Bangladesh famous for

Lalbagh Fort

This Dhaka tourist attraction is an incomplete 17th-century Mughal fort complex. Construction began in 1678 under Mughal Subahdar Muhammad Azam Shah, son of Emperor Aurangzeb. The fort's development halted when Azam Shah was recalled to Delhi, and his successor, Shaista Khan, did not continue the work.

The fort includes the Diwan-i-Aam, Pari Bibi's tomb, and a mosque. Pari Bibi, Shaista Khan's daughter, was buried here, and her death is often cited as a reason for the fort's incomplete status.

The fort's architecture reflects a typical Mughal design, featuring extensive gardens, fountains and water channels.

Ahsan Manzil

Known as the Pink Palace, this building was constructed between 1859 and 1872 and served as the residence of the Nawab of Dhaka. Situated along the Buriganga River, the palace shows Indo-Saracenic Revival architecture. It has a grand dome, large rooms and elaborate designs that highlight the luxury of its time.

In 1985, the government took over the property and transformed it into a museum, maintaining its historical importance.

Sadarghat

Want to learn about the lifestyle of the Bangladeshi people? Head to Sadarghat. This riverport is a major transportation hub where triple-decked ferries, small wooden boats and cargo vessels navigate the river. Markets, shops and street vendors surround the area. You can easily hire a small boat to tour the river.

Jaflong

This beautiful hill station shares its border with India’s Meghalaya state in the Sylhet division. Jaflong is famous for its stone collections, which the Piyain River transports from the hills of Meghalaya. While here, you can enjoy views of the rolling hills and tea gardens and explore Khasi tribal life. The Sengram Punji Waterfalls add to the charm of this place.

Mahasthangarh

This is one of the oldest archaeological sites and a noted place to visit in Bangladesh, with a history dating back to the 3rd century BCE. Located in the Bogra District, this place was once an urban centre during the Maurya Empire.

The site is situated on the banks of the Karatoya River and features extensive fortifications, including a citadel measuring 1.5 km by 1.4 km.

Excavations have revealed a well-planned city with palaces, temples, and residential areas. The discovery of a limestone slab inscribed in Brahmi script in 1931 provided crucial evidence of the city's historical significance.

Star Mosque

Also known as Tara Masjid, this stunning mosque with mosaic decorations is in Dhaka's Armanitola area. It was built in the 19th century by Mirza Golam Pir. The mosque's name derives from the blue star motifs adorning its walls and domes.

In 1920, the mosque was renovated, and the star patterns were added using broken pieces of Chinese porcelain, a technique known as Chinitikri.

Hatirjheel

Originally a slum, this Bangladesh tourist attraction was transformed into an urban oasis and opened to the public in January 2013. The Bangladesh Army and the Special Works Organisation initiated the project to reduce traffic congestion while offering a tranquil escape for city inhabitants.

The name "Hatirjheel" translates to 'Lake of Elephants.' It refers to the historical bathing site for elephants from Pilkhana. Today, the site has well-lit bridges, scenic walkways and boating facilities, drawing both locals and tourists.

Cox’s Bazar

No trip to Bangladesh is complete without visiting this best tourist place in Bangladesh. Famous not only as a fishing port, its main attraction, Cox’s Bazar Beach, holds the record for being the world’s longest natural beach.

This city was originally named Panowa, which means ‘yellow flower.’ However, it was renamed after Captain Hiram Cox of the British East India Company during the British colonial period. The city has an area of 23.4 km.

Cox’s Bazar offers many tourist attractions. You can hike to Himchori Mountain or enjoy water activities at Sea Pearl Water Park.

Panam Nagar

Located in Sonargaon, Narayanganj District, this famous place in Bangladesh has historical roots dating back to the late 13th century. It was a major commercial centre during the Mughal era. It was restored in the 19th century when wealthy Hindu merchants refurbished it by building grand structures mixed with Mughal and British colonial architectural styles.

Panam Nagar was abandoned after the 1947 partition and the 1964 communal riots. Now an archaeological site, its narrow, deteriorating streets reveal the region's cultural and commercial history. However, ongoing restoration projects aim to protect and maintain the site's worth.

Morog Polao

This is a traditional Bangladeshi dish served on special occasions. Morog Polao combines fragrant basmati rice with finely chopped chicken pieces and then cooked with multiple spices.

The preparation begins with marinating the chicken in yoghurt, ginger, garlic and a mix of spices like cumin, coriander and garam masala. The dish is commonly topped with fried onions, raisins and nuts.

Haleem

Haleem's origins are traced back to the Middle Eastern dish Harees. Arab traders brought it to the Indian subcontinent. The dish is especially popular during Ramadan to provide a nutritious and filling meal after a day of fasting.

This slow-cooked stew combines meat, typically beef or mutton, with a mixture of lentils, wheat and barley. The ingredients are simmered for hours with a mix of spices, including cumin, coriander and garam masala, creating a thick, savoury paste. The dish is often garnished with fried onions, fresh coriander and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Bhuna Khichuri

Bhuna khichuri mixes rice and lentils, typically moong dal, and is seasoned with light spices. Unlike the more common, soupy khichuri, bhuna khichuri is dry and grainy, resembling a pulao.

The preparation begins by frying the rice, lentils, often mustard oil, onions, garlic, and whole spices like bay leaves, cardamom, and cloves. The dish acquires a deep, smoky flavour by using the 'bhuna' frying technique. Bhuna khichuri is typically served with sides like egg curry, chicken or beef bhuna.

Hilsa Curry

Also known as Ilish Machher Jhol, this dish is prepared with Hilsa fish, a type of herring that is Bangladesh's national fish. The preparation begins with marinating Hilsa pieces in turmeric and chilli paste and then frying them in mustard oil. The fried fish is then simmered in a gravy made from mustard seeds, green chillies, and other spices, resulting in a rich and flavourful curry.

Hilsa curry is often served with steamed rice, making it a staple in Bengali households. This dish is also a significant part of celebrations, such as Pohela Boishakh, the Bengali New Year.

Panta Bhat

This dish is especially enjoyed during the Bengali New Year, Pohela Boishakh. It consists of leftover rice soaked in water overnight, resulting in a slightly fermented, tangy flavour.

Panta Bhat is served with various complements such as fried Hilsa fish, dried fish (Shutki), pickles, lentils, green chillies and onions.

The fermentation process improves the flavour and nutritional value of the rice. Panta Bhat is often consumed as a cooling meal during the hot summer, providing a refreshing and hydrating effect.

Bhapa Pitha

Bhapa Pitha is a steamed rice cake crafted from finely ground rice flour. It is filled with a sweet mixture of grated coconut and jaggery or date molasses. Bhapa Pitha is best enjoyed warm, and it can be had with a cup of tea.

Textile Industry

Bangladesh's economy is primarily reliant on the textile industry. The sector contributes 80% of the country's total exports. The country has risen to become the world's second-largest exporter of ready-made garments (RMG).

Mangrove Forests

No introduction to Bangladesh is complete without mentioning the Sundarbans Mangrove Forest. With a stretch of over 10,000 square kilometres, this forest is a complex network of tidal waterways, mudflats and small islands of salt-tolerant mangrove forests.

Not only that, from the microscopic organisms in the water to the majestic Royal Bengal Tigers, you can find them here.

Riverine Nation

Bangladesh is a riverine country with a complex network of around 700 rivers. These rivers originate from the Himalayas and flow southwards, eventually emptying into the Bay of Bengal. The major rivers include the Ganges, Brahmaputra, Meghna, Jamuna, Karnaphuli and Teesta.

These rivers play a crucial role in the country's agriculture. They provide much-needed water for irrigation and enrich the soil with silt, making it fertile for crop cultivation. Rice, the country's staple food, is grown extensively along the river banks.

With many notable locations, natural beauty and plenty of things to do in Dhaka, you should add Bangladesh to your bucket list. However, before flying to this nation, secure yourself with Bangladesh travel insurance.

Although not mandatory, having travel insurance by your side protects you against medical emergencies, flight delays or loss of passport or baggage. In the event of pickpocketing, the travelling insurance provider can help by arranging cash assistance.

Not only that, if you purchase travel insurance cover from TATA AIG, accommodation expenses during unavoidable situations requiring trip extension will be taken care of. So explore our travel insurance plans and secure your next domestic or international trip today!

What are the visa requirements for Indian citizens travelling to Bangladesh?

To enter Bangladesh, you will need a valid visa. You can apply for a tourist visa at the Bangladesh High Commission or Consulate in India. Ensure you have a passport with at least six months' validity and other relevant documents.

What is the best time to visit Bangladesh?

The best time to visit Bangladesh is from November to March, during the winter season when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for travel.

What currency is used in Bangladesh, and can I exchange money easily?

Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) is the currency used in the country. Currency exchange is available at banks, exchange bureaus and airports.

What language is spoken in Bangladesh, and will I need a translator?

Bangladesh's official language is Bengali (Bangla), but English is usually understood in many cities and tourist places.

What should I pack for a trip to Bangladesh?

Pack lightweight, modest clothing suitable for the weather, comfortable walking shoes and any personal medications. Include essentials like sunscreen, insect repellent and a universal adapter for electronics.