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Enchanting Bangladesh
$630 tour starting at
Exploring History, Culture and Empowerment in Bangladesh
Welcome to an enchanting journey through the northwestern part of Bangladesh. On this trip, you’ll learn about the region’s rich history, colorful culture, primitive char lifestyle and moving story of empowerment. Over the course of four wonderful days, we’ll go deep into the heart of this area to study its past and present. From the intricate beauty of the Saidpur train workshop to the spiritual calm of the most beautiful Kantaji Hindu Temple, and diverse archaeological sites of Paharpur and Bogra, a daylong boat trip on the mighty Brahmaputra River; will be a wonderful mix for four days.
Our journey will take us to Dwip Shikha Meti School, where education is shaping the future of the area. It is not only the sustainable architecture of Anna Herringer that has won a prestigious Aga Khan award for its dynamic sustainable built style with local materials and cultural influence. The stories of the individual women who went here to earn the tools they need for independence and contribute to the socio-economy.
Dinajpur Rajbari is a beautiful piece of architecture that will tell us about times gone by, letting us step back in time. Paharpur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the peaceful Vasu Vihara will show you some of the old Buddhist history of the area. Paharpur is the highest Buddhist stupa south of the Himalayas. As the sun goes down, we’ll take a peaceful cruise along the mighty Brahmaputra River. Visiting friendship floating hospital, challenges on the char life and future climate effects on them. Being a seasonal visitor, may feel the CHAR is a part of paradise, the hardship and the battle for survival are everyday life. we will visit the beautiful architecture of Friendship Hospital and try to stay there for a night to feel their connection with the community on the char. Friendship Center is also an Aga Khan award-winning project. The entire idea of this architecture came from ancient Buddhist monuments in Paharpur. It is fascinating to be and feel the building. This kitchen has a name for it’s marvelous Bangla cuisine.
Mahasthangarh is standing over the graveyard of the ruins of ancient “Pundravardhana”- only a few kilometers away from Bogra town. It is the oldest known city in Bangladesh as the first Hindu capital of ancient Bengal, dating back to at least the 3rd century BC, located only 14 km north of Bogra town. Mahasthan archaeological site consists mainly of foundations and hillocks hinting at the past glory. This region was not only the religious center for Hindus, Buddhists, or Muslims but also was an important commercial entrepot of the silk trade, which is only a few kilometers away from Bogra. The site Museum is worth visiting and has an interesting collection of recovered pieces on display. Statues of Hindu Gods, terracotta plaques, and some bronze statues; mostly found during the excavation of this monastery from the Pala period; are the highlights of this museum.
It is also very interesting to learn about primitive and organic agriculture practices on the Char. How they are prepared for the future impact of climate change on their life and agriculture. Rivier erosion, flooding during the monsoon, and winter drought due to artificial control of the natural river system by India, have made life extremely difficult on the char. Exploration continues through Tajhat Royal Palace at Rangpur. Meeting the indigo farmers and experiencing the ancient process they have been practicing since the British period. Rangpur has developed world-class craftsmanship for the world, mostly they are done by women in rural villages. Here we will see how custom and modernity interact together. If you are interested in the background stories of how these communities have overcome the social barriers to work side by side with the men.
Let’s Join the adventure, a perfect blend of stories and experiences, as we uncover the layers of heritage, culture, and empowerment that have made this area a wonderful travel destination.
Welcome to set your sail on this once-in-a-lifetime journey!
- Trip price
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$
630
price starts from
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Group Size Per-person price in USD Or in BDT 1 PAX $1,432.00 143,200.00 2 PAX $895.00 89,500.00 4 PAX $690.00 69,000.00 6 PAX $630.00 63,000.00 1.2% to 2.5% charges will be applicable while paying by credit card. Please contact us for your customized or group price.
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Destination
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Departure
Your hotel or residance in Dhaka -
Departure Time
7 AM -
Return Time
7:30 PM -
Dress Code
Casual, comfortable athletic clothing, closed shoes, hat. Warm jacket during the winter (November to February). Raincoat/ umbrella during the rainy season (May to August). -
Included
AC vehicle with experienced chauffeur for sightseeing and transfersAccommodation in twin sharing basis as per itineraryAll air, bus, train and launch tickets as per itineraryAll entrance fees and local permitsAll Museum TicketsAll rickshaw/ cycle / boat / local transportsBottled water, soft drinks and seasonal fruits during the sightseeingExpert English-Speaking GuideLocal guide/ escort/ experts/ academicsLunchTrip as per itineraryTypical Souvenir -
Not Included
Any activity not mentioned in the itinerary.DinnerGratuitiesPersonal expenses
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1
Day 1: Morning flight to Saidpur, visit to Behari camps, railway workshop, Kantaji Temple, and Rudrapur rural architecture
Your guide and driver will come to pick you up from your hotel / residence and transfer you to the domestic airport to avail of a 50-minute flight to Saidpur (North-West). Upon arrival, meet your driver and drive (40 minutes) to the Kantaji temple in Birgonj, the most beautiful terracotta temple and the finest example of terracotta brick architecture in ancient style. Continue the drive (1.5 hours) to Rudrapur to visit a local vocational school and training center. The entire school is built from wild grass, mud, and bamboo. This school plays a very important role in social development in many ways, empowering rural women. This lively school has earned the AGA Khan Architecture Award for sustainable architecture by using locally found elements. We may arrange our lunch at the school, prepared and served by a local tribal family; otherwise, we may continue to drive to Dinajpur town for lunch at a local restaurant and visit the old abandoned Raj Bari (Landlords Palace). You are welcome to take a nice walk around the older part of the town in the early evening. Dinner at a local restaurant and an overnight stay at Parjatan Motel, Dinajpur
2
Day 2: Sumapuri Moha-Vihara and Pundravardhana
Leave the hotel after breakfast for Paharpur through the beautiful landscape (2h30m). Explore the highest Buddhist stupa south of the Himalaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Paharpur Archaeological Site Museum has a huge collection of ancient historical artifacts, making it a worthy visit. A local family will serve a freshly prepared lunch by the monument. Continue the drive (2.5 hours) to Bogra, with visits to Vasu Bihar and the first Hindu capital, 'Mahasthangarh', on the way. In the Mahasthangarh Site Museum, an exciting collection of recovered pieces is on display. Check-in at the hotel Naz Garden/Momo Inn for dinner and a night stay.
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Day 3: Brahmaputra River Cruise and Effects of Climate Change on Char Life
You will be transferred to a nearby river station on the Brahmaputra River to sail your boat towards Gaibandha. The beautiful cruise will make some stops on different chars to visit Friendship Floating Hospital, char school, agriculture, and rural lifestyle. Chars are the shifting river island, built from erosion and sedimentation. Chars are totally disconnected from the mainland. These people have been sacrificing their lives producing crops and supplying them all over the country, but the consumer barely knows the producer's life story! The child marriage rate is very high, and the literacy rates are extremely low due to the communication barriers. Char can be a peaceful world to visitors, but the community struggles through 4-5 month-long heavy monsoons, serious floods, drouds, far away from emergency and medical care facilities and other citizen services. Bangladesh receives approximately 2,200 millimeters (mm) of rainfall annually on average. Most areas get at least 1,500 mm of rain per year, and some, like the northeastern border areas, get as much as 5,000 mm. Now they have to be preapared for lot other challanges that will come as the effects of climate change. Among the lower income people of any cities in Bangladesh you will easily find a lot of climate refugies from this area. We are running a very small (long term) education support program in this area, privately. Some of our kids are studying in different public Universities now.
One of the Chars was designed by a architect, Kashef Mahboob Chowdhury, one or two raised settlements is in our todays visit list . We should bring our own lunch package from the hotel for a picnic on board. We will be arriving in Gaibandha by late in the afternoon and taking a rickshaw to the Friendship Center or a hotel, we may have to walk half a kilometer from boat to Rickshahw or Tomtom (cow or horse cart). Friendship Center is not a hotel; the center is always busy with NGO activities, campaigns,training programs, and so on. Therefore, permission is required to visit or stay at his center. However, there is a good hotel for accommodation plan B if the Friendship Center is occupied. Nevertheless, we can visit the center during the day to feel the architectural importance of this building, which has followed an ancient Buddhist vihara style. Dinner and overnight stay at the Friendship Center/Hotel in Gaibandha.
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Day 4: Tajhat Palace, local craftsmanship, and evening flight to Dhaka
We will leave Gaibandha after breakfast and drive (1 hour, 50m) to Rangpur to visit the Royal Tajhat Palace. This palace was constructed in 1906 as the residence of Maharaja Kumar Gopal Lal Roy (1887–1955), a Hindu merchant who migrated from Punjab to Rangpur and flourished as a jeweler and zamindar (landlord). The name Tajhat means ``crown market, ``and it is believed that it derives from Roy's profession as a jeweler. Roy began the construction of the palace in the early 20th century with the assistance of 2,000 employees and a budget of $1.5 million. He also introduced numerous cultural celebrations on his estate, such as kite soaring and a fair for women. The British architect Robert Fellows Chisholm designed the palace. who had previously planned several notable buildings in Kolkata, such as the Victoria Memorial Hall. Tajhat is a rare blend of Mughal and European styles, with influences from both Hindu and Islamic architecture. Tajhat is a symbol of the luxury and grandeur of Bengal's past. This building houses a museum that showcases various artifacts from different periods of Bengal's past. Lunch will be offered at a local restaurant in Rangpur town. Drive to a nearby village to explore woment enterpreneureships and beautiful craftments. We may visit one of the last families that produce indigo in primitive way. Continue drive towards Saidpur airport to avail of your early evening flight to Dhaka. Upon arrival at Dhaka airport, your driver will pick and drive you at your place in Dhaka.
Tour Location
On this tour you will be travelling through Saidpur, Kantanagar, Rudrapur, Dinajpur, Paharpur, Bogra, Gaibandha and Rangpur.