A Travel Guide to Bangladesh

Bangladesh is a country in South Asia, bordered by Burma and India. Its climate is tropical with mild winters from October to March, with hot and humid summers from March to June and the humid monsoon season from June to October. The rainy season should be avoided as much of the country is impassible at this time and water borne diseases are rife. The country boasts over 200 species of mammals, including the Bengal Tiger, elephants, mongoose, clouded leopard, jackal and rhesus monkey. Crocodiles, sea turtles, pythons and cobras are also common. Many of the population are landless and are forced to live on the flood plains, with limited access to potable water. There are environmental problems in Bangladesh such as water shortages, river pollution and deforestation, but nevertheless the country is untouched by tourism, with beautiful landscapes and cities to explore. There are many festivals throughout the year. Pahela Baishakh is the Bengali New Year, around mid April, held at Ramna Park in the capital city, Dhaka, with boat races and tournaments, but is also celebrated in a colourful display in most towns and villages. Durga Puja is the biggest Hindu festival, lasting 10 days with a fair at Dhakeswari Temple in Dhaka. Chittagong is the second largest city and an ideal holiday location, with rolling green hills, long sandy beaches and a cool climate. It has an active seaport as well as several museums which display tribal artefacts. In the nearby Hill Tracts the occupants are mostly tribal people, some of whom still hunt with bow and arrow. Sitakunda is 37 km from Chittagong and here the tourist can visit the Buddhist temple with a preserved footprint of the Lord Buddha. Patenga Beach is 22 km from the city and accessible by bus. Secluded and unspoilt, this location is wonderful for a quiet day out. Bangladesh is rich in archaeological sites. Mahasthangarh is the oldest known site in the country and is situated 18 km north of Bogra town along side the River Karatoa. Here, a 5 mile radius is covered with fortifications, ancient ruins and mounds. The local people pay tribute to its 3rd century temples each year with a ceremony of bathing in the river. Dhaka was predominantly a city of Mughals and is rich in a fascinating heritage, with Lalbagh Fort being a popular site to visit. Located in the south west of the city, it overlooks the Buriganga and consists of some grand gateways, monuments and an attractive garden. Shopping in Bangladesh is a joy, with handicrafts, pink pearls, gold and silver products, brass and copper ware, as well as cotton clothing, silk, leather, cane and conch shell decorations at bargain prices, once the visitor has mastered the art of haggling. Dhaka has its own international airport, with car hire facilities. There are many hotels ranging in price in all the major cities and several package tours of the country available. If planning a camping holiday in the country, it is recommended that you seek advice on which tent to purchase.

RANGAMATI: The Pristine Beauty

As everyone knows Rangamati is the most scenic spot to visit in Bangladesh. Rangamati is popularly known as Lake City. It is surrounded by alluring forests, hills and many attractive attractions. This is the best spot for Eco-tourism. Rangamati is situated 77km from Chittagong. It is connected by stream from Kaptai. This is the place where you can visit any time. The most amazing time to visit this place is rainy season. During this time when waterfalls, rivers were in full boom with its amazing scenery, lovely lakes, its immense flora and fauna makes Rangamati one of the favorite tourist spot in Bangladesh. The flora and fauna of Rangamati were spreading along a large area with varied types of plantation. Rangamati is the place where you could spend your time with family and beloved ones while viewing the natural beauty. There are so many attractions like Hanging Bridge, Kaptai Lake, Tribal Cultural Museum, a different variety of tribal’s, lakes, textile products, etc. You can spend time here while fishing, boating also.

Kaptai Lake: The most recognized and prime attraction in Rangamati is Kaptai Lake. Kaptai Lake is surrounded by immense beauty. One can enjoy here boating also. It attracts national as well as international tourists. The lake was created as a result of hydro-electrical project over the Karnaphuli River.

Tribal Museum: It was established in the year 1978. The museum focused on cultural and historical tradition and socio-economic themes. The items includes tribal ornaments, dresses, statues made of wood, bronze and other metals, coins, ivory products, paintings on tribal life etc.

Hanging Bridge: It is the prime spot for tourists. When you cross over the hanging bridge, definately feel the nature`s beauty. While crossing the bridge you could see the greenery of this place. You can also take trip in boats below the bridge.

National Symbols of India

The national symbols of India are those symbols which represent our nation with full of prestige and pride. It also show union of different caste and bring them together. The symbols also defines Indian identity. India has many official national symbols Some of them are as follows:

National Flag Of India:
On 22 July 1947, the design of the National Flag was adopted by the Constituent Assembly of India. The design of National flag is a horizontal tri-colour of deep saffron at the top, white in the middle and dark green at the bottom in equal proportion. In the centre of the white band is a navy-blue wheel which represents the chakra. It has 24 spokes. The national flag of India is also known as “Tiranga”
Every colours of Indian Flag describes some meaning. The saffron colour denotes the strength and courage. The white in the centre is light, the path of truth to guide our conduct. The green shows our relation to soil, our relation to the plant life here on which all other life depends. The Ashoka Wheel in the center of the white is the wheel of the law of dharma.

National Anthem:
The national anthem of India first written in Bengali language by Rabindranath Tagore, later it was adopted in Hindi version by the Constituent Assembly as the national anthem of India on 24 January 1950. The song jana- gana-mana was beautifully written by the legend Rabindranath Tagore.

National Song of India:

The song “Vande Mataram” is the national song of India. The song describes India as a Goddess. The song was the inspiration to the public of India who were struggling for freedom. The song “Vande Mataram” was composed by Shri Bankim Chandra Chattyopadhya, a great poet, novelist, journalist and essayist. The song firstly composed in Sanskrit. Later had other translation also. The song influenced the public so much that the public started shouting on the roads “Vande Mataram” and lead Indian public demanding for freedom.It was first published in the Bengali novel “Anand Math” in the year 1882. The song had equal status as National Anthem. It was sung firstly in 1896 session of the Indian National Congress. The song itself represents Nation passion.

National Emblem of India:
The national emblem of India is a replica of the Lion at Sarnath, near Varanasi. The national symbol represent modern India`s declaration of its ancient commitment to world peace and goodwill. On January 26, 1950 the emblem was adopted by the Indian Government. It has four lions, resting on a circular abacus. The fourth lion is hidden. The emblem symbolizes courage, power. The abacus is enclosed with lion to guide the north direction, the elephant to guide the east direction, the horse of the south direction and bull to guide the west direction. Carved out of a single block of polished sandstone, the capital is crowned by the Dharma Chakra. The abacus is situated in lotus explains the inspiration for creativity and source of life. The words “Satyameva Jayate” which means “Truth Alone Triumphs”, inscribe below the abacus in Devanagari script.

National River:

The river Ganga is the national river of India. The Ganga is the most sacred and longest river of India due to which it has been selected as our national river. It comes from the Gangotri Glacier in the Himalayas as Bhagirathi river and combine with some other rivers like Yamuna, Sone, Alaknanda, Gomti, Ghagra and Kosi. The Indian people have strong faith in river Ganga and they perform many religious rituals near Ganga. The main religious are perform on the river banks at cities of Varanasi, Allahabad and Haridwar. The Ganga ends in Bay of Bengal.

National Tree:

The national tree of India is Banyan tree which represents strong and longevity features. The tree is deep rooted and its branches describe the unity of the country. The roots spread across a large surface area. This huge tree provides shelter to the people in the hot sun. The size of the leaves of tree is large. Many people worship Banyan tree. In India, there is a tradition of worshiping trees and they have strong faith. In Hindu culture, Banyan tree is often called 'kalpavriksha' which means 'a divine tree that fulfills wishes'.

National Flower:

Lotus is the national flower of India. Its botanical name is “Nelumbo Nucifera”. The Lotus represents divinity, fertility, knowledge, wealth and enlightenment. Lotus is an aquatic plant and its green leaves floats in water giving it a joyful look. The Lotus grows in murky waters and represents long life, honor, and good fortune. Most popular colors of Lotus are white and pink but sometimes blue lotus can also be seen. Lotus is also used by Hindus for practicing religious rituals. In religious point of view it symbolizes purity of heart and mind. In ancient Vedic literature it has found that Lotus is declared as sacred flower. Goddesses Lakshmi and Saraswathi were also associated with Lotus flower.

National Fruit:

The fruit mango is the national fruit of India. This fruit is rich in Vitamins and good for health. In India there are over 100 types of mangoes found. Mangoes are very useful fruit, we can make a varied items with mango.

National Bird:

The peacock is the national bird of India. The species is found in dry semi-desert grasslands, scrub and deciduous forests. It eats insects, fruits, seeds, berries, drupes small mammals and reptiles. The peacock represents beauty, pride and grace. The Indian male Peafowl is known as Peacock and female known as Peahen. Peacock is the most noticeable bird. The peacock is characterized by an extraordinary crest and colored train. The feathers in the train are having spots like eyes. The train consisted of more than 60% of the total body. The truth about the beauty of peacock is world renowned but their voice is extremely harsh. The male of this species is more beautiful. They expand their feathers in the months of monsoon and dance which added more to its beauty. The sight of dancing of peacock is very gorgeous. Peacock had a major role in mythology. It was considered that God Kartik, rides on its back and also feather of peacock lies in the Lord Krishana`s Crown. Peacocks are protected under the Indian wildlife protection act, 1972. The population of peacock is maximum in the arid zone of Rajasthan.

National Animal:
The National animal of India is called The Royal Bengal Tiger. India`s wealth in the field of wildlife is represent by Tiger. The main features of Tiger are incredible power, immense strength, keen predator, grace, intelligence made Tiger called as the lord of jungles and also selected as National Animal.

National Game:

Hockey is the national game of India. In 1927, the Indian Hockey Federation gained global affiliation and joined with International Hockey Federation. Hockey is the game in which India had such a great record. Due to Hockey India got its position in the field of sports and won 8 Olympic gold medals. The best period in Hockey in India was the period from 1928 - 1956 when India won 6 consecutive gold medals in the Olympics. The best player was Major Dhyanchand who made several records in Hockey.