn, the building was originally commissioned by the government of Pakistan when Bangladesh was still known as East Pakistan following the Partition of the Indian Subcontinent. It was intended to serve as the second seat of the national parliament. Construction began in 1964 but was interrupted by the Bangladeshi War of Independence. The project was eventually completed in 1982. During your visit, you will explore the exterior of this iconic structure.

2. 2

   Bangladesh National Museum

   45 min Admission included

   The Museum was established in 1913 is a four storied building with forty galleries under its 4 departments of natural history, History and Classical Art, Ethnography and decorative art and Contemporary art and World civilization. Note: Thursday Closed

3. 3

   Shahid Minar

   20 min Admission included

   A powerful symbol of Bengali nationalism, this monument was built to honor the martyrs of the historic Language Movement of 1952—the only language movement of its kind in world history. Every year, on February 21st, hundreds of thousands of people gather in a solemn atmosphere, bringing floral wreaths and bouquets to pay their respects. The commemorations begin at the stroke of midnight. In recognition of the significance of this movement, the United Nations declared February 21st as International Mother Language Day in 1999, now observed worldwide each year.

4. 4

   Stop 4

   30 min

   Hussaini Dalan or some people pronounce as Hosaini Dalan, is another edifice of Dhaka from Mughal Dynasty. This beautiful Monument is located beside the Old Dhaka. It is believed as a Shia Shrine of Shia Muslim community, and was built during 17th century. There is a beautiful pond in front of the building. It was built to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (R) in the Battle of KARBALA in 680 AD.

5. 5

   Dhakeshwari Temple

   30 min

   Dhakeshwari Temple is the National Hindu Temple. It is state-owned, giving it the distinction of being Bangladesh’s ‘National Temple’. The name “Dhakeshwari” means “Goddess of Dhaka”. The Temple has assumed status as the most important Hindu place of worship in Bangladesh. The Dhakeshwari temple was built in the Medieval era during Sena Dynasty, (12th century CE) by King Ballal Sen, and many say the city was named after this temple. The current architectural style of the temple cannot be dated to that period because of the numerous repairs have taken place over time. It is considered an essential part of Dhaka’s cultural heritage. Many researchers said that the temple is also one of the Shakti Peethas, where the jewel from the crown of the Goddess Satihad fallen. Since ages, the temple has been held in great importance.

6. 6

   Stop 6

   30 min Admission included

   No trip to Dhaka city is fulfilled without a trip to the Lalbagh Fort or also known as the fort of Auranagabad which was built in 1678 AD during Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. The beautiful fort represents the dream of the Mughal Prince which stayed unfinished. So the whole fort has a sense of history and mystery entwined in the very bricks of the foundation. Note: Sunday Closed.

7. 7

   Star Mosque (Tara Masjid)

   25 min Admission included

   One of the most beautiful Mosque from Mughal dynasty. an exquisite white marble structure superbly decorated with engraved floral and star patterns will surely capture your attention. Even the local residents of the area often stop for a while to have a look and be amazed with its perpetual beauty. Unlike other Mughal architectures, there is no inscription found in the mosque mentioning its founding year. However, according to the trustees of the mosque, it was built in the year 1711.

8. 8

   Stop 8

   30 min Admission included

   Armenian Church / Armenian community in Dhaka In 17th and 18th century, there was a strong presence of Armenians in Dhaka. When Persians conquered Eastern Armenia, Shah Abbas (king) deported about 40,000 Armenian traders to Isfahan and New Julfa. From there, they arrived at Bengal following the footsteps of the Persians. They establish their own trading community there, which was recognized by the Mughal govt. since late 17th century. They used to trade textile, jute, and lather. Their colony in Dhaka is still known as Armanitola. Armenian Church in Dhaka bears testimony to the existence of a significant Armenian community in the region. Now the church is completely abandoned.

Overnight at Hotel Grand Circle Inn or Grand Prince or Similar in Dhaka (Standard Clean Rooms)

Day 2 · Dhaka-Sonargaon Old Capital

1. 1

   Sonargaon

   one hour

   Sonargaon was the old capital of Bengal in the medieval period. It was an important administrative and commercial center of Bengal, and a rich maritime center. Sonargaon was the seat of the medieval Muslim rulers and governors of eastern Bengal. Different rulers from 13th century used Sonargaon as their capital. In different time, Sonargaon was the place to become the stair to the throne of Bengal for many different rulers. Sonargaon was used as a mint capital beside Gauda in medieval period. It was abandoned as capital of Bengal in 1610 by the Mughal rulers when they shifted the capital of Bengal to Jahangirnagar, which was later named Dhaka. Now a days, very few trace of the old capital is remaining in Sonargaon. Seeing the quiet little village, no one can even imagine how glorious this place once was on it’s prime time. You will visit Sonargaon most vital Area including Goaldi Mosque from 15th Century CE, the quite abandoned city Panam Nagar, Sonargaon Baro Sardar Bari.

2. 2

   Goaldi Mosque

   30 min Admission included

   Goaldi Mosque is a beautiful medieval period mosque in Sonargaon. This is the only structure remaining in Sonargaon from the medieval period when it was the prime time of this old capital Built in 1519 AD. This is a must visiting sight in Sonargaon.

3. 3

   Panam Nagar

   one hour Admission included

   Panam Nagar is an abandoned city of the Hindu merchants, It is the most attractive tourist spot in Sonargaon.

4. 4

   Stop 4

   30 min Admission included

   Folk-Arts and Crafts Museum is the most popular tourist spot in Sonargaon. Artifacts related to the heritage of Bengal from 17th century onward is being displayed on this museum. You can see here things people used to use on their everyday life which the city based new generation are unaware of. Daily-life tools, ornaments, furniture, treasure box, arms, musical instruments, boats, decoration peaces, and many other things related to the heritage of Bengal are the main attraction of this museum.

5. 5

   Stop 5

   30 min

   Folk-Arts and Crafts Museum is the most popular tourist spot in Sonargaon. Artifacts related to the heritage of Bengal from 17th century onward is being displayed on this museum. You can see here things people used to use on their everyday life which the city based new generation are unaware of. Daily-life tools, ornaments, furniture, treasure box, arms, musical instruments, boats, decoration peaces, and many other things related to the heritage of Bengal are the main attraction of this museum.

6. 6

   Stop 6

   30 min Admission included

   Known as the Pink Palace, Ahsan Manzil is located within the midst of antique metropolis, simply beside the bank of the River Buriganga. The amazing structure was the primary factor that attracts traveler to the palace; its rich history is what kept travelers intrigued. It reflects the lavish way of life of the Nawab dynasty.

7. 7

   Stop 7

   30 min

   Sadarghat central River Port, located in the southern part of Dhaka, on the river Buriganga, is one of the most vibrant and dynamic places in Dhaka. Here, the Sadarghat Launch Terminal is one of the largest river ports in the world. You'll have a small rowboat ride on the busiest river Buringa in the evening, Sadarghat central river terminal for a massive transit to the south-western part of the country. Board the Passenger Ferry. Enjoy your cruise night on the next 4 biggest rivers. Overnight stay on board. Note: Reserved Sleeping Cabin with a common washroom facilities.

8. 8

   Stop 8

   30 min Admission included

   The Shipyard area in Keraniganj, Dhaka, Bangladesh, is a hub of industrial activity focused on shipbuilding and shipbreaking. It's known for its large number of shipyards concentrated along the Buriganga River. These shipyards play a significant role in the local economy, employing a large number of workers and contributing to the country's shipbuilding industry. However, the area also faces challenges related to worker safety and environmental concerns.

Overnight on Board of passenger Cruise liner/Ferry. Note: Reserved Sleeping Cabin with a common washroom facilities.

Day 3 · Bagerhat -Mongla

1. 1

   Sat Gumbad Mosque

   2 hours Admission included

   The Sat Gambuj Mosque is near the northwestern outskirts of Dhaka in the Mohammadpur area. It is a fine example of the provincial Mughal style of architecture introduced in Bangladesh in the 17th century. The mosque's most notable features are its seven bulbous domes crowning the roof and covering the main prayer hall. Probably erected by Governor Shaista Khan, the monument stands in a romantic setting on a buttressed 15-foot-high bank overlooking an extensive flood plain.

2. 2

   Tomb of Khan Jahan Ali

   2 hours Admission included

   The Tomb of Khan Jahan Ali in Bagerhat, Bangladesh, is a significant historical and religious site dedicated to the 15th-century Sufi saint, Khan Jahan Ali. It's a popular pilgrimage destination and a well-preserved example of pre-Mughal architecture, featuring a square mausoleum with a large central dome and smaller corner cupolas. The complex also includes a mosque and a large tank, Thakur Dighi, which is believed to have healing properties.

Overnight at Parjatan Hotel, Mongla or choice hotels in Khulna. Note: Simple Standard Clean rooms.

Day 4 · The Sundarbans

1. 1

   The Sundarbans

   8 hours Admission included

   The Sundarbans; Largest Mangrove Forest on Earth; UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll have a three days trip inside the forest. Glide through the narrow creeks canals on a wooden rowboat in the quiet early morning and evening in search of the Majestic Royal Bengal Tigers and other wildlife and birds. Trek through the forest and watch wildlife from an observation tower in the evening. NOTE: Your forest trip is a Shared Group tour with accommodation on board + Full-board meals + A Government Forest Gunman+Common Guide on Board. Cruise on a Small Motorboat with Sleeping Cabin (Non Air-conditioned) with common washroom facility. Fresh water for shower. IMPORTANT NOTE: Sundarbans forest trip is a shared group tour starts on Friday ends by Sunday. Sundarbans forest trip operation is usually closed from April - August by the forest department of the Government of Bangladesh. So Sundarbans not available from April through August. Your guide will fix best fit alternative activities instead.

Day 5 · The Sundarbans

1. 1

   The Sundarbans

   8 hours Admission included

   The Sundarbans; Largest Mangrove Forest on Earth; UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll have a three-days excursion to the Sundarbans deep inside the forest. Glide through the narrow creeks and canals on a wooden rowboat in the quiet early morning and evening in search of the Majestic Royal Bengal Tigers and other wildlife and birds. Trek through the forest and watch wildlife from an observation tower in the evening. Note: Your forest trip with accommodation on board + Full-board meals + A Government Forest Gunman+Your Guide. Small Motorboat + Sleeping Cabin non Air Con with common washroom facility. IMPORTANT NOTE: Sundarbans forest trip is a shared group tour starts on Friday ends by Sunday. Sundarbans forest trip operation is usually closed from April - August by the forest department of the Government of Bangladesh. So Sundarbans not available from April through August. Your guide will fix best fit alternative activities instead.

Day 6 · The Sundarbans

1. 1

   The Sundarbans

   8 hours Admission included

   The Sundarbans; Largest Mangrove Forest on Earth; UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll have a three-days excursion to the Sundarbans deep inside the forest. Glide through the narrow creeks and canals on a wooden rowboat in the quiet early morning and evening in search of the Majestic Royal Bengal Tigers and other wildlife and birds. Trek through the forest and watch wildlife from an observation tower in the evening. Transfer to Khulna on the third evening for an overnight stay. IMPORTANT NOTE: Sundarbans forest trip is a shared group tour starts on Friday ends by Sunday. Sundarbans forest trip operation is usually closed from April - August by the forest department of the Government of Bangladesh. So Sundarbans not available from April through August. Your guide will fix best fit alternative activities instead.

Day 7 · Khulna-Rajashi-Puthia

1. 1

   Puthia Temple Complex

   4 hours Admission included

   "Temple Village of Puthia" Depart for Rajshahi by train in the morning, arrive around noon. Visit small beautiful village of Puthia full of beautiful Hindu temples in the afternoon. Puthia is very important city in category of archaeology. Overnight stay in Rajshahi.

Overnight at Parjatan Hotel, Rajshahi. Note: Simple Standard Clean rooms.

Day 8 · Rajssahi-Kusummba-Paharpur

1. 1

   Rajshahi City

   one hour

   You'll have a full-day excursion and long drive today. Start the day with visiting the beautiful Bank of the mighty River Padma early in the morning. You may walk and take some photo. Then transfer to Saheb Bazaar; the local wholesale market of daily needs, this market is typically starts very early in the morning with a great rush and lowering before noon, here you'll see many things and have many subjects to shoot.

Overnight stay at Choice Hotels in Bogra. Standard Room

Day 9 · BOGRA -DHAKA

1. 1

   Mahasthangarh

   8 hours Admission included

   Morning visit MAHASTHANGARH from 3rd century BC, Start with visiting the ruined city of MAHASTHANGARH of the ancient PUNDRAVARDHANA kingdom, the oldest known city of Bengal from 3rd century BC. Then drive to Dhaka by Highway Recline Coach (SIC). Arrive Dhaka late in afternoon or by evening. On way the beautiful Atia Mosque from 1609 CE during the reign of Mughal Empire located in Tangail district may consider to visit if time permits. In that case you need to replace bus twice. Note: Duration of Visit an attraction includes the respective places of interest, transfer and driving hour.

Overnight stay at the Hotel Grand Circle Inn or Similar in Dhaka (Standard clean Rooms)