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THE BENGAL TOURS LTD (Nasim Noor)Tour operator & logistic support provider The Bengal Tours LtdThe Bengal Tours Ltd.
Greetings from “THE BENGAL TOURS LTD.” Dhaka, Bangladesh. With immense pleasure we would like to introduce “The Bengal Tours Ltd” as a leading tour operator and ground handling agent in Bangladesh. As a Tour Operator and Ground Handling Agent, we have regular overseas groups from Japan, China, Europe, India, etc. (www.bengaltours.com), http://nasimnoor.spaces.live.com
Our services:
· Event management & logistics
· Rent – a – car
· Hotel reservation
· Domestic & International air tickets
· Interpreting (English, Japanese & Chinese)
· Package tours (inbound & outbound)
· Media research / logistics / documentary filming
· Support staff & airport protocol
As a Tour Operator and Ground Handling Agent, we have rich experiences of assisting renowned TV channels and Filming companies from Japan for making ‘Documentaries’ on interesting subjects, Media Teams like, ESPN and SKY SPORTS, covering International games (Cricket), etc., and arranging necessary logistic support including; Accommodation, Transport, International tickets, Domestic Tickets, Assistant and Escorts etc., for Business Exposition (Fair) for Thai Business groups / Taiwan Business Groups / Japanese Business & NGO Groups, etc
It may kindly be noted that being impressed by our performance, JICA, Bangladesh enlisted our company as ‘Protocol Service Provider’ and we have been taking care of all incoming /outgoing; Experts / Officials / volunteers as and when they need our services.
We also operate corporate outbound tours to India, Nepal, China, Bhutan, Myanmar, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, etc. Our clients are mainly corporate Companies, Universities and Expert–communities living here.
i) The Sundarbans Forest, the single largest mangrove Forest in the World (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the habitat of the famous Bengal Tiger with other wildlife, birds, etc. This is an unique spot for Soft adventure tour, Photography, Documentary Filming, Research Studies, Bird Watching, Study tour for Biologist, etc., The Sundarbans Forest (world’s largest mangrove forest) being a unique spot for retreat not only in Bangladesh , but also in the world. It can be reached by waterways only. To conduct a comfortable, safe and enjoyable trip to the Sundarbans forest, we have our own Cruising Vessel, “M. V. BHELA & M. V. DINGHY”, equipped with necessary facilities. Each has 26 & 46-sleeping accommodation respectively. During the tourist season from October to March, we have a trip every week for the Sundarbans forest
ii) Chittagong Hill District with small hills, Lakes, Tribal, etc., offer an enjoyable tours in these areas iii) Tea valley, Srimongol with concentration of Tea Gardens, Rubber gardens, Forest, Tribal life, Lake , etc, make this spot an unique one for travelers iv) The longest beach city in the World- Cox's Bazar offers a unique spot to enjoy the Sandy natural beach, beach-drive, sightseeing of Sea Fish market, Buddhist Pagoda, Hindu temple, Excursion to an island, Dry Fish processing, etc., etc. v) Northern part of Bangladesh : with very rich archaeological & historical sites reveals a prosperous and rich golden days of the past. vi) Paddle driven Steamer Passengers Services ( Unique service operating only in Bangladesh only) from Capital Dhaka to Southern part or Vice versa , offers a relaxing tour through the country side with many port of calls ,countryside, rivers, rural areas, etc. vii) Bangladesh has the largest NGO's in the World, offering different activities relating to - Micro Credit, Adult Education, Mother & Child care, Water and Sanitation, Organic Farming, etc., is also interesting for many tourists, Researchers, Students, etc. You can consider promoting Bangladesh as a new destination with its unique parameters for Tourism. It may kindly be noted that Japan already declared Bangladesh , as a new destination and renowned tourism companies are operating 'Series of tours' in each season. JTB, KNT, Travel Sekai, Eurasia Travel company, WAS tour company, Mazeran, Cox & Kings Japan etc, have been sending regular group packages to Bangladesh from October to March and we have been handling them with entire satisfaction of the clients and their company. Thanking you and assuring our cooperation all the time
With best regards
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M. Rafiqul Islam Nasim
Director
The Bengal Tours Ltd.
House # 45, Road # 27, Block-A, Banani,
Dhaka-1213, Bangladesh
Tel: 880-2-8834716 / 8857424
Fax: 880-2-9886381
Cell ph: + 01715010601 E-mail: bengal@agni.com / info@bengaltours.com
Yahoo: bengal_nasim@yahoo.com
MSN: nasimnoor@hotmail.com
Web: www.bengaltours.com
Personal: http://nasimnoor.spaces.live.com
INDEXINDEX
Our other services:
· Event management & logistics
· Rent – a – car
· Hotel reservation
· Domestic & International air tickets
· Interpreting (English, French, Japanese & Chinese)
· Package tours (inbound & outbound)
· Media research / logistics / documentary filming
· General research program
· Support staff & airport protocol
Photo albums find as: (Click photo to view other albums)
CONTACT & WEB SITE
=============
M. Rafiqul Islam (Nasim)
Director
The Bengal Tours Ltd.
House # 45, Road # 27, Block-A, Banani,
Dhaka-1213, Bangladesh
Tel: 880-2-8834716 / 8857424
Fax: 880-2-9886381
Cell ph: + 01715010601 E-mail: bengal@agni.com / info@bengaltours.com
Yahoo: bengal_nasim@yahoo.com
MSN: nasimnoor@hotmail.com
Web: www.bengaltours.com
MODEL ItinerariesTrip to the Sundarbans forest
(Kotka & Kochikhali wildlife sanctuary)
Effective from September’ 2009
Day 01: Leave Dhaka in the evening at 22:00 hrs by regular AC Bus (seat-in basis) for Khulna. Overnight journey
Day 02: Arrival at Khulna in the in the morning at around 06:00hrs, and will be transferred to our boat M. V. DINGHY / V. V. BHELA and immediately the boat will start cruising towards the Sundarbans Forest. Arrive Kotka wildlife sanctuary at around 1500hrs. Upon arrival hiking in the Kotka forest area to see wildlife and forest. Back to the boat in the evening. Overnight on the boat.
Day 03: Early in the morning we shall offer trip through small creeks and canals by country boat to see the wildlife and feel the forest from very close. After breakfast Jungle walk, walking through the Forest trail to the beach etc will be offered. At around 12:00hrs start cruising towards Kochikhali wildlife sanctuary, upon arrival Jungle walk near forest office. Bar – B – Q dinner and overnight on the boat at Kochikhali
Day 04: Early in the morning we shall offer trip through small creeks and canals by country boat, back to the boat for breakfast and some other activities near forest office. Around 1000hrs, start return journey towards Khulna. Arrive Khulna at around 21:00hrs and dinner will be served. After dinner disembark from the boat and take the regular AC bus (seat-in basis) for overnight drive towards Dhaka.
Day 05: Early in the morning upon arrival at Dhaka end of the tour.
M. V. BHELA (26 sleeping seats)
M. V. DINGHY (46 sleeping seats)
Price Per Person:
Child Fare: 30% discount on adult price (2 – 12 years)
PACKAGE SHALL INCLUDE:
· Dhaka-Khulna-Dhaka AC bus ticket.
· Cruise inside the Forest with M. V. BHELA / M. V. DINGHY
· Accommodation on our cruiser on twin sharing basis
· All meals from breakfast on day 02 to dinner on day 04
· All activities inside the forest as per itinerary.
· Small country boat to make trips inside small canals/creeks.
· Mineral water for drinking during the trip.
· BAR-B-Q dinner on the last night inside the forest.
· Forest fees & permission
· Armed forest guard from the forest department
· An accompanied Guide during the trip.
PACKAGE EXCLUDES:
· Drinks both hard & soft (But soft drinks can be purchased from the boat).
· Items of personal nature
· Fees for the video & still camera of the guests
THINGS TO CARRY: (1) Windbreaker / raincoat / umbrella (2) Snicker shoes for walking. (3) Hat / Cap for Sun protection. (4) Sun-burn lotion & insects spray. (5) Binoculars (6) Camera & films (7) Toothpaste & tooth brush (8) Towels (9) Bath soap (10.) Emergency medicine. (11) Flash light. (12) A sharp eye to locate interesting objects
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M. Rafiqul Islam (Nasim)
Director
The Bengal Tours Ltd.
House # 45, Road # 27, Block-A, Banani,
Dhaka-1213, Bangladesh
Tel: 880-2-8834716 / 8857424
Fax: 880-2-9886381
Email: info@bengaltours.com / bengal@agni.com
Yahoo: bengal_nasim@yahoo.com
MSN: nasimnoor@hotmail.com
Web: www.bengaltours.com to see our cruisers please visit the website ===========================================================================================================
Web: www.bengaltours.com Dhaka city sightseeing
In the morning around 08:00 am, the deputed guide will pick you up from your convenient place and immediately drive you to the old part of the city. Your visit will include the places as per your interest from the following; - Sadarghat (WaterFront), Lalbagh Fort, Star Mosque, Armenian Church, Dhakeshwari Temple, etc. Then you will be offered a quick lunch in a fast food restaurant or Bangladeshi food in a local restaurant.
After lunch, your guide will take you to Sonargaon (means golden city), 27km to the east which was the capital of Bengal from the 13th to early 17th century during the Chandra and Deva dynasty. The city of Panam was a flourished city in those days. In 1611the Sultanate collapsed under the pressure from the Mughal expansion and the Mughals considered the location too exposed to the Portuguese and the Mogh pirates and thus established Dhaka as their capital. You can also visit the folklore museum at Sonargaon.
Instead of Sonargaon you may take a trip to Kakran pottery village, Savar. Then the accompanied guide will arrange a boat to take you to Kakran village leaving the vehicle at Nayarhat. The boat journey will be around 20-30minutes.Earlier,when there was widespread use of pots & utensils made from clay, most of the people of this village used to be potters. Now you will see that only few families are still trying to hold this profession as their living. But you will be amazed by their traditional technique. After spending some time in this village, back to the vehicle and drive to Dhaka. On the way you will visit the national Marty’s Monument. Arrive Dhaka around 17:00hours
PRICE PER PERSON: US Dollars
PRICE SHALL INCLUDE:
Our cruisers
The Sundarbans Forest (world’s largest mangrove forest) being a unique spot for retreat not only in Bangladesh, but also in the world. It can be reached by waterways only. To conduct a comfortable, safe and enjoyable trip to the Sundarbans forest, we have our own Cruising Vessel, “M. V. DINGHY & M. V. BHELA”, equipped with necessary facilities. Each has 46 & 26-sleeping accommodation respectively. During the tourist season from October to March, we have a trip every week for the Sundarbans forest.
M. V. DINGHY
(46 sleeping accommodation)
M. V. DINGHY was built in September’ 2004 specially designed for the cruise to Sundarbans forest. This boat is providing optimum accommodation of 46 persons, keeping in mind their comfort and leisure. M. V. Dinghy has 18 cabins, sixteen of them are on the main deck and rest of two is on the lower deck. On the main deck we have 12 twin sharing and 04 four bed’s cabin, which contains altogether 40 persons. All of them are bunk type cabin. We could also accommodate 06 persons on the lower deck in two cabins on twin and four beds each.
We have one seating room cum lounge in the front end of lower deck, where 35 persons can seat together to take meals or pass leisure time. There are 06 toilets (04 European styles & 02 Indian styles), 06 showers and 05 washbasins in the backside of main deck and 02 washbasins in the front side of lower deck (near lounge).
Roof deck: master Bridge in the front end, open space approximately 2000sqft front / behind the master bridge with seating arrangements for guests alongside the railing to relax and enjoy the surrounding during cruising. A Bar-B-Q corner on the far end of roof deck. Usually we offer Bar – B – Q dinner for overnight and Sundarbans forest trip.
Lower deck: Two guest’s cabins with accommodation for 06 persons. Crew cabins and engine room.
Technical side: The length of the boat is 108ft, breadth 21.5ft, draught 5.5ft, cruising speed 15 – 18 knots and two GM engine 265 HP with 06-cylinder.
We have two generators one is 15KV and another is 03KV along with IPS system for power supply. We run the generator 03 hours after sunset to retain silence of the forest but for washing purpose IPS light source will serve a tourist need.
Safety Equipment: Fire extinguisher, lifejacket and lifebuoy
OTHER FACILITIES:
Country boat: A country boat is attached with M.V. DINGHY to make trips through small canals & creeks in the Sundarbans forest.
Fan: M.V. DINGHY is equipped wall fan in each cabin.
Mosquito net: There is provision of Mosquito nets for each bed.
Fresh water Capacity: M.V. DINGHY has a built-in provision of 40000 liter of fresh water.
Food: A main Cook will manage the kitchen of the boat with his aides having long experience of working in tourist vessel. Mainly Bangladeshi food will be available, but other mixed food can also arranged.
We always aware of keeping clean the boat. On several spots beans left to deposit the waste and must request you not to drop anything into the water. If you wish to see our cruiser M. V. DINGHY” please visit our web site < www.bengaltours.com >.
M. V. BHELA
(26 sleeping accommodation)
M. V. BHELA was built in November’ 2001 specially designed for the cruise to Sundarbans forest. This boat is providing optimum accommodation of 26 persons, keeping in mind their comfort and leisure. M. V. Bhela has 11 cabins, nine of them are on the main deck and rest of two is on the lower deck. On the main deck we have 07 twin sharing and 02 four bed’s cabin, which contains altogether 22 persons. All of them are bunk type cabin. We could also accommodate 04 persons on the lower deck in two cabins on twin share basis where each room contains two separate beds.
We have one seating room cum lounge in the front end of main deck, where 15 persons can seat together to take meals or pass leisure time. There are 04 toilets (02 European styles & 02 Indian styles), 02 showers and 02 washbasins in the backside of main deck.
Roof deck: master Bridge in the front end, open space approximately 1000sqft behind the master bridge with seating arrangements for guests alongside the railing to relax and enjoy the surrounding during cruising. A washbasin. A Bar-B-Q corner on the far end of roof deck. Usually we offer Bar – B – Q dinner for overnight and Sundarbans forest trip.
Lower deck: Two twin guest cabins with accommodation for 04 persons. Crew cabins and engine room.
Technical side: The length of the boat is 78ft, breadth 20ft, draught 5.5ft, cruising speed 12 – 15 knots and GM engine 265 HP with 06-cylinder.
We have two generators one is 15KV and another is 03KV along with IPS system for power supply. We run the generator 03 hours after sunset to retain silence of the forest but for washing purpose IPS light source will serve a tourist need.
Safety Equipment: Fire extinguisher, lifejacket and lifebuoy
OTHER FACILITIES:
Country boat: A country boat is attached with M.V. BHELA to make trips through small canals & creeks in the Sundarbans forest.
Speedboat: A Speedboat with 40 H.P. Engine and with a capacity of 6persons including driver will be attached to the boat for Survey, Research, or emergency use.
Air-tunnel
& Fan: M.V. BHELA is equipped with Air–tunneling device-having outlets in each cabin for flow of air in the cabins. Plus there are wall fan in each cabin.
Mosquito net: There is provision of Mosquito nets for each bed.
Fresh water Capacity: M.V. BHELA has a built-in provision of 15000 liter of fresh water.
Food: A main Cook will manage the kitchen of the boat with his aides having long experience of working in tourist vessel. Mainly Bangladeshi food will be available, but other mixed food can also arrange.
We always aware of keeping clean the boat. On several spots beans left to deposit the waste and must request you not to drop anything into the water. If you wish to see our cruiser M. V. BHELA” please visit our web site < www.bengaltours.com >.
DO’S WHILE ON Cruiser
DO’S WHILE IN THE JUNGLE
NOTE
============
M. Rafiqul Islam Nasim
Director
The Bengal Tours Ltd.
House # 45, Road # 27, Block-A, Banani,
Dhaka-1213, Bangladesh
Tel: 880-2-8834716 / 8857424
Fax: 880-2-9886381
Cell ph: + 01715010601 E-mail: bengal@agni.com / info@bengaltours.com
Yahoo: bengal_nasim@yahoo.com
MSN: nasimnoor@hotmail.com
Web: www.bengaltours.com
THE BENGAL TOURS LTD.THE BENGAL TOURS LTD.
==================
Web: www.bengaltours.com Space: www.nasimnoor.spaces.live.com Promotional DVD
We “The Bengal Tours Ltd” is one of the leading tour operating company in Bangladesh. Glad to inform you that we made a documentary (DVD) for promoting Bangladesh tourism titled “Bangladesh: the land of smiles” which is in three different languages (English, Chinese & Japanese) and 19 minutes duration each. May take into your note that it is first ever initiative by any private tour operator in Bangladesh.
Please feel free to ask us for your copy or may visit our office to collect it.
With regards
=================
M. Rafiqul Islam (Nasim)
Director Tourists Spots in BangladeshDestination Bangladesh
Web: www.bengaltours.com Bangladesh- the land of the Royal Bengal Tiger. Nature has bestowed Bangladesh with all the beautiful shades of green. This large delta rises from the Bay of Bengal and goes up to the footsteps of the great Himalayas. The Country is surrounded by India and a small strip in the Southeast is connected with Myanmar. It covers an area of 144036 sq. km having a total population of 13.3 million. Though it is a small Country, it has much diverse attraction for the nature lovers as well as is rich in culture and heritage.
HISTORY:
The history of Bangladesh is fragmentary in nature due mainly to lack of records and adequate research. The earliest mention of Bangladesh is found in the Hindu epic, the Mohabarata. Evidence also suggests that there was a strong Mongoloid presence as well. Soon after, in the 5th and 6th centuries B.C, came the Aryans and the Dravidians. Then came the Murray, Guptas, Palas, Senas who were Buddhist and Hindus.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES:
Mahasthangarh (3rd Century BC) the oldest archeological site of the country is located north of Bogra town. The ruins of Mahanthangarh have been identified with the ancient city of Pundranagar and its account can be found in the literary and other Epigraphic records of the various dynasties. Govinda vita temple and Vashu vihar are two famous sites, are reminiscent of a very rich civilization and culture. The site museum will introduce you to a fairly large variety of antiquities.
Paharpur Buddhist Vihara (8-12 Century AD), the biggest single vihara south of the Himalaya is in Noagaon district and is now a world heritage site. From the available record it is clear that the cultural and religious life of Somapura Mahavihara or Paharpur Monastery had a close link with that of Nalanda Mahavihara. The famous Buddhist savant Atish Dipankara lived for several years in this monastery. The site museum will introduce you to a large variety of antiquities and now Paharpur is a world heritage site.
Kantajee’s Temple (18 Century AD) is situated in Birganj near Dinajpur district. This temple was built in 1752 by Maharaja Pran Nath. Every inch of the temple surface in beautifully decorated with exquisite terracotta plaques, representing flora and fauna, mythological scenes and an astonishing array of contemporary social happening and favorite pastimes. Putia, the temple city was the homeland of Ram Chandra Thakur, used to be one of the 12 Bhuiyan, where you can find the magnificent terracotta Govinda temples, built during 1823 and the largest Shiva Temple of Bangladesh.
Gaud occupied a great importance mainly for its historical mosques than any other area. These mosques were built during the rule of Muslim Sultanate in the late 15th century AD. Most of them are located in the western part of Bangladesh. Chotosona Mosque, Toha Khana Mosque, Darasbari Mosque, Kusumbha Mosque, Bagha Mosque, etc., are some renowned mosques deserve to be mentioned.
Mainamati (8-12 century AD) about eight km. to the west of Comilla Town is a Buddhist archaeological site. It earned its name after the Chandra Dynasty King Govinda Chandra’s mother name. There are about 50 sites in the area, of them Salban Vihara is the most massive built monastery including other interesting sites like, Kutila Mura, Itakhola Mura, Rupban Mura, etc. The site museum will introduce you to a fairly large variety of antiquities.
Shait Gambud Mosque (15 century AD) in Bagerhat district, a wonderful architectural design of medieval period was founded by famous Muslim saint Khan Jahan Ali in 1459. This massive structure was entirely made of brick and stone .It is one of the largest and significant among all the mosques in Bangladesh and now a world heritage site. At the same time he constructed several other mosques in Bagerhat and adjoining areas.
National Assembly Building is one of the majestic public buildings. The Sangsad Bhavan complex is located at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar of Dhaka city. National Assembly Building is an architectural masterpiece for which the nation is proud of. Starting from the beginning of architectural history, say from the time of the Pyramids till modern times, if a list of most significant buildings of the world is made, the National Assembly building complex will feature very prominently among the top few in that list. This magnificent building stands as a silent evidence of the creative devotion and poetic vision of its American architect, Luis I Kahn.
DHAKA THE CAPITAL:
Dhaka the capital of Bangladesh was founded in 1608 and intersected by the river Buriganga. It is a sprawling and bustling metropolitan city with rich cultural heritage. Once known as city of 52 bazaars and 53 lanes and used to be known as the city of mosques and muslin and is called the city of Rickshaws until recently.
The city enjoyed the glory of being the capital of the region when it was successively under the Mughals and the British rule. Places of tourist attraction in Dhaka city are as follows: - Sadarghat Waterfront, Pink Palace (Ahsan Manzil), Shakhari Bazar, Star Mosque, Armenian Church, Dhakeswari Temple, Lalbagh Fort, Central Shahid Minar, Parliament Building, University town, National Poet’s mausoleum, Gurdaura, Bangabandhu Memorial Museum, Mukti Jodda Museum, National Museum, etc.
Sonargaon is one of the oldest capital of Bengal with old building, narrow streets and ancient bridges. Only 27 km. away from Dhaka this was once the capital of the Deva dynasty and later on the capital of the Independent sultan of Bengal. There is a rich folk art museum in Sonargaon. The Ashram of Loknath Brahmmachari is close to Sonargaon and the area is known as Baridi.
Jamdhani village, (Noapara) situated on the bank of the river Sitalakhya is famous for weaving of Jamdhani Sarees and other fabrics.
Chittagong:
Chittagong a picturesque hinterland of large green hills and lakes is the second largest city of the country and a busy international seaport. It has many industrial establishments too. Its green hills and forests, broad sandy beaches and fine cool climate always attract holidaymakers. It combines the hum of a seaport with the pleasure of a charming hill-town with its undulating topography. Places of tourist attraction in Chittagong city are as follows: - Shrine of Bayzid Bostami, World war-11 Cemetery, Foy’s Lake, Ethnological Museum, Court Building, Patenga Beach, Chatteshwari temple, Sitakund, etc.
Cox’s Bazar is located on the South Eastern part of Bangladesh. Panwa, the yellow flower was its early name. After Lieutenant Cox kept his footprint and administered the area and the name turned to Cox’s Bazar. Having the world’s longest unbroken (120km) beach, sloping gently down to the blue waters of the Bay of Bengal against the picturesque background of a chain of hill covered with deep green forests. The area has the influence of the Rakhaine tribes and there are many Buddhist temples and pagodas. The fish market with variety of sea fish, rare conch shell, the colorful and unique culture & costume of the Rakhaine is a matter of attraction.
Moheskhali and Sonadia are the two islands near to Cox’s Bazar and connected by waterways. Maheshkhali is an island with Rakhaine tribes and the Hindu Temple of Adinath on top of a hill. Sonadia a virgin island is more of a fishermen village.
world.
St.Martin’s Island is a small Island with a population of about 7/8 thousand people and they depend on fishing directly or indirectly. There are beautiful corals on the south-eastern corner of this island. The water around this Island is emerald green and always invites one to join for a relaxing bath. It will be possible to snorkel here, if you carry your own snorkeling gear. This trip will be tenacious and rough to some extent and participant should note it while joining the trip. From Teknaf around two (2) and half hour boat ride away is the only living coral island in Bangladesh, St. Martin. Snorkeling is possible here to see and enjoy the colorful under water
RANGAMATI & HILL DISTRICTS:
The Hill Tracks comprises of three Hill districts. The topography of the area is typical from rest of Bangladesh. The steep forested evergreen hills with the major tribal people and there different culture is of great attraction. The different tribes like the Chakma, Marma, Tanchanghya, Bom, Murang, Gorkha, etc. are spread over Rangamati, Bandarban and Khagrachari districts.
Rangamati, the land of romance rises from the blue water of the Kaptai Lake. The Kaptai Lake with its splendid setting of lush green landscape and scenic grandeur provides ideal retreat for visitors. A cruise in this famous manmade lake is breath taking and the crystal clear water welcomes you for a swim. The exotic tribal bazar and weaving factory give you different taste of the tribal culture. The hills of Chimbuk in Bandarban is the highest accessible peak by road
SYLHET & SRIMONGOL:
Greater Sylhet the land of two leaves and a bud, the major tea plantation area and the home of the Monipuri, Khasia and Garo tribal people. This is located in the gentle sloping upland in the picturesque valley between the khasia-Jaintia and Tripura hills, amid scenic tea plantation and lush green tropical forest is a prime attraction. Gentle slopes, congenial climate and abundant rainfall made Sylhet one of the largest tea producing area in the world. The Monipuri tribes are famous for their monipuri dance and weaving.
Srimongal, on the south of Sylhet is renowned as the tea Capital. Tea gardens are spread over as far as your eyes can view over the slopes and plains like a canvas of green smooth carpet. It can boast of the three largest gardens of the world.
SUNDARBANS:
The Sundarbans mangrove forest comprises of 10,000 sq-km of which 6000 sq. km. is in Bangladesh. The area is divided into 55-forest compartment. Each has a land area of 40 to 160 sq. km. and divided into several islands. The area is famous for its semi- aquatic tigers, greatly known as the Royal Bengal Tiger. As per last census around 500 tigers has found in this forest. It has fair amount of spotted deer, wild boar, rhesus monkey, salt-water crocodile, water monitor lizard, pythons etc. The forest treasures 330 plant species, 35 species of reptiles 400 types of fishes, 270 species of birds and 42 species of mammals. UNESCO has declared Sundarbans as world heritage site in 1997 and different protection matter of the forest is under active consideration. There are tree wildlife sanctuary area in Sundarbans forest respectively “Kotka-Kochikhaki”, “Hironpiont” & “Manderbaria”.
CITY TOUR, EXCURSIONS & RIVER CRUISING TOURS
Dhaka, the Capital of Bangladesh, founded in 1608 has an exciting history and rich cultural heritage. It is intersected by the rivers Buriganga. The total area of the city is approximately 1400 sq. km., with a population of 10 million. It was adorned with the glory of being the capital of the region when it was successively under the Mughal and the British rules. It used to be known as the city of mosques and is called the city of rickshaws. These days it looks chaotic with more vehicles running and building constructed, but the "chaos" is not a decadent one, it is rather solely positive. Paintings on buses and rickshaws are of people's dream, and the city is really bustling. Some of the outstanding attractions of the city are; -
Sadarghat river port: It is situated on the bank of the river Buriganga. For a visitor, there await an amazing scene with different types of boats, - uncovered and covered boats, cargo boats, speedboats, tugs, and motor launches- going in every direction. Regular services by motor launches including passenger and cargo to Southern towns leave every day in the afternoon. Paddle Steamer service introduced during the colonial period is still in service to most of the towns in its route up to Khulna is also operated from this river port. Paddle system steamer service for passenger service is obsoleting now a days in other countries. A trip by Paddle Steamer will enable a guest to enjoy the riverine beauty including the countryside of Bangladesh.
Ahsan manzil: Khwaja Alimullah bought some properties including this building from the French traders in 1835, which was originally owned by Zaminder Seikh Enayetullah. It was renovated in 1872 by Nawab Abdul Ghani and named Ahsan Manzil after his son Nawab Ahsanullah. It is a magnificent pink-coloured building with an imposing staircase leading to the upper floor, and a lofty dome tops it. In each of the 23 grand rooms there is a photograph of the room dating back from around 1902, and these photos allowed the accurate restoration of the furnishings and draperies. The ancestors of the Khwaja Alimullah came from Kashmir in search of fortune. The Nawabs played a significant role during their regime around 100 year, uplifting the life style of the people as they were the pioneer to provide the following services; - Electricity, Health care system, Sanitation, School and colleges, Parks, River-reforms, Banking, etc. It has been turned to a museum, which will give a good insight into the life of the ruling classes of Bengal during the British Raj, with historical background to the building and period, and displays of items found on the site. It can be visited Saturday-Wednesday from 1030am to 5:30pm and Friday from 4-7pm.
Star mosque: Zaminder Mirza Ghulam Pir built this mosque in the early 18th century. Later a local businessman, Ali Jan Bepary renovated this mosque, a glittering star pattern mosaic with Japanese and English china clay tiles during 1926. This is the most beautifully decorated mosque in Bangladesh. It is distinctive for its low-slung style and the absence of minaret. Originally it was built with four corner towers in Mughal style. During the renovation and redecoration the building was substantially altered. A close look will reveal that the tiles illustrated with pictures of Mt. Fuji.
Armenian church: Armenians started coming to Dhaka in the 17th century and they were concentrated in the old part of the city, which was later named Armanitola after the colony of Armenian families. This church was built in 1781 on the ruins of an earlier chapel. It has a balcony and wooden pews seat for 100 people. In 1837 a steeple serving as a clock tower was added, which collapsed during the earthquake of 1897. The church is in a reasonably good shape. It is open everyday, except when the caretaker leaves the premises.
Dhakeswari temple: It is the oldest Hindu temple in Dhaka and was established in the 11th century. By some accounts it is said that Dhaka city originates its name from the Dhakeswari temple. The temple is visited every day by number of devotees to make offering to the goddess. It can be visited any day.
Lalbagh fort: Prince Mohammed Azam, 3rd son of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, started building the Fort Aurangabad in 1678. As he left Dhaka, handed it over to Nawab Shaista Khan, the next governor, for completion. He continued the work, but due to premature death of his beloved daughter Bibi Pari, all building activities were suspended, considering it as inauspicious to continue to work. Outstanding among the monuments of the Lalbagh fort are a small three-domed elegant mosque, the mausoleum of Bibi Pari; and the Audience Hall and Hammam complex is now housing a museum. When the fort was built, the river Buriganga used to flow very close to the Lalbagh fort to the South. It can be visited from Sunday-Wednesday from 10am to 5pm, Friday from 2:305:30pm, during the winter (closed on Thursday & holidays). From April to October, opening and closing times are half an hour later.
Shakhari Bazar: In the early 17th century, ancestors of the present dwellers started coming to this locality. They were mostly the follower of Bishnu or Krishna. These people were very famous for making "SHAKA" (Bangles from Conch Shell) and the artisans were known as SHAKHARI. The technique used by them was very traditional and unique and now replaced by modern technique. To the Hindus, conch shells are symbol of good fortune and purity. As per the Hindu religion, married woman are to wear conch shell bangles on both wrists and to break them when the husband dies. Nowadays, Muslim and Christian women wear these bangles as well. The craft faces an uncertain future. Shells used to come from India and Srilanka is not always available and more and more Hindu women are unable to afford these bangles, opting to buy the much cheaper plastic look a likes.
New market: The New market was established during 1950's as the oldest complete shopping complex housing, - Jewellery, Bookshop, Ready-made garments, household items, and fresh fish, meat and vegetables including fruits. The fresh fish, meat and vegetable section is very popular to the affluent society as one of the best source. Customer visiting the new market has declined on the advent of modern markets and shopping complexes in the city.
Dhaka University: Dhaka University started in 1921 with three faculty, twelve department, sixty teachers, and eight hundred and seventy seven students. Initially there were three residential hall of the university. It grows over the years against lot of hindrances and gained a very prestigious position in the Indian sub-continent within few years. History of Bangladesh is very closely related to the history of the Dhaka University. Since, 1952-1990, all the mass movements originated and lead by the Students. Dhaka University has now 7 Faculty, 46 departments with total number of 30,000 students and 1200 teachers. And there are 18- residential halls.
Parliament building: National Parliament House is situated at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. During the Pakistan regime, considering Dhaka as the second capital, it was approved in 1963 to establish a parliament house. Accordingly it was designed by world famous American architect Mr. Louis I. Khan and the construction started in 1965 but could not be completed due to liberation movement and ensuing war of liberation. Later the remaining construction was completed during the Bangladesh regime.
This distinctive architecture is one of the little renowned architecture in the world.
National museum: Dhaka museum established in 1913 was renamed as the National museum and shifted to its new building at Shahbag in 1983. It has forty galleries under four departments, namely, (1) Natural history (2) History & classical Art (3) Ethnography and decorative art and (4) Contemporary art and world civilization. The museum contains a large number of interesting collections of Bangladesh’s Hindu, Buddhist and Mughal past. Remarkable among the exhibits are; a mat made from Ivory, beautiful and fine embroideries (Nakshikantha), piece of muslin clothes, huge number of black stone images, coins of 2nd & 3rd century B.C and " liberation gallery ". It is open Saturday-Wednesday from 10am to 4:30pm, Friday from 3-7pm and is closed on Thursday.
Bakharkhani: It is crispy bread very popular with the people of old part of Dhaka. It is said that the name Bakharkhani is after name of Mr. Bakhar, who first introduced it. Mr. Aga Bakhar or Aga Bakhir khan was a zaminder in the Bakherganj (also named after him) and it is said that he introduced this special bread probably during the mid-1800. Now a days, the people of other districts also like this bread as snack.
Tanga: The horse driven cart or Tanga is a legacy left by the Nawabs and the Mughals. The use of such Tanga for transportation is a decadent one. But only few Tangas are still in operation in the old part of Dhaka.
Rickshaw: During 1870’s, the first hand-pulled rickshaws were introduced in Japan. By
1890 their numbers reached a peak of 200,000. of which one quarter were in Tokyo. Japan was also the leading manufacturers and exporter. After 1900, rickshaw numbers started to decline in Japan, though they did not disappear there until after the Second World War. But in other Asian countries they continued to increase up to 1920's, which was to be their golden age. Singapore was the first city to use Cycle-rickshaw on a large scale during 1929. Calcutta's First cycle-rickshaws appeared around 1930's and they soon spread to other towns in the hinterland. They reached in Bangladesh in mid-1930's and Dhaka by 1938. By 40-50 years, Cycle rickshaws reached all the districts and towns including villages in Bangladesh. Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh attracted the people from the rural areas for work and they started pulling Cycle-rickshaw as an easy means for their living. Number of rickshaws increased like anything in Dhaka, as there was no proper control by the Government, ultimately making Dhaka as the city of Rickshaws. But at present, the Government has imposed lot of restriction on rickshaws about using the roads/streets and trying to restrict rickshaws to lanes and by lanes only.
Mainamati: An isolated eleven mile-long spur of dimpled hills known as the Mainamati-Lalmai range, 8 km west of Comilla and 114 km south east of Dhaka. It was named after the Chandra dynasty King Govinda Chandra's mother. Exploration on this range has revealed over 50 ancient sites dotting the hills, mostly containing various types of Buddhist remains of the 8th to 12th Centuries AD. Excavations revealed interesting and informative finds at a number of sites, locally known as Salban vihara, Itakhula Mura, Rupban Mura, Kutila Mura, Ananda Rajar Badi, Charpatra Mura, and Mainamati Ranir Badi. Amongst the sites, visitors feel interest mostly on Salban vihara, Itakhula Mura, and Rupban Mura. A site museum just beyond Salban Vihara houses the excavated finds and it is open from10am to 5pm daily from Sunday-Thursday and Friday from 2:30 pm to 5:30pm During October to March, 10:30am to 5:30pm from Sunday to Thursday and Friday from 3pm to 6pm during April to September. It is closed on Saturday.
Sonargaon: Sonargaon (means golden city), 27 km to the east of Dhaka city, which was the capital of Bengal from 13th to early 17th century during the Chandra and Deva dynasty. The Panam was a flourished city in those days. In 1611 the Mughals considered the location too exposed to the Portuguese and the Mogh pirates and thus established Dhaka as their capital. It was very flourished centre both for weaving of the muslins and export to different parts of the world. But nothing of muslin can be found now.
Folklore museum at Sonargaon open from 9am to 5pm everyday except Wednesday and Thursday is worth visiting.
Ruposhi village: Ruposhi /Noapara village on the bank of the river Sitalakhya is popularly known as Jamdhanee village, for you will find the most of the houses are engaged in weaving of Jamdhani Saree and Scarf. The weaving of Jamdhani is a handloom industry, and it is done with the similar in the style of muslin. It is known as the hereditary of muslin as it requires fine yarn for weaving and various beautiful designs by colored yarn. These expert weavers can create the design mentally during the weaving of the Sarees. There is no mechanical technique involved.
Savar: Around 35km from Dhaka is the National Martyr's Monument at Savar. This 50M high and beautifully kept structure was built as memorial of the millions who died in the liberation war during 1971.
Dhamrai: Dhamrai area (1&1/2hrs drive) around 40 km from Dhaka. Once every houses of this village used to be metal craftsman and they used to work with brass. These craftsmen have been in this trade for the last hundreds of years and supplied the greater India with statues for temples, utensils for homes and decoration. Now only very few families are sticking to it, but depending mainly on orders from overseas.
Kakran: This village is close to Savar and can be reached by boat. Most of the people of this village were used to be Potters, when there was widespread use of pots & utensils made from clay. Now only few families are still trying to hold this profession as their living. But you will be amazed by their traditional technique.
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M. Rafiqul Islam Nasim
Director
The Bengal Tours Ltd.
House # 45, Road # 27, Block-A, Banani,
Dhaka-1213, Bangladesh
Tel: 880-2-8834716 / 8857424
Fax: 880-2-9886381
Cell ph: + 01715010601
E-mail: bengal@agni.com / info@bengaltours.com
Yahoo: bengal_nasim@yahoo.com
Web: www.bengaltours.com
Personal: http://nasimnoor.spaces.live.com
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