10 Best Places to Visit in Bangladesh
Bangladesh is a small country in Asia that is full of undiscovered gems. From bustling cities and mouth-watering cuisines to undulating green hills and some of the most beautiful beaches, Bangladesh has something for everyone. Yet, most tourists outside of Asia are unaware of this country’s raw beauty and vibrant culture. This makes Bangladesh a peaceful and less crowded destination compared to its neighbor India.
10. Dhaka
This is the capital of Bangladesh and the most densely populated city in the world. Located near the bank of the Buriganga River, Dhaka was home to the Mughal princes and then the British Raj in the Sub-continent.
The city’s Southernmost region, called Old Dhaka, has a rich cultural heritage which is reflected in both the architecture and the lifestyle of locals. This wonderful place is a paradise for street photography.
The Lalbagh Fort and Ahsan Manjil are two of the Old Dhaka attractions that are the most popular among tourists. The Lalbagh Fort, also called the Aurangabad Fort, was built in the 17th century by the Mughal prince but after his death, the construction stopped and the fort was left unfinished.
Inside the fort, you’ll find beautiful gardens and green spaces filled with flowers in all colors. And don’t forget to visit Pari Bibi’s tomb. Here you’ll witness the most exquisite floral architectural work of the Lalbagh Fort.
9. Kuakata
No other place in Bangladesh can match the spellbinding beauty of Kuakata. This tourist destination is located in southwestern Bangladesh in the district of Patuakhali. The beach here in Kuakata is a must-see that offers a breathtaking view of sunrise and sunset over the Bay of Bengal.
With a length of about 18 kilometers, Kuakata is truly among the most picturesque beaches in Bangladesh. Kuakata is known as the “Daughter of the Sea” and it is the only beach where you can see both sunrise and sunset in the country.
But the beauty of Kuakata doesn’t stop there. The Gangamati Reserved Forest here is a mangrove forest home to a variety of animals and plants. You can also visit the beautiful islands of Fatra’r chor and Lebur Chor.
Buddhists and Hindus travel to Kuakata to do pilgrimages. That’s the reason why you find temples of all shapes and sizes here.
8. Chittagong
Chittagong is the largest and most developed city after Dhaka. Undoubtedly the most well-known natural tourist attraction in the region, the magnificent Chittagong hill tracts are worth visiting. But there’s much more to discover in this city.
Here you can visit some beautiful lakes, wonderful beaches, and the famous Karnaphuli River. On the banks of the Kaptai Lake, you’ll find the lovely town of Rangamati nestled between the Chittagong hills. The serene atmosphere of this town is the exact opposite of most of Bangladesh’s bustling cities.
You will also find the most exciting and culturally enriching museums in Chittagong. Moreover, the Bayezid Bostami shrine is also in this city, which is visited by thousands of people for religious purposes.
Aside from all that, Chittagong's food is itself a brand. You must try the Mezbani Kacchi or Kala Bhuna when you visit this city.
7. Srimangal
The tea capital of Bangladesh – Srimangal, is one of the most picturesque locations in the country. It is home to tribal settlements, unending tea plantations, and rolling hills covered in thick forests. When you visit the place and explore the hills and the hamlets that makeup Srimangal, you will find a sea of diverse plantations in this region.
Don't forget to sample a variety of teas and bring back a couple of packets because this place has some of the best tea varieties.
With the tallest waterfalls, stunning lakes, and unspoiled wildlife, Srimangal is full of stunning tea gardens that are ideal for cycling around, and the adjacent villages and woods are also wonderful places to explore.
Here the Lawachara National Park is a good place to start your journey. There are hundreds of tree and animal species in the tropical forest. The huge tea gardens at the Nurjahan Tea Estate cover several acres. Even a fleeting glance at this exquisite place will calm your mind and soul. If you’re in the mood for a little hike, you also can visit the temple on top of the Laaltila or Red Hill.
6. Sonargaon
Once a bustling river port and the well-known hub for muslin traders, Sonargaon now has a number of architectural landmarks and museums, making it a popular tourist destination near Dhaka. This ancient town located in the Narayanganj district was the first capital of Bengal about 450 years ago.
If you’re interested in history, you’ll surely fall in love with this place. Panam Nagar, which the British established as a hub for the trade of cotton fabrics, began as a tiny Hindu community with around fifty-two households. The place continues to be one of Sonargaon's most popular tourist destinations where all the homes were constructed using European architectural principles.
A Hindu businessman's former mansion, the Boro Sardar Bari, is now a glitzy museum that is a must-see for anyone who is visiting Sonargaon. The Sonargaon Folk-arts and Crafts museum is also a famous spot in the town.
5. Bandarban
To the South of Chittagong lies the place known for its stunning waterfalls, breathtaking landscapes, pristine lakes, and exquisite greenery. This is Bandarban.
Our list of the top 10 places to visit in Bangladesh would not be complete without mentioning this exotic place. Bandarban is a lovely place dotted with hills, which makes it popular among hikers and trekkers. The feeling of serenity that this place gives you is truly unmatched.
The river Sangu runs through Bandarban and at least thirteen distinct indigenous groups reside here. You’ll also find the Buddha Dhatu Jadi, the biggest Buddhist temple in the world here. On top of that, the highest natural lake in Bangladesh, the Boga Lake is also found here. Don’t forget to visit Nilachal Point in Bandarban. This popular spot offers a stunning view of the entire Bandarban.
4. St. Martin’s Island
The beautiful St. Martin's Island is a small island that attracts visitors from all over the world. Located near the Bay of Bengal, it takes just one day to fully tour this island. But the best thing about this island is that it’s completely free of pollution because no cars are permitted there. The locals refer to this little island as "Narikel Jinjira" since it has a lot of coconut trees.
St. Martin Island is the only coral island in Bangladesh. You can also travel to the St. Martin's extension, the Chhera Dweep or Chhera Island, using a rented speedboat.
The unmatched beauty of this Island, the clear blue waters, and the peaceful atmosphere will be etched on your memory forever. Along with exploring the beauty of this Island, you can try the unique foods, go scuba diving, and even stargaze at night.
3. Sundarbans
Do you know where is the largest mangrove forest in the world? Yup, you guessed it right. It’s in Bangladesh located in the Khulna Division in Sundarbans. Sundarbans is a word that literally means “beautiful forest.” This unique place is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This is one of the top tourist destinations in Bangladesh since it’s home to some of the globally endangered species, especially the famous Royal Bengal Tiger. This forest is home to a variety of wildlife including, Chitra deer, Ganges-Irawadi dolphins, saltwater crocodiles, and various species of birds.
If you love vibrant nature and wildlife, you should definitely visit this place. There are around 5 wildlife sanctuaries here and several estuaries and canals flow through the Sundarbans. It is quite an exciting adventure to take a boat through them in the morning.
2. Sylhet
Sylhet, the dreamy city of Bangladesh, is located on the bank of the river Surma in the northeastern region of the country. This picture-perfect city is among the greenest areas of Bangladesh, which has the highest amount of rainfall.
From beautiful mountains, tranquil lakes, tea gardens, colorful rows of wooden houses, cobblestone streets, and a picturesque harbor, Sylhet has all the elements of a fairy tale setting.
Yet, the small tropical forests here offer some of the most remarkable and jaw-dropping views that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. The most famous destination in this region is Ratargul Swamp Forest, a freshwater swamp forest. Jaflong and Bisanakandi are next on the list.
Millions of people visit the shrine of Muslim Saint Shah Jalal known as the Shahjalal Dargah every year. Enjoying a boat trip, shopping at the nearby shops, and trying mouthwatering cuisines are some of the top things you must do in Sylhet.
1. Cox’s Bazar
The long natural beaches, breathtaking nearby attractions, fresh seafood, and the hospitality of the locals, are all the factors that make Cox’s Bazar the best place to visit in Bangladesh. Cox’s Bazar is visited all year round by both local and international tourists.
Located in the southeastern part of the country, Cox’s Bazar has the longest sea beach in the world. The clear blue waters and the green dense forests make this beach the most popular spot in Cox’s Bazar. You can enjoy swimming, surfing, bathing, and sunbathing here and get entranced by the beauty of the sunset at the endless sea.
There are plenty of other things you can do in Cox’s Bazar. The only aquarium in Bangladesh called the Radiant Fish World is located here. You can also visit the Himchari National Park and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Safari Park when visiting Cox’s Bazar. To top it all, Cox’s Bazar is a shopper’s paradise that you’ll absolutely love exploring!