For centuries the verdant plains of Bengal have been shaped by cultural exchange, spiritual devotion and a rich energy that is characteristic of riverine environments. The famous explorer Ibn Battuta who visited this region in 1345 described it as an incredibly fertile, wealthy and affordable place.
During this fascinating tour we visit historic mosques and temples, bustling market places, lush forests, and the resting places of important personalities such as Shahjalal Kunya’i, Bayazid Bastami and ‘Ubaidullah Suhrawardy.
Starting in the vibrant capital Dhaka we explore its Mughal architecture featuring Lalbagh Fort, Star Masjid and Sat Gombuj Masjid as well as monuments dating back to the Bengal Sultanate era. We also visit the Church of Armanitola and Dhakeswari Temple which reflect the country’s longstanding tradition of religious diversity. We then proceed north east to Sreemangal, renowned for its rolling tea plantations, and Lawachara National Park where gibbons and other intriguing wildlife can be seen.
Part of this trip is to observe life on the banks of rivers and understand how their change of course can impact the lives of the people who live near them. We also learn about traditional agricultural methods that have been practiced in the region for hundreds of years.
Later we travel to the bustling port city of Chittagong before continuing to Maheshkhali Island and then Cox’s Bazar, famed for having the longest natural unbroken sandy beach in the world.
The final part of our journey takes us on an excursion into the Sundarbans which is known for its rich flora and fauna, including Bengal tigers, crocodiles and Gangetic dolphins that all thrive in this unique ecosystem.
Our tour of Bangladesh is not just a voyage through places but is designed to leave you with a deeper appreciation for this small yet significant country of nearly 180 million people.
