Winter or summer, opportunities to travel are always welcome. Last year and the year before, COVID-19 managed to steal some precious travel prospects from all of us and many countries are still wary about reopening their doors to tourism. However, luckily for us, Bangladesh is a treasure trove of hidden travel destinations, from mountains and hills to rivers and seas. The beautiful natural landscape of our country makes travelling inter-city a treat in itself. Here are a few ideas on the most beloved and unique vacation destinations you can visit.
COX’S BAZAR
Visiting Cox’s Bazar is like visiting an old friend. Cox’s Bazar is timeless and it has something to offer to everyone – private beaches for the homebody, and for the sporty soul, quad bike rides, parasailing and jet skiing. For the adventurous foodie, beaches and restaurants offer fresh catches of the day and one can sample any kind of seafood – from lobsters and crabs to calamari and octopuses. Traditional Bengali cuisine like bhaat bhorta is also a gastronomical delight in that part of the country. The balmy sea breeze and the warm and friendly water of the Bay of Bengal set up the perfect scenario for lovebirds to capture those Bollywood inspired romantic scenes against the mesmerising sunset. For families that enjoy vacations as a group, speedboats are available to take everyone to nearby islands for some tea time with the locals and to observe the drying process of shutki. It is a vacation that is equal parts adrenaline and relaxation. If you enjoy road trips, take the train to Chittagong and then a bus to Cox’s Bazar. Direct flights are also available that get you there in about 20 minutes. Accommodation is available at all price ranges, starting from economic yet comfortable rooms, to lavish and luxurious hotel suites.
ST. MARTIN’S ISLAND
Harbouring some of the most beautiful and undisturbed beaches in Bangladesh, St. Martin’s Island is one of the most popular tourist destinations. Located south of Cox’s Bazar, this tiny island is most welcoming between November and February but is equally beautiful all year round. It is a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and is the only island in Bangladesh that boasts corals in its waters. Tourists swear by the unparalleled beauty of the island’s sunset, and at night, one can see the night sky in its full glory of star clusters and constellations. The southernmost part of the island is called Chhera Dwip, where all the rock formations are made of coral. Trekkers can seek permission from the local landowners to watch the wildlife of the region such as reptiles, migratory birds and sweet water sea turtles.
Run by ex-navy divers, the Oceanic Scuba Dive Centre offers a good diving experience in the coral-rich waters. Prices are high but negotiable and well worth it. Accommodation options include hotels and motels but more adventurous travellers can stay in a hut at Chhera Dwip, where most of the diving takes place.
BANDARBAN
Another crowd-pleasing mini-vacation spot is Bandarban. The ride on the cargo bed of the local mode of transport, the chander gari, a converted SUV, through the rough-cut mountain path is exhilarating. The resorts in Bandarban range from expensive to cheap depending on the amenities you want. The cuisine is unique and distinctive. The district is accessible via bus. Once there, there are no ends to sights and activities. One of the most unique locations, not only in Bandarban but also in Bangladesh is Boga Lake, spanning 15 acres and situated 3000 feet above sea level. It is the highest natural lake in the country. With a mirror image of the sky reflected on its calm waters and its surrounding lush green forest, Boga Lake offers a truly breathtaking view. Hot springs beneath the waters manipulate the optics of the lake giving it different colours in different seasons. The road is accessible to all vehicle types up to Ruma Upazilla in Bandarban, where visitors have to be registered at the security camp. A separate SUV is then used to drive visitors up to Boga Lake.
Next on the list is Keokradong. Known for being the highest vantage point in Bangladesh, Keokradong lies on the border of Bangladesh and Myanmar and has its peak at a height of 4035 feet. From the top, you can see dense forests and regal mountains all around you. Private SUVs are available from Boga Lake to Keokradong.
About two hours from Keokradang, and situated in the Ruma Upazila of Bandarban, the Jadipai waterfall is popular for being one of the widest waterfalls in the country. Tourists swear that this is one of the most stunning sights on their tour. The journey, again on chander gari, is a little difficult but the view of the waterfall makes up for whatever discomfort you feel on the commute. If you decide to visit, carry some snacks and water along with you as the area has nothing but a few tea stalls.
SREEMONGOL
If a relaxed and laid-back trip with family is all you need you can head to the tea gardens of Sreemongol for a tranquil time and a comfortable stay in the middle of its serene greenery. Most of the time, the weather is wet, but the experience of picking and sampling tea leaves can be quite fun and pleasant. There is also a tribal village nearby which is open for visiting and is a great opportunity for experiencing its culture. Open-top cars will take you deep into the gardens and you will find honey peddlers on the way selling the real deal. A short ride away is the Nilkantha Tea Cabin, offering the famous 7 layered tea.
For trekkers, the Lawachara National Park, located in the Moulvibazar District of Sylhet is a semi-deciduous forest with a vast variety of flora and fauna. The forest is home to golden jackals, Asian black bears, leopards, barking deer, Indian giant squirrels and several other animal species. Fair warning – be sure to wear some high boots in both of these locations – leeches are nobody’s friends! Both the areas are accessible by sedans and off-roaders.
A short distance away from the district town is Tamabil Zero Point. A stream coming down from the nearby elevated landscape of India falls directly onto the Bichanakandi stone quarry, and straight into the Goain River. Motorboats from the Hadar Par Bazaar can carry about 8 to 10 people at a time. The serenity of the river and the fresh mountain air is a soul refresher. The ride, including the return trip, should cost a total of 800 takas.
About 40 minutes by boat from the Sylhet-Tamabil highway, Lalakhal is an underrated canal with the blue, green and clear water of the Sharee Goain river. The water is not very deep and the place is one of the main sources of sand in Sylhet. A picturesque destination where you can take a dip in the crystal-clear waters and spend some refreshing time, Lalakhal is a treat for the soul. Boatmen can take you to three sightseeing locations further inside and there are betelnut gardens and a tea estate there that are also worth exploring.
RATARGUL
If you love raw, uninterrupted natural beauty, the Ratargul Swamp is a beautiful freshwater swamp in Sylhet, and one of the few freshwater swamps in the world. The place is also popularly known as the Amazon of Bangladesh. The splash of the water and the smell of the fresh forest is therapeutic for the senses. Hichol and Koroch trees create a canopy of a deep green overhead, and the curling roots of the trees further add to the beauty of the place. The forest spans a total of 3325 acres, of which 504 acres are allocated as an animal sanctuary. The journey to Ratargul needs to be completed in segments. First, travellers must take a mini taxi from the main city of Sylhet to Goain Ghat and then a troller to get to the famous swamp forests. Snacks must be bought from Goain Ghat because the forests have no provisions for cooked food. There are no accommodations inside the swamp area so Ratargul is ideal for a day trip from Sylhet.