Shimul Bagan, Sunamganj

‘Shimul Bagan’ is situated Tahirpur, Sunamganj. "Shimul Bagan" is Bengali form of "Bombax Garden" . It appears like a field of Bombax that has been decorated by imaginary colors. This garden was built 14 years ago on 2400 decimals of land by a businessman named Joynal Abedin, because of his personal desire. In spring, it catches the eyes of the tourists when the flowers bloom together in over 2000 trees.

 You can see the trees covered in flower only February 15 to March 10

How to go??? 

    By Train: If you want to go by train, you have got to go Sylhet at first. The train leaves the Komolapur station of Dhaka at 9:30pm. Shovon Chair will cost  320 Tk. you must book the ticket by going for 2-1 days before casting. You can book the ticket from Online. You'll reach Sylhet at morning. Get on the Birotihin bus from the Kumarga bus stand in Sylhet to go to Sunamganj. Fare is 90 Taka.  It will take 1 to 2 hours.

 

    By Bus: Shyamoli / Green line /Ena Paribahan  from Dhaka to Sunamganj fare taka 500-550.

After reaching Sunamganj, First you need to hire  motorbike with a biker. Theirs many of them r waiting. Talk to them to visit the Barek Tila River Bank, Generally, they charge 200 takas. It is possible to go Tk 150 or less! Two passengers can ride at the same time. In this way, They take 100 takas per person.

 

After crossing the ferry with Tk 5, Barek Tila, which goes on to the other side of the river, from which the beautiful Zadukata river can be seen.There are some tea stalls left from Barek Tila. Ask anybody about Shimul Bagan, they will show you the path

 

Baba Adam Shahid Mosque in Munshiganj

Baba Adam Shahid Mosque is an archaeologically significant mosque situated in Munshiganj District

. Baba Adam's Mosque shows all the decorative and architectural characteristics of the sultanate architecture of Bengal. This mosque, in fact, bears the mature form of the sultanate mosque style of this region (Bangladesh).

It is a six-domed mosque. An inscription, fixed above the central doorway in the east, records 888 AH/1483 AD as the date of construction of the mosque. Malik Kafur built it during the reign of Sultan Fateh Shah.

Baba Adam's Mosque is now protected monument under the Department of Archaeology, Bangladesh. It has been renovated and is in a comparatively good state of preservation. Besides the mosque there is a tomb known as Baba Adam's Mazar, where, according to a legend, Baba Adam Shahid, who died in a holy war, was buried.

It is difficult to ascertain the historicity of this tomb due to lack of authentic sources. There is a newly built small tomb structure situated on the south-east side of the courtyard of the mosque. Previously, there was no roof over the tomb.

The present tomb is square in plan (7.62m a side) and is undated and without any inscription tablet. The simple grave has no feature of architectural importance and the Department of Archaeology is not responsible for preserving it.

How to go

There are several transport is available from Dhaka to Munshiganj. The bus services are "Nayan Paribahan", "Dighir par Paribahan" and "Dhaka Transport", all of the buses used to start from "Gulistan" of Dhaka. It will cost you 60-80 taka, and will require 1 hrs to 2 hrs bus journey depending upon the road traffic.

Also you can hire CNG auto rickshaw from the "Postogola", and it will take you 250-350 to take you at Muktarpur Bridge. Remember, if you are hiring CNG; make sure who will provide the toll o

f the bridge. For you information, the toll fee is 20 taka. So negotiate with the driver of CNG about who will provide the toll. After crossing the river Dholeshwari, you will have to step off at Muktarpur Bus stand. From Muktarpur bus stand of Munshiganj sadar, it's just 2.5 km way to reach there.

Where to stay

Though the district is just beside the Dhaka, still it's hard to find a suitable hotel from the district. The main reason may be people from Dhaka used to come this place for a single day trip. But anyway, if you need to stay at Munshiganj town, that case I'll suggest you to stay at "Hotel Comfort" this one is the best from the town. Also you there is another one which is "Hotel three star international". But the quality of the rooms of this hotel is not that much good. For both cases, it will take 100-700 taka per night depending upon the room.

Things to do
*   Observe the architectural beauty of the Mosque
*  Interact with the local people to know about their knowledge and thinking about the mosque

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Safari Park

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Safari Park is an outstanding tourist spot in Bangladesh. The largest safari park of Asia. It is new and attractive visiting place. Everybody will be satisfied making a tour at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Safari Park.

 

Location

The Park is in Gazipur district which is just near to Dhaka city. At first, you have to go to Gazipur Chourasta. Then go forward along the Mymensingh road and come to Bagher Bazar. After that you have to choose the path of west side. You have to use rickshaw or CNG as transports to reach at the park. Bangabandhu Safari Park is three kilometers away from that place.

 

 

Difference between zoo and safari park

Zoo is the place where people are free and the animals are confined. On the hand, the environment is opposite in a safari park in which jungle environment is maintained. 

Inside of Safari Park

After getting inside the park, you will see tiger, lion, kangaroo and even dinosaur.  But these are not alive. All of these animals are sculptures indeed for welcoming the visitors. The whole park is consist of about 4000 acres of land. At present, 31 local and international species of animals are seen here.

You can start your visiting with “Tiger Restaurant”. It is a big and safe restaurant surrounded with glasses so that you can see the roaring tigers and take coffee or tea. The workers of the park can call the tigers and they respond to him. Your feeling will be that you are watching National Geographic or Animal Planet channel. After that you can start visiting with using microbus.

Now, come to the kingdom of lions. You can talk to them as you like. But never try to open the window of the microbus. If you see white lion, then you will be lucky enough. In fact, the lions move with vanity.

Move your transport forward to see more. You will see bear, deer, zebra, African wildebeest and more. The elephants are adorable. They will salute you according to the order of worker of the park.

You can watch ziraffs going to nearer to them. Don’t disturb them and take some snaps. You have to use transport for moving and visiting some areas. You should walk watching the other areas.

You will be happy seeing macao birds. If you wish, you can take a snap with this macao keeping on your shoulder. But, keep safe your ears. Grey parrots are very much attractive.

Another great area of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Safari Park is Fancy Ducks Garden. You will see a lake here. Get on a boat and watch big black swans, white swans etc. Try to look at the beauty of various kinds of birds.

Never forget to visit the areas of crocodile, vulture, emu, ostrich etc. Make a visit to see python and various reptiles. It will be enjoyable if you see peacock.

Additional Info
Entry fee: TK 50/per adult (age below 5 free)
Food: Inside park (light food available)
Weekend: Tuesday

Lawacherra Rain Forest

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.

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.

Sundarban

Sundarban is the world biggest mangrove forest. In Bangladesh tourism, Sundarban plays the most vital role. A large number of foreigners come to Bangladesh every year only to visit this unique mangrove forest. Besides, local tourists also go to visit Sundarban every year. The area of great Sundarban is approximately 6000 sq. km. 

General Information about Sudarban:

AREA: Nearly 2400 sq. miles or 6000 sq. km. 

 

FOREST LIMITS: North-Bagerhat, Khulna and Sathkira districts : South-Bay of Bengal; East-Baleswar (or Haringhata) river, Perojpur, Barisal district, and West-Raimangal and Hariabhanga rivers which partially form Bangladesh boundary with West Bengal in India.

MAIN ATTRACTIONS: Wildlife photography including photography of the famous Royal Bengal Tiger, wildlife viewing, boating inside the forest will call recordings, nature study, meeting fishermen, wood-cutters and honey-collectors, peace and tranquility in the wilderness, seeing the world's largest mangrove forest and the revering beauty. 

The Sundarbans are the largest littoral mangrove belt in the world, stretching 80km (50mi) into the Bangladeshi hinterland from the coast. The forests aren't just mangrove swamps though; they include some of the last remaining stands of the mighty jungles, which once covered the Gangetic plain.

The Sundarbans cover an area of 38,500 sq km, of which about one-third is covered in water.

Since 1966 the Sundarbans have been a wildlife sanctuary, and it is estimated that there are now 400 Royal Bengal tigers and about 30,000 spotted deer in the area.

 

Sundarbans is home to many different species of birds, mammals, insects, reptiles and fishes. Over 120 species of fish and over 260 species of birds

have been recorded in the Sundarbans. The Gangetic River Dolphin (Platanista gangeticus) is common in the rivers. No less than 50 species of reptiles and eight species of amphibians are known to occur. The Sundarbans now support the only population of the Estuarine, or Salt-Water Crocodile (Crocodiles paresis) in Bangladesh, and that population is estimated at less than two hundred individuals

Here land and water meet in many novel fashions, Wildlife presents many a spectacle. No wonder, you may come across a Royal Bengal Tiger swimming across the streams or the crocodiles basking on the riverbanks.

With the approach of the evening herds of deer make for the darking glades where boisterous monkeys shower Keora leaves from above for sumptuous meal for the former. For the botanist, the lover of nature, the poet and the painter this land provides a variety of wonder for which they all crave. 

It's beauty lies in its unique natural surrounding. Thousands of meandering streams, creeks, rivers and estuaries have enhanced its charm. Sundarbans meaning beautiful forest is the natural habitat of the world famous Royal Bengal Tiger, spotted deer, crocodiles, jungle fowl, wild boar, lizards, theses monkey and an innumerable variety of beautiful birds. Migratory flock of Siberian ducks flying over thousands of sail boats loaded with timber, golpatta (round-leaf), fuel wood, honey, shell and fish further add to the serene natural beauty of the Sundarbans. 

This is indeed a land for the sportsmen, the anglers and the photographers with its abundance of game, big and small, crocodile, wild boar, deer, pythons, wild-birds and above all the Royal Bengal Tiger, cunning, ruthless and yet majestic and graceful, For the less adventurously inclined, there are ducks and snipes, herons and coots, yellow-lags and sandpipers. It is also the land for the ordinary holiday makers who desire to rest or wander around at will to refresh their mind and feast their eyes with the rich treasure that nature has so fondly bestowed.

Means of Communication: Water transport is the only means of communication for visiting the Sundarbans from Khulna or Mongla Port. Private motor launch, speedboats, country boats as well as mechanized vessel of Mongla Port Authority might be hired for the purpose. From Dhaka visitors may travel by air, road or rocket steamer to Khulna - the gateway to the Sundarbans. Most pleasant journey from Dhaka to Khulna is by Paddle Steamer, Rocket presenting a picturesque panorama of rural Bangladesh. Day and nightlong coach services by road are also available. The quickest mode is by air from Dhaka to Jessore and then to Khulna by road.

Journey time: It varies depending on tides against or in favor in the river. Usually it takes 6 to 10 hours journey by motor vessel from Mongla to Hiron Point or Katka.

FAMOUS SPOTS: The main tourist spots in Sundarban are Karamjol, Katka, Kochikhali, Hiron point and Mandarbaria. Hiron Point (Nilkamal) for tiger, deer, monkey, crocodiles, birds and natural beauty. Katka for deer, tiger, crocodiles, varieties of birds and monkey, morning and evening symphony of wild fowls. Vast expanse of grassy meadows running from Katka to Kachikhali (Tiger Point) provides opportunities for wild tracking.
Tin Kona Island for tiger and deer.

Fays Lake

Foy's Lake, famous for its picturesque beauty, has become a world class family amusement zone in Bangladesh. Realizing the true potential of Foy's lake and to utilize its potential of Foy's Lake and to utilize its potential, Bangladesh parjatan corporation leased the Lake to concord group renowned for its development of amusement facilities in Bangladesh. The place now draws more visitors than ever before. The unique collection of ext\citing family rides and unspoiled natural beauty has turned this place into a most attractive destination for tourists, The arrangements of security, food & beverage , amiable staff, exciting rides, colorful Landscaping at Fou’s lake has made a great impact about the development of tourism industry in Bangladesh and the entrepreneurs are now eager to invest in this sector.


The development of Foy’s Lake will be done in three phases . The first phase has already been completed. Concord group has plans to build an international standard hotel, motel and honeymoon chalet in next two phases. After completion of all phases of development destination will be the most attractive place to visit in Bangladesh

Jaflong

Jaflong is one of the most attractive tourist spots in Sylhet division. It's about 60 km far from 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. It is situated besides the river Mari in the lap of Hill Khashia. 

The Mari river is coming from the great Himalayas of India, which bringing million tons of stone boulders with its tide. You can watch the stone collection from the river in Jaflong as well as you can enjoy the boating in the river Mari. Jaflong is totally a hilly area of real natural beauty where hills are greenish with the forests.

Lots of wild animal lives in this forest, so you need to be careful to enter in the forest alone. You can see the lifestyle of Tribe Khashia in Jaflong. If you intend to visit Jaflong it is advisable to start from Sylhet in the early morning so that you can comeback by evening covering the other tourists spots of nearby areas of Jaflong. The other tourist areas nearby Jaflong are Tamabil, Sripur and Jaintapur.