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The Sundarbans is the largest littoral mangrove belt in the world, stretching 80km (49.7mi) into the hinterland from the coast and including some of the last remaining stands of the mighty Gangetic Plain jungles. Wildlife includes deer, crocodiles, river dolphins and the mighty Bengal tiger. You can organise a guided tour of the region from Dhaka, Mongla or Khulna.
(50km south of Khulna)
tel info 041 720 665
boat from Mongla
The 8th-century Somapuri Vihara at Paharpur was formerly the biggest Buddhist monastery south of the Himalaya. It's by far the most impressive archaeological site in Bangladesh, and covers some 11 hectares (27 acres).
Although in an advanced state of decay, the overall plan of the temple complex is easy to figure out and includes a large quadrangle with the monks' cells forming the walls and enclosing a courtyard. From the centre of the courtyard rises the 20m (66ft) high remains of a stupa which dominates the surrounding countryside.
The monastery's recessed walls are embellished with well-preserved terracotta bas-reliefs, and a small museum houses a representative display of the domestic and religious objects found during excavations.
(56km northwest of Bogra)
bus from Bogra to Jaipurhat, then bus to Paharpur
Famous as an important centre of Buddhist culture from the 7th to 12th centuries, the buildings excavated here were made wholly of baked bricks. There are more than 50 scattered Buddhist sites, but the three most important are Salban Vihara, Kotila Mura and Charpatra Mura.
Salban Vihara was a well-planned, 170 sq m (182 sq ft) monastery facing a temple in the centre of the courtyard. Nearby is a museum housing the finds excavated here, which include terracotta plaques, bronze statues, a bronze casket, coins, jewellery and votive stupas embossed with Buddhist inscriptions.
Kotila Mura comprises three large stupas representing Buddha, Dharma and Sangha, the 'Three Jewels of Buddhism'. The most important discovery at Charpatra Mura were four royal copper-plate decrees, three belonging to Chandra rulers, the other to Sri Viradhara Deva, a later Hindu king.
Note that some of the major ruins are within a military cantonment and cannot be visited without permission from military officers.
(8km west of Comilla)
taxi from Comilla (from Kandirpar Circle)
The intriguing capital city of Bangladesh sits on the north bank of the bustling Buriganga River, roughly in the centre of the country. The oldest section of the city runs along the north bank of the waterfront and was developed when Dhaka was a significant Moghul trading centre.
Dhaka's premier attraction is Lalbagh Fort, an unfinished fort dating from 1678 located in the Old City. The National Museum is north of the Old City in the old European zone known as Modern City. It has fascinating displays of Bangladesh's Hindu, Buddhist and Moghul past, art and handicrafts.
A must-see in the Old City is the area between the two main water transport terminals, Sadarghat and Badam Tole, where the panorama of river life on the Buriganga is particularly fascinating.
Most of the cheaper accommodation and restaurants are from Inner Circular Rd (Central Dhaka) down to Old Dhaka. More mid-range options are found in the Modern City of Central Dhaka which also contains the Motijheel Commercial Area and the business district.
Bangladesh's only beach resort is near the Myanmar border in an area where Rohingya refugees have settled to escape persecution in Myanmar. It has a Burmese Buddhist flavour and ever increasing amenities to service the visitors attracted by its enormous expanse of shark-free beach.
Even modestly clad bathers, especially females, should expect to be gawked at by locals. South of Cox's Bazar are more secluded beaches such as Himacheri and Inani where having a swim can still be a private experience. Note that the beaches are not considered entirely safe at night.
The road from Chittagong to Cox's Bazar has seen better days and is often subject to road work, but you can avoid it altogether by taking a short flight from Chittagong, or simply fly straight from Dhaka to Cox's Bazar. Alternatively buses go straight from Dhaka to Cox's Bazar, a distance of 370km (230mi).
