This trip introduces you to the largest river delta in the world, the mangrove forest of the Sundarbans and the cultural highlights of western Bangladesh. You make a trip with one of the world’s oldest paddle steamers, a unique experience. In the capital Dhaka you can’t wait to see the rickshaws all around you. Once in the south, enjoy the tranquility of the countryside. Walk through the rice fields, but also enjoy the ancient mosques and monuments that you will find here. A varied journey to one of the most impressive areas of Bangladesh.

Day 1 Dhaka: Rocket Steamer
Day 2 Rocket Steamer – Khulna
Day 3 Sundarbans
Day 4 Mongla
Day 5 Rajshahi
Day 6 Gaur
Day 7 Bogra
Day 8 Paharpur
Day 9 Kantanagar
Day 10 Dhaka
Day 11 Departure Dhaka

Day 1 Dhaka – Rocket Steamer

You will be picked up from your hotel and then given a short tour of the old town of Dhaka. We’ll visit Lalbagh Fort, a 17th century Mughal palace that today is an oasis of calm in the middle of the city. Particularly popular as a meeting point for local youth. Although the majority of the population is Muslim, there is also room for a Hindu temple: Dhakeswari Temple. A first acquaintance ends in the Newmarket shopping complex. Everything is for sale here and there is a cozy atmosphere. On the top floor, the textile department is very colorful and photogenic. Here the cloths and rugs are still old-fashioned with blocks provided with their pattern.

Then you will board the traditional paddle steamer the Rocket. This is one of the oldest active paddle boats in Asia. You sail south-west and the town of Mongla.

Day 2 With the Rocket Steamer through the delta

In the morning you will cruise through the world’s largest delta and see the river village life of Bangladesh. You will sail through an area where the Ganges and Brahmaputra meet in the ocean. These two rivers hold more water than all European rivers combined. We’ll disembark at Hularhat around noon. We’ll visit the local market, always busy, especially in a harbor town like Hularhat.

On the way to Khulna you will visit Bagerhat. This town, which is protected by UNESCO, has several special mosques from the Middle Ages. The most special and most beautiful is the so-called ’60-domed mosque’; this Shai Gumbad mosque actually has 77 domes and looks like a fortified fortress. You will also visit the mausoleum of Khan Jahan Ali and several other 15th century mosques such as the 9-domed mosque and smaller 1-dome mosques. The mosques are located in a beautiful rural environment and because there are many pilgrims, there is always something to do. At the end of the afternoon you will arrive in Khulna, where you will spend the night. 

Day 3 Sundarbans

In the morning we will drive to Mongla, where we will transfer for a boat trip through the Sundarbans. This unique nature reserve is the world’s largest mangrove forest and home to the Bengal tiger and many other game and tropical birds. Along the way you can get off a few times to take short walks. You will also visit some fishing villages. You spend the night in the Sundarbans.

Day 4 Khulna

In the morning we will visit some more villages in the Sundarbans and then drive back to Khulna. Along the way we stop at a few markets. At the end of the afternoon we will arrive in Khulna, where you will spend the night.

Day 5 Rajshahi

Today we’ll travel from Khulna to Rajshahi, a scenic drive through the Bangladeshi countryside. Here you will visit the mausoleum of Lalon Shah and the home of the famous poet Rabindaranath Tagore. 

Next stop is the beautiful temple city of Puthia. Between the greenery and along the banks of several lakes/waterholes, there are several Hindu palaces from the 16th century of the Raja of Puthia. The palaces are again built in terracotta and contrast beautifully with the green surroundings. Many decorations on and in the buildings; the largest lingam in the country is located in the Bhubaneshwar Shiva temple. This is also the most remarkable structure of this beautiful palace town. The sights are only shared with the colorful population, who watch curiously and happily while playing (children).

In the afternoon, we’ll arrive in the historic city of Rajshahi, located near the Indian border, and then take a walk on the banks of the Padma River.

Day 6 Rajshahi

We will visit the area around Rajshahi. We’ll drive to Gaud, known in Bangladesh for its mosques, such as the mosque of Choto Sona, the Darasbari mosque and madrasa and the Khonia Dighji mosque. After lunch we will return to Rajshahi and visit the Barendra research museum (one of the best in Bangladesh). Rajshahi is an important silk production center on the border with India. There is the possibility to view a silk factory and get a closer look at the process from caterpillar to silk. In the evening we can take a walk along the Padma River.

Day 7 Bogra

Today we will travel north towards Bogra. Enjoy the beautiful, green countryside of Bangladesh. Everywhere there is something to see and people are on their way. The locals are very colorful and give plenty of photo opportunities.

In the afternoon we will visit the famous Buddhist temples of Mahasthangarh, dating back to the 3rd century.

Day 8 Paharpur

We will visit the most famous archaeological site of Bangladesh throughout the day; the famous Buddhist complex of Paharpur. This Buddhist monastic complex dates back to the time of the Pala dynasty (7th to 12th century). The ruin complex is beautiful and peaceful in a rural environment and was the largest Buddhist building south of the Himalayas. Larger than, for example, Borobudur in Indonesia.

Day 9 Kantanagar Temple

Today we will travel to Rangpur to visit Tajhat Palace, one of the most beautiful Rajbaris in Bangladesh. We will also visit the beautiful Kali Mandir and the famous Carmichael college. In the afternoon we will visit the Kantanagar Temple, one of the most beautiful Hindu temples in Bangladesh, built in 1652 by the famous Maharaja of Dinajpur. The temple is an hour’s drive away and is one of the finest examples of the terracotta architecture that was so common in Bangladesh. The walls of the complex have beautiful images of gods, people, animals and floral motifs. The makers had a special fantasy resulting in special sculpture.

Day 10 Dhaka

After breakfast, we’ll return to Dhaka via Jamuna Setu (Bangladesh’s largest bridge). At the end of the afternoon we will arrive in Dhaka.

Day 11 Departure

Today we’ll bring you to the airport. End of service.