Sights in Bangladesh, Activities, Tourist Attractions

Numerous attractions and sights in Bangladesh can be visited in cities, villages and wilderness areas. From natural wonders to sites of historical and cultural interest, Bangladesh's attractions draw vast numbers of tourists annually. On this page we take a look at cultural and historical sights and attractions in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh boasts three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. One of these is the Mosque City of Bagerhat. Situated in the southwest region of Bangladesh, it was declared a World Heritage Site in 1983. Paharpar is another World Heritage Site. Designated such in 1985, this is an ancient city inhabited by Mahayana Buddhists between 800 AD and 1300 AD. Distinctive Buddhist architecture is seen in the buildings. The third World Heritage site is the Sundarbans delta. This is the world’s biggest mangrove forest extending through Bangladesh and India. Situated at the mouth of the Ganges River, the Sundarbans delta is made up of waterways, islands and mudflats filled with a variety of fauna. It is believed that some 400 Bengal tigers reside here.

Several outstanding commemorative monuments stand in Bangladesh. Shabash Bangladesh is a renowned sculpture at the Rajshahi University. The sculpture was created in honor of those who gave up their lives in the Liberation war. It was sculpted by Nitun Kundu. In Dhaka you will come across the Shaheed Minar national monument. This monument was erected in memory of the martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement. Another national memorial in Dhaka is Suhrawardy Udyan. First a British military club, it became a race course and then a gymkhana. The memorial has great historical significance. An eternal flame burns in this historic park as a symbol of freedom.

Museums are a great way to become acquainted with Bangladesh’s past. Pay a visit to Ahsan Manzil. Originally it served as a residential palace as well as the seat of the Nawabs. A museum today, Ahsan Manzil is an outstanding architectural monument. Renovations on the palace were completed in 1992, after which it came into the hands of the Bangladesh National Museum. When in Rajshahi, make your way to the Varendra Museaum. Established in 1910, it is Bangladesh’s first museum. Its collections include the following displays: relics from the Indus Valley civilization, Buddhist and Hindu sculptures, ancient stone inscriptions and tribal culture exhibits. Also not to be missed is Dhaka Zoo in Mirpur. Here you can view both indigenous and exotic animals.

With so many attractions and sights in Bangladesh, there is never a dull moment. Take some time to explore the splendors of Bangladesh.

For more information on Bangladesh’s natural heritage, visit the following pages on this site: National Parks, Mountains, Wildlife and Ecotourism.

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