Bangladesh

Bangladesh is a country of South Asia, and with a population of 147,365,000 is the seventh post populous country of the world whereas area-wise with an area of 144,000 km² it ranks as the ninety-fourth country. The Indian state of West Bengal and Bangladesh make the ethno-linguistic region of Bengal, with a long and glorious history. Archeological finds indicate human settlements in Bangladesh dating back to 4,000 years, and from 7th century onwards, there is a definite history of the region. Most of the lands of Bangladesh are very fertile and are part of the Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta, created by the two important river systems of the Ganges and Brahmaputra Rivers. The country faces annual floods and cyclones. Although the cities like Dhaka look over crowded, the hinterland offers a majestic view of rural South Asia, green, serene, peaceful, and enchanting.

With a population density of a,1,090 per sq km, Bangaldesh is very thickly populated. Yet, except Dhaka, which is really a very crowded place, and Chittagong, an active seaport, most of Bangladesh looks spacious and serene, with a lot of greenery, farmlands and waterways all around. Except some hilly regions, the country is largely plain through which many rivers and strands of some of the mightiest rivers of this part of the world (like the Ganges and Brahmaputra Rivers) flow into the Bay of Bengal. Bangladesh is not very popular as a tourist destination in the international tourist circuit, but someone with a penchant to experience the unknown would find the country interesting. Some of the places that a tourist may like to see are:

• Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, gives a feeling of a city stuffed with people and has earned the nickname of Daffy Dhaka.
• The Sundarbans, though it major portions lie in India, it protrudes around 150 kms inside Bangladesh. The Sundarbans mangroves are home to Royal Bengal Tigers which are very difficult to spot. But, one may find several herds of spotted deer. Several species of birds are also found in the Sundarbans.
• Chittagong, the second largest city of Bangladesh, is located on the banks of the Karnaphuli River. There is an Ethnological Museum. A boat ride in the river is exciting.
• Cox’s Bazar is the major beach resort of Bangladesh, and is breathtakingly enchanting. Swimming in some secluded areas of the beach and buying hand weaved cotton clothes directly from the women weavers are a lifetime of experience.
• Mainamati is the place where there stood a large Buddhist monastery in the 8th century, famed to be the largest one to the south of the Himalayas. Now, in ruins, the ruins do reveal intricate terra cotta works and the general grandeur of the monastery.
• St. Martin's Island is a small coral island.
• Chittgong Hill Tracks are unlike most of Bangaldesh in terrain. The Hills offer a panoramic view of ravines and cliffs covered with thick forests with a variety of flora and fauna.
• Rangamati offers virgin lands full of greenery. The major attraction is to watch the people of Chakma tribe, and to have a visit around the Kaptai Lake.
• Bandarban is the place of the people of Bohmong tribe. The weekly village market on Tuesday brings people from many villages and watching the activities in the weekly market is itself an experience, which would be novel for most of the visitor. You may also buy certain artifacts to carry home.
• Alikadam is a point from where you may take boat rides on the Matamurhi River and boat around the villages of local tribal people.