bangladesh travel guide বাঙলাদেশ ট্রাভেল গাইড

Bangladeshi Art gallery [বাংলাদেশী আর্ট গ্যালারী]

2010-06-29T09:52:00.001-07:00

The arts and crafts of

Bangladesh

have a position of great importance in the understanding of the heart of its culture. The arts are the unbroken link of reality and hope. It has values and aim to represent history, culture, past, present and future. In Dhaka city a number of art galleries, which supported you to realize Bangladeshi art?

National Art Gallery

Shilpakala Academy
Segun Bagicha
Dhaka-1000
Telephone: 8614673-6, 9561709

Contemporary Arts Ensemble
48/1 Commercial Building
South Ave
Gulshan

Jiraj Art Gallery
12 Shahbag Shopping Complex

Bangladesh College of Arts and Crafts
Kazi Nazrul Islam Ave
Dhaka

Saju Art Gallery
F/28, 40-41, City Corporation North Super Market
Gulshan-2 Dhaka
Telephone: 880-2-9895940, 9896446
Fax: 88- 02-8822557

http://www.sajuartgallery.com/

Haque Art and Crafts
F 36 North DMC Market
Gulshan
Telephone: 880-2-9895876

Bangladesh Folk Art Gallery
Panam Nagar
Sonargaon

La Galerie
Alliance Française 26 Mirpur Road
Dhanmondi Dhaka

Yeart Gallery
F37 North DMC Market
Gulshan-2 Dhaka
Telephone: 880-2-9896174

Galary
21, 765 Satmasjid Road
Dhanmondi

Shilpangan
Road No.4 House No.25
Dhanmondi
Dhaka-1205
Telephone: +88 02 8614246

Cezanne Art Gallery
UAE Moitry Complex
4 Kamal Ataturk Ave
Banani.
Telephone: 880-2-8826578

Divine Art Gallery
Pan Pacific Sonergaon Hotel
Kazi Nazrul Islam Ave
Dhaka
Telephone: 880-2-9130175

Bengal Gallery of Fine Arts
275F, Road 27
Dhanmondi
Telephone: 880-2-9146111, 9128942, 8123115
Email: bf@bdonline.com

http://www.bengalfoundation.org/

Gallery Chitrak
Road 4, House 21
Dhanmondi R/A Dhaka 1205
Telephone: 880-2-8620345
Email: chitrak@agni.com

gallerKAYA
House 20, Road 16, Sctor 4
Uttara
Dhaka 1230
Telephone: 88-02-8959453
Email: karukrit@bdcom.com

Drik Gallery
House 58, Road 15A
Dhanmondi
Dhaka
Telephone: 88-02-8112954, 9120125, 8123412

http://www.drik.net/

Hanasan Art Gallery
F-36, DCC Market
Gulshan-2 Dhaka
Telephone: 9890656, 9895226

NAZARTS
P.24 Norlh D.M.C Super Market Gulshan
Dhaka
Telephone: 603931

others:

http://www.fineartsbd.com/

http://www.khurshidsaleem.com/

http://www.faridazaman.net

http://www.aicongallery.com/

http://www.jolrong.com/

Picture courtesy By: Farida Zaman

Bhola and Monpura: two Island [ভোলা ও মনপুরা]

2010-02-27T09:01:00.000-08:00

Monpura is a well known name in Bangladesh after releasing a movie as same name directed by Gias uddin selim. Actually, Monpura is one of the beautiful islands in Bangladesh.

Bhola is the biggest island in

Bangladesh

. It's situated the most south parts in

Bangladesh

. The 20 charlands in the 350-square kilometre island on the Meghna near the Bay of Bengal are now green spots surrounded by sea, presenting a rare beauty not seen in any other southern region of the country. The main land of Bhola is created by the river Meghna's poli. The interesting thing is a journey in the Island; Varieties of wild life with green forests are an enchanting scene never to be forgotten.

The past name of Bhola was shahbazpur. Bhola have a small island also what name is monpura under charfashion thana it's totally full of forest under forestry. The main attractions of monpura are chitra Horin [Deer], Monkey, python & lots of various types of Birds. The greens created by the Forest Department about a decade ago and the natural beauty has turned coastal Monpura inland in Bhola into an attractive tourist spot. Animals were also released at same period. During winter, thousands of migratory birds visit the islands. The significantly exclusive feature of Island is one can see both sunrise and sunset from some of its locations.

This Island has different historical importance from colonial period. About six hundred years ago, Portuguese pirates used to take shelter in the island. When they left, people from Bhola, Laxmipur and Noakhali started settling there. But the area is still not overpopulated.

This island is also play role in British India. In 1800, the rebellious salt-producers attacked the head office of the Greek businessman Demotirus in South Shahbajpur and killed his employee Paliolgas. A total of 314 salt-producers were captured at the order of District Magistrate Middleton. Being unable to resist the oppression of British salt-agents, 350 salt-producers of Monpura Island went elsewhere in 1818.

The panorama of this island can not be utilised due to lack of any government programme and assistance. There are great prospects to build tourists spots in the area. It’s 70,000 islanders are poor, struggling for existence. Though ignored by the government a tourist spot has been created under a private initiative. One Baschu Chowdhry has developed a farmhouse cum tourist resort on 161 acres of land in planned way.

Spotted deer, several hundred cows in a dairy farm, fishes in several ponds, gardens and orchards and rows of coconut trees there will attract anybody's attention. The resort has all modern facilities.

How to go: The distance of Bhola from Dhaka by water 193 miles & by road 325 miles. Single Steamer service is available from Dhaka to Bhola. It’s about 16 hour journey from 5.00 pm to 9.ooam.

Accommodation is very limited for the tourists in this Island. But fresh foods are good attraction for tourist. You can enjoy the taste of various kinds of fresh sea food and milk made food.

Information and Photo courtesy: Banglapedia, Daily Amar Desh, The daily star, Google search, Facebook.

Where stay in Cox's bazar

2010-01-24T01:06:00.000-08:00

Hotel Sea gull [5 star]

[around tk 3,757 - 9,870]

Contact:

+88 0341 62480-491

Hotel Sea Palace [3 star]

[2 category service

at Crown Plaza around tk 3,000-5,000

and at Western Plaza tk 1,600-2,000]

Contact:

+88 0341 63692

+88 0341 63792

Hotel Media International

[around tk 960-3,700]

Contract:

+88 0341 62881-885

+88 01819519719

+88 01711341164

Hotel Silver Shine

Contact:

+88 0341 64893

Midium level hotel

[around tk 3,00-5,000]

Hotel Saiman

Contact: +88 0341 63900

Hotel Panoa

Contact: +88 0341 63282

Hotel Sea Crown

Contact: +88 0341 64474

Hotel Kollol

Contact: +88 0341 64748

Hotel Mishuk

Contact: +88 0341 64320

Hotel Avisar

Contact: +88 0341 63061

Hotel Prashad Paradise

Contact : +88 01711193196

Guest House:

Diamond Guest House

Contact: +88 0341 63642

Sea-Park Guest House

Contact: +88 0341 51078

Uni Resort

Contact: +88 0341 63181

Niloy Bay Resort

Contact: +88 0341 63677

Muharram and Husaini Dalan [মহররম এবং হোসনী দালান]

2009-12-25T07:03:00.000-08:00

Muharram or the 'sacred month' is the first month of the Islamic or Hijri calendar. The 10th day of Muharram is called Ashura. Imam Husain (R) the grandson of the Holy Prophet (SM) was killed on this day at the hands of the troops of Yazid. As Sunni doctrine there is another significant of this day but most prominently remember about Karbala tragedy. In Shiite tradition it is the greatest tragedy of world.

During the Mughal rule that were originally from

Persia

the Shia ideology spread its influence on the cultural sphere of some regions of the Indian subcontinent especially in Hooghly, Murshidabad and Dhaka. Muharram processions have been common in this country since the 18th century AD. Horses and elephants were used in the processions.

Today the Muharram celebration is limited only within Old Dhaka. In the morning of the celebration day the main procession starts from the Husaini Dalan. It marches through the roads of Bakhshibazar, Azimpur, Purana Paltan and ends at Dhanmondi Lake in the afternoon. The Tazia is later immersed in the lake.

Now a day it turned into a traditional fair where handicrafts, pottery, brass ware, bows and arrows, swords made of CI sheet were the main exhibits. The merry-go-round and Ferris wheel are added attractions for children. The fair starts from the 7th of Muharram and ends on the llth.

The centre of observances of Muharram in Dhaka is the Husaini Dalan Imambara. Husaini Dalan is important heritage of

Bangladesh

. It is an Imambara, the mourning place for the two grand children of the Prophet Hazrat Mohammad (SM) who were savagely murdered at the battle-field of Karbala by their unscrupulous, opponents.

Traditional Persian wall decorations in blue and white; Iranian paintings on the tragic events of Karbala; a large pond at the entrance; children holding candles before the stairs; epitaphs erected upon the graves and flower garlands covering the graves--Hosni Dalan still presents a unique view of the Muslim culture. Shias in

Bangladesh

represent the diversity of our heritage.’ This description is followed by Audity Falguni, a famous writer.

Husaini Dalan a Shiite shrine in the old part of the city of Dhaka attributed to the Mughal Period. It is a common practice among the Shia community to build edifices to commemorate the martyrdom of al-Husain, at the battle of Karbala in

Iraq

on the tenth day of Muharram 61 AH (10 October 680 AD). The building seems to have been originally erected by one Sayyid Murad during the governorship of Shah Shuja, who, although he a Sunni was eager to preserve and patronise Shiite institutions. Traditions relate that Sayyid Murad, having seen al-Husain in a vision erecting a tazia khana (house of mourning), was inspired to raise the building, which he named Husaini Dalan. The original building may have been a small structure, expanded to its present form in later times. The east

India

companay repaired it in 1807 and 1810, and a portion of the building was reconstructed after the earthquake of 1897.

information and photo courtesy: the daily star, the daily independent, wikipedia and Husaini Dalan official site.

Road to Noakhali [নোয়াখালীর পথে]

2009-12-13T20:16:00.000-08:00

The name Noakhali came from two separate bangla word ‘Noa’ [new] and ‘Khal’ [cannal] in 1968. The ancient name of Noakhali was Bhulua.

Noakhali is known as land of coconut and betel-nut. Noakhali district was created in 1821. In the 1660s, the agricultural activities of the north-eastern region of Bhulua were seriously affected by floodwater of the Dakatia River flowing from the Tripura hills. To salvage the situation, a canal was dug in 1660 that ran from the Dakatia through Ramganj, Sonaimuri and Chaumuhani to divert water flow to the junction of the rivers Meghna and Feni. After excavating this long canal, Bhulua was renamed "Noakhali".

Three famous tourist location of Noakhali are Bajra Shahi Mosque, Gandhi Ashram Nijhum Dwip and …

Bajra Shahi Mosque

Bajra Shahi Mosque is located in the village of Bajra under Begumganj thana of Noakhali district. The mosque was erected by one Aman Allah in 1741-42 AD during the reign of the Mughal emperor Muhammad Shah.
The Bengali and Persian inscriptions fixed over the gateway of the outer wall and on the inside wall of the mosque record that it was thoroughly repaired in the years between 1318 to 1335 BS by the Bajra Zamindars Khan Bahadur Ali Ahmad and Khan Bahadur Mujir Uddin Ahmad. The mosque is now in a fairly good state of preservation. This is valuable archeological resource of

Bangladesh

, it consist a versatile mode of architectural design.

Gandhi Ashram

Gandhi Ashram is a living memorial to the most remarkable of Gandhi's partition peace missions. Situated about 23 km. Northwest of Choumuhani town and 2 km. East of Chatkhil at Jayag under Begumganj upazilla, about 30 km north of Noakhali district headquarters. This ashram devoted to Gandhi’s ideology Historical Charka and other valuables used by Mahatma are preserved in this ashram and those evoke deep respect to the unique memories of the great soul. Every morning and evening, people gather for a prayer meeting in a room which still contains mementoes of Gandhi's visit here in January 1947.

Nijhum Dwip

The name 'Nijhum Dwip' itself contains a romantic connotation about the place; it gives one a sense of silence and natural splendour unsullied by human exploration. Which it really is? The island is situated between Noakhali and Bhola under Hatiya upazila Upazila in Noakhali District. It covers a total area of 16,352 hectares. With proper facilities this Island could be prime tourist spot after St. Martins Island.

At one time it was called Char Osman. It is the southern most island of

Bangladesh

that confluence of the Meghna estuary on the Bay of Bengal. Details...

Char

A very little number of travelers knew about ‘Char’ as attractive tour place. The swift currents that course down from the Himalayas, does not only bring river erosion but also opportunity: a rich bath of fertile silt that, when it reaches the Bay of Bengal, settles along the coast, gradually forming new land called "chars." The district of Noakhali has actually gained more than 28 square miles of land in the past 50 years. A surreal vision grows on traveler eyes when they enjoy sprinkling moment with uncovered nature of Char. It’s simply rural reflection of Bangladesh, heartily attract travelers. The settlers live here together amidst natural calamities.

The most prominent Char are- Char Osman, Subarna Char, Char Jabbar, Char Bata, Char Wapda and Char Clark.

Attractive place in Maijdee- Maijdee boro Majsid, maijdee court building.

How to go: Noakhali is roughly 150 km from the capital and it is a smooth 4-5 hour drive. First-rate highway restaurants along the way mean you can stop for a breather as often as you like. Daily bus services [Bilash, VIP service, Shahi, Sea line at tk.200] are available from Dhaka to Noakhali every hour from sayedabad. Daily Train services are available [morning and evening] from kamalapur railway station. You can choose another road by boat to go to 'Nijhum Dwip'.

Accommodation facilities are limited in Naokhali. Some sort of medium level hotel and boarding are available in Choumuhani and Maijdee.

Information and photo courtesy by google.

Museum in Chittagong

2009-11-20T06:07:00.001-08:00

In Chittagong city, established some museums in different categories.

Ethnological Museum

Ethnological Museum is one of the most cultural enriching attractions in the city of Chittagong. It is also one of the most specialized museums in

Bangladesh

and is a symbol of unity and progress. It is here where all the tribes of

Bangladesh

, past and present come together, to educate the public and promote understanding and tolerance of each other.

Established in 1974, the museum houses a selection of objects associated with the 12 ethnic tribes of

Bangladesh

and also of many tribes of

Australia

India

and

Pakistan

The location of all the ethnic groups has been shown on a large map on the wall of the central hall of the museum. By the side of the map stands a typical Chakma homestead. Among important exhibits are a typical boat of the Murangs; a showcase containing the ornaments of the Marma-Murangs; a model of the Tipras; weapons, articles of day to day use and specimen of writings of the Chakmas; Manipuri dresses; materials used by the Marmas during festivities, their weaving machine and thread-wheels; axes, scissors, baskets and bamboo pipes of the Tipras; ornaments used by tribal women and a scene depicting the cow slaughter festivity of the Murangs. In foreign gallery, the silver ornaments of the tribes of Swat, Sindh and Punjab; the model of a typical Punjabi woman; materials of day to day use, dresses and photographs of different tribes of the Punjab and Kafristan; weapons of Swati tribes and models of a Sindhi bride, mother and child etc.

Address: Agrabad Commercial area, Chittagong

Zia Museum

On the 30th may, 1981: the president of

Bangladesh

General Ziaur Rahman [one of the architects of the liberation war] was killed in the room on 4 of Chittagong Circuit House. This building was built by the British ruler in

india

in residential building of Govt. high officials. The museum was built to venerate his contribution to the society. Most of Zia's activities including his household goods are preserved in this museum.

The place has developed into a full-fledged museum by September 1993 12 galleries. A total of 743 exhibits that include 336 souvenirs and 13 documents are laid out across the galleries. The radio transmitter, the microphone, the chair and the table which were used by Shahid President Ziaur Rahman when reading the Declaration of Independence in 1971 are displayed in galleries 1 and 2. His personal effects and belongings are exhibited in galleries 3, 4 and 5. In galleries 4 & 7 are put up portraits of the martyred President and the gift items that were presented to him by different Heads of states and diplomats. Gallery 12 contains a reconstruction of the event of this martyrdom.

Address: Kazir dewri [in front of M A Aziz stadium], Chittagong

Court building museum

Court building is one of the important heritage sites in Chittagong. Situated on the Fairy Hill, this building commands a panoramic bird's eye view of Chittagong. A museum has been established here. This had been the scene of intense activity during the independence War in 1971. This building is one of the heritage site of Chittagong.Address: Kotwali , Chittagong

Chittagong University museum

Just 22 kl north to the city Chittagong lays the University of Chittagong. University of Chittagong is the only university in

Bangladesh

, which is surrounded by the hills and mountains. A museum has been established here. It has a rich collection of paintings, old coins, metal imagesand much more.

Address: Zobra village, Hathajari upajila, 22 kilometer from Chittagong city

Forest Research Institute Museum

An insect museum of BFRI houses a collection of about 6000 insect specimens collected from different forest areas. Exhibits in BFRI museum display various uses of timber and important research aspects.

Address: Bangladesh Forest Research Institute (BFRI), Chittagong 4000

Marine Fisheries Academy museum

Address Sadarghat, Old City, Chittagong

Information and Picture source: Internet

Some attractive places: Sitakunda eco park and Chandranath temple, Safari Park

World War II Cemetery in Chittagong and Comilla [ওয়ার সিমেট্টি: চট্টগ্রাম ও কুমিল্লা]

2009-11-14T00:53:00.000-08:00

CHITTAGONG WAR CEMETERY

Chittagong has a geographical importance in all times. In history of Bengal, Chittagong is the doorway of Bangladesh. Now-a-days Chittagong also play important political role in south East Asia. Its obviously mention the significance of Bay of Bengal.

In the Second World War, deep water port of Chittagong was both an advanced base for the operation in Arakan and a considerable hospital centre. The world war related significant place are rare in Bangladesh. We know just about two graveyards which are situated at Chittagong and Comilla. Here we describes a little about Chittagong war cemetery.

Recently many travelers are coming Bangladesh from different countries. But many of them do not know about the memory of a pathetic history of the world. The cemetery was created for hospital deaths, and was enlarged lately to receive burials from isolated sites.

Second World War warrior’s graveyards are in this Cemetery. There are 755 graves in this graveyard of the great warriors who died d in world war from1939 to 1945 in Chittagong areas. In this well-preserved cemetery at a quiet and picturesque place within the city lie buried in eternal peace over 700 soldiers from British, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, India, Myanmar, East and West Africa, The Netherlands and Japan who laid down their lives on the Myanmar front during the World War II. And also there are also 4 non world-war graves in the cemetery. The Cemetery is being maintenance by Australian War Grave Commission.

The natural beauty of this place is just phenomenal and rare in Bangladesh. Visiting this place will enrapture visitor with its immense beauty. After going through the walkway, the entrance of the cemetery is in front of you. In the entrance, the feature of this cemetery is Chittagong Memorial which commemorates by name 6469 sailors of the Royal Indian Navy and Merchant Navy who were lost in sea during the Second World War. After entrance, you can feel the breeze of silence and sanctity. Just go through the passage, graves are on both sides, maintained with proper care. Granite epitaph says it all about its entity. At the end, a prayer room placed.

The flawless maintenance by the authority makes the place look like the canvas of an artist.

So, who are intending to come Chittagong in future, can include War Cemetery in their travel schedule.

Address: 19 Badshah Miah Road, Chittagong/Near Chittagong Medical College.

[22 kilometres north of the airport and 8 kilometres from the port ]

Open: from 7.00am-12 pm and 2pm-5.00pm

MAYNAMATI WAR CEMETERY

Location:

Maynamati is some 7 kilometres from the centre of Comilla, which is on the railway line linking Dhaka to Chittagong. It can be reached by train to Comilla railway station, 9 kilometres from the cemetery, or by the Dhaka - Chittagong highway. The cemetery is 1 kilometre down the road leading from Comilla to Sylinet and a short distance past the Cantonment Military Hospital. There is a C.W.G.C. road direction sign on a roundabout at the crossroad.

Information and Photo courtesy: All hotels directory, Google, Facebook, Wikipedia and Australian War Grave Commission.

museums in Dhaka City [ঢাকা শহরের যাদুঘর]

2009-11-12T02:36:00.000-08:00

At present there are about 140 museums in Bangladesh. The government established some museums and the local authorities and societies established some others. Some private museums are also in existence. There are about 48 museums in Dhaka City. Here we introduce few of those museums.

Bangladesh National Museum

The Bangladesh National Museum preserves and displays the cultural heritage, as well as specimens of natural history of Bangladesh. It is bridging the past and the present and upholds the national tradition and culture. Established in 1913 AD., the museum was shifted to a new four storied building at Shahabagh in 1983. The four-storied building of the museum has 43 galleries [total floor space of 238,000 square feet] featuring four departments: Department of History and Classical Art, Department of Ethnography and Decorative Art, Department of Contemporary Art and World Civilization, and Department of Natural History. It has a rich collection of paintings, old coins, metal images, world famous embroidered quilts (Nakshi kantha) and much more. You can also find valuable articles of the heroic liberation war here.

Address: Shahbag Dhaka Bangladesh

Phone: (880-2) 8619397-99 Fax: 880-2-8615585

Saturday-Wednesday. 10.00 a.m. 5.00 p.m. and Friday 3.00 p.m.-8.00 p.m.

Weekly holiday: Thursday.

Entrance Fee: Tk 10.00

Mukti Juddha Museum [Liberation War Museum]

It is one of the major archives of liberation war 1971. The museum contains rare photographs and items used by the freedom fighters during the period.

Address: Sagunbagicha, Dhaka

Phone: (880-2)-9559091-2
monday to saturday: 10.00 am to 5pm (october to february),

10.00 am to 6pm (March to September),

Weekly holiday:Sunday

Bangabandhu Memorial Museum

The residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman has been turn in to a museum. It contains rare collection of personal effects and photographs of his lifetime. This three- stored building as known as Bangabandhu Bhaban. This building turned in to a museum in year 1997. An attractive mural of Bangabandhu placed in front of this museum.

Address: road no. 32 Dhanmondi R/A. Dhaka

Phone: (880-2) – 8110046

Thursday to Tuesday: from 10.00am - to 6pm

Weekly holiday: Wednesday and all other listed government holidays.

Lalbagh Fort museum

Lalbagh Fort was built in 1678 A.D. by Prince Mohammad Azam, son of Mughal emperor Aurangazeb. The fort was the scene of bloody battle during the first war of independence (1857) when 260 sepoys stationed here backed by the people revolted against British forces. Outstanding among the monuments of the Lelbagh are the tomb of Pari Bibi (Fairy lady), Lalbagh Mosque, Audience Hall and Hammam of Nawab Shaista Khan now housing a museum.

Address: old town, Dhaka

Phone: (880-2) – 9673018

Sunday –Friday: from 10 am-5 pm

Weekly holiday: Saturday

Entry Fee: Per man 10 taka tk.50/ Foreign Entrants.

National Museum of Science & Technology

National Museum of Science and Technology initially started in 1966 in the Public Library, Shahbagh, Dhaka . It had been transferred to three places before it was shifted to the present permanent site at Agargaon in 1987. There are five galleries. In the galleries, there are embryos of man, bird, animal including their forms, different models of solar region, moon and boat. There are also different scientific apparatus, old machineries and biological species.

Address: Agargaon, Dhaka.

Phone: (880-2) – 9112084
Saturday - Wednesday: from 9.00 am to 5pm

Weekly holiday: Thursday, Friday and all other listed government holidays.

Entry Fee: tk.5/entrants and Saturday and Sunday tk.10/entrants to observe the sky by Telescope.

Ahsan Manjil Museum

It is an example of the nation's rich cultural heritage. It was the home of the Nawab of Dhaka and a silent spectator to many events. The renovated Ahsan Manzil is a monument of immense historical beauty. It has 31 rooms with a huge dome atop which can be seen from miles around. It now has 23 galleries displaying portraits, furniture and household articles and utensils used by the Nawab.

Address: bank of the river Buriganga, Old town

Phone: (880-2) – 7391122, (880-2) –7393866
Friday: from 3.30 am - 7:30 pm
Saturday to Wednesday: 09:30am - 4:30 pm (October to March), 10:30 am - 5:30 pm (April to September)

Weekly holiday: Thursday and all other listed government holidays.

Shishu Academy Museum

Address: Old High Court Road

(Opp. Karazon Hall), Dhaka-1000

Phone: (880-2) – 9558874
Sunday to Thursday: from 9.00 am - 5pm.

Weekly holiday: Friday, Saturday and all other listed government holidays.

Military Museum

Dhaka The Military Museum established in 1987 to collect, preserve and display the heritage, history, success and development of Bangladesh Army. It was shifted to its permanent place at Bijoy Saroni in 1999. The main objects of the museum are arms and armour, transport of different times, canon, anti-aircraft guns, portraits of heroes of the Liberation War, Sector Commanders and Chief of Staffs of Bangladesh Army, dress, badges, cap, model, etc. Its security arrangement is controlled by the military. Sufficient numbers of army personnel are posted to look after the security of the museum.

Address: Bijy Saroni, Dhaka

Phone: (880-2) – 9870011, (880-2) – 8750011 Extension: 7542

Saturday- Wednesday: from 9.30am-4.30pm

Weekly holiday: Thursday, Friday and all other listed government holidays.

Postal Museum

Dhaka The Postal Museum, established in 1985, is situated on the third floor of the General Post Office in Dhaka. Few people know about it, The museum consists of two rooms. One houses ancient post office memorabilia, from a life-size statue of a runner with spear, lantern and bugle in hand, to weapons, including guns, and other equipment used by runners on display. There are also post boxes from Victorian times and modern post boxes from around the world, franking machines and a replica of a floating mobile post office. There are age-old scales which were used to weigh mail, post office seals and old, rusted badges, uniforms, bags and other paraphernalia used by post office personnel from centuries ago. The other room of the postal museum is filled with around 3,000 stamps from almost 200 countries displayed in glass cases.

Address: GPO, Dhaka

Phone: (880-2) –9555531

Sunday – Thursday: from 9:00am - 4:00pm

Weekly holiday: Friday-Saturday and all other listed government holidays

Zoo Museum

Dhaka Zoo Museum established in Dhaka Zoo under the Ministry of Livestock. The museum started in 1974 to acquaint the visitors with human heritage, variety and history of birds, animals, etc. of our country. The museum collects, preserves and displays specimens. There are two galleries in the museum with 310-sqm-display area. One gallery is for fish aquarium and others for dummy, mommy, model, eggs of different birds and animals. Aquatic animals are also kept with formalin in the jar.

Address: Mirpur, Dhaka

Monday – Saturday: from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (October-March) and from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm (April-September). It also remains opens to the visitors for certain hours during government holidays.

Weekly holiday: Sunday

Dhaka City Museum

Dhaka Dhaka City Museum started functioning as a movable museum in 1987. Dhaka City Corporation took charge of the museum and finally it was placed in the fifth floor of the Nagar Bhaban ( City Corporation Building ) in 1996. It aims at preserving the past history and heritage of the Dhaka City . The museum is in a big room in the Nagar Bhaban. There are paintings of Eid and Muharram processions of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, model of old arts, photographs of different mosques, temples and historical buildings, paper clippings, antiques, portraits of leaders of the then Dhaka, etc.

Address: City Corporation Building, Dhaka

Phone: (880-2) –9567609.

Every official day

Entry Fee: Taka 2/-

Also:

M. R. Tarafder Memorial Museum, Dhaka University,

Dhaka Dhaka University Zoology Museum,

Dhaka DUCSU Shangrahasalah, Dhaka University, Dhaka Bangladesh Rifles Museum (Peelkhana), Dhaka Shahid Matiur Rahman Memorial Museum, the Nabakumar Institution

Bijoy Keton Museum, Dhaka Cantonment, Dhaka

Interestingly Dhaka University plays a role of key location for visiting most of the museum.

Information and photo courtesy: Wikipedia, Google, Asiatic society and other Bangladeshi site.

Chandranath hill, Botanical Garden and Eco-park: Sitakunda, Chittagong. [সীতাকুন্ডের চন্দ্রনাথ পাহাড় এবং ইকো পার্ক]

2009-11-06T02:37:00.000-08:00

Sitakunda, Introduce as northern gateways of country’s largest commercial hub Chittagong. It has a strong historical background which highlights the blessings of various saints. Moreover Chittagong is called ‘land of twelve saints’ [baro Awlia’r desh]. It’s also rich with natural scenic beauty and cultural heritage. Sitakunda is predominantly an agricultural area. Now enormous industries settled here. Also has the largest ship breaking industry in the world.

The legends of the area state the sage Bhargava created a pond (Kunda) for Sita Devi to bathe in when her husband Lord Ramchandra visited during his exile in the forests. Sitakunda derived its name from this incident. Sitakunda was almost ruled alternatively by various Buddhist rulers of

Myanmar

in the east and Muslims rulers of Bengal in the west. Three main religious legacies of subcontinent makes bright and diversify trend but a common element for mankind.

Sitakunda stands on the Dhaka-Chittagong highway [old sheer-shah grand road] and is only 40, km. northwest off Chittagong.

We introduce here two main attraction of Sitakunda, as Chandranath hill and Botanical Garden and Eco-park.

Chandranath hill is one of the most famous places of pilgrimage of the Hindu Community. It draws Hindu devotees from all over the subcontinent particularly during the observance of Shiva Charturdoshi. There are many religious places in Sitakunda and surroundings of it. Among them Chandranath Temple, on the peak of the Chandranath Hill bears the most religious testimony. Chandranath hill has narrow zigzag paths surrounded by numerous green trees. Many visitors come here everyday from every part of the country. There is a small waterfall that has enriched the natural beauty of the hill. At rainy season and autumn this peak overflows by clouds. Its take looks a like fantasy land.

A big fair named 'Siva Chaturdoshi' is held in the month of Falgun every Bengali calendar year at Sitakunda. A big fair is also held on 'Amabashya rat' (newmoon night) of that month. Tens of thousands of Hindu pligrims of all ages from all over the country come to Sitakunda during the fair every year. Those are main seasonal attraction of this temple.

The first eco-park in

Bangladesh

, along with a botanical garden, was established in 2001 on 808 hectares (1,997 acres) of the Chandranath Hills in Sitakunda. The eco-park was established to facilitate biodiversity conservation, natural regeneration, new plantations and infrastructure development, as well as to promote nature-based tourism to generate income. The park, 405 hectares (1,001 acres), and the garden, 403 hectares (996 acres), under the Bariadhala Range of Chittagong Forest Division, are rich with natural Gymnosperm tree species including Podocarpus neriifolius and species of Gnetum and Cycas.The Park is reported to be able to receive 25,000 visitors in a single weekend. with the botanical garden included, the number of visitors can reach up to 50,000.

Entry fee is only tk. 5.00.

This is a reserved forest block with unique natural beauty. This is a promising site for developing habitat of wild flora and fauna, flourishing eco-tourism and developing research and education for scientists of home and abroad. Many serpentine paths have passed through the hill and we went to the hilltop climbing the path. A natural spring was also there and luckily some of us were able to take bath under the heavy dropping of the cataract

There are long sea beaches in this area; this position of Bay of Bengal is called sandwip channel. From the top of hill you can obverse the beauty of this beach. Surrounded by green tamarisk trees, the beauty of the beach is indescribable. The heavy waves of the sea were hitting the beach as if there is an intense friendship between the beach and the vast sea. Visitor spends a remarkable moment at this beach.

Transports are available form Chittagong town to Sitakunda. Or visitor can takes a break to the way of Dhaka-Chittagong journey.

Other attractive Tourist Spot: Bhatiary Golf Club, Coastal Embankment, Bhatiary Bipass and Artificial Lake, Shahashradhara and Ushna Prashraban.

Information and Photo courtesy: Wikipedia, The daily star, Flickr, Bangladesh forest department, sitakundabd.com and others.

Road to Lawachara rain forest and National Park, Moulavibazar, Sylhet [লাওয়াছড়া জাতীয় উদ্যান]

2009-11-01T23:01:00.000-08:00

Forest cover in

Bangladesh

has been fast disappearing over the last thirty years. Today the forests in sanctuaries and national parks, collectively known as Protected Areas are the best place to see green

Bangladesh

. Lawachara rain forest is one of the major national park/sanctuary/reserve in

Bangladesh

. In 1997

Bangladesh

government declared it A National Park. This forest is built by the British, the time of their rule in Indian Subcontinent.

Eight km east from Srimongal town under Kamalganj upazila of Moulavibazar zilla, the 1,250 hectares national park Lawachara is the most beautiful tropical forest. The park is named after a small narrow tributary, named 'Lawachara'. Its previous name was 'West Bhanugan'.

Biological diversity in the Lawachara National Park consists of 460 species, of which 167 species are plants, 4 amphibian species, 6 reptile species, 246 bird species and 20 mammal species.

Hoolock gibbons [only 49 individual’s gibbons are alive here] is one seriously endangered higher primate in

Bangladesh

. And also Slow Loris, Pig-tailed Macaque, Rhesus Macaque, Assamese Macaque, Capped Langur, Phayre’s Leaf-monkey, Jackal, Wild Dog, Sloth Bear or Himalayan Black Bear, Yellow-throated Marten, Tiger, Fishing Cat, Leopard Cat, Wild Pig, Sambar, Barking Deer, Indian Giant, wile bore and even King Cobra settle their presence. Local elders speak of leopards roaming the jungle, but those have long been extinct. Birds of different species are found here.

Khasia, Monipuri, tripura are the main inhabitants of this forest. they have rich cultural and religious heritage. It’s also tourist attraction. They make their villages high on hilltop in deep forest and so far from town. It is like "A Piece of Paradise". Certainly it will please you.Pineapple cultivation - Sweetest and best quality pineapples grown here in

Bangladesh

. Pineapple is really a greatest offer of summer but now it is cultivated round the year. So, you can enjoy the juicy summer fruit in any time coming to its real field.

Trailing is considered as an important tool for nature watch that helps awareness building and other conservation efforts. There are three forest trails as- Short Trail (half an hour walk), Medium Trail (one hour walk) and Long Trail (Three hour walk). You will quickly find yourself deep in an idyllic world where the trials and tribulations of everyday life seem to melt away. Travelers spend many exotic moments with plant, species and bird. It’s placed him to a dreamy land. The macaque monkeys and the hoolock gibbons can be seen swinging from tree to tree in the early morning. The animals take cover during the heat of the day, but their haunting calls can be heard echoing through the forest range. Adventure begins in the territory of wild chicken, squirrel, and python.

Caution: There is concern regarding environmental degradation. Empty coke bottles and abandoned poly bags in the forest are an ugly reminder of the polluting footprint of man.

Best Time to Visit: 01-Nov to 31-March.

How to go: Lawachara is a two hour drive from Sylhet. Getting Lawachara NP from Dhaka, daily bus services [AC-400, non AC-200] are available from Dhaka to Srimongal every hour from sayedabad and take about 3.5 hour. Car drive takes 3.5 hours from Dhaka on highway N2, turn right at Mirpur junction towards Srimongal. From Srimongal anybody hire transport to go to the park, which is only km from city center. Daily Train services are available from kamalapur railway station. You stopped train at Srimongal / Mirpur junction.

Accommodation: Accommodation facilities are abundant in Srimongal. Facilities include entry-level Tea Town Guest House, mid level Sandya Hotel and high-end Tea Resort. Lodging is also available at BTRI Rest House. Here you will find suitable accommodation. The mini bungalows of the Tea Research Institute are available for around Tk 3000 per day, but you may have to book in advance. Srimongal is surrounded by terraced tea estates set among rolling hills. The aroma of raw tea fills the air near the large tea processing plants. If you are interested in the process of blending tea, take a walk around the factories.

Others tourist place at Sylhet division: The Shrine of Hazrat Shah Jalal and Shah Paran, Khoaza Mosque , Jaflong, Madhabkunda Waterfall, Srimongol, Hakaluki Haor.

Information and photo courtesy: wikipedia, the daily star, the new nation, Google, World wildlife adventures, desherchobi.blogspot, flickr and others.

bangladesh travel guide: Nijhum Dwip- live with Deer [নিঝুম দ্বীপে ভ্রমন]

2009-10-31T06:59:00.000-07:00

At one time it was called Char Osman. It is the southern most island of

Bangladesh

that confluence of the Meghna estuary on the Bay of Bengal.

A surreal vision grows on traveler eyes when they enjoy sprinkling moment with uncovered nature. It’s really rural reflection of

Bangladesh

but Natural refreshment. No standard restaurants, road even electricity there. The population in Nijhum Dwip in 2001 was 10,670. At high tide a significant potion of the island becomes covered in water, apart from the cultivated, inhabited areas. Their main occupations are cultivation, fishing and livestock farming. The island produces vegetables in large quantities. People live here together amidst natural calamities. Life in the island is hard and risky but very plain in mind.

There are different species of animal surround of you. Spotted deer, Migratory birds, Monkeys, Estuary reported to harbor the Ganges River Dolphin include Clawless Otter, Fishing Cat, Snakes, Tortoises and Turtles. During winter, thousands of migratory birds visit the islands and around a dozen of which are considered to be globally critically endangered, enhancing its splendour even further.

The forest department of the government of

Bangladesh

created mangrove forests in Nijhum Dwip and the main attraction in these forests is the herd of about 5000 spotted dear. You must be capture picture of deer. That perhaps makes Nijhum Dwip one of the unique tourist spot in

Bangladesh

The most important type of tree planted in the island is Keora, also known as Kerfa, which has fast growing roots holding the sandy land. The plant also supplies pillars for houses, materials for making boats and agricultural implements, and fuel for domestic use. In 2001, the government of

Bangladesh

declared Nijhum Dwip forests as National Park. Part of what is now Nijhum Dweep National Park was originally proposed as a Sanctuary for the conservation of a wide variety of waterfowl, including the migratory shorebirds, and a large number of mammals. The area includes a cluster of islands, mainly Ballar Char, Kamlar Char, Char Osman and Char Muri.

Visitor takes remarkable experience of boat journey in the canal which covered the island like net. Visitor invented themselves in silence, their eyes and ears intent on hearing every rustle of the nature. It's a surreal situation, tour boats had to go under thickets hunched over the canal, known and unknown birds chirping all over the island. On both sides of the canal are forests of kewra. The sky seen through the bush looked too blue to be true.

Getting There ...

From Dhaka take a launch from Shadar ghat toTamaruddin of Hatiya Dweep. From there youcan get to Nijhum Dweep by local motor boat. Or you can take a bus or train to Chittagong, from there youneed to go to Hatiya island by motor boat or Sea Truck. From there you can go to Nijhum Dweep by local motorboat. In Hatiya, you will have to go to Jahazmara Bazar by tempo or jeep. From there you can go to Amtali Ghat or Katakhali Ghat by rickshaw. Engine boats are available there to take you to Nijhum dweep. These boats run depending on the wave and tide of sea.

Places to Stay and Eat

Accommodation is very limited for the tourists in this Island. You can take foods from local restaurants but be careful about the quality of foods. If you stay overnight at Hatiya, there are some boarding hotels. Among them, the best is Monir Chairman's boarding. Accommodations are not good at Nijhum Dweep and are few in number. Forest Department and District Parishod have Guest Houses in the island, which need prior permission. Both these places provide food.

Information and Photo courtesy: Banglapedia, The daily Star, google, Flickr and others.

bangladesh travel guide: Rash mela and Kuakata [রাস মেলা এবং কুয়াকাটা]

2009-10-28T04:58:00.000-07:00

Bangladesh

is the festive land which celebrates many colorful festivals. The land of diversify population and they carry out individual cultural identity. One of them is Rash mela [fair]. It has religious significance. It’s held by grounds of Rash lila or Purnima.

Rash mela mostly celebrated by the Bishnupriya group of Manipuri hindu community of

Bangladesh

. Rash Purnima is held on the day of full moon in the Bangla month of Kartik (late autumn or mid October to mid november). It celebrated in honor of Lord Krishna and his eternal love Sri Radhika.

In the afternoon the festival begins with a dance depicting Lord Krishna's notorious young life. Children dress up as Krishna and perform in front of hundreds of devotees. In the evening begins Rash Nritya, a Manipuri style dance performed by young girls wearing traditional Manipuri garbs.

Rash Mela is mainly celebrated in dublarchar at sundarban, kalapara at kuakata and komalganj at Maulvibazar. This is the main festival of Manipuri. This festival also celebrated in the district Cooch Behar, West Bengal, India.

Nowadays the festival has taken the form of communal celebrations while in older days was only limited to royal families .There are three days long rash mela held every year at kalapara and dublarchar. As a tourist spot in kalapara this festival is co-organized by local administration. This year it held from 1^st-3^rd November. It’s a main seasonal attraction of Kuakata. Visitor comes here from all over the country. Local administration takes proper security for the visitors.

About kuakata: It is locally known as Sagar Kannya (Daughter of the Sea) is a rare scenic beauty spot on the southernmost tip of

Bangladesh

. . It is about 320 Kilometres south of Dhaka, the capital, and about 70 Kilometres from the Patuakhali District headquarters. The kuakata beach is 30 km long and 6 km wide.

Kuakata is a famous tourist destination for people from both home and abroad. The significantly exclusive feature of the beach is that due to its "Cross Bow" like shape one can see both sunrise and sunset from some of its locations. That perhaps makes Kuakata one of the world's unique beaches. The long and wide beach at Kuakata has a typical natural setting. This sandy beach has gentle slopes into the Bay of Bengal and bathing there is as pleasant as is walking or diving.

Kuakata is truly a virgin beach-a sanctuary for migratory winter birds, a series of coconut trees, sandy beach of blue Bay, a feast for the eye. Forest, boats plying in the Bay of Bengal with colourful sails, fishing, towering cliffs, surfing waves everything here touches every visitor's heart. The unique customs and costumes of the 'Rakhyne' tribal families and Buddhist Temple of about hundred years old indicate the ancient tradition and cultural heritage, which are objects of great pleasure Kuakata is the place of pilgrimage of the Hindus and Buddhist communities.

Communication: There exists road commiunication between Dhaka and Patuakhali district headquaters. But the journey may be long and a bit stressful. A much easier way is to go to Barisal by air and from there travel by road or water to Patuakhali or Kuakata. BRTC runs a direct bus service from Dhaka to Kuakata via Barisal. Besides, Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation may organize guided package tours from Dhaka to Kuakata on demand.

For accommodation visitor can contract with Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation Head Office at Dhaka. There are small numbers of private facilities positioned here.

Information and photo courtesy: wikipedia, the daily star, daily manab zomin, google and others.

bangladesh travel guide: Road to Jaflong, Sylhet [জাফলং এর পথে]

2009-10-26T09:13:00.000-07:00

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, famous for its beauty, boulders, betel nuts and is home of the Khasi tribe. 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, and will charge exorbitant sums, a bit of haggling will get you an engine boat for Tk. 250. 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 -- 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. Visitor also see a enormous beautiful waterfall on the way of Sylhet to Jaflong. But that are all in Indian side.

The spot where most tourists gather is called Bollar (boulder) Ghat. Boulders have become Jafflong's bane. With stone mining companies using heavy machinery to extract stones from the river and that treated Jafflong's natural beauty. Efforts are underway to preserve the area as an ecopark.

Visitors who venture to the far side of the river can see the little Khasia villages or “Punjees”. The Khasia, the indigenous people of the hills, live in total harmony with Jafflong's idyllic beauty. The punjees consist of cute houses on bamboo stilts. A walk through the Khasia Punjees will take you through large plantations of Paan (betel leaf) and Supari (betel nut). The Khasia once practiced a pagan religion, and old records portray them as a fierce and warlike tribe. But nowadays the Khasia lead a simple and quiet life growing paan-supari and fishing. Many of them have converted to Christianty.

The forest walk will take you to the palace of the Khasia king. It's a modest wooden affair but in the grounds you can catch sight of one of Sylhet's vanishing attractions -- an orange grove.

Tamabil is the border area with

India

and is 05 km before Jaflong. If you intend to visit Shilong of India then you will have to cross this border by completing your customs formalities. To go to

India

you require valid Visa.

Sripur is another beautiful tourist spot where you can see the waterfall with great tide falling form the hills. Besides the enchanting views of the area, one can also have a glimpse of the waterfalls across the border of

India

. Very Big stones sometimes are coming in this waterfall in Sripur. After completion of visiting Jaflong and Tamabil you must visit Sripur on the way to go back to Sylhet. It's only 7-8km from Jaflong on the same road to Sylhet a sub road entered into Sripur waterfall. Here you can see the stone collection and orange garden if you go inside Sripur crossing the hills.

On the way back from Jafflong, don't forget to stop at Jaintapur. Jaintapur is famous for its megalithic archaeological ruins. Jaintiapur is only 5 km. from Jaflong, a scenic spot amidst tea gardens. Jaintapur was the capital of Jainta Kingdome at 18th century. Jainta Rajbari was the palace of Kings of Jainta, it's just adjacent of Jainta Bazar. Though the condition of this king's palace is already damaged enormously but a huge number of tourists visit here due to the historical background of Jainta Kingdom. At about 35 km. northwest of Sylhet town, linked by rail, road and river is Chhatak, the seat of Assam Bengal Cement Factory, Chhatak is famous for orange garden.

At Bollar Ghat there are local cottage industries that cater to tourists. Local artisans carve souvenirs out of stone, and shopkeepers sell everything from mementos to sarees. Despite the large number of people who flock to Jafflong every day there are no good places to stay and no restaurant worth its tablecloth. Visitors are well advised to carry their own food from Sylhet.

How to go: Sylhet city is roughly 230 km from the capital and it is a smooth 4-5 hour drive. First-rate highway restaurants along the way mean you can stop for a breather as often as you like. Train journeys take slightly longer, but can be fun as the line passes through the Lawachara national forest range Sylhet International Airport is half an hour's flying time from Dhaka, and most of the private airlines as well as Biman offer several daily flights. Transports are available form Syhlet town to Jaflong. Don’t forget to take food.

For accommodation at Sylhet town, some reasonably good hotels are available.

Attractive tourist place at Sylhet division: The Shrine of Hazrat Shah Jalal and Shah Paran, Lawachara National Park, Madhabkunda Waterfall, Srimongol, Hakaluki Haor.

Information and photo courtesy by wikipedia, the daily star, the new nation, Sylhet City Corporation official web site and flickr.

bangladesh travel guide: Hakaluki haor- welcome to water kingdom [ হাকালুকি হাওরে ভ্রমন ]

2009-10-24T03:08:00.000-07:00

The numerous permanent and seasonal freshwater lakes and marshes of the flood plains are known as haors, baors and beels. A haor is a bowl-shaped depression between the natural levees of a river, or a succession of such depressions. Most are found ineastern Mymensingh and Sylhet, in a region known as the Haor Basin.

Hakaluki Haor is a marsh wetland ecological system of Eastern Bangladesh in an area bordering

Assam

India

. It is one of

Bangladesh

's largest and one of Asia’s larger Haor. Some 190,000 people live in the surrounding Hakaluki haor area. The surface area of Hakaluki Haor is 181.15km², of which 72.46km² (40.01%) is within the territory of Barlekha Upazila. It contains about 47 major haors and more than 6,000 beels, or freshwater lakes, nearly half of which are seasonal. Hakaluki Haor itself is a complex of more than 80 inter-connecting beels located in the Maulvi Bazar district. During the dry season, the beels cover an area of approximately 4,400 ha. However, during the rainy season, the entire area gets flooded, and the beels are united as one large lake, or haor, with an area of approximately 18,000 ha. This makes it the largest haor in

Bangladesh

. Hakaluki haor is a highly significant site for a wide variety of waterfowl. The haor is partly under the jurisdiction of Barlekha Upazila.Barlekha is an Upazila of Maulvibazar District in the Division of Sylhet^.

Hakaluki Haor was designated an Ecologically Critical Area (ECA) by the Director General of the Department of Environment, as the ecosystem is considered to have reached a critical state. It also is a protected Ramsar site of international importance for the conservation and sustainable utilization of wetlands.

Its overall significance is perhaps best expressed with reference to the various criteria for inclusion as a Ramsar site. "It is a particularly good representative example of a wetland which plays a substantial hydrological, biological or ecological role in the natural functioning of a major river basin85" (Ramsar Criterion 1.c); "It supports an appreciable assemblage of rare, vulnerable or endangered species of plant or animal, or an appreciable number of individuals of any one or more of these species." (Criterion 2.a); "It is of special value for maintaining the genetic and ecological diversity of a region because of the peculiarities of its flora and fauna." (Criterion 2.b); "It regularly supports about 20,000 waterfowl." (Criterion 3.a); "It regularly supports substantial numbers of individuals from particular groups of waterfowl, indicative of wetland values, productivity or diversity" (Criterion 3.b).

It is important for wintering migratory birds. Every winter, tens of thousands of guest birds of about 150 species from Siberian and other cold regions flock to the haors. They include Bright and Rose King-duck, Pati-duck, Bali Hash, Lenja, Chity, Sorali, Boikal, Nilshir Piyan, Pantamukhi, Pankouri, Buti-duck, China, Rangamuri, Black-duck, Peributhi, Chokachoki, Giria, Khonjona, Patari, Dolpipi, Water-hen, North-Giria, Dahuk, Patibatan, Common-chill, Cotton-Chill, Gergini, Cottontail, Pintail, Toughed Duck.

Winter is good for traveling. But its versatile beauty figured out individually in every season. There are very different experiences. Especially, in rainy season it takes youthful and significance looks. Haors are flooded every year by the monsoon floods, and most retain some water throughout the dry season. In rainy its look like infinite water kingdom. Traveler enjoys a good time fully artificial free life with nature. It refreshes mind and body together.

If you're traveling from Dhaka, daily bus services (AC- Tk 400, non-AC TK 200) from Sayedabad Bus Terminal to Srimongal are available every couple of hours and take about 4 hours and even has a good direct train . Trains are available everyday from Kamalapur Railway station. Traveler easily gets information from CWBMP office at kulaura. Or they can travel follow the road of kanongo bazzar via Barlekha.

In reasonable price deferent categories of hotel are available in Maulvibazar town and srimongal. Traveler also contract to stay at DFID Tea resort,

Bangladesh

tea board, Bhanugach Road, Srimangal, Maulvi Bazar,

Bangladesh

Another attractive place at Maulvi Bazar: Archaeological heritage Khoaza Mosque at Laghati village of Dasergram union (16th century), Madhav Mandir at Madhabkunda Waterfall. Manufactories 18 tea gardens in Barlekha, tribal life, Sujanagar is famous for producing incense and attar (essence of flowers).

Information courtesy: various sources from internet [ wikipedia, banglapedia, flickr and others ]

bangladesh travel guide: mermaid eco resort in cox's bazzar [কক্সবাজার' এর মারমেইড ইকো রিসোর্ট]

2009-10-20T21:14:00.000-07:00

Cox's bazaar is known for its wide sandy beach which is claimed to be the world's longest natural sandy sea beach. It is an unbroken 125 km sandy sea beach with a gentle slope. Since the rise and fall of the tide here is not great, it is a good place for sea bathing. It is located 150 km south of Chittagong. Cox’s Bazaar is also known by the name "Panowa", the literal translation of which means "yellow flower". Its other old name was "Palongkee”. It was also a contestant of 7new wonders.
This site describes Cox’s Bazaar in various attractive views. At 1^st we select a resort named mermaid eco resort.

The Mermaid Eco Resort is located beside the Rezu Khal along the Marine Drive about sixteen kilometres from downtown Cox's Bazaar. What sets this resort apart is that it has set a great example by keeping all of its buildings environmentally friendly; the raw materials used to build the resort are mostly bamboo, thatch, mud and wood. This is particularly important in a place like Cox's Bazaar, a place of unbridled natural splendour that we can ill afford to contaminate with urban and industrial wastes.

Bangladesh

has a wealth of natural beauty, and it is imperative that we utilise the tourism potential of such sites. In this respect Cox's Bazaar has been streets ahead of the rest, and a recent and glowing landmark on that path is the Mermaid Eco Resort, Cox's Bazaar.

Mermaid Eco-Resort is a sister concern of Mermaid Cafe, Cox's Bazar. The motto of the resort is sustainable living. The individual cottages are built using local materials like mud, wood, bamboo and thatch. Each cottage can host a couple and has an attached toilet. The resort has boats that can be used to explore the lake and visit the beach for a sun bath. The surrounding village is also a beautiful place to discover. The menu has fresh fish and vegetables available in the local bazar prepared in deshi style.

Officially inaugurated in September 2009 and a sister concern of Mermaid Café, the resort accommodates about 70 people at a time and provides facilities that will keep guests immersed in the beauty and splendor of Cox's Bazaar.

Luxury two-storied or even duplex bungalows with wide windows or beautiful lofts carpeted with mats made out of straws or coconut leaves, spacious beds, long verandas facing the blue sea, instantly relaxes your tired urban mind. You just toss your body on the hammock; swing to the rhythm, close your eyes while the sea sings you a lullaby. Your worn out self, willingly gives in to the loveliness around you.

Walks on the beach studded with seashells and pebbles, taking mud baths, riding the country boat, are equal parts pleasure and leisure.

The return to simpler times seems to be the theme of this resort. Contemporary amenities and facilities married with unspoiled nature is what you get at Mermaid Eco Resort in Cox's Bazar. And its owners, the adventurous and romantic duo Bristi and Shohag, with their infectious happy smile and awesome hospitality allow you to tuck away your worries and enjoy nature at its best - untainted and natural.

The bungalows are equipped with modern hygienic western toilets and verandas overlooking the sea, the lake or the lush green hill range. The villas also have the same facilities but are topped up with a better view and a private sitting space.

The Mermaid Café in Cox's Bazaar was merely the prelude to the wonderful story that you unravel at the Mermaid Eco Resort. If you are looking for a quiet time out with just a good read for company, this all-out deshi resort should be on top of your picks.

Guests can choose from a range of Standard Bungalows (Tk 2500/night), Deluxe Bungalows (Tk.3000/night), Premium Deluxe Bungalows (Tk 3500/night), Supreme Deluxe Bungalows (Tk 4000/night) and Villas (Tk 5000/night).

The resort also facilitates its guests with a well-kept Crafts Shop, Restaurant, Movie Nights, Herbal Spa, boat rides, Car/Motorbike/Bicycle rentals, Laundry Service, wave surfing facilities and a Tour Desk. There are also special tours, which take the tourists to a nearby sand dune island where special security is arranged for a comfortable and fun sea bathing experience.

Further inquiry: call 01841416464,
e-mail reservation@mermaidecoresort.com,
website: www.mermaidecoresort.com

nearer tourist spot: Laboni Beach, Enani beach, Himchari, Buddhist temple, Barmish market.

nearer attractive town: Ramu, Dulahazra safari park, Aggmeda Khyang

Travel on Jahangirnagar University: escape from suspicious metro life. [জাহাঙ্গীরনগর বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়]

2009-10-19T09:55:00.000-07:00

Jahangirnagar University is one of the prominent and old universities at

Bangladesh

. It’s also the one and only residential university in the country. Jahangirnagar University began its journey at a time when the country was going through a political upheaval that ultimately led to the birth of our nation -

Bangladesh

. This university was established as a residential university in 1970 under the Jahangirnagar Muslim University Ordinance, 1970. Later, it was renamed Jahangirnagar University in 1973. Its first Vice-Chancellor took up office on September 24, 1970. The first batch of students, a total of 150, was enrolled in the first year Bachelor (Honors) classes in four departments: Economics, Geography, Mathematics and Statistics. However, classes started on January 4, 1971.In 2008 the university had a total of 7,000 students, 672 teachers, 206 staffs and 1,200 other employees.

The insignia of the University has a Shapla, the national flower, with three petals standing erect on its stem. It is bordered on all four sides by four strips of traditional alpana design of the same size and pattern. The name of the University written in Bangla characters hangs below in semicircle like a wreath of flowers. Designed by Kalam Mahmud, the insignia is rooted deep in our folk culture and is reminiscent of our struggle for independence which gave the Shapla its status as national flower. The three petals in the flower may be taken to symbolize learning, truth and progress and the firm stem, which holds the petals fast and erect, may by taken to symbolize the determination with which these goals are pursued.

The university stands on the Asian Highway, popularly known as the Dhaka-Aricha Road, and is only 32 kilometers away from the capital city. Spread over a land area of 697.56 acres the campus lies between the Bangladesh Public Administration Training Centre (BPATC) and the Savar Cantonment, on the north of which is the National Monument. The topography of the land, with its gentle rise and plains, is soothing to the eye. The bodies of water sprawling around the campus make an excellent habitat for the winter birds that flock there every year by the thousands, making bird-watching a favorite pastime for many visitors, students and staff.

The beauty of this university campus attracts people. It has two kinds of beauty. This landmark is well decorated by human creature like others institution. Some important and famous monuments are situated here[shangsaptak, amar ekushe, shahid minar]. Its remarkable natural beauty attracts everyone. This campus is dazzling with different species tree and birds. Travelers enjoy this same campus in different flavor in every individual season.

There are number of Lakes all around the campus. Every year guest birds arrive at the JU lakes from comparatively cooler regions of the world including Siberia, Kashmir, Himachal province of India and locally from Sylhet. More than two and a half thousand birds including Sarali, Khanjna, porchard, Jalpipi, Chamot thuti, and ducks were found in the lakes, most of which came in November and will stay till the middle of March. Every year held here bird fair, organized by university and other bird watcher organization.

In the winter morning this campus looks like a mysterious fairy land. Traveler finds the scene of traditional

Bangladesh

In summer, campus colored especially by kisnachura. A radish reflection catches you on everything. The university is also famous for national flower shapla. In rainy and autumn seasons all the lake blooming with shapla. It’s charming scenery. Different colored shapla refresh you eyes and heart. And whole the year you breathe in fresh air. So, busy citizen spend your remarkable youthful moment at the campus.

Transports [luxurious counter service] are available from motizil, shahbag, farmgate, shymoli, college gate and gabtali [around 30 to 50 tk].

Travelers full his stomach to take varieties of bangle dish. Especially different kinds of Varta are available here. And price? You must be strange. We don’t say, just take a taste. The popular food shop stays in the place called battola. You can also take taste of variety of local fruit.

Nearer tourist spot: jatiya smriti sodho [the National Monument], military dairy farm, nandan park, fantasy kingdom etc.

Kustia Lalon fakir'er akhra- a traveling from heart to soul. [কুষ্টিয়ায় লালন ফকিরের আখড়া]

2009-10-16T09:40:00.000-07:00

Kustia is the cultural capital of

Bangladesh

because it is the birthplace of Lalon Fakir [“Emperor of Bauls”] , a mystic poet. His music had been influenced by the diversity of mystic folk songs. He was departed on bangle 1^st kartik [16th or 17^th October]. A three days long Baul festival starts from 16th and ends on 18th October.

Visitor come here from all over the country and also

india

. They try to feel and enjoy in-depth every single segment of mysterious baul ritual. This three days are most influential in Bangladeshi culture. Lalon's philosophical expression was based in oral and textual traditions, and expressed in songs and musical compositions. The lyrics of his songs were explicitly meant to engage in the philosophical discourses of Bengal. He critically re-appropriated the various philosophical positions emanating from the legacies of Hindu, Jain, Buddhist and Islamic traditions, developing them into a coherent school of thought.

It is going against all forms of socio-economic hierarchy, caste, class, and gender and any forms of politics of identity based on race, nationality and religion. It makes a common space for all kinds of people.

Lalon had composed about 10,000 songs of which 2,000-3,000 can be tracked down today. Among his most popular songs are Khachar bhitor achin pakhi, Jat gelo jat gelo bole, Dekhna mon jhokmariay duniyadari, Paare loye jao amay, Milon hobe koto dine, Aar amare marishne maa, Tin pagoler holo mela etc.

Bauls, who came from all over

Bangladesh

, took their places wherever they liked, making a group of their own and started signing to the honor of their Emperor “Baba Lalon Shah”. People used to sit almost all of the places to hear their mystic songs and surprisingly feel everybody sing so well. Generally a group used to play a song with the help of local musical instruments such as, ‘ektara’, ‘dotara’, ‘tobla’, ‘dug-dugi’, harmonium, flute, ‘mondira’, ‘jhunjuni’ etc. It is so remarkable to see that every player of those instruments can sing well and so far their voice go high, they mysteriously stayed tune with the song and without resting, they are singing one by one. It is completely and totally an incredible mysterious time for visitor.

How to go from Dhaka: There are plenty of bus services available but Shamoli or S.B Paribahan [non ac 280 tk and ac 350 tk]are the best traveler’s choice. Bus are available from Khallyanpur and gabtoli . From Kustia town visitor can heir Rikshaw [15-20 tk] direct to Cheuria, “Laloner Akhra”. In reasonable price deferent categories of hotel are available in kustia town. Most of the visitor are prefer to stay near at Lalon akhra. They get here a limited facilities. Rabindranath Tagor’s Kuthi bari at Shilaidoh is neaer from this place. you cross the Gorail River and started for Kuthi Bari by reserving a Riksha-Van. Robindranath’s Kuthi Bari is well furnished for visitors (Opened from 10AM).

From kustia you find available bus to go to islami university campus and Mujibnagar.

Safari park: Splendour of the safari

2009-10-14T20:18:00.000-07:00

Khaled Yasin Rashid visits Bangladesh’s only safari park and revels in the company of its marvellous inhabitants but finds that without the government’s immediate attention, the park may be faced with a daunting chance of survival

   Located 107 km south of the Cox’s Bazar- Chittagong highway is Bangladesh’s only safari park, occupying 900 hectares of natural tropical evergreen woodlands.

   The park, previously known as the Dulahazara Safari Park has been re-christened as the Bangabondhu Sheikh Mujib Safari Park Dulahazara.

   The safari park is an hour’s drive away from the Cox’s Bazar town. If travelling in a small group, catching a micro-bus, maxi or a four-wheel-drive with seating arrangements on the roof from Cox’s Bazar will cost 20 to 40 taka a head, which is a cheap and efficient way to get there.

   The land area was a 60.7 hectare Deer Breeding Centre which was established in 1965; in 2001 the park was officially opened on an extended area. Technically, the eco-tourism site is not actually a safari park but a zoo in which the animals are kept in enclosures resembling their natural habitats but the park is still worth a visit.

   Last year the establishment had a total of four lakh visitors with the peak months being October and April. The entry fee is Tk 12. Since it is a large area, a bus service worth Tk 300 per person is available to take visitors to every enclosure in the park within a few hours. The bus ride is not worth it and the best course of action would be to make a day of it and visit every nook and cranny of the park on foot.

   Large animals inhabit large enclosures mimicking their natural environment. The most impressive pens in the park would have to be the areas where the sambar deers and the hippos are housed. The three hippos at the park are kept in a near perfect habitat in which they can actually hide from onlookers. Spotting the hippos is difficult but the best time to spot them is early in the morning or right before sunset. The park opens at 8:00am and closes at 6:00pm and once inside, visitors can stay till nightfall.

   Catching a glimpse of a hippo is difficult but a Sambar deer is nearly impossible. The deer species is a very shy breed, its cage comprises of a woodland area descending down to a splendid shallow lake. Mohammed Mozamel and his family have visited the park on numerous occasions but have seen the elusive beast just once. ‘My family and I just got a glance of it once; the deer just inquisitively poked its head out of the woodlands before retreating back into its stronghold.’

   However not all the animals are kept in wide-open spaces. The park has a decent number of primates; such as the rare ‘Slow Loris’ and a solid collection of birds such as kites, eagles, emus, owls, turkeys, peacocks and hornbills which are held captive in cages. A telling factor about the park is that the animals seem healthy and active.

   The emus approach visitors, the hornbills seem absolutely intrigued by onlookers and there is even a stork which spreads its wings, puts one foot in front of the other and poses whenever a camera is pointed in its direction. Since it is a natural area, there is even a wild troop of macaque monkeys living in the premises.

   A zookeeper explains how the family of miscreants is a thorn in the side of park staff. ‘The macaques form a tight group, they snarl and charge the emus, driving them away from their food and then they help themselves and finish all the food we give to the birds. Keepers have to enter the emu enclosure on a regular basis just to chase them away.’

   The park even offers free elephant rides. Although free, going from one end of the line to the other during peak hours is the price to pay. The elephant pair used for the rides is highly accustomed to interacting with people. Although the male elephant is quite skittish, the female will allow visitors to pet and feed her.

   In addition, the safari park has a high number of highly active Asiatic black bears but the park’s real success story is the Asiatic lion. The Asiatic lion is a subspecies of lions exclusive to the Gir Forest of Gujrat, India. It is one of the most endangered big cats in the world and as of 2005, there are only 359 individuals surviving in the wild. In India, captive breeding of the lion is a rarity. Indian zoo officials have been thwarted in their efforts to get the species to breed on a regular basis but at Dulahazara, it has been a different story.

   A top forest officer in charge of running the park who chose anonymity, comments on the success of the Asiatic lion. ‘Since opening, there has been 15 to 20 animal deaths mainly related to old age complications. We get about two to three births a year, this is not a facility where we push animals to breed, we let the animals be and if they choose to mate it is completely up to them.’ ‘We currently have five lions, of which three are cubs. The lion pair has bred regularly, the oldest cub is a year old, the youngest is three months old and the one in between is seven months of age. We keep the lions and tigers in small enclosures because the big cats are the main attraction for tourists. The safari park was meant to be a real safari experience.’

   After climbing a short flight of stairs, the two tigers and the five lions can be viewed in adjacent pens from a raised platform allowing a view from above.

   ‘The plan was that by 2008, all the enclosures would be removed, the whole area would be shared by all the animals.

   ‘The walkways would be taken off and the animals would only be viewed from the safety of a bus. But unfortunately, it has been a year past the deadline; the park management has had a string of setbacks and as our budget was cancelled last year, we barely had the resources to keep our existing animals healthy and alive.’

   ‘We have a new budget now and the plan is to get the park fully operational within the next two years, create a large bird house and bring in more animals from Africa. Some of the animals which have already been domesticated like the wild cow are allowed to roam about the compound freely,’

   of its range. The pair is very healthy and their accommodation is also worthy.

   It also has swamp deers, spotted deers, fishing cats, wild dogs, a clouded leopard which is nearly extinct in Bangladesh, a rare python, turtles and a large population of Marsh and Esturian crocodiles.

   The park has a 12 foot tall boardwalk which starts from the black bear pens and goes through the woods and ends above the sambar enclosure. There is also a 10-storey tall watch tower, from the top of which visitors can get a 360 degree view for as far as the eye can see. But due to problems with management, the structures are in a dire state.

   A walk on the boardwalk is not for the faint of heart. Many sections do not have a railing on one side, in some parts the railing is absent on both sides and every step on the rickety structure is a gut-wrencher. The viewing platform of the watch tower is nauseatingly filthy.

   All the problems began with the departure of the park’s former director, Dr Tapan Kumar Dey. Another forest officer who chose to remain anonymous has nothing but fond memories of the director. ‘He was a man with a real passion for wildlife, it was not fake and he truly cared for the welfare of all the animals under his charge.’

   ‘After he left, we have found it difficult to get our bearings right. Without proper funding, great ideas like the boardwalk are going to waste. There are very few people in the country who are as well informed about wildlife as he is. If he was present today I would gladly claim that 80 per cent of the park would have been fully operational by now,’ he adds.

   With a new budget and a set goal to get everything ready in two years time, park officials are looking for a brighter future. Even now the safari park would be a good visit, mainly because the animals are lively and in good spirits unlike Dhaka’s Mirpur Zoo.

   There are also other attractions at the park. Advertised as an ecotourism resort, there are a total of eight water reservoirs and two artificial lakes which attract large numbers of different bird species. It is a haven for bird watchers who come from far and wide for a leisurely trek through the woods.

   Bangladesh’s only safari park is not a safari yet but if all goes well, the establishment will be ready soon. It is a fantastic resort to develop and at present it is still worth a visit for a feel of the great outdoors.

photo by Khaled Yasin Rashid

source: NEW AGE

Nature’s bounty at the Sundarbans

2009-10-14T20:05:00.000-07:00

Dr Reza Khan

PART 1

Spread over nearly 6,000 square kilometres of thick and impenetrable vegetation, along the south-western coast of Bangladesh in the Bay of Bengal, Sundarbans is considered the largest single mangrove forest in the world.

Even during the early 1900s, the British, who ruled the Indian subcontinent at that time, considered it a place most inhospitable for the human beings when an author wrote: ‘It was a water-logged jungle, in which tigers and other wild beasts abounded. Attempts at reclamation had not been very successful.

However, this very inhospitable feature of Sundarbans has kept it alive and well through the centuries even though Mughals first started leasing out lands to the British back in 1757. The area was mapped by the surveyor general as early as 1764 following soon after proprietary rights were obtained from the Mughal Emperor, Alamgir II, by the East India Company in 1757.

We planned to visit Sundarbans during the fourth week of July this year with a view to assessing the conditions of the wildlife and the people living around the periphery of it following cyclone Aila that hit the area on May 25.

Sixteen scientists, birdwatchers, nature photographers, litterateurs, journalists, artists and three students hired a 26-bed motor launch MV Vela, operated by the Bengal Tours of Bangladesh on the July 23, entered the forest the same night and returned to the shore by the evening of July 28.

In addition to the main launch there were two additional boats, one a 10-seater speed boat and another 20-seater locally innovated power-pump driven wooden boat that can only move forward. Its backward movement is done manually by the boatmen.

A melodious dawn chorus of hundreds of birds broke the silence of the night when I saw our launch was anchored a few hundred yards away from Sutarkhali Forest Station office under Khulna or Nalian Forest Range in the Sundarbans West Forest Division, that has another range called Burigoalini.

Bangladesh Sundarbans has two forest divisions, first the west and the second being the Sundarbans East that also has two forest ranges, namely the Chandpai and Sharankhola.

We were in the river Sutarkhali- one of the several hundred rivers, rivulets and tributaries that cut across the Sundarbans like a network of water bodies of various widths and lengths.

During five days we had just covered a part of the Khulna range.

As I peeped through the window of my sleeping cubicle a huge white-bellied Sea-Eagle flew past our boat without taking any notice of the launch. Herons of many colours and sizes started stealthily following aquatic animals, especially fishes from the muddy shore of the river from where the water had receded to the lowest level at ebb tide.

Three villagers turned fisher-folk started fishing along the bank of the river with their casting net. The elderly two were virtually running along the bank and through knee deep water following shoals of fishes, especially mullets that were using the surface water for gathering food.

They threw their cast-net with an overpowering zeal. In each cast they got just a few pieces of fishes as the rivers all through the Sundarbans have been over fished over the past half a century or so.

After almost two hours of fishing they could catch little over two kilograms of fishes that was worth Taka 500 in the local market. They told me those fishes were not for sale but for their own consumption.

After an early morning tea with biscuits I moved over the master’s bridge to get a full view of the surroundings. As the sun tried to brighten up the overcast sky, a passing shower dampened the launch and sun disappeared and remained hidden over two hours or so behind a blanket of clouds.

I saw more movements of people than wildlife because of the rainy weather. By that time we got a call to join breakfast around 8am.

After that we were herded on to the power-pump driven boat and were given a ration of sufficient bottled drinking water, banana and biscuits. We went to the forest office area where there was a little hamlet of less than 100 houses containing fisher-folks, woodcutters, honey collectors and crabbers all of whom are locally called Bawali.

The area was teeming with birds, insects, crabs and aquatic animals. From nowhere there appeared two Lesser Flameback Woodpeckers chasing each other. Their fight continued right in front of us, some 10 metres away in the woods.

At one stage the pair rolled into water below and continued the fight for next few moments when one managed to dislodge itself and fled from the arena.

Due to the ebbing tide we could easily see a few species of snails crawling over the muddy forest floor where fiddler crabs busy displaying their large chela to the adversaries, chased and counter-chased one another for the possession of females nearby.

Mudskippers were having a field day because local fishers had gone fishing to the deeper parts of the Sundarbans, for the day. On closer inspection I found a medium-sized honeycomb with an estimated 5000 Apis dorsata honeybees enveloping the queen bee and the comb.

Nearby, there was a fresh water pond that retains rain water, used by all for both drinking purpose as well as other domestic chores.

Boats heading for the day-long or week-long trip to the Sundarbans fill up many earthen 200 to 500 gallon capacity earthen casks, barrels or pots, locally called Motka or Kola.

The pond supported a huge congregation of a small species of snail and several species of fish. One particular small one was a surface dweller and had a white spot on the back of the head obliterating the eyes that are located on the side of the face.

On the way back to the boat I found a pair of white-collared Kingfisher performing a duet and dancing suggesting they might have a nest on the same tree.

By the time we were back to the launch it was time for lunch. After a good break we headed back to the boat for a long trip through small rivers and canals in a nearby forest called Laodobe.

We passed a few forest offices, hamlets and a huge fisheries project spread over several square kilometres just along the periphery of the Sundarbans. I believe it exports shrimp, prawns and crabs when other marine and freshwater fishes are sold in the national markets.

After an hour drive through smaller rivers we reached Laodobe forest office sitting on the bank of a large canal through which tankers transport sea water for the fish farm.

Here the canopies of the forest trees were forming a bridge over the canal where Rhesus Macaques were busy eating fruits of Keora tree, Sonneratia apetala, shoots and fruit buds of other mangrove trees.

The largest of the drongos of Asia is the Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, which abounds Sundarbans in good number. As it flies over the forest canopy or the canal its tips of two tail feather streamers kept flying like ribbons presenting a spectacular view.

Its soliloquy is imitation of songs and call notes of several other birds sharing its habitat.

A sub-adult Crested Serpent Eagle was drying its wings perched on top of a dead branch.

Most rewarding was the sighting of the Ruddy Kingfisher- one of the eight species of kingfishers- found only in the Sundarbans. Nowhere else in the subcontinent can one find such a large diversity of kingfishers in a forest.

This year the water level in the canals and rivers were much higher than the previous years. So we could not land on the bank of the Laodobe canal as there was no dry place.

We got down to the forest jetty and walked through the office and accommodations for the foresters built on stilts.

To my surprise I found two frogs taking shelter on the curved side of an empty shell of a coconut floating in water. A juvenile, non-venomous snake also took shelter on a piece of dead plant. Mynas were busy gathering food from the plants instead of the ground.

On our return journey back to launch just before sundown a Monocled Cobra (Naja kaouthia) delighted us as it crossed the canola right in front of our boat.

We followed it until it went ashore and climbed a Baen shrub (Avicennia alba) on the bank of the canal bordering a village.

Seeing us the villagers gathered around to see the cobra. Our persuasion saved the life of the cobra as they were up in arms with sticks and pipes to nab it down.

PART 2

On the 2nd, we moved towards a forest office at a market place in a village named Nalian.

This was an Aila impacted area. I walked through almost the whole area in about three hours. I met some people and talked to them about their problems.

Almost four months after the Cyclone Aila, the villagers were still without any permanent source of freshwater because all their ponds and other freshwater bodies had been inundated by salt water. Neither the government agencies nor national and international NGOs have been able to solve this water problem. But villagers are not sitting idly. They have developed several local methods of collecting rain water.

Although most of them are living in temporary huts built over the embankments that are the highest grounds in the area – with GolPata– a coconut leaf like fronds of Nypa Palm (Nypa fruticans) harvested in large quantity every year from the Sundarban. On all buildings, the rainwater that drops on the corrugated iron sheet or GolPata roofs, are harvested by channelling it to large water pots or Motka. Some houses have dug drains in their compounds to retain rainwater to be used for washing. A small segment of the people received government supplied canned water infrequently.

People living around and moving inside the Sundarbans are almost entirely dependent on the harvested rainwater reserved in large ponds around forest offices, own and community maintained fish ponds and ditches. Aila has devastated all such water reservoirs.

Despite all the negative things, I found a huge bee-hive just above man-height in a private compound teeming with life. The hive was more than a metre in length and nearly 75cm in width. There could be more than 10,000 Apis dorsata bees in the hive! The land owner told me that during the past five months, when the bee colony settled in his compound, he harvested honey thrice. Last time he got four litres of honey from this nest and a good quantity of beeswax. Honey is like a liquid gold for the people living around the Sundarbans as it always has a good market value.

Lone Sodom’s apple (Calotropis gigantea) survives at the side of the embankment that passed through the whole of Nalian. Carpenter bees gathered over it and engrossed into drinking the nectar. We found two types of frogs on the bank of the River Shibsha when Magpie Robin was foraging through the marketplace and Black drongos perched atop damaged electric line swooping on passing dragonflies.

The day was windy and rainy. So, as a group, we did not do much work other than watching the fishing activities of groups catching bony fishes, crabs and collecting shrimp larvae.

Our launch headed for the next forest station–Ada Chai–after mid-day and reached the spot by sundown. On my insistence, some of us were allowed to leave the launch and go to the forest office.

Not unexpectedly, I found a few common toads in the accommodation area of the forest office, as common house geckos were heading towards the solar powered lamps and frogs started croaking from the nearby bush. Most rewarding was the sight of a rare kind of wasp nest in the toilet of the forest office that I always try to visit in anticipation of spider nests, toads, snails and lizards.

At night, I could hear at least two species of Nightjars and three species of owls when a local insect called Kewra puka or Kewra insect swarmed inside our lighted sleeping cubicles and another tiny bug or mite, called Baira puka bit us, for which I had a severe allergic reaction to my body while the rest of my compatriots absorbed its bite without any allergies.

On the third day, some of us opted for the early morning bird watching trip on board the wooden boat. The majority were on the boat before sunrise after having hot tea with biscuits and bananas.

After an hour’s drive through rivulets and canals, we were in the middle of the Sundarbans where we could see human souls but the area was filled with sounds of birds and loud calls of monkeys, crows, pheasant and red jungle fowl. It was so peaceful that we could even hear the sounds of crabs going in or coming out of their muddy holes when mudskippers changed positions while moving over soggy land.

In one area, the banks covered a dwarf palm tree locally called Hental, Mangrove Palm (Phoenix paludosa), dappled with red fruits. Birds like the bulbuls, mynas and orioles were relishing the ripened dates.

A Honey Buzzard, Shikra and a Brahminy Kite flew over our boat as woodpeckers, nuthatches, flowerpeckers and sunbirds crossed the canals time and again. By 9am, we had to return to the launch to finish breakfast and then headed for a visit to the oldest known temple inside the Sundarbans.

As we were to walk through a patch of forest, generally infested with tigers, we were given two forest personnel with automatic weapons the day we started our journey. We took both a speed boat and a country boat so that 20 of us could comfortably sit and gun holders could have a better view of all of us and the passage.

From Ada Chai forest office, we had additional forest personnel to lead us to the temple. We covered over six to seven kilometres before we found the narrow canal that allows for only one boat to pass at a time. The moment our boat entered a few metres inside this canal, we found fresh pug mark of a tiger that just crossed the canal in a hurry hearing our noise. About 200m from the mouth of the canal we anchored the boats and started walking in a tight row with one gunman at the head and one at the rear end. Another tiger crossed the head of the row, just 25m from the temple that is called Shibsha Temple.

It is believed that the temple is 600 years old, built by Hindu Raja of the old 24 Parganas District in the West Bengal State of India. On our way to the temple, we saw lots of potteries and bricks lying around, indicating that there was a small settlement when the temple was built. Till date, people visit the temple during the beginning of the winter season.

The temple is now no more than a ruin, with over-grown climbing figs and lianas. Bricks are small and are cemented with lime and sand.

We could smell the scent of a tiger from within and around the temple. A few insect bats were hanging from the inner roof. There was no other animal in it.

From the canal to the temple, the distance may not be more than 200m but it took us more than 45 minutes to cover this distance because the forest floor was covered with breathing roots or pneumatophore of mangrove plants. The mud was knee deep and that restricted our easy movement. Some have had to leave behind the shoes in knee deep mud and walk barefooted making it more difficult to negotiate the path.

It is said that every year, a few pilgrims and boatmen are killed by tigers living around the temple when they come to perform their puja here. We were lucky as we produced a lot of noise to scare the tigers away. We returned to the launch right at lunch time but I went back to the Ada Chai office to watch birds and I was rewarded. I saw a flock of bird busy gathering a loose party of mixed species of insects as its food.

By late afternoon, our team leader decided to move towards the next forest station at Pat Costa, along the Hangsha Raj rivulet–a segment of the main river Shibsha.

When cruising through the main Shibsha, both banks were virtually covered with 15m high Kewra trees like two green walls. As it was high tide, we could see just a handful of spotted deers grazing on the flat river bank and rhesus macaques also picked freshly sprouted grass blades there. A few common or barn swallow followed our launch and hawked for insects from the water surface. This is a passage for migrants heading towards the south.

Little before sunset, we reached Pat Costa. Our leader Khashru went to the forest office as we took the country boat headed for birdwatching. One of my compatriots, an ardent birdwatcher, photographer and dentist by profession, is Ronald Halder. He could imitate a few bird calls. He did manage to entice a very secretive but vocal Mangrove Pitta that is restricted to the Sundarban mangrove forest. By replying to Halder’s call, the pitta almost came towards the lighted side of a tree when one junior colleague coughed and the pitta disappeared immediately. However, we saw a few woodpeckers, canopy and shore-dwellers.

On return to Pat Costa, we found Khashru had purchased crabs from the crab fishers. I went down to the office looking for toads and frogs. Here I found several species of toads and frogs which I had not seen before. Few large Tokay geckos also came out of hiding from under the building and stood on long stilts. We made a journey break here.

The morning of the fourth day was very damp and rainy. We tried to move to the area most devastated by Aila, at Aangti Hara (meaning lost ring). We reached this small village with police and coastguards before mid-day. We walked through the village and met local people and officials and took a stock of their situation.

Here also, the main problem is the lack of freshwater. Like others they are mostly dependent on rain water and their temporary shelters are all on the embankments because the villages remained submerged in the cyclone water. Fortunately, there is still a deep tubewell working that is pumping freshwater used solely for drinking.

After lunch we started our return towards the divisional head quarter in Khulna from where we had started our launch journey in the first place. By nightfall, we reached Khulna and boarded a 10:30pm Dhaka bound air-conditioned bus for an eight-hour journey that will include a two to three hour wait for a ferry to cross the river Padma.

At dawn, we reached the capital to see that the city received more rain than the Sundarbans had and many of us could not leave the bus because no public transport - rickshaws, taxis or three-wheelers - were plying the roads - the majority of which got submerged due to torrential rain. To reach my house, I had to wade through waist-deep, rapidly flowing water.

We wished we had spent more time in the Sundarbans but returned to the capital in fear of excessive rain that had been forecasted there.

[Dr Reza Khan, head of the Dubai Zoo, appreciates the rich diversity of Bangladesh’s finest treasure]

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