4 Towns in Bangladesh that are Worth a Visit

 

Bangladesh, which is bordered by India to the west, is a lush country crisscrossed by numerous rivers and fertile landscapes. It is located on the Bay of Bengal and has a beautiful coastline with seaside towns and beaches. This country is home to a portion of the Sundarbans mangrove forest. Apart from its major cities, such as the capital Dhaka, the offbeat traveler should visit its splendid riverside hamlets and lush green countryside. Here's a rundown of some of Bangladesh's most charming towns and villages, as well as the attractions near them:

Cox’s Bazar

A seaside haven and a fishing port, Cox’s Bazaar is Bangladesh’s favorite coastal getaway. Locally known as Panowa, Cox’s Bazar derived its intriguing name from Captain Hiram Cox, of the British East India Company. It is most notable for harboring the eponymous beach, which is deemed as the world’s ‘largest uninterrupted natural sea beach’. Visitors who love the outdoors can visit Himchari National Park and explore its tropical natural attractions, or experience a rousing safari ride at the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Safari Park. Cox’s Bazar is also home to a thriving Buddhist diaspora. Ramu, a Buddhist village located a few kilometers away, is dotted with a plethora of Buddhist shrines and pagodas. 

Sylhet

Sylhet, derived from the Sanskrit word 'Srihatta,' which translates as 'elegant market,' is not only one of Bangladesh's most economically advanced cities, but also one of its most culturally rich. It is located along the Surma River and is surrounded by lush tea estates and gardens. The bustling rhythm of local bazaars that surround the rust-colored Ali Amjad's Clock characterizes its urban center. You will also find a number of restaurants and cafes near this area, as well as budget accommodations and guest houses. Its outskirts give way to natural attractions, waterfalls and forest areas. Other attractions in the vicinity include a couple of local museums and the Hazrat Shahjalal Mazar Sharif, a sprawling powder-blue shrine where a Sufi saint is entombed. 

Bogra

Steeped in a history that dates back to the Ashoka Empire, Bogra is considered one of Bengal’s most ancient cities. While today Bogra boasts of a newly-emerging urban center, its outskirts give way to the heritage site of Mahasthangarh, one of Bangladesh’s most significant and earliest archaeological discoveries. The site features sprawling, moss-covered ruins and crumbling ramparts known for their honeycombed appearance. 

Sonargaon

Sonargaon, a historic city that was considered one of Bangladesh's earliest capitals, continues to pique the interest and awe of tourists today. An inland river port, Sonargaon was a key hub in the muslin trade in old Bengal. It was reigned for several centuries by Muslim rulers who first settled here circa 13th Century and established a sultanate. Vestiges of this past can be seen today in the many Mughal-era structures that dot its leafy landscape—from sultanate tombs and buildings like Goaldi Mosque, to forts like Hajiganj and Sonakanda. The British rule, of course, brought their own brand of European architecture, that can also be seen today. 

Author Name
Advaita Raut