Tips & Tricks for Travelers

People love to go on vacation. Who doesn't, the sun, the ocean, the relaxation. But how do you decide where to go, make the right decision, get the best price? This can be a bit overwhelming, but with some research and guidelines, you can be confident that you will have a wonderful experience.

The most important step is to narrow down your parameters as much as possible. When dealing with a travel agent or booking your own vacation, the more specific the easier this will be for both of you. I receive calls everyday with people who "just want to go somewhere warm" or "somewhere in the Caribbean." Please realize that the Caribbean is a very big place with dozens of islands. Your travel agent probably wants to do you bodily harm right about now with statements like that!

First, decide on a budget and be realistic. This may help you to narrow down your choices of places to visit.

Tip: The smaller the island, the higher the price. This happens for two reasons: airlines and competition. The smaller islands such as Turks and Caicos, Aruba, or St. Lucia have small airports. The airlines have a harder time getting into these places, do not have multiple stops everyday, and therefore a much higher fare. These islands also do not have the competition resulting from dozens of resorts operating in the same area that tends to drive the price down.

On the opposite end, you have places like Cancun, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic that have every major airline flying several times a day and tons of resorts all competing for your business. So, if you are on a tight budget, try to pick a resort at one of the larger destinations.

Next, decide on when and how long you wish to stay. Contrary to popular belief, resorts operate on a nightly rate. You do not have to stay 7 nights to get the best deal.

Tip: If you are flexible in your dates, try to leave on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday opposed to a Friday, Saturday, Sunday. The air rates tend to be much less when leaving mid-week. Try to leave out of a major airport rather than a small local one. Even if you have to drive a bit, it may be worth a substantial amount of money.

Tip: Look into charter flights. Charter flights are operated out of most major cities. They run one scheduled route, are direct flights, and are very inexpensive. And no, you do not fly on "puddle jumpers." They are major airlines full size planes that are operated by a charter company during high seasons.

FYI: Traveling over certain times of the year will be much more expensive. These times are over Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, Presidents Day Weekend, Spring Break, and 4th of July. Everybody wants to go away for the holidays, the airlines know this and make you pay for this. Try to leave several days before the holiday rather than just a day or two, it will make a big difference in the airfare.

With your budget and destination in mind, you now have to decide on a resort. Your budget will help you narrow your choices down. It is good to research the resorts and make sure they have the activities and amenities you are looking for. Pay attention to star ratings on the sites you are researching. They are a good indication of the resorts, but can be very subjective. Every site will have different ratings for the same resort. Don't get too hung up on this, but if a resort you are interested in has about the same rating everywhere you look, you should feel confident that it is accurate.

Tip: When staying at an all-inclusive resort, the more restaurants it has, typically the better the place is. You are going to be staying at this resort for a good amount of time. The food is very important! You do not want to be stuck eating at the same two restaurants for a week. Talk about getting burned out real quick.

Be compromising! If staying for as long as you can within your budget is most important, pick a 3-4 star resort. There are some very nice moderately priced resorts in the Caribbean that will allow you to stay for a longer time while staying within your budget and having a fantastic vacation.

If staying at a 4.5-6 star resort is most important, stay for a shorter amount of time. If a week at a 5 star resort blows your budget, see about staying 4 or 5 nights. You will still have an amazing vacation at a high scale resort, but not break the bank doing so.

So now you have a resort in mind, how do you know you are getting the best price? Several places advertise "last minute deals." These really don't exist for resorts. Resorts have no problem selling their rooms and don't need to drastically cut their prices. Of course, they have sales and reduced rates, but you are not going to stay at an all-inclusive resort for a week for $100. I like to compare it to a cruise. A cruise is going to sail regardless if they have sold all their cabins or not. They might as well sell the cabin at a lower rate. Something is better than nothing right?

My clients always ask me "when should I book this?" I always recommend the same thing. If you know what you want, book it now. As the departure date gets closer, the availability goes down at the resort and the price goes up, especially with airfare. This will avoid being disappointed if the flights or resort you spent all that time choosing is not available anymore.

Most public websites that allow you to book your own vacation are not quite as forthcoming with their prices as others. Be careful when using these sites. The prices you find should include all the taxes and transfers to and from the airport. Some sites give you an inital price that looks great, so you proceed to book it and once you get to the last screen to enter your credit card information, the price is several hundred dollars higher. Not such a good deal now huh?

Tip: Be sure you are comparing apples to apples from various sites. Any deviation such as dates, flights, or room categories can severely adjust the overall price.

Of course, it is always wise to seek out a travel professional that knows the industry and can help you make sense of your research. However, to quote Jerry Meguire "help me help you." Please at the least have your dates, budget, and destination in mind when speaking to a travel agent. You have no idea how much that helps us find the perfect vacation that you have in mind.

I hope this will help you on your journey of choosing the perfect vacation. More to come later!

The Happy Traveler!

Dubai -- Dubai Hydropolis Underwater Hotel

The original idea for Hydropolis developed out of Hauser’s passion for water and the sea, and goes much deeper than just building a hotel underwater. More than just curiosity, it is a commitment to a more far-reaching philosophy. “Once you start digging deeper and deeper into the subject, you can’t help being fascinated and you start caring about all the associated issues,” he explains. “Humans consist of 80% water, the earth consists of 80% water; without water there is no life.”

Hydropolis reproduces the human organism in an architectural design. There is a direct analogy between the physiology of man and the architecture. The geometrical element is a figure eight lying on its side and inscribed in a circle. The spaces created in the basin will contain function areas, such as restaurants, bars, meeting rooms and theme suites. These can be compared to the components of the human organism: the motor functions and the nervous and cardiovascular systems, with the central sinus knot representing the pulse of all life.

The ballroom, located at this nerve centre, will have asymmetrical pathways connecting the different floors along ramps. A large, petal-like retracting roof will enable the staging of open-sky events. Staircases, lifts and ramps will provide access to the ballroom, while flanking catering areas will supply banquets and receptions.In order to enter this surreal space, visitors will begin at the land station. This 120m woven, semicircular cylinder will arch over a multi-storey building. On the lowest level passengers aboard a noiseless train propelled by fully automated cable along a modular, self-supporting steel guideway to Hydropolis. A just-in-time and on-demand logistical system will facilitate efficient supply of goods to the hotel.

The upper floors of the land station house a variety of facilities, including a cosmetic surgical clinic, a marine biological research laboratory and conference facilities. On the lower levels are the staff rooms, goods storage and loading areas, and hotel and parking areas.The land station also includes a restaurant and high-tech cinema screening the evolution of life in the ocean and the history of underwater architecture. As a finale, the screen will open to reveal the real-life Hydropolis. A viewing platform at the front opening of the spanning roof will allow views of the architecture as well as the light shows of Hydropolis.

Dhaka -- The City of Bangladesh

The capital of Bangladesh is Dhaka with its exciting history and rich culture Known the world over as the city of mosques and muslin. It has attracted travellers from far and near through ages. It has history dating back to earliest time. But the exact date of its foundation is not known. However, according to recorded history it was founded in 1608 A.D. as the seat of the imperial Mughal Viceroy of Bengal.

Dhaka as the capital of Bangladesh has grown into a busy city of about seven million people with an area of about 815 sq. km Having a happy blending of old and new architectural trends, Dhaka has been developing fast as a modern city and is throbbing with activities in all spheres of life. It is the centre of industrial, commercial, cultural, educational and political activities for Bangladesh. At Tongi Teigaon, Demra, Pagla, Kanchpur the industrial establishments turn-out daily necessities. Motijheel is the main commercial area of the city. Dhaka's major waterfront Sadarghat is on the bank of the river Buriganga and is crowded with all kinds of rivercraft, yatchs, country boats, motor launches, paddle - steamers, fishermen's boats all bustling with activity.Colourful rickshaws (tricycle) on the city streets are common attractions for the visitors.Some of the outstanding tourist attractions of Dhaka are:

GENERAL INFORMATION :

Area : 815.85 Sq. kilometres (approx.)

Population : Seven million (approx.)

Climate : Tropical, with heavy rainfall and bright sunshine in the monsoon and warm for the greater part of the year. The winter months, from November to March, are however, most likeable, cool and pleasant.

Rainfall : 2540 mm annually.

Humidity : 80 percent (approx.)

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Mosque : Seven domed Mosque (17th century), Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, Star Mosque (18th century)

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Hindu Temples : Dhakeshwari Temple (llth Century), Ramkrishna Mission.

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Churches : Armenian Church (1781 A.D.) St.Mary's Cathedral at Ramna, Church of Bangladesh or former Holy Rosary Church (1677 A.D.) at Teigaon.

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

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National Memorial : Located at Savar, 35, km. from Dhaka city. The memorial designed by architect Moinul Hossein, is dedicated to the sacred memory of the millions of unknown martyrs of the 1971 war of liberation.

1857 Memorial : (Bahadur Shah Park) Built to commemorate the martyrs of the first liberation war (1857-59) against British rule. It was here that the revolting sepoys and their civil compatriots mere publicly hanged

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Bangabandhu Memorial Museum : The residence of the father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Dhanmondi Residential Area has been turned into a musuem. it contains rare collection of personal effects and photographs of his lifetime.

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Mukti Juddha Museum : Situatad at Segun Bagich a area of the city contains rare photographs of Liberation war and items used by the freedom fighters during the period.
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National Museum : Centrally located, the museum contains a large number of interesting collections including sculptures and paintings of the Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim periods.Science Museum : Located at Agargaon, the museum is a modern learning Centre related to the latest scientific discoveries.

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Ahsan Manzil Museum : On the bank of the river Buriganga in Dhaka the pink majestic Ahsan Manzil has been renovated and turned into a museum recently. It is an example of the nations r cultural heritage. It was the home of the Nawab of Dhaka and a Silent [spectator to many events. Today's renovated Ahsan Manzil is a monument of immense historical beauty. It has 31 rooms with a huge dome atop which can be seen from miles around. It now has 23 galleries displaying portraits, furniture and household articles and utensils used by the Nawab.

Mausoleum of National leaders : Located at the south western corner of Suhrawardy Uddyan it is the eternal resting piece of three great national leaders, Sher-e-Bangla A,K. Fazlull Haque, Hossain Shahid Suhrawardy and Khawja Nazimuddin.

Banga Bhaban : Tourists can have a look (outside view only) of Banga Bhaban, the official residence of the president. Bara Katra: This building of grand scale, now almost in ruins, is one of the most important remains of the Mughal peirod in Dhaka. If is of the type of 'Katra' (enclosed quadrangle building) with a gigantic frontage towards the river Buriganga. It was built by Abul Qasim, Dewan of Shah Shuja in 1644 A.D. It served the purpose of a caravanserai.

High Court Building : Originally built as the residence of British Governor. it illustrate happy blend of European Mughal architecture.


Chota Katra : Situated about 200 yards east of Bara Katra, Chota Katra was built in 1663 A.D. by Nawab Shaista Khan. This is of similar plan and purpose as the Bara Katra but is smaller in size.

National Art Gallery : Situated in the Shilpakala Academy premises this has a representative collection of folk-art and painting by artists of Bangladesh.

National Assembly Complex : Sangsad Bhaban, the National Assembly Complex in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar designed by the famous architect Luis 1. Kahn has distinctive architectural features.

Suhrawardy Uddyan (Garden) : At a stone's thrown distance from Dhaka Sheraton Hotel is the Suhrawardy Uddyan, formerly known as the Race Course, the popular park of the city. It is here that the clarioncall for independence of Bangladesh was given by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on the 7th March 1971 and curiously enough it is again here that the commander of the occupation forces surrendered on the 16th December 1971.

Baldha Garden : Baldha Garden has collection of rare plants and flowers.

Ramna Garden : Ramna park is a vast stretch of green ground surrounded by a serpentine lake.

Zoological Garden : Called Mirpur Zoo, it is situated at Mirpur 16 km NW of Dhaka, on 230 acres of land.

Botonical Garden: Built over an area of 205 acres of land at Mirpur just east of the Zoo. Objective of garden-botanical education, research, preservation of plants and some recreation.

National Park : Situated at Rajendrapur, 40 km due north of Dhaka, within Joydevpur Police Station in the magnificent Bhawal region of Dhaka-Trishal-Mymensingh highway, this is a vast (1,600 acres) national recreational forest, ideal for hose who love nature.

Curzon Hall : Beautiful architectural building named after Loard Curzon. It now houses the Science Faculty of Dhaka University.

Dhaka Zoo : Popularly known as Mirpur Zoo. Colourful and attractive collections of different local and foreign species of animals and birds including the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger are available here.

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Central Shahid Minar : Symbol of Bengali nationalism. This monument was built to commemorate the martyrs of the historic Language movement of 1952. Hundreds and thousands of people with floral wreaths and bouquet gather on 21 February every year to pay respect in a solemn atmosphere. Celebrations begin at zero hour of midnight.

Buddhist monastery : Kamalapur Buddhist Monastery.

National Poet's Graveyard : Revolutionary poet Kazi Nazrul Islam died on the 29 August 1978 and was buried here. The graveyard is adjacent to the Dhaka University Mosque.

Institute of Arts and Crafts : Situated in the picturesque surroundings of Shahbagh the Institute of Arts and Crafts has a representative collection of folk-art and paintings by artists of Bangladesh.

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Sonargaon : About 29 km. from Dhaka. Sonargaon is one of the oldest capitals of Bangal. A Folk Arts and Crafts Museum has been established here.

Other attractions in and around Dhaka include the Institute of Arts and Crafts with its representative collection of folk art and paintings, handicraft shops. Aparajeya Bangla monument, picnic spots at Chandra and Salna, industrial estates of Tongi, Narayanganj, Demara, Tejgaon, cruising by country boat in the nearby river or a visit to a village to see jute cultivation, weaving and pottery making. Last but not the least travel by a horse driven cart or rickshaw along busy Dhaka streets is a rewarding experience.

Picnic Spots : There are good picnic spots in the area around Savar and Mirzapur. Other beauty spots connected by road with Dhaka include Joydevpur, Sripur, Madhupur, Rajendrapur National Park, Chandra and Salna, all of which have rest-houses that can be used by tourists on request to the Forest Department. Bangaldesh Parjatan Corporation owns two picnic spots with Bunglows at Chandra and Salna which can also be hired by tourists.

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Sightseeing Tours : Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation runs conducted sightseeing tours from its Tourist Information Centre at Dhaka Sheraton Hotel. The duration of the Dhaka City sightseeing tours is three hours approximately. The Corporation operates a number of other interesting sightseeing tours around the Dhaka City (Ph: 8119192). For the transit passengers the Corporation also runs special city sightseeing tours from from the Tourist Information Centre, Zia International Airport, Ph: 880-2-8914416.

Clubs : Dhaka Club, Dhaka, formed in 1851 in the name of Ramna Dhaka Club. Accom, Rest. & Bar, Swimming Pool, Indoor Games, Tennis, Squash Ph: 880-2- 8619180-4, 505800-4

Golf Club, Kurmitola, Temporary Membership for tourists available, Golf, Rest. & Bar. Ph: 880-2-605301 Australian Club Rd. 83, Gulshan, Membership to all Australians and New Zeaianders, Swimming, Tennis, Squash, Volleybal, Ph:880-2- 603775

American Club, Gulshan, Membership open to all Americans and their families, Swimming, Tennis, Squash, Volleyball, Basketball, Rest,Ph: 880-2-8821025-27

Swedish Club, Rd. 47, Gulshan, open to all Swedesh and their guests, Swimming, Squash, Tennis, Ph: 880-2-601043

Netherlands, Recreation Cantre, Road 74, house 33, Gulshan 2, members must be Dutch, Swimming Tennis, Rest, Ph: 880-2-602039.

Shundarban -- Royel bengal tiers

In the south-western part of Bangladesh, in the district of greater Khulna, lies the Sundarbans, the beautiful forest. It is a virgin forest which until recently owed nothing to human endeavour and yet nature has laid it out with as much care as a planned pleasure ground. For miles and miles, the lofty treetops form an unbroken canopy, while nearer the ground, works of high and ebb-tide marked on the soil and tree trunks and the many varieties of the natural mangrove forest have much to offer to an inquisitive visitor.

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 river banks. 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.

The Sundarbans is a cluster of islands with an approximate area of 6000 sq. km. forming the largest block of littoral forests. 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 habital 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.
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General Information

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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 riverine beauty.

FAMOUS SPOTS

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) provide opportunities for wild tracking.

Tin Kona Island for tiger and deer.

Dublar Char (Island) for fishermen. It is a beautiful island where herds of spotted deer are often seen to graze.

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Means of Communication

Water transport is the only means of communication for visiting the Sundarbans from Khulna or Mongla Port. Private motor launch, speed boats, country boats as well as mechanised 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 night-long 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 favour in the river. Usually it takes 6 to 10 hours journey by motor vessel from Mongla to Hiron Point or Katka.

Accommodation Inside the forest

Hiron Point : Comfortable three-storied Rest-House of the Mongla Port Authority. Prior booking is to be made.

Katka : Forest Department Rest-House located here. Prior booking essential.

Journey by Rocket Steamer to Mongla and Khulna

Minimum Journey time is 22 Hours for Mongla and 24 Hours for Khulna from Dhaka.

Entry Permission

Prior permission must be obtained through written application from the Divisional Forest Office, Circuit House Road, Khulna (Phone 20665, 211731) to visit the Sundarbans. Required entrance fees for visitors, vessel or boat payable at the relevant forest station/range office.

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Fee for Commercial Photography
Movie...........Tk. 5,000.00 per role exposed

Video........... Tk. 4,000.00 per Cassette

Still...............Tk. 1,000.00 per role exposed

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Guided Tours

Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation, National Tourism Organization offers all-inclusive guided package fours from Dhaka to Sundarbans and return during the tourist season (October to March). Group size Minimum 12 pax.

For rates and booking please contact:

Manager (Tours), Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation, 233, Airport Road, Tejgaon, Dhaka-1212, Phone: 817855-59, Fax : 880-2-817235.

Climate

Climate in the Sundarbans is moderate. Air is humid. Full monsoon is from June to September. The annual rainfall average between 65" and 70". During ebb-tide the forest becomes bare by 6-7 feet and at high tide (30 miles and hour) the entire territory of the forest floats on water.

Life in Forest

Only means of transportation inside the forest is boat. There is no road, no trail of a path anywhere. The wood-cutters make temporary dwellings at the edge of the forest at a height of 8-10 feet for fear of wild animals others live on boats. In the chandpai region it is fascinating to see the nomadic fishermen (living with families on boats) catching fish with the help of trained offers. Exciting activities take place in Dublar Char in the forest where fishermen from Chittagong gather for four months (mid Oct. to mid Feb.) to catch and dry fish. But the most daring and exciting of all activities is presented by the honey-collectors who work in groups for just two months (April-May) and it is interesting to see how they locate a hive and then collect honey.

Flora and Fauna

The Sundarbans is endowed by nature with rich flora and fauna. It is a wonderful place to see or to shoot a Royal Bengal Tiger with Camera if one has the time to wait in the forest. There are a good number of tigers in the Sundarbans. Lovely spotted deer are easy to find. Besides there are a wide variety of wildlife for which the Sundarbans is so famous.

Visit to the Forest

Permission from the Division Forest Officer, Khulna is required to visit to the forest. Cholera vaccine is to be taken well in advance. Anti-malarial, anti-diarrhoeal, insectrepellent cream, drinking water, green coconuts, medical kit, light tropical dress, thick rubber soled boots etc. are to be carried with the tourist. It will be wise to take the help of an experienced guide to make the journey fruitful.

Khulna

Khulna is the third biggest industrial city of the country. It is a divisional headquarter which serves as a gateway to the seaport of mongla and the Sundarbans. Khulna is also famous for shrimp processing and newsprint.

Bagerhat

This little town is 40 km. south-east of khulna on the northern fringes of the Sundarbans. It is a district headquarters, Bagerhat is famous for Shait-gumbad mosque (60-domed) built in 1459 and shrine of the Muslim mystic Khan Jahan Ali.

Mongla

Mongla is the second seaport of the country and gateway to the Sundarbans. It lies 38 km. to the south of Khulna. The port authority has got motor launches to go to the forest.

Tourist season & Shooting

Best time to visit the Sundarbans is from November to March. Exciting honey collection season is during April-May. Hunting is prohibited by law in the country for the preservation of wildlife. Certain species of birds, however, can be shot with prior permission of the Divisional Forest Officer, Khulna, (Phone : 20665 & 21173).

Kuakata -- Daugher of the Sea

Kuakata, locally known as Sagar Kannya (Daughter of the Sea) is a rare scenic beauty spot on the southernmost tip of Bangladesh. Kuakata in Latachapli union under Kalapara Police Station of Patuakhali district is about 30 km in length and 6 km in breadth. It is 70 km from Patuakhali district headquarters and 320 km from Dhaka. At Kuakata excellent combination of the picturesque natural beauty, sandy beach, blue sky, huge expanse of water of the Bay and evergreen forest in really eye-catching.

The name Kuakata have originated from Kua-Well dug on the sea shore by the early Rakhine settlers in quest of collecting drinking water, who landed on Kuakata coast after explled from Arakan by Moughals. Afterwards, it has become a tradition of digging Kua-Well in the neighbourhood of Rakhaine homestead for collection water for drinking purpose and general use.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS:

Kuakata is one of the rarest places which has the unique beauty of offering the full view of the rising and setting of crimson sun in the water of the Bay of Bengal in a calm environment. That perhaps makes kuakata one of the world's unique beaches. The long and wide beach at Kuakata has a typical natural setting. This sandy beach has gentle slopes into the Bay of Bengal and bathing there is as pleasant as is walking or diving. Kuakata is truly a virgin beach-a sanctuary for migratory winter birds, a series of coconut trees, sandy beach of blue Bay, a feast for the eye. Forest, boats plying in the Bay of Bengal with colourful sails, fishing, towering cliffs, surfing waves everything here touches every visitor's heart. The unique customs and costumes of the 'Rakhyne' tribal families and Buddhist Temple of about hundred years old indicate the ancient tradition and cultural heritage, which are objects of great pleasure Kuakata is the place of pilgrimage of the Hindus and Buddhist communities. Innumerable devotees arrive here at the festival of 'Rush Purnima' and 'Maghi Purnima'. On these two days they take holy bath and traditional fairs are held here. All these additional offers to panoramic beauty make the beach more attractive to the visitors. One should visit Kuakata and discover the lovely grace of Bangladesh.

MEANS OF COMMUNICATION:

There exists road commiunication between Dhaka and Patuakhali district headquaters. Accessible by road, water or airtransport upto Barisal. Then one may travel by road or water to Kuakata or Patuakhali.

BRTC has introduced direct bus service from Dhaka to Kuakata via Barisal. Besides that, Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation, National Tourism Organization may organize guided package tours from Dhaka to Kuakata on demand. For rates and booking you may contact : Manager (Tours), Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation, 233, Airport Road, Tejgaon, Dhaka-1215. Phone : 8117855-9, Fax : 880-2-8117235.E-mail : bpcho@bangla.net

PARJATAN FACILITIES:

Parjatan Holiday Homes at Kuakata is an ideal tourist resort having a number of facilities for the tourists.

Other facilities:

A pond of crystal clean sweet water beside the motel attract the tourists. For advance reservation and further details one may contact : Central Reservation, Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation. Head Office, 233, Airport Road, Tejgaon, Dhaka. Phone : 880-2- 8119192, 880-2-8117855-9, Fax : 880-2-8117235. E-mail : bpcho@bangla.net

Khulna -- A city for cheap vacation

Gateway to the Sundarbans abode of the Royal Bengal Tigers Khulna is an industrial town and Divisional Headquarter. The Mongla Seaport is closeby.Some of the biggest Jute mills in the country are located here. Khulna is connected with Dhaka by road and boat and by air via Jessore. Accommodation and eating facilities are available.

Mongla:

There are rest-house for the visitors to stay and enjoy the unspoiled nature with all its charm and majesty. Spending some times inside the forest can be a rare threat for the lovers of nature.

Chittagong -- A clean city to enjoy vacation

Chittagong, the second largest city of Bangladesh and a busy international seaport, is an ideal vacation spot. Its green hills and forests, its broad sandy beaches and its fine cool climate always attract the holiday-markers. Described by the Chinese traveler poet, Huen Tsang (7th century A.D) as "a sleeping beauty emerging from mists and water" and given the title of "Porto Grande" by the 16th century Portuguese seafarers. Chittagong remains true to both the descriptions even today. It combines remains true to both the descriptions even today. It combines the busy hum of an active seaport with the shooting quiet of a charming hill town.

Chittagong is the country's chief port and is the main site for the establishment of heavy, medium and light industries. Bangladesh's only steel mill and oil refinery are also located in Chittagong

OTHER PLACES OF INTEREST
Besides, the longest sea-beach, Cox's Bazar and its adjoing areas have a lot of things to see and places deserve visit by the tourists.

Tomb of Sultan Bayazid Bostami:
Situated on a hillock at Nasirabad, about 6 km. to the north-west of Chittagong town, this shrine attracts a large number of visitors and pilgrims. At its base is a large tank with several hundred tortoises.

Tradition has it that these animals are the descendants of the evil spirits (genii) who were cast into this shape because they incurred the wrath of the great saint who visited the place about 1100 years age.

World War II Cemetery:
In a well-preserved cemetery at a quiet and picturesque place within the city lie buried in eternal peace over 700 soldiers from British, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, India, Myanmar, East and West Africa, The Netherlands and Japan who laid down their lives on the Myanmar front during the World War II.

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Shrine of Shah Amanat:
The Shrine of Shah Amanat is another place of religious attraction, located in the heart of the town, the shrine is visited by hundreds of people everyday who pay homage to the memory of the saint.

Court Building Museum:
Situated on the Fairy Hill,this building commands a panoramic bird's eye view of Chittagong. This had been the scene of intense activity during the independence War in 1971. A museum has been established here.

Foy's Lake(Pahartali Lake):
Set amidst picturesque surroundings in the railway township of Pahartali 8 km. from Chittagong this is an ideal spot of outing and picnic thronged by thousands of visitors every week.
Mercantile Marine Academy at Juldia: The only training institute of its kind in Bangladesh, situated on the month of the river Karnaphuli.


Patenga and Fouzdarhat Sea Beaches:
Patenga beach is about 22 km. from Chittagong and is approachable by a motorable road. On the way to the beach one passes the Patenga Airport. Another ideal picnic spot is the Fouzdarhat sea-beach about 16 km. from Chittagong.

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Port Area:
Located near the river mouth of the river Karnaphuli, the Chittagong port has a recorded history from 9th century. Today, this is the principal seaport of the country.

Ethnological Museum:
This museum located in Agrabad is a treasure-house of a variety of tribal culture and heritage of Bangladesh.

Zia Museum:
The government Circuit House where former president Ziaur Rahman was assasinated has been turned into a museum.

Sitakunda:
About 37 km. from Chittagong lies an interesting place known as Sitakunda, served by a railway station of the same name. Famous among the many temples in this place are the Chandranath Temple and the Buddhist Temple has a footprint of Lord Buddha. These places particularly the hilltops are regarded as very sacred by the Buddhists and the Hindus. Siva-chaturdashi festival is held every year in February when thousands of pilgrims assemble for the celebrations which last about ten days. There is a salt water spring 5 km. to the north of Sitakunda, known as Labanakhya.

Climate : Pleasant and cool in winter and warm and humid in summer.
Language : Bangla, English is spoken and understood.
Wearing Apparel : Tropical in summer and light woolen in winter.
Climate : Pleasant and cool in winter and warm and humid in summer.
Language : Bangla, English is spoken and understood.
Wearing Apparel : Tropical in summer and light woolen in winter.

Parjatan facilities for Tourists in Chittagong:
Motel Shaikat at Station Road is a good Motel for budget tourists. It has 2 AC suites; 13 AC Twin Rooms; 13 non-AC Twin Rooms; Shaikat Restaurant-60 seating, Tourist Information, Phones : 619514, 619845, 611046-8. Other hotels in town are Hotel Agrabad, Hotel Shahjahan, Hotel Miskha, Hotel Safina & Hotel Hawaii.

Communication & Transport:
Chittagong is connected by road and rail with rest of the country. Air link is available with Dhaka and Calcutta.

Car Rental:
Rent-A-Car facilities are available for city sightseeing and trips to Rangamati, Cox's Bazar, Sitakunda and other touristically important places.

Hill Districts:
The Hill Tracts is divided into three districts, namely Rangamati, Khagrachari and Bandarban.

From Chittagong a 77 km. road amidst green fields and winding hills will take you to Rangamati, the headquarters of the Rangamati Hill District which is a wonderful repository of scenic splendours with flora and fauna of varied descriptions. It is also connected by water way from Kaptai.

The Hills:
The Hill Tract is divided into four valleys surrounded by the Feni, Karnaphuli, Sangu (Sankhu) and Matamuhuri rivers and their tributaries. The ranges or hills of the Hill Tracts rise steeply thus looking far more impressive than what their height would imply and extend in long narrow ridges. The highest peaks on the northern side are Thangnang, Langliang and Khantiang while those on the southern side are Ramu, Taung, Keekradang, Tahjindong (4632 ft, highest in Bangladesh), Mowdok Mual, Rang Tlang and Mowdok Tlang.

The Lakes:
Famous Kaptai Lake, the largest "man-made" lake, spreading over 680 sq. km. of crystal-clean water flanked by hills and evergreen forests lies in the Rangamati Hill District. The lake was formed when the Karnaphuli river dam (153 feet high, 1800 feet long crest) was built for the purpose of hydroelectric power project at Kaptai. The old Rangamati town was submerged under lake water and a new town had to be built later. The lake is full of fish and provides facilities for cruising, swimming and skiing. There are also facilities for angling and short trip by Sampan, local name for country boats.

The forests:
The valleys of the Hill Tracts are covered with thick planted forests. The vegetation in semi-evergreen to tropical evergreen dominated by tall teak trees. The natural vegetation can be seen best in the Rain-khyong valleys of the Bandarban district. This district provides the country with valuable wood used for various purposes, besides supplying wood and bamboo for the Karnaphuli Paper Mills and the Rayon Mills situated at Chandraghona. Here a tourist may be lucky to see how huge logs of wood are being carried to the plain by the tamed elephants.

Climate:
There are there main seasons, the dry season (November to March), which is relatively cool, sunny and dry, the premonsoon season (April and May), which is very hot and sunny with occasional shower, and the rainy season (June to October), which is warm, cloudy and wet.

Tribal life:
The inhabitants of the Hill Tracts are mostly tribal. Life of the tribal people is extremely fascinating. Majority of them are Buddhists and the rest are Hindus, Christians and Animists. Despite the bondage of religion, elements of primitiveness is strongly displayed in their rites, rituals and everyday life. The tribal families are matriarchal. The women-folk are more hardworking than the males and they are the main productive force.

The tribal people are extremely self-reliant, they grow their own food, their girls weave their own clothes and generally speaking, they live a simple life. Each tribe has its own dialect, distinctive dress and rites and rituals. The common feature is their way of life which still speak of their main occupation. Some of them take pride in hunting with bows and arrows. Tribal women are very skilful in making beautiful handicrafts. Tribal people are generally peace loving, honest and hospitable. They usually greet a tourist with a smile.

Places of Interest:
For visit of foreign tourists to the Hill Districts prior permission from the Government is required which can be arranged through BPC.

Chandraghona:
Forty-eight kilometer from Chittagong, on the Kaptai Road is Chandraghona where one of the biggest paper mills in Asia is located. Close to the paper mill there is a rayon factory which produces synthetic fibers from bamboo.

Khagrachari:
Khagrachari is the district headquarters of Khagachari Hill District. A drive of 112 km. from Chittagong, by an allweather metalled road through the green forest brings you to Khagrachari, abode of fascinating clam. For the tourists seeking nature here in restful mood, Khagrachari is a ideal spot.

Bandarban:
Ninetytwo kilometer from Chittagong by metalled road, Bandarban is the district headquarters of the Bandarban Hill District. Bandarban is the home town of the Bohmong Chief who is the head of the Mogh tribe. The Moghs are of Myanmar origin and Buddhists by religion. Jovial and carefree by nature, the Moghs are simple and hospitable people. Bandarban is also the home of the Murangs who are famous for their music and dance. Fat into the interior there are several other tribes of great interest for anyone who cares to make the journey.

Bangladesh Parjatan corporation, the National Tourism Organization has created a number of facilities for the tourists at Rangamati holiday resorts.

These are:
Parjatan Motel : 1st Class -3AC Twin Rooms, 15 Non-AC Twin Rooms; Labiyal Restaurant-32 seating. Phone: 3126

Cottages : Standard 3 cottages, 4 beds each; phones : 3126 Two, 8 beds each, phone : 3126

Other Facilities : Speed Boats, Paddle Boats and Canone Boats for Lake-cruise, AC Auditorium for Cultural Functions & Conferences-200 seating; Picnic Hill, and Tourist information, Phone: 3126

There are a few small hotels and rest houses. For reservation of Parjatan Moteis at Chittagong & Rangamati you may contact Central Reservation, BPC Head Office, Phone : 8119192, 8117855-9 and Fax : 880-2-8117235. E-mail: bpcho@bangla.net

Enjoy your holiday at Rangamati

From Chittagong a 77 km road amidst green fields and winding hills will take you to Rangamati, the headquarter of Rangamati Hill District 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 resort because of its beautiful landscape, scenic beauty, lake, colourful tribes (Chakma, Marma etc)., its flora and fauna, tribal museum, hanging bridge, homespun textile products, ivory jewellery and the tribal men and women who fashion them. For tourists the attractions of Rangamati are numerous, tribal life, fishing, speed boat cruising, water skiing, hiking, bathing or merely enjoying nature as it is. Some of the Offers: Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation provides suitable hotel and cottage accommodation, catering, speed boat, paddle boat and other facilities at Rangamati.

Sylhet -- A Cool Tourist Spot

Nestled in the picturesque Surma Valley amidst scenic tea plantations and lush green tropical forests, greater Sylhet is a prime attraction for all tourists visiting Bangladesh. Laying between the Khasia and the Jaintia hills on the north, and the Tripura hills on the south, Sylhet breaks the monotony of the flatness of this land by a multitude of terraced tea gardens, rolling countryside and the exotic flora and fauna. Here the thick tropical forests abound with many species of wildlife, spread their aroma around the typical hearth and homes of the Mainpuri Tribal maidens famous for their dance. The Sylhet valley is formed by a beautiful, winding pair of rivers named the Surma and the Kushiara both of which are fed by innumerable hill streams from the north and the south. The valley has good number of haors which are big natural depressions. During winter these haors are vast stretches of green land, but in the rainy season they turn into turbulent seas.

These haors provide a sanctuary to the millions of migratory birds who fly from Siberia across the Himalayas to avoid the severe cold there. Sylhet has also a very interesting and rich hilstory, Before the conquest by the Muslims, it was ruled by local chieftains. In 1303, the great Saint Hazrat Shah Jalal came to Sylhet from Delhi with a band of 360 disciples to preach islam and defeated the then Raja Gour Gobinda. Sylhet thus became a district of saints, shrines and daring but virile people. Its rich potentialities became easily attractive and the 18th century Englishmen made their fortune in tea plantation. About 80 km. from Sylhet town connected by road and rail, Srimangal, which is known as the tea capital of Bangladesh, is the actual tea centre of the area. For miles and miles around, the visitor can see the tea gardens spread like a green carpet over the plain land or on the sloping hills. A visit to the tea plantation in Sylhet is a memorable experience. Sylhet, the tea granary of Bangladesh, not only has over 150 tea gardens but also proudly possesses three largest tea gardens in the world both in area and production.


The Shrine of Hazrat Shah Jalal:
Among the several places of historical interest in Sylhet town is the shrine of Saint Hazrat Shah Jalal. Even today, more than six hundred years after his death, the shrine is visited by innumerable devotees of every caste and creed, who make the journey from far away places. Legend says, the great saint who came from Delhi to preach Islam and defeated the then Hindu Raja (king) Gour Gobinda, transformed the witchcraft followers of the Raja into catfishes which are still alive in the tank adjacent to the shrine Swords, the holy Quran and the robes of the holy saint are still preserved in the shrine.

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Hairpur Gas Field and other spots:
Twentytwo kilometers from Sylhet town is the Haripur Gas Field and at 35 km. point is the Jaintiapur's Rajbari.

Only 5 km. from Jaintiapur is Jaflong, a scenic spot amidst tea gardens. At about 35 km. north-west of Sylhet town, linked by rail, road and river is Chhatak, the seat of Assam Bengal Cement Factory, Chhatak is famous for orange garden.



Madhabkunda:
About 3 km. from Dakhinbagh Railway Station there is the famous waterfall of Madhabkunda which attracts large number of tourists every year.

Tamabil-Jaflong:
Situated amidst splendid panorama, Tamabil is a border outpost on Sylhet-Shilong Road about 55 km. away from Sylhet town. Besides enchanting views of the area one can also have a glimpse of the waterfalls across the border from Tamabil. Jaflong is also a scenic spot nearby amidst tea gardens and rate beauty of rolling stones from hills.

Manipuri Dance:
An interesting feature of Sylhet region is the aboriginal tribes such as the Tipperas, the Monipuris, Khasis and Garos who still live in their primitive ways in the hills, practising their age-old rites, rituals, customs and traditions. During festivals such as, Rash Leela (Full-moon night in February) and Doljatra, the attractive young girls dressed in colorful robes, dance with the male members of their choice & love. The Monipuris perform their famous dance, based on allegorical love themes of the ancient mythology.

Handicrafts:
Sylhet is well-known for its wide variety of exquiste handicrafts. Well-known Sylhet cane products such as chair, table, tea trays, flower vases, bags and the exquisitely designed fine Sital Pati (a kind of mattress having natural cooling effect) are colorful souvenirs.

For accommodation at Sylhet town, some reasonably good hotels are available. Rest-house accommodation at Srimangal and other places are also available for tourists.

Parjatan Facilities:
Bangladesh Parjatan corporation operates a first class motel (Phone : 0821-712426) and restaurant located in the picturesque sorroumdings near the Sylhet Airport besides the Duty Free shop at the airport (Pnone : 0821-713206) and transport service. Picnic spot, restaurant, parking facilities have been established near Madhabkunda waterfall area.

Guided Tours:
Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation-National Tourism Organization arranges guided package tours for groups of 10 and about from Dhaka to Sylhet.

Srimongal:
Srimongal is famous for the largest tea gardens of world covered by lush green carpet. One can have a look into the spectacular tea processing at Tea Research Institute.

Temple of Sri Chaitannya Dev:
About 500 years old famous temple of Sri Chaitanya Dev is located at Dhaka Dakhin about 45 km south-east from Sylhet town. The place is revered from being the ancestral home of the famous Vaishnava saint. Yearly fair is organised on the fullmoon day of the Bangla month Falgun. Hundreds and thousands of devotees from home and abroad attend this colorful fair.

Shahi Edgah:
Three kilometers to the north-east of the circuit house, the Shahi Eidgah was built on a hill by the Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb in the 17th century. It looks like a grade fort but is actually meant for Eid congreation-the two biggest Muslim festivals.

Gour Gobinda Fort:
The Murarichand Government College is situated in a beautiful surrounding on a hillttop. To the north-west of the college lie the remains of King Gour Govinda's Fort.

Jaintiapur:
Situated 43 km. to the north of Sylhet town, on the Sylhet- Shillong road, Jaintiapur was the capital of an ancient kingdom which included the khasi and Jaintia Hills and plains of Jainta. Interesting ruins of this forgotten period lie scattered throughout Jaintiapur. A drive to Jaintiapur is an interesting and worthwhile experience.