Discover Treasures of Bangladesh

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Duration: 9 Days

Trip Grade:

Discover Treasures of Bangladesh tour is a unique journey to North Bangladesh to visit some of the richest heritage treasures of this magnificent country. The tour from Dinajpur to Rajshahi will traverse ancient ruins of Buddhist monasteries, Hindu temple and mosques with different motifs in terracotta, flora and fauna, black stone statue and more. The country witnessed influences of different cultures that have come and gone though what remains are a testimony of its rich cultural past.

Paharpur – a World Heritage known as the single largest Buddhist monastery in the world, Mahasthangarh – the metropolis dated back to 4 century BC, Kantajee temple depicting stories from Mahabharat and Ramayana, a marvelous masterwork on each piece of stone carved by Islamic artisans.  Numerous terracotta mosques can be viewed at Rajshahi and the Varendra Museum has the distinction of largest rare collection of Black stone statue made by Bengali artisans.

Day 01:  Arrive Dhaka

Arrive Dhaka airport and transfer to hotel of choice. If time permits, visit the National Parliament Complex - a master piece of world famous Architect Louis I. Kahn and National Museum with rare collections.

Overnight in Dhaka.

Day 02: Dhaka – Bogra via Tangail 220 km, 7-8 hrs drive approx

Early morning start for Bogra. En route visit Pakulla Bazaar, Pakulla Mosque and Atia Mosque in Tangail. Pakulla Mosque situated in village Palpara aka Pakulla under Delduar Upazila of Tangail district. The mosque is not dated by inscription though on the basis of stylistic similarities with medieval buildings such as the tomb of Khwaja Anwar Shahid 1698 AD, Dargah of Manik Pir 1697 AD and Kartalab Khan’s Mosque 1704 AD, the Pakulla Mosque maybe dated to late 17^th or early 18^th century. The Atia Mosque was built in 1609AD is famous for its majesty and beautiful architectural style.

Continue drive to Bogra through the 11^th world’s longest Jamuna Bridge.

Overnight in Bogra.

Day 03: Bogra – Dinajpur 170 km, 5 hrs drive approx

Morning visit the archeological sites of Mahastangarh and the Citadel. There are several mounds like Gokul Medh, Govinda Vita temple, holy shrine of Muslin saint Mahishwer, Khudie Patar Vita, Mankalir Kundur, Porshuram’s Vedi, Jiyat Kundu the archeological museum and Vasu Bihar are most interesting to visit.

Continue drive to Dinajpur for overnight.

Day 04: Dinajpur

Morning; drive to Kantanagar 20 km north of the town and visit well known Kantajee Hindu Temple. This spectacular and fabulous terracotta embellishment built in 1752 AD recounts the Ramayana & Mohabarata epics and is a rare example of its kind in the subcontinent. There is a mosque 1.5 km south-east of the temple in Nayabad village built in 1793 AD by Muslim workers who came from the west to build Kantajee Temple for their own use.  An unknown grave in the premises of the mosque is believed to be of Kalu Khan, the master mason who built Kantajee Temple.

Also visit the Krishna Temple before return to hotel.

Overnight in Dinajpur.

Day 05: Dinajpur – Paharpur – Rajshahi 215 km, 6-7 hrs drive approx

After breakfast, drive to Paharpur and visit the impressive monasteries and the spectacular Buddhist monuments.  Paharpur Vihara is the treasured heritage of the world is an imposing monastery with 177 monastic cells that includes a courtyard. A site museum house with its treasured collections of restored objects, black stone sculptures, images of gods & goddess of Hindu epics is worth visiting.

Continue with the drive to Rajshahi. En-route visit Kusumba Mosque built in 1558-59 AD during the period of Afghan rule in Bengal under one of the last Suri rulers Ghiyasuddin Bahadur Shah, by one Sulaiman who was probably a high ranking official. Although built during Suri rule, it is not influenced at all by the earlier Suri architecture of North India and is well grounded in the Bengal style. The brick building, gently curved cornice and the engaged octagonal corner towers are typical features.

Overnight in Rajshahi.

Day 06: Rajshahi – Gaud 100 km, 3 hrs drive approx each way – Rajshahi

Today will be an interesting day of exploring the historical site of Gaud or Gaur which is renowned for its many ancient mosques. These Islamic architectural wonders were constructed largely during the Muslim Sultanate and Mughal period when Gaud served as the capital of Bengal. Located along the Indian border with Bangladesh, the area of Gaud extends into both countries and includes such note-worthy mosques as Chhota Sona Masjid, Darasbari Mosque, Khania Dighi Mosque, Madrassa, Tahkhana and the mausoleum of Saint Shah Niamatullah aka Rah.

Overnight in Rajshahi.

Day 07: Rajshahi – Puthia – Dhaka 270 km, 8 hrs drive approx

After breakfast, visit Varendra Museum. This is one of the richest museums in the Sub-continent for Black Stone statues. Then drive 1 hour to Puthia which is known as temple city. Temple complex consists of a cluster of notable old Hindu temples. The temples were built by Hindu Landlords and Kings of the Puthia Royal family. These have been built in terracotta in a variety of styles combining the typical Jor-Bangla architecture with other influences. The King Palace and the exquisite & unique Dol Mancha are parts of the complex.

The return journey is a drive back to Dhaka.

Overnight in Dhaka.

Day 08: Dhaka City Tour

Enjoy a full day sightseeing to cover the old part of Dhaka bearing the heritage of Mughal Era 1608 with its unquie charm. Ornamented mosques, covered markets, bustling streets overflows with rickshaws and vendors are the charm of the old city. Dhaka is popularly known as the city of mosques and rickshaws.

Walk through the Shakhari Bazaar Hindu streets and experience with the special flavor of typical Hindu culture through this narrow historical passage and old building. One may find people working with shells to make ornaments which are usually used by Hindu married women. Visit exotic Sadarghat river port bustling with different type of boats and crafts. Every day thousands of passengers are transported by motor launches to and from far off places through this busy river port.

One can find here the heritage paddle wheel steamer commonly known as Rocket Steamer Service built during British colonial period still in service and playing very important role for safe transportation.  Visit the wonderful historical Ahsan Manzil –the palace of Muslim Nawab known as ‘Pink Palace’, Armenian Church, the most ornamented Star Mosque, Lalbagh Mughal Fort, Dhakeswari Hindu Temple, historical Curzon Hall of Dhaka University, Central Shahid Minar – the symbol of sacrifice for mother language and Dharmarajika Buddhist Temple.

Overnight in Dhaka.

Day 09: Depart Dhaka

Transfer to airport for onward flight after covering what is a fascinating and unique destination – Bangladesh!

Bon voyage!

Book "Discover Treasures of Bangladesh" and enjoy a cultural gem!

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