Archive for the ‘Bangladesh’ Category

Rajshahi

Friday, January 8th, 2010

Rajshahi (রাজশাহী) is the capital city of the Rajshahi Division in Bangladesh. The city is situated in the north west of the country on the northern banks of the Padma river. Rajshahi was formerly known as Rampur Boalia. As of latest measurement the city has a population of 650 thousand people, making Rajshahi the 4th largest city in the country.

Rajshahi is often referred to as Silk City and Education City, of course with sense able reasons. The city’s economy is mainly running on the famous Rajshahi silk trade, which are fine and quality products exported worldwide. As well it’s home to renowned education institutions covering any professional and cultural fields available in Bangladesh. Rasjhahi is also well known for its fruits, with as specialty Mango and Lychee. But more important than silk, education and fruits, Rasjhahi is an important yet interesting travel destination because of the number of ancient temples, mosques and other historical and cultural sightseeing’s within city limits.

When visiting the city, you must see through it’s chaotic traffic, the people and noises on the street. The city has a lot of hidden beauty, that most most cannot see just walking through. The city counts countless of small travel agencies knowing where to go, for reasonable prices with private guides. Of course here’s some recommendations on sightseeing’s; Shrine of Hazrat Shah Mokhdum, Varendra Research Museum, Bangladesh Railway, Bangladesh Betar and Central Park and Zoo.

Fine and cheap silk products of Rajshahi have earned it the nickname Silk City. Rajshahi is also well known for its fruits, especially for Mango and Lychee. Besides the beautiful Mango Orchards and river beaches, it is home to renowned educational institutions covering almost all of professional and cultural fields available within the country. This is why Rajshahi is sometimes referred to as Education City in Bangladesh. Rajshahi is an important tourist destination because of a number of ancient mosques, shrines and temples in and around the city.

United States citizens do not need a visa, you will receive a three months visa upon arrival after showing your valid passport and return ticket at immigration. In case you would need a visa for your country there’s visa on arrival offices available throughout the Dhaka International Airport for 30-day up to 90-days stay.

Chittagong

Friday, January 8th, 2010

Chittagong (চট্টগ্রাম) is Bangladesh’s main port and second largest city, as well capital of the Chittagong Division in the south east of the country. It’s situated on the banks of the Karnaphuli River, which ends in the Bay of Bengal. As of latest measurement the city has population of 2.6 million people, and is constantly growing as it’s listed 10th on the world fastest growing cities list.

The city of Chittagong is fairly big and spread out, just like the capital city Dhaka the streets are messed up and filled with traffic, motorbikes and rickshaws. Although it does feel the local government puts more efforts in keeping the sidewalks clean. Travelers will notice a increase of beggars and con artists than in other parts of the country. The busiest part of town is the area around Station Road and Jubilee Road, while 2 miles north you find yourself center of the middle to upper class life, with gigantic shopping malls and fancy restaurants.

When visiting Chittagong there’s several sightseeing within city limits worth going by including; Patenga Beach, Foy’s Lake, Adventure Land & Paradise Valley, Shrine of Baizid Bostami, World War II Cemetery, Ethnological Museum, Chittagong Zoo, Baitul Falah, Chandanpura Mosque, Chittagong College, Mohsin College, Court Building and the Red-light district. Not all sightseeing’s are free or charge, some may require entrance fees or a guided tour.

United States citizens do not need a visa, you will receive a three months visa upon arrival after showing your valid passport and return ticket at immigration. In case you would need a visa for your country there’s visa on arrival offices available throughout the Dhaka International Airport for 30-day up to 90-days stay.

Khulna

Monday, January 4th, 2010

Khulna is the capital of the Khulna Division as well the third largest city of Bangladesh. It’s consider the industrial as well commercial center and the gateway to the Sundarbans. It’s located on the banks of the Rupsha and Bhairab rivers in the Khulna District. As of latest measurement the city has a population of 1,4 million people.

Like the other major cities Dhaka and Chittagong in Bangladesh is Khulna is undergoing a large transformation. The city’s population is growing rapidly growing, as well new sights and malls are being built. Because of the strategic location of the city, just 30 miles of port Mongla the city is considered a port city like Chittagong. Nowadays over 25% of all trade in Bangladesh passes through Mongla. Furthermore Khulna is known as the city of Shrimps, as 75% of the all shrimps are exported in the Khulna zone.

The easiest way to travel to Khulna from the capital city Dhaka is by The Rocket Steamer. It departs weekly, the total trip takes from 26 to 30 hours. It includes a few stops such in Barisal. Once in the city you can travel around using the Cycle rickshaws, which are the main method of transport. One of the must see tourist sightseeing’s is St Joseph’s Church located on Babu Khan Rd. A catholic church run by the friendly English speaking Father Jacob. It opens daily at 6AM, anyone interested is welcome.

United States citizens do not need a visa, you will receive a three months visa upon arrival after showing your valid passport and return ticket at immigration. In case you would need a visa for your country there’s visa on arrival offices available throughout the Dhaka International Airport for 30-day up to 90-days stay.

Rangamati

Tuesday, October 27th, 2009

Rangamati (রাঙ্গামাটি) is a popular travel destination in Bangladesh also known as “Lake City”, the best way to travel to Rangamati is taking the car or bus from Chittagong, the ride has the length of about 48 miles across grass fields and high hills. Once arrived, you have entered a favorite holiday resort of the Bangladesh. The city is also famous for it’s hanging bridges over the river side.

The beautiful landscape fill the eye view of Rangamati, as you can imagine there’s one main lake where you can go hiking and bathing enjoy nature at its finest, of course its recommended to spend an afternoon picnicking at the lake other than visiting any of the restaurants downtown. In this area of Rangamati certain tribes still make their day to day living, prime examples include the Chakma and Marma which make their living of homespun textile products and ivory jewelery made by the women while the tribal men are fishing for tonight’s dinner.

As traveler visiting Rangamati there’s several options you can choose for, we recommend, if you have the time to try most of them! The most popular tourist attraction is Tribal life, where you can join the tribes in a night or multiple day journey, living the life they have. If you choose to do so, please be reminded that it’s their culture and history. It’s advised to join them in their day to life, and show them respect for their habits. Other popular attractions include speed boat cruising, hiking, bathing and enjoying the beauty of Rangamati’s nature.

United States citizens do not need a visa, you will receive a three months visa upon arrival after showing your valid passport and return ticket at immigration. In case you would need a visa for your country there’s visa on arrival offices available throughout the Dhaka International Airport for 30-day up to 90-days stay.

Dhaka

Monday, March 9th, 2009

Dhaka (ঢাকা), formerly spelled as Dacca and formerly named as Jahangir Nagar, is the capital city of Bangladesh. The City of Mosques, as Dhaka is known as, is Bangladesh’s largest and also known as the top producer of quality muslin. Despite all of this, Dhaka continues to be considered as one of the most difficult places to live in. It must be because of the continuous chaos that pervades the city. If the movement only involved only pretty things, it might have been a power house. However, Dhaka is all about a mix-clash of everything. Its 60 square miles is filled with 6.7 million people according to the latest measurement.

Chaos should have been Dhaka’s name. Though considered practically unlivable, the city is definitely unforgettable. Set your foot in it and you probably will experience something different from a previous visitor: there is just too much activity going on. You see both the ugly face of poverty and the charming accents of passion and intelligence in just one vibrating city. It can be overwhelming, maybe even completely appalling, but definitely interesting. As with any other place, make sure you keep your belongings close to yourself. Bag snatchers do exist and can run away with your things via taxis.

You can reach Dhaka via the Dhaka International Airport. When you are in the city itself, you can get around by bus or tram. You can also go by rented car or motorcycle. It is not that easy to drive yourself around Dhaka, however. Some locals can drive around dangerously. You can go around by taxi; note though that taxi drivers do not really want to put their meters to use. Add to the chaos is Dhaka’s hot and humid weather having a monsoon climate. Expect the temperature to vary from 58 degrees Fahrenheit to 89 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you are from the United States, you need not just a passport which is valid for three months but also a return ticket and a visa. You can obtain a 30-day or even a 90-day visa upon your arrival at the airport.