SUNDARBAN, KHULNA - THE MANGROVE BEAUTY OF THE WORLD AND TOURIST ATTRACTION OF BANGLADESH

The Sundarban is the largest single block of tidal halophytic mangrove forest in the world. The name Sundarban can be literally translated as "beautiful jungle" or "beautiful forest" in the Bengali language (Sundar, "beautiful" and ban, "forest" or "jungle"). The name may have been derived from the Sundari trees that are found in Sundarbans in large numbers. The Sundarban is the largest littoral mangrove belt in the world, stretching 80km (50mi) into the Bangladeshi hinterland from the coast. The forests aren't just mangrove swamps though; they include some of the last remaining stands of the mighty jungles which once covered the Gangetic plain. The Sundarban covers an area of 38,500 sq km, of which about one-third is covered in water. Since 1966 the Sundarban has been a wildlife sanctuary, and it is estimated that there are now 400 Royal Bengal tigers and about 30,000 spotted deer in the area. The forest lies in the vast delta on the Bay of Bengal formed by the confluence of the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers across southern Bangladesh and West Bengal, India. The seasonally-flooded Sundarbans freshwater swamp forests lie inland from the mangrove forests on the coastal fringe. The forest covers 10,000 km2 of which about 6,000 are in Bangladesh. It became inscribed as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1997, but whiles the Bangladeshi and Indian portions constitute the same continuous ecotype, these are separately listed in the UNESCO world heritage list as the Sundarbans and Sundarbans National Park, respectively. Sundarban is the home to many different species of birds, mammals, insects, reptiles and fishes. Over 120 species of fishes and over 260 species of birds have been recorded in the Sundarban. The Gangetic River Dolphin (Platanista gangeticus) is common in the rivers. No less than 50 species of reptiles and eight species of amphibians are known to occur. The Sundarban now supports the only population of the Estuarine, or Salt-Water Crocodile (Crocodylus parasus) in Bangladesh, and that population is estimated at less than two hundred individuals. The Sundarbans is intersected by a complex network of tidal waterways, mudflats and small islands of salt-tolerant mangrove forests. The area is known for the eponymous Royal Bengal Tiger, as well as numerous fauna including species of birds, spotted deer, crocodiles and snakes. The fertile soils of the delta have been subject to intensive human use for centuries, and the eco-region has been mostly converted to intensive agriculture, with few enclaves of forest remaining. The remaining forests, together with the Sundarbans mangroves, are important habitat for the endangered tiger. Additionally, the Sundarbans serves a crucial function as a protective barrier for the millions of inhabitants in and around Kolkata (Calcutta) against the floods that result from the cyclones that are a regular occurrence on this coast. Its beauty lies in its unique natural surrounding. Thousands of meandering streams, creeks, rivers and estuaries have enhanced its charm. Sundarban is the natural habitat of the world famous Royal Bengal Tiger, spotted deer, crocodiles, jungle fowl, wild boar, lizards, theses monkey and an innumerable variety of beautiful birds. Migratory flock of Siberian ducks flying over thousands of sail boats loaded with timber, golpatta (round-leaf), fuel wood, honey, shell and fish further add to the serene natural beauty of the Sundarban. Attractions are - Wildlife photography including photography of the famous Royal Bengal Tiger, wildlife viewing, boating inside the forest will call recordings, nature study, meeting fishermen, wood-cutters and honey-collectors, peace and tranquility in the wilderness, seeing the world's largest mangrove forest and the revering beauty. Spots are - Hiron Point (Nilkamal) for tiger, deer, monkey, crocodiles, birds and natural beauty. Katka for deer, tiger, crocodiles, varieties of birds and monkey, morning and evening symphony of wild fowls. Vast expanse of grassy meadows running from Katka to Kachikhali (Tiger Point) provides opportunities for wild tracking. Tin Kona Island for tiger and deer. Dublar Char (Island) for fishermen. It is a beautiful island where herds of spotted deer are often seen to graze.

COX'S BAZAAR - WORLD’S LONGEST UNBROKEN BEACH AND AMUSING TOURIST SPOT IN BANGLADESH

Golden sands - miles after miles, overlooked by genteel cliffs and awash with foaming waves, colorful conch shells, ponderous pagodas, delicious seafood- this is Cox's Bazar. The sea-side tourist township of Bangladesh boasting the world's longest (120km) unbroken beach sloping gently down into the blue water of the Bay of Bengal- Cox's Bazar is one of the most attractive tourist spots of the country. To north of Cox's Bazar is Chittagong and the hill districts of Bandarban and Khagrachhari, to the east is Myanmar, to the west and south is the Bay of Bengal. Ancient name of Cox's Bazar was Bakoli, Mid-seventeenth's name was PENGWA. The Rakhyne word PENGWA means yellow flower. Burmese King Monwaing attacked Cox's Bazar in 1784. He killed the Arakanese King Thamada and took control of the area. So the Arakanese left the area to take shelter in the Chittagong Hill Tracts and Patuakhali. The Government of the then East India Company appointed Captain Hiram Cox as Superintendent and assigned him to rehabilitate the Arakanese refugees. On arrival there in 1799, he defeated the Burmese king in a battle and rehabilitated the Arakanese refugees. After the war, he set up a bazar (market) in that place which was named as Cox's Bazar after him. Cox's Bazar is a town, a fishing port and district headquarters in Bangladesh. It is known for its wide sandy beach which is the world's longest natural sandy sea beach. It is an unbroken 125 km sandy sea beach with a gentle slope. It is located 150 km south of Chittagong. Cox’s Bazar is also known by the name "Panowa", the literal translation of which means "yellow flower". Its other old name was "Palongkee". The modern Cox's Bazar derives its name from Captain Cox (died 1799), an officer serving in British India. In the 18th century, an officer of British East India Company, Captain Hiram Cox was appointed as the Superintendent of Palongkee outpost after Warren Hastings became the Governor of Bengal. Captain Cox was specially mobilised to deal with a century long conflict between Arakan refugees and local Rakhains. The Captain was a compassionate soul and the plight of the people touched his heart. He embarked upon the mammoth task of rehabilitating refugees in the area, and made significant progress. A premature death took Captain Cox in 1799 before he could finish his work. But the work he had done earned him a place in the hearts of the locals and to commemorate his role in rehabilitation work a market was established and named after him as Cox's Bazaar ("Cox's Market").

NILGIRI, BANDARBAN – THE WONDERFUL TOURIST SPOT AND HIGHEST HILL RESORT OF BANGLADESH

Nil Giri is the highest hill resort of Bangladesh with amazing natural beauty. This Resort is located 47 km South-East of Bandarban town on Chimbuk Range at a height of 2400 feet from sea level. It has a high class residential accommodation that makes a difference.  This beautiful resort in the top of the mountain maintain by the Bangladesh Army. Nilgiri is one of the tallest peaks and beautiful tourist spot in Bangladesh. Their colorful culture and living style are surely an unexplored experience for the visitors. In rainy season here creates a spectacular scenery, the whole spot is covered with the blanket of clouds. One can enjoy a cloudy experience. Winter is waiting for you with its foggy gesture on the height. It is a nice place for campfire in that season. Most attractive time is the dawn. One can also enjoy the serpentine course of Sangu River. Visitor can hire a private vehicle from Bandarban sadar or you can go there by Thanci bound bus or jeep. Someone will be amazed when he sees that the cloudy sky often kisses the peak of the hill. Gentle breeze was blowing down the hill side and thin clouds were hanging around on their way to casual fly. Dimmed through the clouds, silver moon light was rolling down the folds and slopes.  It is Imagine the scene! Clouds are playing with you and you can touch them! This is the most attractive place of Bangladesh for those who love hills and clouds. There are many tourist attractions near to Nilgiri. One can visit them as well. Some of the well-known tourist attractions are Baklai Waterfall, Boga Lake, Buddha Dhatu Jadi, Chimbuk Hil and Tribal Village, Faipi Waterfall, Keokaradong and many other tourist attractions. The natural beauty of Nilgiri Bandarban cannot be described in a word. If someone wants to enjoy the beauty of the tourist spot, you must pay a visit to the Nilgiri Bandarban. 

JAFLONG, SYLHET – THE RIVER OF STON AND AMUSING TOURIST SPOT IN BANGLADESH

Jaflong is a natural tourist spot in the Division of Sylhet, Bangladesh. It is located in Gowainghat Upazila of Sylhet District and situated at the border between Bangladesh and the Indian state of Meghalaya. It is just below the mountain range. Jafflong is famous for its beauty, boulders, and betel nuts. In Jaflong, a tribe name Kashai has been living for many generations, and tourist can have an up close and personal experience with the Kashai people visiting Jaflong. Every year hundreds of tourists, from Bangladesh as well as from all over the world, visit Jaflong. Jaflong is a place of mesmerizing beauty. Tourists can see the process of collecting stunning stones by the stone carrying boats standing by the side of the Jaflong River, or even can swim and relax in the river and observe the various beautiful stones of Jaflong. The river Goyain of Jaflong is stunning in appearance as the water of the river is fully transparent and tourists can see the wonderful variety of stones in Jaflong and fishes and other animals swimming underneath.  Jaflong is very famous, since the British era, for its stones. Also, tourist can rent a boat and travel and see the spectacular river Mari whose origin point is in the ancient Himalayas. Furthermore, nearby tourists spots from Jaflong are Lawachawra Forest, one of the national sanctuaries of Bangladesh, the Majar of Shah Jalal and Shah Poran. Another place which is just five kilometer from Jafllang is Tamabil where exist an immigration point between Bangladeshi and Indian citizens through which, with a valid passport, tourists can cross the border. Moreover, for those people who are travel hungry and always remain in a constant look out for a good destination, Jaflong is highly recommended. Jaflong is a place which can provide the tourists an experience of immense refreshment. The beauty of nature available in Jaflong can be found in the tranquility and harmony persisting in the stones, water, distant trees and the sky. The experience of this tranquility can make tourists and travelers refreshed and rejuvenated from the tiring and repetitive urban life. Tourists can feel and experience the real beauty of Jaflong if they visit the place in rainy season, particularly starting from the mid or end of April till the End of August. The rain revives and creates magic in the place called Jaflong. It’s   about 60 km to the northeast of Sylhet town and takes two hours drive to reach there. Jaflong is also a scenic spot nearby amidst tea gardens and rate beauty of rolling stones from hills. Nestled at the foot of the Khasia-Jainta hills, it is a place of pristine loveliness. The Piayin River slices through Jafflong and the river is woven tightly into the lives of the local people. A riverboat trip is one of the main attractions. Although the boatmen are used to fleecing tourists they will charge exorbitant sums. The whole family will fit in, and the clear waters of the Piyain will soon be rushing past as the boat heads towards the Zero Point which is the border between India and Bangladesh. The Indian town of Dauki Bazar can be seen on the mountain. Duing the rainy season torrents of water can be seen gushing down the mountain forming small waterfalls. Visitors also see an enormous beautiful waterfall on the way of Sylhet to Jaflong. But that are all in Indian side.

SAINT MARTIN'S ISLAND - THE UNIQUE CORAL BEACH AND TOURIST SPOT OF BANGLADESH

It is the only coral island in Bangladesh. In this Island, one can find the beautiful Coral reef and long Coral beach and lots of coconut trees. St. Martin's Island is a small island (area only 8 sq. km) in the northeastern part of the Bay of Bengal, about 9 km south of the tip of the Cox's Bazar-Teknaf peninsula, and forming the southernmost part of Bangladesh. There is a small adjoining island that is separated at high tide, called Chhera Island. It is about 8 km west of the northwest coast of Myanmar, at the mouth of the Naf River. The first settlement started just 250 years ago by some Arabian Sailors who named the island ‘Zajira’. During British occupation the island was named St. Martin Island. The local names of the island are "Narical Gingira", also spelled "Narikel Jinjira/Jinjera", which means 'Coconut Island' in Bengali, and "Daruchini Dip". Saint-Martin is approximately 300 km (186 miles) east of Puerto Rico. The 87 km island is divided roughly 60/40. However, the Netherlands side has the larger population. It is the smallest inhabited sea island divided between two nations, a division dating to 1648. The southern Dutch half comprises Sint Maarten and is one of four constituent countries that form the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The northern French half comprises the Collectivity de Saint-Martin (Collectivity of St. Martin) and is an overseas collectivity of France. In this Island, one can find the beautiful Coral reef and long Coral beach and lots of coconut trees. The local name of the coconut is Narikel and the original name of this Island is Narikel Jinjira is derived from that. Accommodation in St. Martins Island is limited. Motel Nijhum is one of the best hotels in St. Martins Island. To book in Motel Nijhum, confirm you reservation from Dhaka. You will hardly get a chance to stay in this hotel if you are a sudden visitor of St. Martins Island. The other good hotels are Prashad Paradise & Sraboni Bilash. Saint Martin has a land area of 87 km2, 53 km2 of which is under the sovereignty of France, and 34 km² under the sovereignty of the Netherlands. The main cities are Philipsburg (Dutch side) and Marigot (French side). While the city with the highest population, Marigot, lies on the French side, the Dutch side is more heavily populated. The highest hilltop is the Pic Paradis (424 m) on center of a hill chain (French side). There are no rivers on the island, but many dry guts. Hiking trails give access to the dry forest covering tops and slopes. The average yearly air temperature is 27 °C (min 17 °C, max 35 °C) and sea surface temperature 26.4 °C. The total average yearly rainfall is 995 mm, with 99 days of thunder. The island is south of Anguilla, separated from the British territory by the Anguilla Channel.

KUAKATA, PATUAKHALI – THE DAUGHTER OF THE SEA AND AMUSING TOURIST ATTRACTION OF BANGLADESH

Kuakata is one of the rarest places which have the unique beauty of offering the full view of the rising and setting of crimson sun in the water of the Bay of Bengal in a calm environment. Kuakata is locally known as ‘Sagar Kannya’ which means ‘Daughter of the Sea’. It is a rare scenic beauty spot on the southernmost tip of Bangladesh. Kuakata is locally known as ‘Sagar Kannya’ which means ‘Daughter of the Sea’. Its geographical coordinates are 21° 49' 0" North, 90° 7' 0" East. It is a rare scenic beauty spot on the southernmost tip of Bangladesh. It is in Latachapli union under Kalapara Police Station of Patuakhali district and is about 30 km in length and 6 km in breadth. It is 70 km from Patuakhali district headquarters and 320 km from Dhaka. From history it is known that when Arakan, the house land of Rakhain at Mayanmer was in added and conquered by Barmerse king, the Rakhain people got into several big boats and started a journey to nowhere though the sea. Eventually their boats stopped at an island which happened to be Rangabali Island of Patuakhali district. They got out of the boats and started living there. Some of them entered the forest in search of food, cut down trees and cleared some areas. This area in the forest they called ‘Kanshai’ meaning Vagyekul in Bengali. Because they came there by crossing the sea, first living was difficult for safety water. So they dug a well for drinking water. This ‘digging well’ eventually gave the place a name ‘Kua-Kata’. It is beyond the power of anybody to describe the natural beauty of Kua-Kata Sea beach. You can enjoy ‘The long wide beach in typical natural setting,  Rising from the sea and setting into it of the crimson sun in a calm environment, Fairs and festivals during ‘Rush Purnima’ and ‘Maghi Purnima’, Unique customs and costumes of the ‘Rakhyne’ community, Ancient Buddhist temple & the largest Buddha statue of Bangladesh, Migratory birds in the winter season, migratory winter birds, a series of coconut trees, sandy beach of blue Bay, a feast for the eye and many more’. In fact, Kuakata is one of the rarest places which have the unique beauty of offering the full view of the rising and setting of crimson sun in the water of the Bay of Bengal in a calm environment. That perhaps makes Kuakata one of the world's unique beaches. One can reach Kuakata either of following ways-

By Air: Dhaka-Barisal by Air and then Barisal to Kuakata via Patuakhali by Road.

By Steamer and Launch: Dhaka-Patuakhali and Patuakhali to Kuakata by local Transport.

By Bus: Dhaka-Kuakata by Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) Tourist Bus or Khulna-Kuakata by Bus.

KAPTAI LAKE, RANGAMATI - THE MAN MADE BEAUTY AND TOURIST ATTRACTION OF BANGLADESH

Kaptai Lake is one of the beautiful places in Rangamati. It is a man-made lake in south-eastern Bangladesh. It is located in the Kaptai Upazila of Rangamati District of Chittagong Division. The lake was created as a result of building the Kaptai Dam on the Karnaphuli River, as part of the Karnaphuli Hydro-electric project. The Kaptai Lake's average depth is 100 feet (30 m) and maximum depth is 495 feet (151 m). The land that went under water as a result of the dam construction was 40% of the total arable land in the area. Along with that, 29 square miles (75 km2) of the Government-owned forest, and 234 square miles (610 km2) of other forest land went under water. About 18,000 families with a total of almost 100 thousand people were also displaced. The palace of the king of the Chakmas was also flooded and is now under water. This wonderful Lake was created by flooding valleys and plain lands between numerous hills all around the Lake. It has Bangladesh’s only hydro-electric project. The Kaptai Dam on the Karnaphuli River made for this purpose resulted in the Kaptai Lake. This created a charming view as forested hills and plateaus rise from beneath the wonderful Lake water. A stretch of road connects the tourist spots of Kaptai and Rangamati. The road goes deep into the hill tracts and displays the natural beauty and wildlife of the district Rangamati. The government of Bangladesh runs many private operators offer Kaptai Lake Cruise Tours, which is worth of it. Other scenic spots are also accessible through the waterways. Cruising on the Kaptai Lake is a pleasurable way of observing the landscape as many great picnic spots, natural landmarks and historic monuments are accessible only by boats. Construction of the reservoir for the hydro-electric plant began in 1956 by the Government of East Pakistan. As a result, 54,000 acres (220 km2) of farmland in the Rangamati District went under water and created the lake. The hydro-electric project was funded by the United States. The project was finished in 1962. International Engineering Company and Utah International Inc. received the contract for construction of the dam. The dam is 670.6 meters long and 54.7 meters high. The dam has a 745 feet (227 m) long spillway containing 16 gates. Through the spillway 5,250,000 cu ft/s (149,000 m3/s) of water can pass.