Trip Facts

Duration:
16 days

Group Size:
4 Persons

Activity Level:
High

Accommodation:
Hotel, Rocket, Houseboat

Tour Type:
Adventure, Hiking, Local Experience, Culture, Nature, Wildlife

Transportation:
AC Car, Train, Tuk-tuk, Rickshaw, Country Boat, Flights

Location:
Dhaka, Bagerhat, Sundarbans, Khulna, Sonargaon, Srimangal, Chittagong, Rangamati, Bandarban

Bangladesh is a country full of nature and green vegetation. Each of its scenic countryside territories including Sundarbans, Sreemangal, Chittagong, Rangamati, and Bandarban hill-tract is the blessing mind with the most enchanting and alluring natural beauty of Bangladesh. These scenic beauties, green fields, and fields swarming with golden crops, the clear and cloudy sky, moonlit and pitch dark present the divine beauty of the countryside of Bangladesh. To illustrate these scenic beauties we have designed this scenic countryside holiday to give you the best attractive landscape experience in Bangladesh.

However, A shroud of mystery and danger looms over the UNESCO-protected Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest in the world. Bleak and haunting at the same time, the wilderness here comprises an enormous network of interconnected waterways, stretching inland for about 80km from the Bay of Bengal. This is truly wild terrain, and a three- or four-day boat trip into the heart of this magnificent part of South Asia often ranks as the chief highlight of a trip to Bangladesh

Following this, Sreemangal is known as the tea capital of Bangladesh. It is also called the city of ‘two leaves and a bud. Nature has adorned Sreemangal with green trees and it soothes one’s eyes. Here you can discover Tea garden, Rubber garden, Pineapple garden, Lemon garden, Tribal village (Khasi and Manipuri tribe), Wildlife including endangered western Hoolock Gibbons, Barking Deer, Python, Spit Viper, Loris, King Cobra, Pig-tailed Macaque, Phayre’s leaf monkey (Chosma Pora Hanuman), Capped langur monkey, Fishing cat, Wildcat and many types of Spider and Butterfly. Also, you will trek through forests and hills to discover Ham Ham Waterfall.

Finally, the Chittagong Hill Tracts is topographically the only hill-intensive area of Bangladesh. The inhabitants of the Hill Tracts are mostly tribal. The life of the tribal people is extremely fascinating. The mountainous rugged terrain with deep forests, lakes, and falls gives it a divergent character from the rest of Bangladesh.

Highlights

Itinerary

Price

Includes & Excludes

Trip Notes

Review

Overview

Explore real daily life activities in Old Dhaka with its busy beauty and tradition.
Overnight journey on a century-old Paddle Rocket Steamer
Visit ‘Mosque City Bagerhat’ the UNESCO world heritage site
Explore the largest mangrove forest in the world a UNESCO world heritage site
Trekking and canals, creeks cruising
Journey by train and discover the countryside for its divine natural beauty (a unique experience)
Interact with local people.
Visit the tea capital of Bangladesh
Taste seven layers of tea
Experience of a tribal village
Trekking at Rajkandi reserve forest and exploring the Ham-Ham waterfall.
Wildlife and scenic trekking through Lawachara national park
Visit ship breaking yard
Boat ride at Kaptai lakeVisit the tribal handicraft market!
All major sites in Bandarban!
Train journey and see the Scenic view in the countryside.
Enjoy a unique experience beyond your expectations.

Itinerary

Day 1

Day-01: Arrival and Welcome

A guide will meet you inside the airport, welcome you to Bangladesh, and transfer you to your hotel
Overnight at Dhaka (Omni Residency)

Day 2

Day-02: Old Dhaka Tour & Embark on the Luxurious Passenger Ferry

We visit the famous historic sites of New and Old Dhaka including the outside of the National Parliament House, Dhakeswari Temple, Lalbagh Fort, Star Mosque, Armenian Church, Pink Place, and Hindu Street, including a rickshaw rides through the narrow streets.
We will find a good place for lunch.
We start to experience river life in Bangladesh with a boat ride on the Buriganga River
Then we board the exquisite passenger ferry for a memorable overnight river journey to Barisal/Hularhat.
Overnight at Passenger Ferry (VIP Sleeping Cabin)

Day 3

Day-03: UNESCO World Heritage City Bagerhat

We wake up to the riverine beauty of Bangladesh in the morning.
We arrive in Barisal early in the morning then Drive to Bagerhat (2hrs) in an air-conditioned car and visit 15th century Mosque City Bagerhat, a Muslim city once called Khalifatabad, which is the present-day Bagerhat and is a UNESCO protected world heritage site.
You will visit most of the remaining mosques from the 15th century city Khalifatabad the whole day, including the 60-dome mosque, 09 dome mosque, and Singair mosque. You will also visit the shrine of Khan Jahan Ali, the saint general from the Turkish origin who came to spread Islam in this region and founded this great city; and Kodla Moth a very decorative and beautiful Hindu Temple from 17th century. Drive to Khulna (1hr)
Overnight at Khulna (Hotel City Inn)

Day 4

Day-04: Sundarbans (Harbaria and Kochikhali) by Boat

Today we begin discovering the wildlife and nature of thrilling Sundarban, We start cruising early in the morning towards our ultimate destination, the Sundarbans, and enjoy a delicious, fresh breakfast on board. We will stop at Harbaria Ranger Station for our first trail; On this morning walk, you can see some of the animals, birds, insects of the Sundarbans. If we are very lucky, we may hear or spot a Bengal Tiger. We will continue our cruising towards Kochikhali, having lunch on board. In the evening we have a boat trip for an hour through a narrow creek to spot different wildlife.
Overnight stay at Houseboat (Private Sleeping Cabin)

Day 5

Day-05: Sundarbans (Kochikhali Tiger-Point and Kotka Wildlife Sanctuary)

Early in the morning we have a cup of tea/coffee and get ready immediately to explore wildlife in nearby canals and creeks on a small wooden boat. This is also an area where we sometimes spot Bengal Tigers if we are lucky. We will walk the trail to Kotka Forest Station. On this two-hour walk, we will visit Jamtola Beach, and see spotted deer, monkeys, wild boar, reptiles, many kinds of birds, and maybe even tiger pawprints. In the late afternoon, we will go to Kotka Watchtower for the sunset. Many herbivorous animals come here to graze and sometimes carnivorous Bengal Tigers come here for their meal, too. This is our final chance to spot Bangladesh’s Bengal Tigers.
Overnight stay at Houseboat (Private Sleeping Cabin)

Day 6

Day-06: Sundarbans (Karamjol Wildlife Rescue Center and Khulna)

We travel by boat to visit a fishing village. Life here is simple and difficult. The fishers catch fish from the river, especially prawns and lobster during low tide. After arriving at Karamjol Wildlife Rescue Center we have a one-hour walk, our last in the Sundarbans. We will visit the crocodile breeding center, deer-breeding center and see some other exquisite wildlife species. We will have our final meal (lunch) in the Sundarbans, head back to Mongla to say goodbye to the boat staff, load our luggage into our waiting car, and leave the river for the drive to Khulna.
Overnight at Khulna (Hotel City Inn)

Day 7

Day-07: Khulna – Dhaka by Train/Car

We will leave the hotel and transfer to the Khulna railway station for the ride to Rajshahi. There is time to walk around the railway station and then experience another way to travel to Bangladesh. We will travel in the first class AC compartment called Snigdha.
Our train journey will start at 08:40 AM from Khulna Railway Station towards Dhaka and it’s a nine hours long journey. You can expect to see today from the train; vast vegetation beauty in the countryside, different types of harvest fields, a lot of mango orchards, litchi orchards and other orchards well and you will see the longest steel railway bridge in Bangladesh (Hardinge Bridge) and 6th longest bridge in South Asia (Bangabandhu Bridge) which is 4.63 km long, and you will notice may local peoples day life activities. Upon arrival will transfer you to your hotel.
Or
If you want we can take a private car to drive back to Dhaka for 4 Hours
Overnight at Dhaka (Omni Residency).

Day 8

Day-08: Visit Old Capital Sonargaon

After breakfast, we drive from Dhaka to Sonargon (37 km, 2 hrs), the old capital of the Bengal region.
We visit Folk-arts and Crafts Museum, the medieval period Goaldi Mosque, a school for disadvantaged Hindu children, built only of bamboo, and the abandoned merchant city Panam Nagar. Also, we’ll visit a char (small river island) in the river Meghna, to experience the traditional lifestyle of the farmers.
Overnight at Dhaka (Omni Residency).

Day 9

Day-09: Sreemangal by Train (Tea Plantations, Lemon & Pineapple Orchards)

We start early, with a pick-up from your Hotel at 06:30 AM for a 7:03 departure on the train to Sreemangal. The train arrives at Sreemangal around 12:00 PM, time to check-in, freshen up, have lunch, and rest a bit before visiting the beautiful gardens of Sreemamgal, including the tea garden (Cha Bagan) Lemon and Pineapple orchards, Rubber garden, and the tribal village of Adibasi Gram. There may be time for you to wander on your own. In the evening you will taste the most popular 7 Layers tea at Nilkantha Tea Cabin. Dinner will be either dining in at your cottage or downtown in a local restaurant to taste something special.
Overnight at Sreemangal (Paragon Hotel & Resort)

Day 10

Day-10: Sreemangal (Wildlife of Lawachara National Park, Tribal Village)

Early morning, we go for a rewarding wildlife trek through the Lawachara National Park. We’ll take the 3 hours trail for the maximum opportunity to see wildlife, especially the Hollock Gibbons for which this forest is famous.
In the afternoon we visit Baikka Beal, a wetland sanctuary for migratory birds. It’s a paradise for bird lovers.
Overnight at Sreemangal (Paragon Hotel & Resort)

Day 11

Day-11: Free Morning, Sreemangal – Dhaka by Train

This morning is free to do anything you like on your own. We depart for Dhaka at 10.31 on the 718 Jayantika express or 09.10 on the 774 Kalani Express. Depending on which train we take, we arrive at Dhaka between 2 and 4 pm.
Overnight at Dhaka (Omni Residency)

Day 12

Day-12: Dhaka - Chittagong on Flight, Rangamati

We transfer early to the airport for the short 55-minute 07:15 flight to Chittagong, arriving in Chittagong at 8.10. We drive to Rangamati (102 km, 3.5 Hrs).
We have a restful and peaceful day aboard of boat on Kaptai Lake. Before sunset, we visit a Buddhist temple. We visit some tribal handicraft markets in the evening.
Overnight at Rangamati (Parjatan Holiday Complex)

Day 13

Day-13: Rangamati – Bandarban (Golden Temple, Nilachal)

We Drive to Bandarban after breakfast (82 km, 3.5 Hrs), and visit a small tribal museum en route. We visit the Golden Temple, Nilachal, and other popular tourist sites in Bandarban rest of the day. To reach Golden Temple, you need to climb paved steps up a 60m / 200ft hill.
Overnight at Bandarban (Hotel D’more/Six View Hill Resort)

Day 14

Day-14: Bandarban (Nilgiri, Tribal Village, Boat Ride at Sangu River)

Nilgiri is up in the mountains, 3500 feet above sea level. We say it is the meeting place of earth and heaven, beautiful under colorful cloudy skies. The color of the hills and clouds is very impressive, and you will enjoy all this beauty right outside your hotel.
Life is not easy here. We will visit some tribal villages and explore their lifestyle and learn how the people of the hills survive.
We end the day with a boat ride on the beautiful Sangu River surrounded by the heavenly beauty of nature.
Overnight at Bandarban (Hotel D’more/Six View Hill Resort)

Day 15

Day-15: Bandarban - Chittagong Ship Breaking Yard, Fly Back to Dhaka

We drive back down from the hills to the coast and Chittagong Ship Breaking Yard (103 km, 4 hrs) after breakfast. This is a graveyard of the giant commercial scrap vessels brought here from all over the world, to be dismantled and converted to pieces of steel here. We’ll visit ship-breaking activities by boat for a couple of hours. We’ll also visit shops of scrap materials coming from those ships, good places to collect unusual souvenirs. If time permits, we will visit the Commonwealth World War II – Chittagong War Cemetery
We drive to Chittagong airport (40 km, 1.5 hrs), and fly to Dhaka on the 16.20 flight, arriving in Dhaka around 17.15.
Overnight at Dhaka (Omni Residency)

Day 16

Day-16: (Departure and Goodbye)

Pick you up from your hotel, transfer you to the airport according to your flight schedule and say goodbye.
End the Scenic Countryside Holiday Tour.

All of our staff are vaccinated including booster dose!
We maintain COVID-19 protective measures to ensure a safer touring environment for everyone
Bangladesh is a third-world country with poor infrastructure. Nothing works here perfectly and as planned. Organizing such a long tour in Bangladesh may bring some inconvenience occasionally. Be patient and flexible while traveling in Bangladesh.
While traveling in a group, be cooperative and tolerant of the interests and difficulties of your co-travelers.
Regarding train tickets, we must try to get AC 1st class seats if available. If not, then we will get the 2nd class. The difference between 1st class and 2nd class is air-conditioning.
Trains can be delayed sometimes as is common in Bangladesh.
We are not responsible for any schedule change of the Rocket. (If it does happen we will go with a traditional ferry locally known as Launch.
To enter the mosque men should please wear long pants. Shorts are not allowed to enter the mosque. Women should wear a scarf to cover their heads while entering the mosque
Please be patient while you are traveling by car (All roads are not quite good enough in Bangladesh, and can be a bit bumpy and muddy sometimes)
The chartered boat for the Sundarban excursion has fundamental facilities. There is no air-conditioning or electricity. A solar lighting system on the boat and an electric generator will be available for a couple of hours every day in the evening to charge your gadgets. Hot water is available upon request,
Cell Phone signals are poor while we are in Sundarban and some places, you will get only 2G networks.
If possible please bring these: Raincoats, an umbrella, sneakers shoes for walking, a hat or cap for sun protection, sunburn lotion, insect spray, binoculars, a camera, and of course one pair of curious eyes to locate interesting species.
Regarding the treks: if you don’t prefer to do this activity then you can stay on board the boat and enjoy the canal cruise. You might locate something interesting here as well.
The single supplement is an additional $265 required for the hotel only. On the rocket and the chartered boat for Sundarban, it will be applicable based on availability.
Be prepared to face some traffic congestion on the highway.
The travel time mentioned in the itinerary is based on our best judgment. It could be delayed or earlier depending on traffic and road conditions.
While traveling in the hilly areas of the Chittagong Hill tracts region, we sometimes need to turn off the air-conditioning temporarily to minimize the load on the car engine. Be patient with this.
Local transportation for the Sreemangal and Chittagong Hill tracts area will be by Tuk-Tuk. However, trips in these areas are a short distance.
Since local people don’t see many foreign tourists they might be a bit curious but are very friendly and cooperative people. Please be polite to the local people.
Please be respectful of Bangladeshi culture and tradition because you may encounter situations different from your tradition and culture.
The itinerary is flexible and can be changed according to your reasonable request.