Into the Heart of Bangladesh

13 days from £3590 per person

Often overlooked, Bangladesh is a dynamic land of bewildering colour and noise, of breathtaking rural beauty and areas of pristine wilderness that rival those of their more lauded neighbours. Capital of Bangladesh, Dhaka is a heaving 400 year old metropolis home to 15 million where people, animals and elaborately coloured rickshaws fight for space on the crowded roads. North-west of Dhaka is Tangail, the heart of Bangladesh’s textile and handicraft region, and to the south the unique Sunderbans – home of the Royal Bengal tiger – which will be explored by private boat. End in Sylhet, Bangladesh’s very own ‘tea country’ of rolling green hills, colourful pickers and golden rice paddies.

Route: Dhaka – Tangail – Dhaka – Mongla – Dhaka – Sylhet – Dhaka

Itinerary Highlights

Bangladesh’s huge capital city, Dhaka, has a population of 15 million people. Developed as a trading hub for muslin and silk, the Mughals built palaces, gardens, forts and mosques.

The Sundarbans is 10,000 square kms of mangrove forest, mainly in Bangladesh. The national park is the main habitat of the Bengal tiger of which there are about 170 in the reserve.

Sylhet is surrounded by tea estates and sub-tropical hills. This charming city by the banks of the Surma River is a prominent Islamic spiritual centre and home to many shrines.

Itinerary: Into the Heart of Bangladesh

Day 1 Depart UK

Today depart the UK on the Emirates flight to Dubai. (N)

Day 2 Dubai to Dhaka

Arrive in Dubai and connect onto Dhaka. Heartbeat of the nation, over the centuries Dhaka has been influenced by the Mughals and the French, the British and the Nawabs of Bengal. Dhaka has an energy that is palpable and there will be plenty of time to visit the city's sights. (N)

Accommodation in Dhaka: Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel (or similar)

Day 3 Dhaka

Today explore Dhaka including the 17th century Ahsan Manzil Palace and the World of Rickshaw Art located in a neighbourhood which designs and decorates this truly Bangladeshi mode of transport. End the day viewing the city by small boat on the crowded Ganges River—a memorable experience. (B)

Accommodation in Dhaka: Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel (or similar)

Day 4 Dhaka to Tangail – 100kms

This morning leave Dhaka and drive to Tangail where you will stay for two nights at the Biddhagarh Guesthouse which forms part of a community project involving local artisans. This is the centre of Bangladesh's textile trade and Tangail is a charming, industrious village of pit looms and handlooms weaving wonderful cotton saris of the brightest colours and combinations. Later walk through the village and meet the weavers. (B/L/D)

Accommodation in Tangail: Biddhagarh Guesthouse (or similar)

Day 5 Tangail

Today further explore Tangail and the surrounding area. Visit the local village school and a traditional seed bank. Bicycles are also available to enjoy the village and the beautiful surrounding Bangladeshi countryside. (B/L/D)

Accommodation in Tangail: Biddhagarh Guesthouse (or similar)

Day 6 Tangail to Dhaka – 100kms

After breakfast return by car to Dhaka via the 400 year old Terracotta Atia Mosque which was built by Zamidar Syed Khan on land given to him by Mughal Emperor Jahangir. (B/L)

Accommodation in Dhaka: Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel (or similar)

Day 7 Dhaka to Jessore – by air/ Jessore to Mongla – 115kms

This morning leave Dhaka and fly to Jessore then drive to Mongla via the mud and bamboo village of Bagerhat site of a 15th century Muslim colony and home to the largest multi-domed mosque in the country. At Mongla join Bawali, a private boat which will be for your sole use for the entire duration of your Sundarbans visit. The Sundarbans are the largest mangrove forest wetlands in the world and there will be plenty of opportunity to experience this spectacular environment, both by water and on foot. (B/L/D)

Accommodation: private boat

Day 8 Sundarbans

Today explore the Sundarbans with your trained naturalist. Transfer to a small wooden ‘country’ boat, perfect for navigating the smaller narrow side canals, for early morning wildlife viewing and later continue on foot through the Kochi Khali forest range which is known locally as the ‘valley of tigers’. The unique ecosystem of the Sundarbans supports a wide variety of wildlife including tiger, fishing cat, mongoose, jungle cat and deer. Over 250 species of bird have been recorded and there are numerous reptiles from turtle and crocodile to monitor lizard and snake. (B/L/D)

Accommodation: private boat

Day 9 Mongla to Jessore/ Jessore to Dhaka – by air

After breakfast return by boat to Mongla then drive back to Jessore Airport in good time to catch your onward flight to Dhaka. (B/L)

Accommodation in Dhaka: Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel (or similar)

Day 10 Dhaka to Sylhet – 249kms

This morning leave Dhaka for the six hour drive through the countryside to Sylhet. Later visit some local tea estates and, time permitting, the Gour Gobinda Fort. Bangladesh's very own 'tea country', the area surrounding Sylhet is one of rolling green hills, colourful pickers and golden rice paddies. Bordering the Indian state of Meghalaya, the scenery here is superb and the tea even better! (B/L/D)

Accommodation in Sylhet: Nazimgarh Resort (or similar)

Day 11 Sylhet

Today visit the beautiful hamlet of Lalakhal, located on the Shari River. Framed by the mountains of Meghalaya, Lalakhal is a wonderful spot to enjoy the scenery and the picturesque tea gardens. On the return to Sylhet stop en-route to try the famous 'seven layers tea'. (B/L/D)

Accommodation in Sylhet: Nazimgarh Resort (or similar)

Day 12 Sylhet to Dhaka – by air

This morning visit the Shah Jalal Mausoleum, constructed for a celebrated Bengali Sufi Muslim, before returning by air to Dhaka. (B/L)

Accommodation in Dhaka: Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel (or similar)

Day 13 Dhaka to the UK via Dubai

Depart Dhaka on Emirates to Dubai. On your arrival in Dubai connect onto the Emirates flight to the UK. (B)

**KEY: N = No meals, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

What's included

International flights from the UK
Domestic flights
Private car and driver
Sightseeing with an accompanying English speaking guide
Hotel accommodation and taxes

What's not included

Cost of visas
Travel Insurance
Expenses of a personal nature

Guide to Price

The above price is based on two people travelling together and sharing accommodation in low season. The price is only a guide and can vary according to selected airlines, hotels and date of travel. If you wish to travel with your family, friends or on your own we will be very happy to assist you with your arrangements.

Into the Heart of Bangladesh

13 days from £3590 per person

Itinerary Highlights

Itinerary: Into the Heart of Bangladesh

What To Do Next?

What's included

What's not included

Guide to Price

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Bangladesh Holiday Review