World's most amazing places

World's most amazing places: Teknaf Upazila

noreply@blogger.com (Simonbrown) — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 17:52:00 +0000

World's most amazing places: Teknaf Upazila: "Teknaf (Bengali: টেকনাফ Ṭeknaf) is an Upazila of Cox's Bazar District in the Division of Chittagong, Bangladesh. It forms the southernmost p..."

World's most amazing places: Teknaf Upazila

noreply@blogger.com (Simonbrown) — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 17:51:00 +0000

Teknaf Upazila

noreply@blogger.com (Simonbrown) — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 17:47:00 +0000

Teknaf (Bengali: টেকনাফ Ṭeknaf) is an Upazila of Cox's Bazar District in the Division of Chittagong, Bangladesh. It forms the southernmost point in mainland Bangladesh (St. Martin's Island is the southernmost point). The name of the region comes from the Naf River which forms the Eastern boundary of the upazila.

Teknaf Island

Geography

Teknaf is located at 20.8667°N 92.3000°E . It has 23675 units of house hold and total area 388.68 km².

Demographics

As of the 1991 Bangladesh census, Teknaf has a population of 152557. Males constitute are 51.81% of the population, and females 48.19%. This Upazila's eighteen up population is 64417. Teknaf has an average literacy rate of 16.6% (7+ years), and the national average of 32.4% literate

Teknaf Island

Attractions
Teknaf is the most southern or south-eastern coastal subdistrict under the Cox's Bazar district of Bangladesh. This is the only place Bangladesh which is connected with Myanmar (former Burma) by a small river called Naf River of Bangladesh. Because of its geographical location this subdistrict has developed as most interesting place for the foreign and local tourists. Because of tropical weather of Bangladesh most tourists usually go to visit this place during winter or in between winter and autumn (October to March). It is about 100 km far away from Cox's Bazar and well connected with various kinds of luxurious bus services.Nilla is one of the best union of teknaf.AL FALAH ACADEMY is the best institution of teknaf. A virtual travel guide to Bangladesh. This page aims to give you a broad overview of Bangladesh's art, culture, people, environment, geography, history, economy and government.
Beside a country profile with facts and figures, the page contains links to sources which provide you with all the information you need to know about this Asian nation, e.g.: official web sites of Bangladesh, addresses of Bangladeshi and foreign embassies, domestic airlines, city- and country guides with extensive travel and tourism information on accommodation, tourist attractions, events and more like weather information, maps, statistics and local newspapers from Bangladesh. By road, it is 84 km from Coxs Bazaar. Southernmost tip of Bangladesh, Teknaf situated on the Naaf river and just at the end of the hilly regions of the district. You can come to Teknaf from Coxs bazaar by an exotic jeep drive beside the Seashore or you can go there by bus or Microbus by road. Mayanmar is on the opposite bank of Naaf river. Wild animals and birds are available but the most interesting thing is a journey on the river. Wide sandy beach in the backdrop of high hills with green forests is an enchanting scene never to be forgotten. You can enjoy shopping in the local market called Burmese Market where you will find all the Burmese & tribal hand made materials. Do not forget to see the Well of Ma-Thin – which tells a sad story of love. One of the major attractions of Teknaf is a cruise by boat or sampan. The town and its surrounding areas provide visitors an opportunity to see the people and culture of the Arakan and Rakhain communities. Teknaf beach is an attractive tourist spot. Besides, there is another beautiful beach at shahpari dwip Shahpari Island at the farthest end of this upazila. The side of river Naf and the Bay of Bengal situate Teknaf Town, which is the southernmost tip of Bangladesh. It’s a real natural beauty of hills, forest & Naf River. Lots of Salt fields are there by the side of River Naf. There are natural waterfalls in Teknaf, which increases the beauty of nature. You can come to Teknaf from Cox’s bazaar by an exotic jeep drive besides the Seashore or you can go there by bus or Microbus by road. By road journey, it is 84 km from Cox’s Bazaar. You can enjoy shopping in the local market called Burmese Market where you will find all the Burmese & tribal hand made materials. Do not forget to see the Well of Ma-Thin – which tells a sad story of love. Myanmar is on the opposite bank of Naf River. Wild animals and birds are available but the most interesting thing is a journey on the river. Wide sandy beach in the backdrop of high hills with green forests is an enchanting scene never to be forgotten.

Teknaf Island

World's most amazing places: Ahsan Manzil

noreply@blogger.com (Simonbrown) — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 15:14:00 +0000

World's most amazing places: Ahsan Manzil: "Ahsan-Manzil Ahsan Manzil (Bengali: আহসান মঞ্জিল) was the official residential palace and seat of the Dhaka Nawab Family. This magnific..."

Ahsan Manzil

noreply@blogger.com (Simonbrown) — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 15:09:00 +0000

Ahsan-Manzil

Ahsan Manzil

(Bengali: আহসান মঞ্জিল) was the official residential palace and seat of the Dhaka Nawab Family. This magnificent building is situated at Kumartoli along the banks of the Buriganga River in Bangladesh. The construction of this palace was started in the year 1859 and was completed in 1869. It is constructed in the Indo-Saracenic Revival architecture. To preserve the cultural and history of the area, the palace became the Bangladesh National Museum on 20 September 1992.

History

Ahsan-Manzil

Ahsan Manzil, Bangladesh National Museum, Dhaka, Bangladesh|Ahsan Manzil, Bangladesh National Museum, Dhaka, Bangladesh. During the Mughal Period, Sheikh Enayetullah’s the illustrious landlord of Jalapur Garden House was situated here. In about the year 1740, his son Sheikh Motiullah, sold the Graden House to the French traders who used it as their business center. Khwaja Alimullah, the father of Nawab Adul Ghani, purchased that French trading center building in 1830 and renovated it into his residence. Nawab Abdul Ghani built an enormous palace on the eastern side of the kuthi and named it Ahsan Manzil after his son, Khwaja Ahsanullah Nawab Khwaja Ahsanullah.

Ahsan-Manzil

Description and Construction

Ahsan Manzil is one of the most significant architectural monuments of Bangladesh. The building structure was established on a raised platform of 1 meter, the two-storied palace measures 125.4m by 28.75m. The height of the ground floor is 5 meters and the height of the first floor 5.8 meters. The thickness of the walls of the palace is about 0.78 meters. There are porticos of 5 meters height on the northern and southern sides of the palace. The building has a broad front-facing the Buriganga River. On the river side, an open spacious stairway leads right up to the second portal and on their stands the grand triple- arched portals. There was once a fountain in the garden in front of the stairs which does not exist today. All along the north and the south side of the building run spacious verandahs with an open terrace projected in the middle.

Ahsan-Manzil

The palace Ahsan Manzil is divided into two parts: the eastern side and western side. The eastern building with the dome is called the Rangmahal and the western side with the living rooms is called Andarmahal. The high octagonal dome is placed on the central round room. There is a large drawing room, card room, library, state room and two other guest rooms are located on the east side of the palace. The ballroom, the Hindustani room and few residential rooms are situated on the western side. A beautiful vaulted artificial ceiling, made of wood, decorates the drawing room and the Jalsaghar.

Ahsan-Manzil

A splendid dining hall and few smaller rooms are placed on the west part. The floors of the dining and darbar halls are decorated with white, green and yellow colored ceramic tiles. The famous store room, where the valuables of the nawabs used to be stored, was in the middle of the five rooms located in the western half of the ground floor. Along with those rooms a Darbar Hall or assembly hall and a chest room is also place there.

There are attractive wooden stairs in the room that is attached to the north of the domed room. The balusters were ornamented with vine leaves made of iron along the railing of the stairs. The wooden ceiling of the room, decorated with geometric designs, is very elegant. The verandas and rooms are covered with marble. The doorways are placed within semicircular arches. The inner doors had multi-colored glasses. Wooden beams supported the roof of these rooms. The architecture and the decoration is one of a kind in whole Bangladesh.

Ahsan-Manzil

The construction of the famous dome of the Ahsan Mazil, which is at the center of the palace, took a lot tedious planning. The square room on the ground floor was built with a round shape and brickworks were done around the corners. To give the room an octagonal shape, squinches were given around the roof corners. The eight corners of the octagon was slanted gradually to make the dome look like the bud of a lotus ( kumud kali). The peak of this dome is 27.13 m above the ground. Ahsan Manzil was severely damaged during the tornado that occurred on 7th April 1888.the western block of Andermahal was completely demolished and later it was entirely rebuilt. The present day dome, which is situated on the top, was built during the time of reconstruction.

Ahsan-Manzil

This place was also damaged during the earthquake of 1897 but Nawab Khwaja Ahsanullah repaired the whole place again.

World's most amazing places: Pabna District

noreply@blogger.com (Simonbrown) — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 14:47:00 +0000

World's most amazing places: Pabna District: "Indian restaurant Pabna District (Paabna Jela) is a district in north-western Bangladesh. It is the southern most district of Rajshahi Di..."

Pabna District

noreply@blogger.com (Simonbrown) — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 14:36:00 +0000

Indian restaurant

Pabna District (Paabna Jela) is a district in north-western Bangladesh. It is the southern most district of Rajshahi Division. Its administrative capital is eponymous Pabna town.

Geography
Pabna forms the south-east boundary of Rajshahi Division. Sirajganj District is on the north-east, while the Padma River, main stream of the holy river Ganges, in the south separates it from Rajbari District and Kushtia District. The Jamuna River runs along its eastern border separating it from Manikgonj District; and on the north-west it has a common boundary with the Natore District. Average maximum temperature 33.9°C, minimum 9.6°C; annual rainfall 1872 mm. Characteristically the soil of the district is divided into four, viz flood plains of the Ganges, Karatoya, Jamuna and Barind Tract. Main rivers are Ganges, Ichamati, Gumani, Baral and Hurasagar.

Dhrjoy Pabna 1971 WAR MEMORIAL PABNA

Pabna land

TARAS VHOBAN HOUSE OF RAI BAHADUR

Pouroshoba

RAI BAHADUR GATE ( A HAMID ROAD)

Jamuna River

Rivers
The district is intersected by rivers of varying magnitude. But in fact, the river system is constituted by the Padma and the Jamuna with their interlacing offshoots and tribataties. Besides these flowing streams, the interior is visited by the abandoned beds of old rivers, most of which are dry except in the rains. The general trend of the drainage of the Serajganj subdivision is from north-west to south-east, the rivers entering it from the north-west flow into the Jamuna after a tortuous course. In the Sadar subdivision, however, the general slope of the country is from west to east, and the main rivers fall into Hurasagar, an offshoot of the Jamuna.

River

JOR BANGLA

History

Archeologist Cunningham conjectured that the name Pabna might be derived from Pundra or Poondrobordhon civilization, whose capital was Mahasthangarh, the oldest city of Bangladesh, in neighbouring Bogra. But this hypothesis has not received general acceptance among scholars.

In 1859-61 the district was one of the major areas involved in the Indigo revolt. Beginning in Yusufshahi period in 1873 the serfs resisted excessive demands of incresead rents by feudal lords (zamindar), led by the nouveau riches Banerjees and Dwijendranath Tagore, by forming an Agrarian League. This largely peaceful movement found the support of the Lieutenant-Governor of Bengal George Campbell (1824–1892), who antagonised the absentee feudal lords. These protests are generally referred to as Pabna disturbances. In the following year the district was one of the worst hit by famine. The peasant's demands were finally partially met with the Rent Law Act of 1885.

Untitled

JOR BANGLA

ANUKULCHANDRA THAKUR ASHRAM

JOR BANGLA

In 1875, Raaygonj was transferred back to Pabna from Bogra, and in 1879, a separate judgeship for the districts of Pabna and Bogra was created.

World's most amazing places: Kuakata

noreply@blogger.com (Simonbrown) — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 05:19:00 +0000

World's most amazing places: Kuakata: "Kua Kata Kua Kata Kua Kata Kua Kata Kua Kata Kua Kata Kua Kata Kua Kata Kua Kata Kuakata is a beautiful place of ..."

Kuakata

noreply@blogger.com (Simonbrown) — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 05:18:00 +0000

Kua Kata

Kuakata is a beautiful place of the southern part of Bangladesh which is sometimes called as æthe daughter of the Sea”. This 30 kilometers long beach is situated at Lotachapli union of Kalapara thana, which is in Patuakhali district of Barisal division. Kuakata is 70 kilometers away from Patuakhali Sadar and 320 kilometers away from Dhaka city. From history it is known that when Arakan, the house land of Rakhain at Mayanmer was in added and conquered by Barmerse king, the Rakhain people got into several big boats and started a journey to nowhere though the sea. Eventually their boats stopped at an island which happened to be Rangabali Island of Patuakhali district. They got out of the boats and started living there. Some of them entered the forest in search of food, cut down trees and cleared some areas. This area in the forest they called ‘Kanshai’ meaning Vagyekul in Bengali. Because they came there by crossing the sea. At first living was difficult for safety water. So they dug a well for drinking water. This ‘digging well’ eventually gave the place a name ‘Kua-Kata’. Near this well they set up a temple and established a statue of Buddha weighing 350 kg (approx) in it which was created with the mixture of eight minerals. For building the temple they followed the architectural patterns of Indochina. Therefore are can think that this is a temple from Thailand, Laos or Myanmar. The scaffold of the stature is three and half feet high and the height of the statue of Buddha 83 years ago when the community celebrated 25 hundred years of Buddhism. At the time Dayak (director) of the temple was Bachin Talukder, Being the charismatic leaders of the Rakhain community he expired in 1999. After his death his son Aug Summing took the responsibility. Beside the temple Shree Mougal Buddhist Biheer has been built following the architectural pattern of Indo China. Sitting hare Buddhist Vikkhurs preached sermons. Now a days nobody drinks the water of the well. It has been neglected for years. Only recently with the financial to assistance of Bangladesh Government the well, its surrounding areas and the temples are being renovated so that tourist can enjoy the site with convenience. It is beyond the power of anybody to describe the natural beauty of Kua-Kata Sea beach. Only you will have to enjoy it with your own eyes. At Sun rising, it seems a great bell of five rises from the sea to the sky and at Sun set slowly sinks the sun gently into the sea, only to return for the next day. As if the Sea in the home of the Sun. The beauty of the beach is enriched in full moon. It seems that the big waves are ready to embrace you in the moon light. When the moon Light is absent the waves sparkle in the darkness for the presence of phosphorus.Winter the sea remains calm and quiet during the winter. Medium size waves are found only during high tide, full moon or moonless night. The weather is very warm and cozy. The fishermen go deep into the Sea for fishing. The water of the Sea is excessively safety.
High-tide During high tide the Sea is full with water. There are great waves to form Surf and foam new the shore. This is great enjoyment to play with there waves at bathing time. The waves will bring you on to the send this moment and the next moment it will move you on to the Sea. Therefore you will have to be careful, although accident is very very rare. The beauty of the Sea is enhanced by several times during high- tide. Low-tide During low-tide the Sea becomes life less. It looks as if dried up. At the beginning of the high-tide water increases rapidly. So if you stay in the water at this time, you will have to be more careful. During low-tide you can find snails and oysters on the sound, collecting them is good fun.
Morning The main attraction of the morning is Sun rising. The sight is simply overwhelming. You can walk in the beach for fresh pure air. The activities of the fishermen can also be sea.
Noon The main pastime is bathing and dancing with the waves at the Sea shore. Football, Cricket & Volleyball can be played on the sends for fun.
After-noon The sun setting is simply charming. When the sun dives into the Sea, the whole water turns to red. Seeing the scenery the minds of the tourists are filled with joy. Night at night you can enjoy the sound of the surf breathing. It seems that this sound will continue on and on for endless time. If it is full moon your joy will know no bound. One can spend the night talking to the moon, waves and the sea. As the night journeys deeper, your intimacy with the sea will be manifold. You will feel poetic or romantic.
Catching Hilsha hilsha is the national fish of Bangladesh. During rainy season Hilsha visits rivers from the sea. Fishermen go to the sea to catch Hilsha. Rainy season is high time for Hilsha catch.Traveling Fatra forest forest is near Kua-Kata. This is extended part of the Sundarbans. You will have to go there by traveler. From the sea you will have to enter a branch river. Although Sundari is the main tree there are other sorts of trees found in Sundarbans. In Fatra forest you can come across, animals like monkey, jackals, Bagdas (One type of small tiger) etc. visiting Fatra forest by traler is a life-time experience. You can come across big waves like 30 feet in highest and it is thrilling how the boatmen pass though or avoid these waves. Government took initiative to create an eco-park here. There are lakes, concert benches, toilet facilities and brick built lames through the forest. There are few stalls a going way for safe placement of the boats, Cooling arrangement for picnic parties etc. A picnic party has to pay a sum of Tk. 1000/- (max.) to the forest department and they have to arrange their own boats in order to visit Fatra forest. Jhau forest has been created by Government initiative. The sight is beautiful. Tourists come here for recreation. Early in the morning the sun-rising can be viewed from the sun rising can be viewed from this corner. Gangamati is situated to the east of Jhau forest. While going there you will see beautiful patcher of forests, bushi or isolated big trees, sands etc. Gangamoti is a forest where you will see different sorts of birds. So tourist your excursion can be incomplete you don’t pay a visit to Gangamoti. The best sight of sun rising can be visible from Kauar Char area of Gangamoti which is in the east of Kuakata beach. You will have to be present there by 5’o clock in the morning. You won’t be alone there. There will be other tourists. Besides local people will be co-operative. Ten to fifteen minutes before sun rising the base of the sea turns reddish. Then gradually this reddishness will be firry and eventually the Sun comes out of it. This sight is beyond description. You will have to be lucky enough to see it with yours own eyes. Sun-setting If you want to enjoy the sun setting better, you will have to be present in the village of the dired fish. It takes ten to twenty minutes for setting when the sun disappears deep into the sea.

Kua Kata

World's most amazing places: Khagrachhori

noreply@blogger.com (Simonbrown) — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 04:48:00 +0000

World's most amazing places: Khagrachhori: "Khagrachhori is not that much developed like other two hilly areas(Bandarban and Rangamati). This district is not that much popular to the t..."

Khagrachhori

noreply@blogger.com (Simonbrown) — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 04:44:00 +0000

Khagrachhori is not that much developed like other two hilly areas(Bandarban and Rangamati). This district is not that much popular to the travelers. This district has a beautiful waterfall Resung, has a cave for the tourist. Also has some other tourist spots. But still this district failed to attract tourist. If you plan to visit this district, I'll suggest you to visit during rainy season, or after the rainy season. During winter, you'll only find the dry, and hills won't be that much green like rainy. I have uploaded few natural beauties those were captured from several parts of Khagrachhori. I have stayed for 3 days at Khagrachhori, 31st July, 1st and 2nd August of 2011
It was the second day. I could have out from my hotel before 7 at morning. But after having some dilly-dally finally I have came outside after 9. To visit Debotar pukur, its already late. Cause you have to reach there before 9 at morning. But anyway, I have started my expedition.
There is only one bus providing the service at that route. Khagrachhori-Rangamati bus service. But this one is available only one per hour. So I had to take service from "Chander Gari" this time. This will drop me at "Mais Chhori" bazar, and it cost 15 taka for each person. I had a small chat will local people during the ride. They were suggesting me, I was already late, and its around 7 kilometer apart from the "Mais Chhori" bazar. 4 kilometer is road(but no public service avilable), and other 3 kilometer(walking) is upwards mountain ride. So they suggested me to hire a motor bike for the 4 kilometer(instead of walking). it will recover some time loss. for that 4 kilometer, and then will guide us up to the lake, and return back with us. That means a bike rider as well as a guide. That guy was a bit rookie. Twice his bike slipped at the risky path. Also he was having problem while the bike was riding upwards. The road was slippy, cause the water from the hills were passing over the roads, and it made it slippy.

By the way, the road was made from only brick. We had to garage the bike at a village, and after that the journey for another 3 kilometers just started. The lake is at 700 feet above from the sea level. And it will take your full energy to reach at the peak. You'll find a stream, that was created from the water of the lake during your walking path. The last part of the path is really hard. Its a direct upwards path, and at a time you'll feel like this path will never end. Prudent suggest to take a break for each 25/30 steps. But I wasn't aware about that suggestion. So It was very hard for me. After a hard hiking, finally I have reached at the top, where the lake is situated. I have rested there for around 15/20 minutes before another move. The lake is not that much beautiful. But, as I did a hard work to reach there, it forced to made the lake beautiful. You can have some time to explore the hills around the lake. The place is really beautiful. During the Summer, lots of people used to visit this place. This is kind of pilgrimage area for the tribal people. For example this lake is holy for the Tripura people. At the Aultila Hill, there is a cave created naturally from the stream of water. This is around 100 meter long, and very adventurous. If you are courageous and adventure lover, then this is a perfect spot to vanquish. There is no risk, nothing to worry, but hundreds of people used to return back without exploring the cave, just for lake of braveness. There is no extra ticket for the cave. The15 taka is the entry fee to enter the Alutila Hill. If you want to explore the cave, then you can buy a torch made from local materials for 15 taka. I had torch light with me, so I didn't require to buy that one. It was around 14 or 15 at afternoon, and there was no one near the cave. I meant the tourist When I was about to enter the cave, I found a group of three people(one female), returning back without entering the cave. They felt nervous, and found themselves lack of braveness. They are not interested to enter that cave for anything. It was kind of scary for them. Before leaving the place, they have handed over the torches to me, and wished me best of luck. Finally, and slowly I have entered inside the cave, I had a torch at my one hand, and shoes at my other hand. Usually it requires around 5-7 minutes to pass the cave. But I used around 40 minutes to reached at the other part. I have explored the cave slowly, observed the structures inside, and picked hundreds of pictures from inside. Most interesting part was the cold water that was flowing at bottom, over my feet. For the flash of my torch light, It appeared that a flow of golden water under the cave. Marvelous experience. For your information, I have explored the "Mowsmai Cave" from India, which was longer, and adventurous than this one. "Khagrachhori Krishi Institute"(Agricultural institute) is located beside the Khagrachhori-Dighinala highway. It will take you around 30 minutes to reach the place using a auto rickshaw that driven by battery. You'll find plenty of materials related with agriculture. Actually, if you are tree lover, and you love two enjoy your day with various kinds of trees, then its a place for you. Its built using a huge area, and there are numerous kinds of fruits trees. The main think you'll love, all of the trees are identified at a sign board. So it will help you to know more trees. I have visited that place at the eleventh hour. I had only 2 hours at my hand before the last bus will left from the town for Dhaka. So I had visited the place hastily. Just walked around for few minutes, snapped few trees and other stuffs. I think I didn't able to cover 1% from the whole institute. By the way, this is a wonderful place for add at afternoon. When I was returning back from "Naniar Chor", I found some tribal guys are playing themselves beside the road. Its looks like a bazar, where they have found small place to play "Kabadi", a national game of Bangladesh. Actually my bike rider Udina found this, and asked me whether I was interested to watch this or not. Since it just had a heavy rain, the court of the playground was totally murky. Every single player of the game was covered with mud fluid. I found tons of enthusiasm inside them. Wish I could join with them for a moment! It was around 3 at afternoon, and I was at Mohalchhori Bazaar of Khagrachhori. I was in a hesitation about visiting the "Mohalchhori Lake" or not. Its around 1 hour bike distance from the bazaar. The only problem is, there is only one last bust waiting at the stand. Also there will be no bus to return back from that spot. The lake is situated at "Mohalchhori Dak Banglow".

After one hour, I have reached at the Mohalchhori lake. If you wish, you can stay at that Banglow at night. The lake is actually a part of Kaptai Lake. Some portion of Kaptai also felt at the border point of Khagrachhori-Rangamati. When I have reached at the bank of the lake, where the river chengi and the lake joined together, it was my bad luck or good luck I don't know, a heavy rain just started after that, sustained for around an hour. Finding on other alternative, I had to stay under a tin shaded club house until the rain disappear. I know I can visit the lake again, but that time rain may not come as a fortune. So overall I'm happy. Actually I had a plan to cross the lake with a boat to reach the "Nanniar Chor" to explore more, and also to have some boat ride over the river. The rain just forbid me to do so. If you visit the place, I'll suggest you to go there before 12, and the after enjoying the place, just return back before sunset. How I have returned back from there, i have narrated at my another post. It was the first day and today I have visited the places which were the main attractions for my tour. Most cases I used to visit these types of places at the very first day. So, I was damn tired today. I didn't have any dinner, only had a heavy breakfast. So need to eat something.

I was aware about the "New Zealand Cafe" at "New Zealand Para" of the town. I have read about the cafe from an article at a leading Daily Newspaper from Bangladesh. Also I had the paper cutting with me. So decided to taste the cafe, and the places which are at the proximity. Its not far from the main town. Just around 15-20 taka rickshaw fare from bus terminal. The place is really beautiful. One side is a mountain, and other side is a paddy field. That means a flatland, and a mountain are at juxtapose. I have never seen such beauty at my life. The naming of the place as New Zealand is interesting. One day a guy felt like the air of this place seems like Newzealand. From there it picked that name. But interestingly that guy have never vissted that country. He just watched a cricket match at TV, and the game was playing at a windy day. So he thought that air and the air at TV are same. Funny anyway. I'm not telling you that the taste of the food is really awesome. But under the natural beauty, and the decoration will let you forget that lagging. The decoration of the restaurant is simple. Few benches under the open air. Few benches under the shades made from straws. Very very simple decoration, but the beauty is really bewitching. Also there is a kid zone which is really simple, but excellent.They used to serve food quickly, and while taking your foods, you can enjoy the beauty. I have seen the local farmers were planting the paddy at the fields at my time. You can find they are harvesting at your time. After having the food, take a small walk at the wide meandered path that went through the paddy fields. If you want to visit the place, better go at afternoon, otherwise you'll miss the beauty. Also during afternoon, not only Bengali people, but also the tribal people used to have a gossip at that place. By the way, price of the foods are as usual.

They are not taking any high price from you. Also being a traveler/tourist, you can have some discount, if they like you. Just returned from Matiranga of Khagrachhori, and its still around 2 hours to ride on the bus for Dhaka. How to utilize the time? I have just started to reading my handout and found "Khagrachhori Stadium" can be next place for visit. Will take at max 10 minutes to explore the stadium. Asked an auto rickshaw that used to run by Battery to take me at Khagrachhori Stadium. Within 10 minutes I have reached that place from the bus terminal. You'll find 4/5 polices are there to guard the stadium. But they will not forbid you to enter inside the stadium. Just tell them you are form Dhaka, and you are a tourist. That's it. My last two days were too much cloudy, and with light rain. But today, it was really a bright, sunny, and hot day. If you watch the photos, you'll find it easily. From my observation, this stadium is not using for playing any game right now. The grasses of the ground are too large, and its hard to walk in fact. This stadium has a historical aspect. During the peace contract with the tribal, they have surrendered their arms at this stadium. That's why actually I have visited this historical place. Usually I don't used to make a tour at Monday, unless its government holiday. But I had to statill Monday at Khagrachhari. Cause after 2:30 there is no bus available for Dhaka. If I wanted to return back at Sunday, my tour would be a 1 and half day. Which is not sufficient to cover the most prominent tourist attractions of the district. Now coming to the main point. Since the bus is at 2:30 at afternoon, I had some time to explore the district for more. I have decided to visit a 400 years of old Banyan tree which is located at "Matiranga Upazila" of Khagrachari. This is a mammoth tree, and according to some prudent, its one of the largest banyan tree from Bangladesh. Local people used to call this as "Parjatan Bot Gachh", Some people used to call this as "Alutila Bot Gachh". The main one of the tree is itself a big one. But you can easily see there are several small trees which are connected with the main one. Actually those are created from the main one, a branch. The whole banyan tree is really awesome, local people are having fresh air under the tree. Also from there, you can observe the cloudy hills of Khagrachhori. There is a school just beside the tree. The name of the school is "Alutila Bot-toli Junior High School". That school name will also help you to locate the tree. This small river has the main water source is a lake named "Debotar Pukur", which is located at "Nunchhori" of Khagrachhori, and having an elevation of 700 ft from sea level. It is must, you have to pass the so called river if you wish to visit that lake.

The photos with this article are taken from "Rojopara" area, and they used to call this stuff as "Rojopara"(not a river). From my observation, the average depth of the river is around 1 ft, or may be less. It has a constant flow throughout the year, and only God knows how the lake used to produce this amount of water every day. Local people used to drink the water from here, and also they used it for their daily needs. Its very hard to find any tube well around here due to the rocks and stones under the soil. During my tour at Khagrachhori, I have seen the river Chengi each and every days. No mater where you are going, the river is following you. A noticeably small river, having very shallow in depth, one can pass the river by walking easily, regardless the season. Though the river is very narrow and shallow, but the current of the river is very strong. If you simply drop a straw or any other crumb into the water, you can easily find how fast that stuffs are floating.This river is not that much beautiful or eye pleasing due to the muddy water. Also the river used to carry lots of dry leafs from trees and grasses. But the main attraction is, how it is flowing through the mountains. If you observe the river from the top of any hill(specially "Alu Tila"), it will appear you as a giant snake from far side. So many turns and twists. I didn't find any option to enjoy a boat riding over the river. At old ages, people used to run their boats over the river for fast communication. But now a days, they are using highways. But still you can try, some local people may have some boats for their personal purpose. While returning from the "Naniarchor" to "Khagrachhori" town, i had no option but to hire a motor bike. After 4:45 at local time, there is no public bus transport is available at Khagrachhori. Only motor bikes are available. I have hired "Udina Marma", a tribal bike rider. That dude was crazy. He was operating his bike over the slippy curvy roads like a hell. It just had a heavy rain, and the roads are almost deadly. I was always worrying about an accident, and when I'll open my eyes, I might be at a infirmary. But the ride was thrilling. The narrow road was meandered through the green, and sometimes going upwards, and sometimes going downwards. But trust me, I won't do this again, unless no option once again. Once again, another weekend, another day. I'll write about "Alutila" at my next post. But I just want to show you what we have, and what other country has. But the utilization is different and so the output. I had a chance to visit the Shilong og India few years back. There is a tourist spot called "Shilong View point". From there you can view the whole Shilong town. The main reason for visiting the place is to watch the whole city from a single point. Otherwise the place is ordinary. From Alutila Hill you can easily observe the whole Khagrachhori town. Also you will be able to see the river "Chengi" that meandered through the town from here. Our authority can easily announce this as "Khagrachhori View Point" to attract more tourist like Shilong. I have watched most of the people just walk around the Alutila hill and then leave. None of them was interested to enjoy this beauty, they don't know about it.Our country is profound with natural beauties and we can utilize this resourcesthe top, it’s just sliding over the rocks.

World's most amazing places: Gate Foys_Lake Foys_Lake Foys_Lake Foys_Lake Foys_...

noreply@blogger.com (Simonbrown) — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 18:38:00 +0000

World's most amazing places: Gate Foys_Lake Foys_Lake Foys_Lake Foys_Lake Foys_...: "Gate Foys_Lake Foys_Lake Foys_Lake Foys_Lake Foys_Lake Foys_Lake Foys_Lake A lake is a body of relatively still fresh o..."

noreply@blogger.com (Simonbrown) — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 18:37:00 +0000

Gate Foys_Lake

Foys_Lake

A lake is a body of relatively still fresh or salt water of considerable size, localized in a basin, not to be confused with a lagoon, that is surrounded by land. Lakes are inland and not part of the ocean, and are larger and deeper than ponds. Lakes can be contrasted with rivers or streams, which are usually flowing. However most lakes are fed and drained by rivers and streams. Natural lakes are generally found in mountainous areas, rift zones, and areas with ongoing glaciation. Other lakes are found in endorheic basins or along the courses of mature rivers. In some parts of the world there are many lakes because of chaotic drainage patterns left over from the last Ice Age. All lakes are temporary over geologic time scales, as they will slowly fill in with sediments or spill out of the basin containing them. Many lakes are artificial and are constructed for industrial or agricultural use, for hydro-electric power generation or domestic water supply, or for aesthetic or recreational purposes.

Foy's lake is situated at Chittagong. It was created at 1924. I have heard about its beauty from my friends. But believe me, I didn't find any beauty there. May be it was hot summer, and all the leaves of the trees are dried. Also the water level of the lake also gone down.
Another stupid thing is, you have to spend 150 taka to enter the lake area. I simply didn't understand what kind of nonsense it is. I'm viewing a lake, and its cost 150 taka? I think i'm a foreigner. From my travel experience I have never found such a high rated entry fees for any tourist place.Anyway, after a great disappointment from the poor beauty(crumb, wastes are visible all over the places) of the Foy's lake, we moved towards the "Sea World", which cost 200 taka each person. There can enjoy many rides of water. There is a virtual sea, but the water was too dirty. People are leaving tissue papers, and other stuffs inside the water. I think the authority doesn't bother to replace the water of this place. Also, from my 2 hours stay at there, I found the virtual sea was open for only 40 minutes. I meant the wave. May the the guys were saving electric power. Also, I found most of the rides are not open yet(though it was 2:00 at afternoon). Since I like water, and I was jumping inside the sea world, It was a bit fun for me. But from my experience, this place shouldn't be listed at your travel book. You can take your family to enjoy the weekend at there. Not for travel. Its just a place like Nandan or Fantasy Kingdom or our Dhaka.

Valley dammed reservoir
A dam constructed in a valley relies on the natural topography to provide most of the basin of the reservoir. Dams are typically located at a narrow part of a valley downstream of a natural basin. The valley sides act as natural walls with the dam located at the narrowest practical point to provide strength and the lowest practical cost of construction. In many reservoir construction projects people have to be moved and re-housed, historical artifacts moved or rare environments relocated. Examples include the temples of Abu Simbel ( which were moved before the construction of the Aswan Dam to create Lake Nasser from the Nile in Egypt ) and the re-location of the village of Capel Celyn during the construction of Llyn Celyn. Construction of a reservoir in a valley will usually necessitate the diversion of the river during part of the build often through a temporary tunnel or by-pass channel. In hilly regions reservoirs are often constructed by enlarging existing lakes. Sometimes in such reservoirs the new top water level exceeds the watershed height on one or more of the feeder streams such as at Llyn Clywedog in Mid Wales. In such cases additional side dams are required to contain the reservoir. Where the topography is poorly suited to a single large reservoir, a number of smaller reservoirs may be constructed in a chain such as in the River Taff valley where the three reservoirs Llwyn-on Reservoir, Cantref Reservoir and Beacons Reservoir form a chain up the valleyBank-side reservoir. Where water is taken from a river of variable quality or quantity, bank-side reservoirs may be constructed to store the water pumped or siphoned from the river. Such reservoirs are usually built partly by excavation and partly by the construction of a complete encircling bund or embankment which may exceed 6 km in circumference. Both the floor of the reservoir and the bund must have an impermeable lining or core, often made of puddled clay. The water stored in such reservoirs may have a residence time of several months during which time normal biological processes are able to substantially reduce many contaminants and almost eliminate any turbidity. The use of bank-side reservoirs also allows a water abstraction to be closed down for extended period at times when the river is unacceptably polluted or when flow conditions are very low due to drought. The London water supply system is one example of the use of bank-side storage for all the water taken from the River Thames

World's most amazing places: History of Rangpur District Tajhat Rajbari_Rangpur...

noreply@blogger.com (Simonbrown) — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 17:45:00 +0000

World's most amazing places: History of Rangpur District Tajhat Rajbari_Rangpur...: "History of Rangpur District Tajhat Rajbari_Rangpur Tajhat Rajbari_Rangpur Rangpur was conquered by the army of Raja Man Singh, a com..."

noreply@blogger.com (Simonbrown) — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 17:40:00 +0000

History of Rangpur District

Tajhat Rajbari_Rangpur

Rangpur was conquered by the army of Raja Man Singh, a commander of the Mughal emperor, Akbar, in 1575, but it was only until 1686 that it was fully integrated into the Mughal Empire. Names of places like Mughalbasa (literal meaning being a locality of the Mughals), and Mughalhat (literal meaning a “local market” organized by the Mughals) bear testimony to the Mughal Association and past of Rangpur and its hinterland. Later on, Rangpur passed under the control of “Sarker” of Ghoraghat. During the period of the British East India Company, the Sannyasi Rebellion took place.

Geography

Under the RANGPUR division (one of seven divisions) composed of eight districts of the northern Bangladesh, the District of Rangpur is bordered on the north by Nilphamari District, on the south by Gaibandha District, on the east by Kurigram, and on the west by Dinajpur district. Rangpur town is the divisional headquarter. The soil composition is mainly alluvial soil (80%) of the Teesta River basin, and the remaining is barind soil. The temperature ranges from 32 degrees Celsius to 11 degrees Celsius, and the annual rainfall averages 2931 mm.

Carmichael College

Education

Rangpur University is the only university in Rangpur district. The Rangpur Medical College, situated in Ranpur is one of the major government medical colleges in Bangladesh. Carmichael College, established in 1916 by some leading zamindars, is a postgraduate college offering courses in 14 subjects in the faculties of arts, social science, science and commerce. The most renowned educational institution in this region is Cantonment Public School & College,Rangpur(CPSCR).Another renowned school is Rangpur Zilla School. Zilla School is established in 1832, this higher secondary school is known for the quality of education it offers. Other prominent educational institutions include Rangpur Govt. College, Begum Rokeya College and Govt. Commercial Institute. Besides there is one polytechnic institute, one vocational institute, around 282 high schools, 722 government primary schools, 38 junior high schools, 193 NGO (Non Government Organization) operated schools and almost 370 Madrasahs in Rangpur.

Carmichael College

Places of interest
Just south of the city of Rangpur lies the Tajhat, a former "rajbari" or zamindar's palace. After the end of the British Raj, the building was abandoned and decayed rapidly, although it was used for a few years as a courthouse during the 1980s. In the year 2004, it was largely restored and turned into a museum with ancient inscriptions, art and coins from the area on display. RDRS (Rangpur and Dinajpur Rural Service) Bangladesh , an NGO in northwest Bangladesh, has a large office and guesthouse/convention center in the town of Rangpur. A museum and women's training centre was established in Pairabondh, the birth place of famous Begum Rokeya. It is half an hour drive away from Rangpur city. Apart from the Tajbari museum there is another museum at the heart of the town. The town is known as Green town for its beautiful garden and green park throughout the town. It has a District magistrate office where the great Social Reformer Rammohan Roy served for long time. Nowadays there are lots of market places all through the city. Carmichael College, built during the Raj era, is located in Rangpur. The literacy rate has increased after the independence of the country from Pakistan. Rangpur University have been established in 2009 as the only PUBLIC UNIVERSITY in RANGPUR DIVISION.

Tajhat Rangpur

There are many schools, mosques, and temples in the city.There is a big Zoo at the heart of the city. There is an ancient auditorium named 'Town Hall' at the center of the city, where different cultural programs are held. The economy of the people is weak since there is no major natural resource like minerals and industry. In the rural areas, there are no source of income for landless poor people. In the great Rangpur region, no economic development took place until the 90s, mainly because of the yearly flooding the region used to see before the making of "Teesta Barrage." The coal is found near this district. There is a large military cantonment in the town. "Bhinno Jogot" is a big theme park and a popular picnic spot which is situated 15 kilometres from Rangpur Town. Near the stadium, there is a very beautiful place called 'Chicli vata' surrounding bij many lakes and rice fields. There were a fairly large number of eminent Zamindar families at Tajhat. Dimla, Kankina, Manthana , Pirganj, Bardhankot, ete in the district of Rangpur. They had magnificent and beautiful palaces of which the Tajhat Palace is most famous. Manna lal ray the founder of the family was Hindu khatri and an adherent of the sikh which at that time, was obliged to emigrate from the Punjab and settled at Mahiganj, Profession it is believed that from the conspicuous appearance of his Taj or jeweled crown his estate derived the name of Tajhat manna lal ray , gradually be quire huge lalded properties in Rangpur his grandson Dhanapat ray. A grand Daughter of ratanlal ray of nya dumka, who was another Punjabi in-migrant. Dhanapat ray’s Grandson Upendra lel ray died at an early age and the estate there fore came into the possession of his uncle Giridharlal ray who was a Munsift Giridhari lal having no issue adopted Govinda Lal of Kolkata who success Ed to the Estate in 1879. He was a man of great public spirit and Liberality because of which he was conferred with the title of Raja in 1835, Raja Bahadur in 1892 and Maharaja in 1896 he metro larges death by being buried alive under the debris of his own during the devastating earthquake of 1897 He was succeeded by his son Maharaja kumar Gopal lal ray in 1908. The place is situated three k. m. on the south –east Outskirts of the town of Rangpur. This Magnificent edifice with about 76.20 m front age. Rises in tow Stores and faces east . a 15.24m.Imposing broad staircase in the centre. Paved with imported white marble. Leads directly above the portico to the upper storey. The palace is crowned by a ribbed conical dome in the centre of the roof with a tall octagonal neck. Partly supported on a series of slender semi-Corinthian columns. The balustrade on either said of the imposing staircase was originally embellished with various sculptures of classical roman figures in Italian marble. But now these are totally missing. There are two semi octagonal projections at each end of the front faced and a 9-144m. Projecting central porch. The balcony roof above the porch is carried on four graceful Corinthian columns with round shafts. Whilst two similar columns on each of the projecting ends of the building . Support a triangular gable. The palace is laid out in the from of an English “U” With it’s open end to the west. Beyond the entrance at ground floor level. This is a very large hall measuring about 18.288m *13.716m. A3m wide corridor runs the entire length of inner block. Two broad wooden staircases. One is on the middle of the north wing and other is one the south of eastern main block provides access to the upper floor. Probably this place was built by Maha Raja Kumar Gopal lal Ray in the beginning of the 20th century AD from 1984 to 1991. the palace was used as a Rangpur high Court branch of the Bangladesh Supreme court in 1995. The palace was declared as a Protected monument by the department of archeology .recognizing it’s out standing archeological value the government of Bangladesh decided to shift the Rangpur museum here in 2002. Accordingly the palace in being partly used as Rangpur museum since 2005.

World's most amazing places: Lalbagh FortMosque at Lalbagh FortInside Lalbagh F...

noreply@blogger.com (Simonbrown) — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 17:01:00 +0000

World's most amazing places: Lalbagh FortMosque at Lalbagh FortInside Lalbagh F...: "Lalbagh Fort Mosque at Lalbagh Fort Inside Lalbagh Fort Building at Lalbagh Fort Inside Lalbagh Fo rt Lalbagh Fort (Bengali: ..."

noreply@blogger.com (Simonbrown) — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 15:38:00 +0000

Lalbagh Fort

Mosque at Lalbagh Fort

Inside Lalbagh Fort

Building at Lalbagh Fort

Inside Lalbagh Fort

Lalbagh Fort (Bengali: লালবাগ দূর্গ) (also known as "Fort Aurangabad") is an incomplete Mughal palace fortress at the Buriganga River in the southwestern part of Dhaka, Bangladesh. Construction was commenced in 1678 by Prince Muhammad Azam during his 15-month long vice-royalty of Bengal, but before the work could complete, he was recalled by Aurangzeb. His successor, Shaista Khan, did not complete the work, though he stayed in Dhaka up to 1688. His daughter Iran Dukht nicknamed Pari Bibi (Fairy Lady) died here in 1684 and this led him to consider the fort to be ominous.

Lalbagh Fort is also the witness of the revolt of the native soldiers against the British during the Great Rebellion of 1857. As in the Red Fort in India, they were defeated by the force led by the East India Company. They and the soldiers who fled from Meerat were hanged to death at the Victoria Park. In 1858 the declaration of Queen Victoria of taking over the administrative control of India from the Company was read out at the Victoria park, latter renamed Bahadur Shah Park after the name of the last Mughal Emperor who led that greatest rebellion against then British empire.

Gateways
Of the three surviving gateways, the southern one is the most imposing. Seen from the front, it is a three-storeyed structure with a front-on, bordered with slender minarets. From inside, it gives the impression of a two-storeyed structure. The gateway on the northeast is a much smaller and simpler structure. Structural evidence indicates that the fort extended to the eastern side, beyond the present Shaista Khan Road. The third gate, now in the centre of the northern boundary wall, was left incomplete. The present one is a recent construction.

The southern fortification wall, running westward from the South Gateway, stretches up to the huge bastion in the southwestern corner of the fort. It runs northward for a distance, and is then lost. The boundary wall on the eastern side, connecting the southern and northern gateways, is a modern wall, and it is now assumed that the fort originally embraced areas further east, beyond the present Shaista Khan Road. On the northern side of the southern fortification are placed utility buildings, such as the stable, the administrative block, and its western part accommodates a beautiful roof-garden, with arrangements for fountains and a water reservoir. The residential part is located on the eastern side of the western fortification, mainly to the south-west of the mosque, where the remains of a sewerage line have been found. The southern fortification is a twin wall: the outer one is about 6.10 m high and 1.37 m thick; and the inner one is 13.7 m high with same thickness. The two are solid up to a height of 6.10 m, and there are regular openings in the upper part of the inner wall. The original fortification wall on the south has five bastions at regular intervals, and the western wall has two. Among the seven bastions, the biggest one is near the main southern gate at the back of the stable, which occupies the area to the west of the gateway. The bastion has an underground tunnel. Among the five bastions of the southern fortification, the central one is single-storeyed, while the rest are double-storeyed structures. The central one contains an underground room with verandahs on three sides, and it can be approached either from the riverside or from its roof. The double-storeyed bastion at the southwestern corner of the fort is possibly a Hawakhana, with a water reservoir on its roof.

Incomplete Fortress near Lalbagh Fort

Two lines of terracotta pipes have been found that connect all the establishments of the fort with the reservoir. An extra-strong terracotta pipe line, made with double pipes (one inside the other), has been uncovered in the area between the Hammam and the tomb of Bibi Pari. The area westwards from the stable, parallel to the southern fortification, once had a beautiful roof garden with fountain, rose, flower beds (marked with star designs), and a water reservoir. The buildings underneath contains the administrative blocks, and the residential part on the western side.The double-storeyed Diwan-i-Aam, attached with a single-storeyed Hammam on its west, is an imposing building. The Hammam complex includes an open platform, a small kitchen, an oven, water storage area, a masonry brick bath-tub, a toilet, a dressing room and an extra room. The Hammam portion has an underground room for boiling water, and a passage for sweepers. A long partition wall runs north-south along the western facade of the Hammam, dividing the whole fort area into two divisions.

Tomb of Bibi Pari

The tomb of Bibi Pari, located in the center, is the most impressive of the surviving buildings of the fort. Eight rooms surround a central square room that contains the mortal remains of Bibi Pari. The central room is covered by a false octagonal-shaped dome, wrapped by a bronze plate. The entire inner wall of the central room is covered with white marble, while the four rooms at the sides had stone skirting up to a height of one metre. The walls in the rooms at the four corners are skirted with beautifully-glazed floral tiles. The tiles have recently been restored; two of the original tiles have been retained. The room at the south eastern corner contains a small grave, popularly known to be of that of Shamsad Begum, possibly a relative of Bibi Paripre-Muslim periods, from where terracotta heads and plaques have been found. Thus, it is now justified to say that though the Mughals founded Dhaka, it was definitely inhabited long before the Muslims came to Bengal.

Lalbagh fort and the Tomb of Pari Bibi

Exhibit at the museum inside Lalbagh Fort

Lalbagh Fort

Lalbagh Fort

1814 painting by Charles D'Oyly showing the South wall, beside the Buriganga River. Now, the river flows at least a mile to the south.

Rooftop garden

Jul 9, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Simonbrown) — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 14:20:00 +0000

noreply@blogger.com (Simonbrown) — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 10:41:00 +0000

Srimongol,

Tea forest

Sylhet, the tea capital in Bangladesh is one of the places in and around the valley of Sylhet which the travelers coming from different parts of the world like to visit. The long stretch of green that is going to greet to you as far as you look gives a soothing feeling that is hard to forget. The lush green mountains covered with rich tea-plantation are a relief from the concrete jungle that we get to see in the cities. Srimongol, Sylhet famous for its tea-gardens is visited by travelers form all over the world as you rarely get to see such a beautiful sight. The velvet carpet of the tea-plants enhances the beauty of Srimongol in Sylhet. The travelers can also take a look at how tea is processed at the Tea Research Institute. A huge quantity of tea is produced by Bangladesh and also exported to different parts of the world. Srimongol is all the more well-known as most of the tea-estates that you get to hear about in Bangladesh lies here as a result of which it has earned the epithet of 'The Land of 2 Leaves and a Bud'. Srimongol also famous as the 'camelia' houses the largest tea-estate in the world.

Tea forest

Cottage

The terraced tea-gardens along with rich vegetation of rubber, pineapple and lemon plantations form a stunning landscape which is hard to find. As you enter the tea-gardens the sweet smells of he tea-plants will greet you along with spectacular beauty. Those of you who wish to get a better view of the tea-gardens can prefer to stay at the garden itself as there are hotels placed conveniently here. The experience of staying amidst tea-gardens is so deep that it will keep lingering in your minds long after you have left the place.We had a week off in April, and
I decided to stay in Bangladesh to see more of the country. It was the right decision; I'm really glad that's what I did! We spent about half the week in Srimongol, a nature preserve in Syhlet division (famous for its tea plantations), soaking up some fresh air. The other half of the week we spent in Dhaka seeing the sights and eating American food (i.e. real coffee and pizza!). LB and I traveled around the country by train. It was really comfortable and much less nauseating than the bus, which weaves through traffic at an alarming rate. On Day One we arrived half an hour early to the Chittagong train station, the first people on the train. A man sat down next to us and helped us get into the right seats. Then he asked the usual questions that we answer 15 times a day: What is your country? What is your job?, etc etc. It was 7am and we weren't in the mood. Next question: Do you speak Bengali? We said no. Then he called someone on his cellphone and proceeded to talk about us on the phone in Bengali! We couldn't hold in our laughter and he got up, embarrassed. He sat back down about 10 minutes later when the Koran was being read aloud on the loud speaker and said ascerbically "You know Koran?" Needless to say we did not make a new friend.

Cultivating

Between the chop shop across the street, CNG motors, rickshaw bells, howling dogs, huge trucks, blaring horns, burning garbage and car exhaust, Chittagong is incredibly noisy and polluted. Arriving in Srimongol at our guest house-- about a 20 minute ride past tea plantations and into the "jungle"-- was incredibly refreshing. My lungs ached from the fresh air and my ears were ringing from the quiet! That first night, the power went out, the fan turned off, and my ears were ringing so loud that I couldn't sleep. I actually heard my stomach growl for the first time in months.
We stayed at the guest house of Christian NGO that does a lot of health work in the area, especially with leprosy. The whole missionary thing was a little awkward, but we're used to it by this point (not the first guesthouse of that type we've been at this year!).

Tea forest

Lake

Visiting Motel

Railway

National Flower

Entrance Way

Discreet Forest

Forest

Tea forest

Bamboo tree

Pineapple Tree

Gate

Bamboo tree

Rural Road

Cottage

Winter Morning

Agriculture

Forest

Srimongol, Sylhet, the tea capital in Bangladesh.

Mahasthangarh (Bengali: মহাস্থানগড়)

noreply@blogger.com (Simonbrown) — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 13:04:00 +0000

Mahasthangarh

Mahasthangarh (Bengali: মহাস্থানগড় Môhasthangôṛ) is the earliest urban archaeological site so far discovered in Bangladesh. The village Mahasthan in Shibganj thana of Bogra District contains the remains of an ancient city which was called Pundranagara or Paundravardhanapura in the territory of Pundravardhana. A limestone slab bearing six lines in Prakrit in Brahmi script, discovered in 1931, dates Mahasthangarh to at least the 3rd century BC. The fortified area was in use till the 18th century AD.

Mahasthangarh Museum

Together with the ancient and mediaeval ruins, the mazhar (holy tomb) of Shah Sultan Balkhi Mahisawar built at site of a Hindu temple is located at Mahasthangarh. He was a dervish (holy person devoted to Islam) of royal lineage who came to the Mahasthangarh area, with the objective of spreading Islam among non-Muslims. He converted the people of the area to Islam and settled there. Mohasthangarh is one of the main attractions in north Bengal. It was the capital of Kingdom of the Mourjo, the Gupta and the Sen Dynasty.

Ornamental stone carving on display at Mahasthangarh

Mahasthangarh Museum

Mahasthangarh Wall

Mahasthangarh Hill

Mahasthangarh Museum

[A Part of Kantajee's Temple, Dinajpur]

[Mohasthan Musium]

A small site-Museum built in 1956-57 houses the representative collection of objects recovered from the area, where you can see the statues of Buddha and Vishnu. The excavated findings have also been preserved at the Varendra Research Museum at Rajshahi. The antiquities of the museum include terracotta plaques, images of different gods and goddesses, potteries, coins, inscriptions, ornamental bricks and other minor clay objects.:: Kantajees Temple [Dinajpur]

Kantajee’s Temple is in Dinajpur district. It is the most ornate among the late medieval temples of Bangladesh is the Kantajee’s temple near Dinajpur town, which was established in the year 1722 by Ram Nath, son of Maharaja Pran Nath . The temple, a 51' square three storied edifice, rests on a slightly curved raised plinth of sandstone blocks, believed to have been quarried from the ruins of the ancient city of Bangarh near Gangharampur in West Bengal. It was originally a navaratna temple, crowned with four richly ornamental corner towers on two stores and a central one over the third stored.

Unfortunately these ornate towers collapsed during an earthquake at the end of the 19th century. ln spite of this, the monument rightly claims to bathe finest extant example of its type in brick and terracotta, built by Bengali artisans. The central cells is surrounded on all sides by a covered verandah, each pierced by three entrances, which are separated by equally ornate dwarf brick pillars, Corresponding to the three delicately cusped entrances of the balcony, the sanctum has also three richly decorated arched openings on each face.

[Terakota work of Paharpur Buddisht Temple]

This is the ancient archeological and historical which was, established in 2500 BC. It is the oldest archaeological site of Bangladesh is on the western bank of river Karatoa 18 km. north of Bogra town beside Bogra-Rangpur Road. The spectacular site is an imposing landmark in the area having a fortified, oblong enclosure measuring 5000 ft. by 4500 ft. with an average height of 15 ft. from the surrounding paddy fields. Beyond the fortified area, other ancient ruins fan out within a semicircle of about five miles radius. Several isolated mounds, the local names of which are Govinda Bhita Temple, Khodai Pathar Mound, Mankalir Kunda, Parasuramer Bedi, Jiyat Kunda etc. surround the fortified city.

This 3rd century archaeological site is still held to be of great sanctity by the Hindus. Every year (mid-April) and once in every 12 years (December) thousands of Hindu devotees join the bathing ceremony on the bank of river Karatoa.
A visit to Mahasthangarh site museum will open up for you wide variety of antiquities, ranging from terracotta objects to gold ornaments and coins recovered from the site. Now it is one of the major tourist spots maintained by Bangladesh archeological Department.You can go to Mohasthanagar from Bogra town, 10 km. away. Don’t forget to visit Mohasthangar museum while visiting Mohasthangar. Mohasthan Buddhist Stambho is another attraction for the tourists; it is locally called as Behula’s Basar.

Paharpur Buddhist Monastery
Paharpur Buddhist Monastery is another tourist attraction of North Bengal. Paharpur is a small village 5 km. west of Jamalganj in the greater Rajshahi district. You can go to Paharpur from Jaipur district. Its only 10 km from Jaipur. King Dharma Pal established Paharpur Buddhist Monastery in 7th century, which is the most important and the largest known monastery south of the Himalayas, has been excavated. The main Mandir is in the center of this Monastery. This 7th century archaeological find covers approximately an area of 27 acres of land.The entire establishment, occupying a quadrangular court, measuring more than 900 ft. externally on each side, has high enclosure- walls about 16 ft. in thickness and from 12 ft. to 15 ft. height. With elaborate gateway complex on the north, there are 45 cells on the north and 44 in each of the other three sides with a total number of 177 rooms. The architecture of the pyramidal cruciform temple is profoundly influenced by those of South-East Asia, especially Myanmar and Java.

Every inch of the temple surface is beautifully embellished with exquisite terracotta plaques, representing flora fauna, geometric motifs, mythological scenes and an astonishing array of contemporary social scenes and favorite pastimes. The beautiful wall paints of this temple tell us the story of Ramayan-Mohabharat, Krishna-Lila and Dev-Devies.

Geography
Mahasthangarh, the ancient capital of Pundravardhana is located 11 km (6.8 mi) north of Bogra on the Bogra-Rangpur highway, with a feeder road (running along the eastern side of the ramparts of the citadel for 1.5 km) leading to Jahajghata and site museum. Buses are available for Bogra from Dhaka and take 4½ hours for the journey via Bangabandhu Jamuna Bridge across the Jamuna River. Buses are available from Bogra to Mahasthangarh. Rickshaws are available for local movement. Hired transport is available at Dhaka/ Bogra. Accommodation is available at Bogra.When travelling in a hired car, one can return to Dhaka the same day, unless somebody has a plan to visit Somapura Mahavihara at Paharpur in the district of Naogaon and other places, or engage in a detailed study.

It is believed that the location for the city in the area was decided upon because it is one of the highest areas in Bangladesh. The land in the region is almost 36 m above sea level, whereas Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is around 6 m above sea level. Another reason for choosing this place was the position and size of the Karatoya, which seemed to be as wide as the sea.

Mahasthangarh stands on the red soil of the Barind Tract which is slightly elevated within the largely alluvium area. The elevation of 15 to 25 metres above the surrounding areas makes it a relatively flood free physiographic unit.

Mahasthangarh (Bengali: মহাস্থানগড়)

noreply@blogger.com (Simonbrown) — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 12:26:00 +0000

Mahasthangarh
Mahasthangarh (Bengali: মহাস্থানগড় Môhasthangôṛ) is the earliest urban archaeological site so far discovered in Bangladesh. The village Mahasthan in Shibganj thana of Bogra District contains the remains of an ancient city which was called Pundranagara or Paundravardhanapura in the territory of Pundravardhana. A limestone slab bearing six lines in Prakrit in Brahmi script, discovered in 1931, dates Mahasthangarh to at least the 3rd century BC. The fortified area was in use till the 18th century AD.
Together with the ancient and mediaeval ruins, the mazhar (holy tomb) of Shah Sultan Balkhi Mahisawar built at site of a Hindu temple is located at Mahasthangarh. He was a dervish (holy person devoted to Islam) of royal lineage who came to the Mahasthangarh area, with the objective of spreading Islam among non-Muslims. He converted the people of the area to Islam and settled there.

Geography
Mahasthangarh, the ancient capital of Pundravardhana is located 11 km (6.8 mi) north of Bogra on the Bogra-Rangpur highway, with a feeder road (running along the eastern side of the ramparts of the citadel for 1.5 km) leading to Jahajghata and site museum. Buses are available for Bogra from Dhaka and take 4½ hours for the journey via Bangabandhu Jamuna Bridge across the Jamuna River. Buses are available from Bogra to Mahasthangarh. Rickshaws are available for local movement. Hired transport is available at Dhaka/ Bogra. Accommodation is available at Bogra.[8] When travelling in a hired car, one can return to Dhaka the same day, unless somebody has a plan to visit Somapura Mahavihara at Paharpur in the district of Naogaon and other places, or engage in a detailed study.

It is believed that the location for the city in the area was decided upon because it is one of the highest areas in Bangladesh. The land in the region is almost 36 m above sea level, whereas Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is around 6 m above sea level. Another reason for choosing this place was the position and size of the Karatoya, which seemed to be as wide as the sea.

Mahasthangarh stands on the red soil of the Barind Tract which is slightly elevated within the largely alluvium area. The elevation of 15 to 25 metres above the surrounding areas makes it a relatively flood free physiographic unit.

World's most amazing places.: Bandarban (Bengali: বান্দরবান)

noreply@blogger.com (Simonbrown) — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 03:57:00 +0000

Bandarban (Bengali: বান্দরবান) is a district in South-Eastern Bangladesh, and a part of the Chittagong Division and Chittagong Hill Tracts. Bandarban (meaning the dam of monkeys), or in Marma or Arakanese language as "Rwa-daw Mro" is also known as Arvumi or the Bohmong Circle (of the rest of the three hill districts Rangamati is the Chakma Circle and Khagrachari is the Mong Circle Bandarban town is the home town of the Bohmong Chief (currently King, or Raja, Aung Shwe Prue Chowdhury who is the head of the Marma population. It also is the administrative headquarter of Bandarban district, which has turned into one of the most exotic tourist attractions in Bangladesh since the insurgency in Chittagong Hill Tracts has ceased more than a decade back.

Geography

One of the three hill districts of Bangladesh and a part of the Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bandarban (4,479 km²) is not only the remotest district of the country, but also is the least populated (population 292,900). The three highest peak of Bangladesh - Tahjindong (1280 meters, also known as bijoy)[* The height of Tahjindong is 829.66m +/-3m as per a recent measurement with Garmin GPSMAP60CSX GPS], Mowdok Mual (1052 m), and Keokradong (1230 m) [* The height of Keokradong is 986m +/-3m as per a recent measurement with Garmin GPSMAP60CX GPS], - are located in Bandarban district, as well as Raikhiang Lake, the highest lake in Bangladesh[citation needed]. Chimbuk peak and Boga Lake are two more highly noted features of the district. The newly reported highest peak of Bangladesh - Saka Haphong (3488 ft) is also here in Thanchi upazila.

World's most amazing places.:Rangamati(Bengali: রাঙ্গামাটি)

noreply@blogger.com (Simonbrown) — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 03:50:00 +0000

Rangamati(Bengali: রাঙ্গামাটি) is the Administrative Headquarter of Rangamati Hill District in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh. The town is located at 22°37'60N 92°12'0E and has an altitude of 14 metres (49 feet).

It's a travel destination of Bangladesh which is known as "Lake City".

From Chittagong a 77 km road amidst green fields and winding hills leads to Rangamati; which is a wonderful repository of scenic splendours with flora and fauna of varied descriptions. The township is located on the western bank of the Kaptai lake. Rangamati is a favourite holiday destination because of its beautiful landscape, scenic beauty, lake, colourful indigenus groups (Chakma, Marma etc), its flora and fauna, indigenous museum, hanging bridge, homespun textile products, ivory jewellery and the indigenous men and women who fashion them. For tourists, the attractions of Rangamati are numerous. Indigenous life, fishing, speed boat cruising, hiking, bathing or merely enjoying nature as it is.

Hanging Bridge: Hanging Bridge(Jhulonto Bridge in Bengali)is the landmark icon of Rangamati. It's a popular tourist spot and a must go destination.

Kaptai Lake : Kaptai lake is a wonderful spot for boating and cruising. Parjatan and private tour operators offer a number of cruises by mechanical boats. One can go to various scenic spots in Shuvalong, Barkal, Longadu, Mainimukh and other areas by boat from Rangamati.

Indigenous Museum : The only Indigenous Cultural Museum in the Chittagong Hill Tracts region was established at Rangamati town in 1978 and run by the Tribal Cultural Institute. It preserves valuable objects and articles of different tribes depicting their socio-economic, cultural and historical tradition. These include typical indigenous dresses, ornaments, arms and ammunitions, coins, statues made of wood, bronze and other metals, musical instruments, ivory products, handicrafts, paintings on tribal life etc.

Cox's Bazar (Bengali: কক্সবাজার)

noreply@blogger.com (Simonbrown) — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 17:19:00 +0000

Cox's Bazar

Cox's Bazar (Bengali: কক্সবাজার) is a town, a fishing port and district headquarters in Bangladesh. It is known for its wide sandy beach which is the world's longest natural sandy sea beach. It is an unbroken 125 km sandy sea beach with a gentle slope. It is located 150 km south of Chittagong. Cox’s Bazar is also known by the name "Panowa", the literal translation of which means "yellow flower". Its other old name was "Palongkee". The modern Cox's Bazar derives its name from Captain Cox (died 1799), an officer serving in British India. In the 18th century, an officer of British East India Company, Captain Hiram Cox was appointed as the Superintendent of Palongkee outpost after Warren Hastings became the Governor of Bengal. Captain Cox was specially mobilised to deal with a century long conflict between Arakan refugees and local Rakhains. The Captain was a compassionate soul and the plight of the people touched his heart. He embarked upon the mammoth task of rehabilitating refugees in the area, and made significant progress. A premature death took Captain Cox in 1799 before he could finish his work. But the work he had done earned him a place in the hearts of the locals and to commemorate his role in rehabilitation work a market was established and named after him as Cox's Bazaar ("Cox's Market"). Although Cox's Bazar is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Bangladesh, it has yet to become a major international tourist destination, due to lack of publicity.
Contents

Geography and climate
Cox's Bazar town with an area of 6.85 km², is located at 21°35′0″N 92°01′0″E and bounded by Bakkhali River on the north and East, Bay of Bengal in the West, and Jhilwanj Union in the south.

The climate of Bangladesh is mostly determined by its location in the tropical monsoon region: high temperature, heavy rainfall, often excessive humidity, and distinct seasonal variations. The reversal of the wind circulation between summer and winter is another important feature of the climate of the country. The climate of Cox's bazar is mostly similar to the rest of the country. It is further characterised by the location in the coastal area. The annual average temperature in Cox's Bazar remains at about a maximum of 34.8 °C and a minimum of 16.1 °C. The average amount of rainfall remains at 4,285 mm.

SundarbansThe Sundarbans (Bengali: সুন্দরবন, Shun...

noreply@blogger.com (Simonbrown) — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 16:55:00 +0000

Sundarbans
The Sundarbans (Bengali: সুন্দরবন, Shundorbôn) is the largest single block of tidal halophytic mangrove forest in the world. The name Sundarban can be literally translated as "beautiful jungle" or "beautiful forest" in the Bengali language (Sundar, "beautiful" and ban, "forest" or "jungle"). The name may have been derived from the Sundari trees that are found in Sundarbans in large numbers. Alternatively, it has been proposed that the name is a corruption of Samudraban (Bengali: সমুদ্রবন Shomudrobôn "Sea Forest") or Chandra-bandhe (name of a primitive tribe). But the generally accepted view is the one associated with Sundari trees.
The forest lies in the vast delta on the Bay of Bengal formed by the super confluence of the Padma, Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers across Saiyan southern Bangladesh. The seasonally-flooded Sundarbans freshwater swamp forests lie inland from the mangrove forests on the coastal fringe. The forest covers 10,000 sq.km. of which about 6,000 are in Bangladesh. It became inscribed as a UNESCO world heritage suite in 1997. The Sundarbans is estimated to be about 4,110 km², of which about 1,700 km² is occupied by waterbodies in the forms of river, canals and creeks of width varying from a few meters to several kilometers.

The Sundarbans is intersected by a complex network of tidal waterways, mudflats and small islands of salt-tolerant mangrove forests. The interconnected network of waterways makes almost every corner of the forest accessible by boat. The area is known for the eponymous Royal Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris), as well as numerous fauna including species of birds, spotted deer, crocodiles and snakes. The fertile soils of the delta have been subject to intensive human use for centuries, and the ecoregion has been mostly converted to intensive agriculture, with few enclaves of forest remaining. The remaining forests, pain together with the Sundarbans mangroves, are important habitat for the endangered tiger. Additionally, the Sundarbans serves a crucial function as a protective barrier for the millions of inhabitants in and around Khulna and Monglaagainst the floods that result from the cyclones. The Sundarbans has also been enlisted among the finalists in the New7Wonders of Nature.

Physiography

The mangrove-dominated Ganges Delta – the Sundarbans – is a complex ecosystem comprising one of the three largest single tracts of mangrove forests of the world. Situated mostly in Bangladesh, a small portion of it lies in India. The Indian part of the forest is estimated to be about 19%, while the Bangladeshi part is 81%. To the south the forest meets the Bay of Bengal; to the east it is bordered by the Baleswar River and to the north there is a sharp interface with intensively cultivated land. The natural drainage in the upstream areas, other than the main river channels, is everywhere impeded by extensive embankments and polders. The Sundarbans was originally measured (about 200 years ago) to be of about 16,700 km². Now it has dwindled into about 1/3 of the original size. The total land area today is 4,143 km² (including exposed sandbars: 42 km²) and the remaining water area of 1,874 km² encompasses rivers, small streams and canals. Rivers in the Sundarbans are meeting places of salt water and freshwater. Thus, it is a region of transition between the freshwater of the rivers originating from the Ganges and the saline water of the Bay of Bengal (Wahid et al., 2002).

The Sundarbans along the Bay of Bengal has evolved over the millennia through natural deposition of upstream sediments accompanied by intertidal segregation. The physiography is dominated by deltaic formations that include innumerable drainage lines associated with surface and subaqueous levees, splays and tidal flats. There are also marginal marshes above mean tide level, tidal sandbars and islands with their networks of tidal channels, subaqueous distal bars and proto-delta clays and silt sediments. The Sundarbans' floor varies from 0.9 m to 2.11 m above sea level.

Biotic factors here play a significant role in physical coastal evolution, and for wildlife a variety of habitats have developed which include beaches, estuaries, permanent and semi-permanent swamps, tidal flats, tidal creeks, coastal dunes, back dunes and levees. The mangrove vegetation itself assists in the formation of new landmass and the intertidal vegetation plays a significant role in swamp morphology. The activities of mangrove fauna in the intertidal mudflats develop micromorphological features that trap and hold sediments to create a substratum for mangrove seeds. The morphology and evolution of the eolian dunes is controlled by an abundance of xerophytic and halophytic plants. Creepers, grasses and sedges stabilize sand dunes and uncompacted sediments. The Sunderbans mudflats (Banerjee, 1998) are found at the estuary and on the deltaic islands where low velocity of river and tidal current occurs. The flats are exposed in low tides and submerged in high tides, thus being changed morphologically even in one tidal cycle. The interior parts of the mudflats are magnificent home of luxuriant mangroves.

Sundorbon Forest, Number One Mangrove forest in Asia
Sundarban is located about kilometers away to the south-west of Dhaka city of Bangladesh. It is the largest mangrove forest in the world is the dominating area of the Royal Bengal tiger with other types of normal and powerful animal as well as many kinds of birds. It is situated near the district Khulna of country Bangladesh. There is a river through Sundorbon which cut this into two parts, marked Khulna & Mongla seaport of Bangladesh and extended its natural outlook. Here, many people as tourists find their natural scenery for enjoy. There are Royal Bengal Tiger, large amount of crocodile, birds, deer, snacks, monkeys, bears, wild bear, hyenas, and many other natural wilds. Really it is a wonder of this world. In afternoon there are good scenery of crocodiles and tigers. Tigers often swimming through a river and many crocodiles waiting in the bank of river for bask. Tourists are more attractive to this site of Sundarban i.e wildlife of animals in Sundarban. Hiron point, tinkona island, nilkamal, roktojaba etc are the main tourist point in sundarban. Dublachar is another important tourist site there. It is famous for grazing of deers.