Beautiful Bangladesh
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Friday, April 13, 2012
Dhaka
Dhaka is a thriving, colorful and congested metropolis of
some 18 million people, and growing steadily. Given the number and density of
people that live there, Dhaka is one of the
most frenetic places on Earth. The streets and rivers are filled with colorful
chaos. It also plays host to the highest number of rickshaws in any city, totaling
around 400,000; you certainly won't miss them. Experiencing the city for the
first time can often seem overwhelming.
The existence of a settlement in the area that is now Dhaka dates from the 7th century. The city area was ruled
by the Buddhist kingdom of Kamarupa and the Pala Empire before passing to the
control of the Hindu Sena dynasty in the 9th century.Dhaka has been developing
fast as a modern city and is the country's center of industrial, commercial, cultural,
educational and political activity. The gap between rich and poor is widening
throughout the country but it's at its most glaringly obvious here. Depending on
where you start from, a thirty minute rickshaw ride can take you from
impossibly crowded shantytowns near Old Dhaka to the glitzy high-class
neighborhoods of Gulshan and Banani where a meal costs more than most people
make in a week.
Motijheel is the main commercial area of the city. Dhaka's
main waterfront, Sadarghat, is on the banks of the river Buriganga in Old Dhaka
and is crowded with various ferries, yachts, paddle steamers, fisherman's boats
and floating dhabas all bustling with activity.
The weather is tropical - hot and very humid during the
monsoon season (April-August) and drier and cooler in the winter (October-March).
Visitors from colder countries might want to visit in the winter when
temperatures are around 20C and humidity is low (around 60-70%).
Visa extensions are available at the Immigration and
Passport Office on Agargaon Rd
in Central Dhaka. Most drivers know where it
is. An auto-rickshaw from Old Dhaka will cost
about Taka (BDT)150.
Hazrat Shahjalal International
Airport (formerly known as Zia International
Airport) (ICAO: DAC) is
well served by international flights from most continents. Biman Bangladesh Airlines is the national carrier of Bangladesh; which
is well connected in 18 international destination. Mainly in Middle East also Malaysia, Singapore,
Thailand
and also Indian Subcontinent.
Indian Airlines, Jet Air has direct flights from Kolkata / Delhi/ Mumbai. Pakistan International Airlines has direct
flights from Pakistan.
Thai Airways also has direct flights from Bangkok There are also gateways from
Nepal on GMG Airlines and Bangladesh Biman, Hong Kong on Dragon Air, Malaysia, Singapore,
Delhi, Kunming
and Kolkata. You can also travel to Dhaka from Middle East by Gulf Air, Emirates,
Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Kuwait Airways, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Yemenia,
and Both Dhaka & Chittagong by Bahrain Air, Turkish Airlines, Oman Air and
Air Arabia.
Shahjalal airport is modern and reasonably efficient. However,
half the world's mosquitoes seem to live in the baggage reclaim area, so be
sure to wear long sleeves and covered legs/feet. Also note that immigration
takes a lot of time during peak hours (minimum 30-45 mins) as the system is
manual and there are only 2 lines for foreign passport holders.
Being the capital and geographical center of the country, Dhaka is the natural hub for the country's bus companies.
There are several bus stations around Dhaka, and
which one you need to be at depends where you want to go, so ask around before
heading out to one of them. Most are as crowded as you would expect them to be(because
of population).
Sayedabad bus station is useful for buses to the eastern
half of the country including Sylhet Division and Chittagong Division.
Gabtali bus station serves most of the western half of the
country including Jessore, Rajshahi Division and Khulna Division.
Mohakhali bus stationserves mainly to Tangail, Mymonsing and
other northern districts of Dhaka. Sometimes
also Bagura and other western-northern part of Bangladesh.
Luxury buses like Green Line, Shyamoli, Silk Line and
Shohagh serve the major cities and tourist attractions. They all have a few
offices around town, the most central being those near the Eastern Hotel on
Inner Circular Rd in Central Dhaka, just north of the Motijheel area. Green
Line serves Chittagong (400 taka, 5-6 hours), Cox's
Bazar (630 taka, 8-9 hours), Rajshahi ( Tk 350, 4 hours), Sylhet (Tk 400, 5
hours), Khulna (Tk
450, 7 hours) and Jessore ( Tk 400, 5-6 hours) in its comfortable Volvo buses. It
also has a couple of super luxury Scania buses to Chittagong (Tk 550) and Cox's
Bazar (Tk 850) if you feel comfortable floating through a developing country in
high style and have enough taka to spend(however the money spent could go
towards helping develop Bangladesh more). Seats are huge and fully recline. The
quality of these buses are comparable to Business class of an airline!! (there
are also Hino A/C luxury buses as well as Volvo and Scania). Recently, the S.Alam
and the Saudia, two of the leading (non-ac) bus service providers have jointly
launched a Mercedes-Benz luxury bus service to Chittagong, Cox's Bazar and some other major
cities. One of the ticket counters has been opened at the Panthapath, an area
where you can locate all major luxury bus ticket counters.
From India
there are a number of land entry points for Buses. The most common way is the
regular comfortable a/c buses from Kolkata to Dhaka
via the Haridaspur / Benapole border post. Private bus companies Shohagh, Green
Line, Shyamoli and others operate daily bus services. Government buses run
under the label of the state owned West Bengal Surface Transport Service
Corporation (WBSTSC) and the Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC). WBSTSC
and BRTC both operate buses from Kolkata every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday
at 5:30AM and 8:30AM, and 12:30PM while from Dhaka
they leave on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:00AM and 7:30AM. The normal
journey time is around 12 hours with a one-way fare of Indian Rs.550 or Tk.600-800,
(roughly $8-12). If you're only headed to Haridaspur the fare is Rs.86, or Tk 116.
The journey should take around 2.30 hours.
Most ferries arrive at and leave from Sadarghat in Old Dhaka. This area and the streets surrounding it are
unbelievably hectic so allow plenty of time and watch your bags and pockets
carefully. If arriving here, fight your way to the left on the frontage road
and then make your first right - this turns into Nawabpur Road and leads north to the
hotels. Even if you aren't staying in this area, it's easier to walk several
hundred meters north to catch an onward rickshaw, the ones near the ghat are at
a standstill.
The Rocket Steamers (P.S. 'Tern', 'Masud' and 'Ostrich') run
to Barisal and Khulna several times per week, departing from
Sadarghat around 6pm. To Barisal is Tk 480/300
in first/second class, while all the way to Khulna will run Tk 1010/610 and take 26-30
hours. Tickets should be booked at the BIWTC office in Motijheel just east of Dilkusha Circle I. It's
open until 5PM Su-W and until 2PM on Thursdays, closed on Fridays. A quick
heads-up in that the link to the BIWTC tariff mentioned above is in 'Takas' and
one should double check the fares.
Chandpur is the second major river station 3 to 4 hours
journey from Dhaka and 5 to 6 hours Journey from Barisal.
Multiple other boats are available for short and long
distances - head to Sadarghat or Badam Tole ghat (about 1 km further west) and
ask around. Tickets aren't pre-sold, and bargaining is likely necessary.
Given the plethora of all forms of transport, if you're
having trouble getting a decent fare with a driver walk a few feet to the next
one. Not all are out to gouge you, so better to find the honest ones and give
them your business. Occasionally a driver will demand more money on arrival - the
best way to deal with this is to hand over the agreed fare/metered fare and
walk away. Make certain from the start that the driver knows where you're
headed (unless you can direct him yourself) - they often have limited local
knowledge, but will always SAY that they know where somewhere is and take you
round the whole city searching whilst the meter ticks. Make sure that you take
a card with your hotel or hostel on it so that you can actually get home - many
of the drivers do not even know where the more touristy sites are let alone the
hotels so they will have to ask people at the side of the road. Having a card
for the hotel with the actual address makes this a whole lot easier.
Cycle-rickshaws
are the most popular form of transport, and good for short distances -- mainly
on side streets. They make up the bulk of the cities horrendous traffic, and
charge around BDT.15 per kilometer. Negotiating a fare beforehand is essential
as a foreigner. Cycle-rickshaws in wealthy areas such as Banani and Gulshan
often must pay local mafia men for the privilege of servicing the high-price
areas. Additionally, foreigners should also be warned that cycle-rickshaws will
sometimes begin the ride with a pitch to sell drugs or prostitutes. One or two
simple, but firm, declines will generally solve the situation. If you're a
woman -- it's particularly inadvisable to ride around alone in cycle-rickshaws
after dark -- you're a slow-moving target asking for trouble from thugs and
muggers.
Auto-rickshaws (also
known as 'CNG') are also abundant and have meters, which drivers can sometimes
be persuaded to use. They're the cheapest way to cover longer distances - an 8km
ride from Old Dhaka to Gulshan should cost
around Tk 150-200. The meters start at Tk 13.50, but you'll likely have to
negotiate a fare instead. The city does become very congested at times so allow
plenty of time for getting around.
Taxis also ply the
roads, some yellow and some black, all with meters. Black taxis start the meter
at Tk 15 while yellow taxis are a little nicer and start at Tk 20. Black taxis
are typically in notoriously poor condition and lack air conditioning. Yellow
taxis are required to have air conditioning, (they consist of Toyota Corollas mostly, Mitsubishis or Hondas
even). They are also considered far safer by the local Dhaka
elite. (when compared to black taxis and auto-rickshaws).
Buses run routes
on the main roads, but are horribly crowded and noisy, signed only in Bengali
and aren't likely to be of much use to travelers. Save yourself a headache and
take a rickshaw or if you go to far distance, take a comfortable, luxurious A/C
bus or a train!!
Dhaka, predominantly was a
city of the Mughals. In the years of their vigorous rule the successive
Governors and princely Viceroys who ruled the province, adorned it with many
noble monuments, mosques, tombs, fortifications and 'Katras' often surrounded
with beautifully laid out gardens and pavilions. The Parliament building
designed by, Louis Kahn, is definitely something to see along with numerous
memorials, parks and mosques. Places worth visiting include: Ramna Park, Lal
Bagh Fort and museum, Old Dhaka, the Shahid Minar memorial, the Shadarghat port,
Ahsan Manjil, Bangabandhu Memorial, National Poet's Graveyard, Suhrawardy
Uddyaan, National Leader Mausoleum, Banga-Bhaban, Shadhinota Stambha, Curzon
Hall, Old High Court and 1857 Memorial, the Botanical Gardens, Baldha Garden, Sitara
Mosque, Baitul Mukarram Mosque as well as Hindu, Buddhist and Christian
churches and temples.
Ahsan Manjil:, the
pink palace, has a Tk 2 entrance fee and a small exhibition about the history
of the palace and a garden.
Mosques around
Dhaka: Dhaka has several hundred mosques. Prominent
are Baitul Mukarram-National Mosque, the Seven Domed Mosque (17th century), Star
Mosque (18th century) inlaid with mosaic and tiles , Chawkbazar Mosque and
Huseni Dalan Mosque.
Hindu Temples: Dhakeshwari Temple (11th Century), Ramkrishna
Mission.
Churches: Armenian
Church (1781 A.D.) St. Mary's Cathedral at Ramna, Church
of Bangladesh or former Holy Rosary
Church (1677A.D.) at
Tejgaon.
Buddhist Temples: Dhammarajika
Bouddha Maha Vihar [1], Atisha Dipankar Sarak, Kamalapur. Tel:+88 2 841-162. email:
Mahathero@Dhammarajika.com. International Buddhist Monastery, Merul Badda, Gulshan.
Tel:+88 2 881-2288. email: pratimbarua@hotmail.com
The National
Memorial:, located at Savar, 35, km. from Dhaka
city. The memorial designed by architect Moinul Hossain is dedicated to the
sacred memory of the millions of unknown martyrs of the war of liberation.
Lalbagh Fort: It
was built in 1678 A.D. by Prince Mohammad Azam, son of Mughal emperor
Aurangazeb. The fort was the scene of bloody battle during the first war of
independence (1857) when 260 sepoys stationed here backed by the people
revolted against British forces. Monuments of the Lalbagh which are outstanding
include the, tomb of Pari Bibi , Lalbagh Mosque, Audience Hall and Hammam of
Nawab Shaista Khan now housing a museum. The fort is closed on Saturday but
open until 5pm every other day.
1857 Memorial: ( Bahadur Shah Park) Built to commemorate the martyrs
of the first liberation war (1857-59) against British rule. It was here that
the revolting sepoys and their civil compatriots were publicly hanged.
Curzon Hall: Beautiful
architectural building named after Lord Curzon. It now houses the Science
Faculty of Dhaka University.
Old High Court Building:
Originally built as the residence of the British Governor, it illustrates a
happy blend of European and Mughal architecture.
National Park: Situated
at Rejendrapur, 40 km. north of Dhaka city , this
is a vast (1,600 acres) national recreational forest with facilities for
picnics and rowing etc.
Central Shahid
Minar: Symbol of Bengali nationalism. This monument was built to commemorate
the martyrs of the historic Language movement of 1952. Hundreds and thousands
of people with floral wreaths and bouquets gather (most march barefoot) on 21 February
every year (designated by the UN as International Mother Language Day) to pay
respect to the departed in a solemn atmosphere. Celebrations begin at midnight.
National Poet's
Graveyard: Revolutionary poet Kazi Nazrul Islam died on the 29 August 1976 and
was buried here. The graveyard is adjacent to the Dhaka University
Mosque.
Suhrawardy Uddyan (Garden):
A Popular Park. The oath of independence of Bangladesh was taken here and the
Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheik Mujibur Rahman gave the clarion call for
independence on the 7th March 1971. The place is famous for its lush greenery
and gentle breezes. An eternal flame in remembrance of the martyrs of the war
of Liberation burns here.
Mausoleum of
National Leaders: Located at the southwestern corner of Suhrawardy Uddyan, it
is the eternal resting place of great national leaders, Sher-e-Bangla A.K. Fazlul
Haque, Hossain Shahid Suhrawardy and Khaja Nazimuddin.
Banga Bhaban: The
official residence of the President, located in the city. One can have an
outside view of this grand palace.
Baldha Garden: Unique
creation of the late Narendra Narayan Roy, the landlord of Baldha. Year of
establishment was 1904. Located in Wari area of Dhaka
city, the garden with its rich collection of indigenous and exotic plants is
one of the most exciting attraction for botanists, naturalists and tourists.
Ramna Green: A
vast stretch of green garden surrounded by a serpentine lake near the Sheraton
Hotel.
Parliament House: Jatiya
Sangsad Bhaban (Parliament House) located at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar has
distinctive architectural features. Designed by the famous architect Louis I. Kahn,
it may be called an architectural wonder of this region.
Sonargaon
If you feel the need to escape and take a break from the
chaos of Dhaka, Songargon, about 29 km. from Dhaka
offers you the chance to do just that. The town has a few worthwhile sights
that are separated from one another and whilst going from sight to sight, you
have the opportunity experience rural life and take in the less chaotic
surroundings.
Sonargaon is one of the oldest capitals of Bengal.
It was the seat of Deva Dynasty until the 13th century. From then onward till
the advent of the Mughals, Sonargaon was a subsidiary capital of the Sultanate
of Bengal. The main places of interest in
Sonargaon are the ruins of Panam Nagar, the local crafts museum or the Lok
Shilpa Jadughar (charges an entrance fee), the tomb of Sultan Ghiyasuddin, the
Goaldi Mosque, and the shrines of Panjpir and Shah Abdul Alia. The first two
lie on one side of the Dhaka-Chittgong
Highway and the rest lie on the other side. Once
at Mograpara, a rickshaw may be hired for sightseeing. It is best to hire the
same rickshaw for a fixed amount (BDT 200-250) to visit all the places in
Sonargaon. Most rickshaw pullers know the more popular destinations like Panam
Nagar, the Lok Shilpa Jadughar, etc. Some may not know of the tomb of Sultan
Ghiyasuddin or the Goaldi Mosque and the shrines. Usually rickshaw drivers who
are locals from the village know all of these places.
Frequent bus services to Sonargaon operate from Gulistan, Saidabad
and other bus stands in Dhaka. Tickets may be
bought on roadside counters. Mention your destination as Mograpara as you might
end up at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel instead. The price of the ticket from
Gulistan bus stand is Tk 35.
Hajiganj is another place of historical interest, situated
about 10 kms from Mograpara bus stand. However, the above mentioned places
usually take up most of the day and it is best to return to Dhaka
before evening. Sonargaon and Hajiganj may be combined into a single day if one
sets off very early from Dhaka.
Dhaka has several museums
on offer as well as a Zoo and Botanical gardens. In the surrounding areas you
can enjoy a picinic in one of the designated 'picinic areas' whilst en route to
a near by village to take a look at local arts and crafts.
Bangabandhu Memorial
Museum: The residence of
the father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Dhanmondi (Road 32)
has been turned into a museum. It contains a rare collection of personal
effects and photographs of his life and times. He was assassinated in 1975
along with most of his family members.
Liberation War
Museum: Situated at Segun
Bagicha area of the city (close to National Press Club) the museum contains
rare archival photographs and items used by the freedom fighters during the
nine-month long Liberation war in 1971.
Ahsan Manzil Museum:
On the bank of the river Buriganga in Dhaka
the pink majestic Ahsan Manzil has been renovated and turned into a museum
recently. It is an example of the nation's rich cultural heritage. It was the
home of the Nawab of Dhaka and a silent
spectator to many events. The renovated Ahsan Manzil is a monument of immense
historical beauty. It has 31 rooms with a huge dome atop which can be seen from
miles around. It now has 23 galleries displaying portraits, furniture and
household articles and utensils used by the Nawab.
Dhaka
Zoo: Popularly known as Mirpur Zoo. Colorful and attractive collections of
different local and foreign species of animals and birds including the majestic
Royal Bengal Tiger are available here.
Botanical Garden: Built
on 205 acres of land at Mirpur and adjacent to Dhaka
Zoo. You can do both the zoo and the botanical garden in one trip.
National Museum:
Located at the central point of the city Shahbag, the museum contains a large
number of interesting collections including sculptures and paintings of the
Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim periods. Next to the Museum is the popular public
library and the Charukola (Arts and Crafts) Institute under Dhaka University.
Science Museum:
The museum is a modern learning center related to the latest scientific
discoveries. It is situated at Agargaon.
Institute of Arts
and Crafts: Situated in the picturesque surroundings of Shahbagh the Institute
of Arts and Crafts (Charukola Institute) has a representative collection of
folk-art and paintings by artists of Bangladesh.
Other attractions in and around Dhaka include: Aparajeya
Bangla monument, picnic spots such as Chandra and Salna, industrial estates of
Tongi, Narayanganj, Demara, Tejgaon and cruising by country boat in the nearby
river or a visit to a village to see jute cultivation, weaving and pottery
making.
Last but not least, a rewarding experience is simply
traveling by a horse driven cart or rickshaw along the busy Dhaka
streets and observing the local everyday scenes.
[edit][add listing] Buy
If you go shopping ready to bargain then there are certainly
bargains to be had among the bazars and markets of Dhaka.
To get a feel for what things should cost in the local markets check prices in
the western-style fixed price shops and then deduct 10%. If you prefer hassle
free shopping then head to Bashundhara
City, a huge shopping
center with more modern shops and other ameniteis you would expect to find in a
mall.
Banga (or Bango) Bazar,
is a block west of the Gulistan bus station on Kamruzzaman Sharani Street at
the edge of Old Dhaka. For shopaholics this is probably a paradise but for
others it can be a nightmare. There are thousands of small stalls intersected
by narrow walkways which are often jammed with people. The quality varies
widely but the prices can be cheap, cheap, cheap, after you bargain vigorously.
Try US$1 for a T-shirt, US$3 for blue jeans and US$5 for jackets. However, this
is not a market for the brand conscious.
New Market on Mirpur Road in
Dhanmondi, just west of Dhaka
University. This is the
largest market in the city and it has more class, more room and just as much
choice. Prices may be a little higher because the stall rent is likely to be
more expensive. As well as clothing, there is leather, linen, jewelry, household
goods, CDs and DVDs and so on. It is normally closed on Tuesdays.
Bashundhara City
on Pantha Path just west of the Pan Pacific Hotel. This multi-story complex is
the closest replica of the malls found in Asia.
It is the newest and most modern place to shop in the city with small shops
spanning over a whopping 10 floors.
Garment seconds, Banga
Bazar and Pallwell Market (BB: Gulistan area, just West of Motijheel); PM: Purana
Paltan area (just beside Jonaki Cinema Hall). Many items only have minor
defects, but do not meet export requirements.
edit
Pink Pearls. Available
in many handicraft stores, with some dedicated outlets in Gulshan edit
Aarong, [2]. A
well known chain with several outlets around Dhaka and one in London. It is owned by BRAC (the largest
Development Organization in the world) and sells handicrafts and clothing at
moderately high prices. edit
Aranya, 60 Kemal
Ataturk, Banani. Another good store with beautiful crafts. Supports fair trade
practices. edit.
[edit][add listing] Eat
Dhaka has an enormous
variety of food catering to all budgets. Old Dhaka is overflowing with cheap
Bangladeshi food where a meal can be had from Tk 50 ($0.70), while in the
upscale neighborhoods like Gulshan and Banani you can find just about any type
of cuisine you can imagine - Chinese, Indian, Thai, Vietnamese, Greek, Mexican,
and franchises such as Pizza Hut, KFC are abundant - at prices that the
majority can't afford. Reservations are usually not required in most
restaurants. A lot of the Buffet-style restaurants in this neighborhood have
Taka: 250 to 400, fixed price menu.
Local sweets (misti/mishti) like rasogollah and golap jam/pantuya/ledikeni
are excellent. To the uninitiated these are bite-sized soft milk curd balls
dipped (drenched) in syrup, coming in white and red varieties. Shops throughout
the town (and especially near Gulshan) sell imported condiments from the U.S., Dubai and Malaysia at a
premium. Imported chocolate is especially expensive - and usually not in the
best condition as it gets melted and re-solidified daily in the tropical heat. Fresh
is better.
Be careful when buying food from street vendors as health
and hygiene standards are not always topnotch. Unlike Bangkok
-- street food in Dhaka is only for locals. Foreigners
should stick to larger, organized (and unfortunately a little expensive) food
outlets.
[edit] Old and Central Dhaka
Restaurants are crammed throughout the narrow alleys and
along the main streets - duck into one of them and you'll likely not to be too
disappointed. A full meal will usually run less than a dollar, though fish will
push it closer to two.
Hotel Al-Razzaque,
29/1 North South Rd
(Nazira Bazaar), ☎ +880 2 956 1990. On the ground floor of the hotel is a
large and popular restaurant, busy anytime of the day with Bangladeshi families
and businessmen. Food is pretty darn good, if unpredictable in its timing. Sometimes
you'll have a choice of chicken and mutton curries, fish and vegetables, other
times it's chicken biryani or the highway. Fish will double the price of your
meal, at least. It's sandwiched between a clean and well-stocked juice bar and
a clean and well-stocked sweet shop. Each plate cost 80 Taka. Tk50-150. edit
Hajjee Beryaniin
Nazira Bazar, close to Bango Bazar, old Dhaka.
Old Dhaka was famed for its lines of beryani
restaurants. Some of the more famous outfits are still going and Hajjee Beryani
is one of them. It revels in its eccentric reputation for opening only at
certain times and only cooking a certain amount (well below demand)
Hotel Star
Thathari bazar, Near Nawabpur Bazar. Does fantastic Beryani & Goat Leg
Roast (ask for it).
Bismillah Kabab
Address-Nazira Bazar
Jharna Grill, In
Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel, ☎ +880 2 811 1005. The top restaurant in the hotel serves
very good seafood. Expect to pay Tk 3,000 for a 3 course meal with drinks. The
hotel has other good restaurants too. edit
Cafe Jheel, opposite
the National press club. Serves good local dishes for the budget traveler. Expect
to pay Tk 150-200 for a 3 course meal. Although you can possibly get lunch/dinner
for as low as Tk 60. edit
[edit] Gulshan/Banani
These areas are packed with crowded trendy and upscale
restaurants, a magnet for the Dhaka elite who
like good food or just want to be seen in their shiny new sedans.
A&W, The north-east
corner of Gulshan 1 Circle. Yes, the American chain, and in full swing. A
burger, fries and rootbeer float will set you back nearly BDT.300, which seems
to be no problem for the well-off young Bangladeshi teens that fill the tables.
The pumpin' jukebox filled with Backstreet Boys adds/detracts from the
experience. edit
Andersen's of Denmark, House 34,
Road 136, Gulshan Circle
I, ☎
+880 1 881 8553, [3]. 11:30AM-midnite, Fridays 2PM-midnite. Excellent ice cream
such as mint chocolate chip, oreos & cream and banana fudge, sundaes and
milkshakes, cappuccinos, espressos and hot chocolate. Resist the urge to spend
the entire day here. Attached to a fast food restaurant ('Chicken King') serving
fried chicken and steaks. Tk 80-260. edit
Bamboo Shoot, Gulshan
avenue (upstairs from Agora department store). A Chinese/Thai restaurant that
prides itself in offering 'authentic' cuisine, and this is backed up by the
number of Chinese expats seen eating there on any given night. edit
Bella Italia, Gulshan
2 (2nd floor of the Eastern Bank Limited building - beside Shoppers' World). Located
near Gulshan circle 1. The proprietor was employed in the restaurant business
in Italy
and this place serves fairly authentic thin-crust pizzas and pastas. Mains are
around Tk 300-600. edit
Bittersweet Cafe, House
10, Road 53,Gulshan 2 (On the first floor), (bittersweet@withmgt.com). 12PM-12.30AM
daily. Famous for the cupcakes, the milk shakes, the cheese cake and other
pastries. A wide range of sandwiches and other extrem tasty dishes are also
available. Free WLAN is also available and the comfortable sofa and homelike
atmosphere make you wanna come back. Food items 200-300 Taka, Cupcakes around 160
Taka. edit
CoFi 11, House 6A,
Road Number 113, Gulshan-2 (Behind the Delvista Grameenphone
Center opposite of Agora),
☎
029897794, 01713364499, [4]. 11AM-midnight daily. Offers different coffee
specialities made from imported beans as well as exotic drinks like Lemogini, Shikanjee,
Guava Frappe, Mango Yogurt & Mandolito. CoFi 11 has a beautiful terrace
with nice view over Gulshan. They also have brownies, waffles, local dishes and
sandwiches. Free WiFi is also available as well as live musical performances
from time to time. They have recently opened a branch in Chittagong - 36/7 CDA Avenue overlooking the forest
hill. CoFi-Ctg Tel: 01842364499 150-300.
edit
Dhanshiri, Gulshan
2 (beside the Westin). The food is good and they serve decent local stuff. However,
make sure to check prices on the menu card before ordering and examine the bill
afterwards. There are better places to get Bengali food, but Dhashiri's
location is especially convenient,very delicious. Also, its a local trick by
the staff to say that the requested dish is not available and would serve you
the same thing with some different name and a higher price. 100-400 Taka. edit
El
Toro, House 1A, Road 138, Gulshan I, ☎ +880 1 861 6343. 11:30AM-10:30PM.
A Mexican restaurant serving burritos, enchiladas, quesadillas and the like. Mains
around 250-300 Taka. edit
Half Past Eleven, House
67/C, Road 11, Block E, Banani (take Banani Road 11 eastward towards Gulshan
bridge, the restaurant will be on your left before the junction of Road 11 and
Road 12), ☎
029884215, 01678131590, [5]. 11AM-11PM daily. Offers different fast food, grill
and tandoori dishes. From western style Chickens, Burgers, Sandwiches, Hot Subs,
Fish 'n Chips, T-bone Steaks to Tandoori and Asian delights. They serve
Movenpick ice creams as well as excellent coffees made from imported coffee
beans. Free WiFi. Team meeting / presentation could be arranged based on prior
booking. 200-500 Taka for a meal. edit
Heritage, House 10,
Road 109, Gulshan-2, ☎ +880 1 882 0350. Run by British-Bangladeshi celebrity
chef Tommy Miah, this Mugal décor restaurant features Bangla-fusion cuisine. 500-700
Taka. edit
Hotbrew Coffee, House
108, Road 12, Banani (On the 2nd floor), (info@hotbrewcoffee.com), [6]. 10AM-10PM.
Don't miss the Chicken Burger and the Iced Coffee Mocha as well as the Hot
Chocolate. Probably the best Hot Chocolate in Dhaka.
Free WLAN is also available. Mains 200-300 Taka. edit
La Forchetta, House
#10, Road-53, Gulshan Circle-2 (at Gulshan
Avenue, near Gulshan-2 circle, at the corner of Road
53, on the first floor). Serves fairly authentic thin-crust pizzas and pastas. 300-600
Taka. edit
Spaghetti Jazz, located
at Gulshan-2 circle. Decent Italian that delivers pizza and pasta! A meal will
cost 400-600 Taka, even for something fairly simple. edit
Spitfire, NWF-8, Gulshan North Avenue,
Gulshan-2, ☎
02 9890135 (info@spitfirebd.com), [7]. Serves continetal cuisine. Expect to pay
around 2000 Taka per person for a 3 course dinner. 700-3500 Taka. edit
Steakhouse, House 8,
Road 53, Gulshan-2, ☎ 02-886 1604 (info@steakhousebd.com), [8]. Serves steaks. Expect
to pay at least 2000 Taka per person for a 3 course dinner. 800-1800 Taka. edit
Sura, Gulshan-2. Korean
restaurant located across near the Egyptian embassy. Table-top barbecue and
most popular Korean dishes are available, along with a selection of sushi and
sashimi. Popular with Koreans and other expats. Expect to pay at least 500 Taka
per person for a 3 course dinner. edit
[edit] Dhanmondi
Star Kabab-Opposite
of Abahani Club playground and on Shat
Maszid Road. Famous for its beef and mutton Kabab.
Star Hotel & Retaurant-At
Dhanmondi Road
2. Also famous for its Kabab and Biriani.
Xindian-Dhanmondi 27
and Shankar crossing. One of the more luxurious restaurant in Dhaka
which has been established lately.
Jeni Kabab An old
and famous restaurant for Kababs.
Kozmo Lounge A
very cozy hangout joint at Dhanmondi 4/A. The cafe sometimes arrange quality
musical performances.
Mama HalimNew Circular Road 2nd Floor,(Opposite
of Aarong)Moghbazaar, Tel.+88 06662625097. Sells: biryani, kabas cakes, ice
cream, biscuits, fruit and, randomly, gifts.
Coopers- Kalabagan.
Very famous for cakes and fast food.
Cafe Mango-Dhanmondi Road
No.4. The ambiance is fantastic.
Red Tomato-Dhanmondi Road-27. A medium
quality old Chinese restaurant which serves both Chinese and Thai food.
BBQ Tonight- Best
in Town kebab and Mughlai food. Mouth watering and unbelievably tasty. Located
on Road 27, Dhanmondi.
Nandos-A famous
franchise located at Dhanmondi road 27.
Pizza Hut- Opposite
of Abahani Club playground and on Shat
Maszid Road.
VOOT- An upscale
restaurant with a haunted theme (VOOT-meaning ghost in Bengali),high quality
food, right next to the well known Rifles
Square Market .
KFC-A famous
franchise located at Dhanmondi road 7/A.
[edit][add listing] Drink
There is a party network between the different expat clubs (Dutch
Club, Canadian Club, Nordic Club, International Club, American Club, etc.) and
some Bangladeshi clubs (Heritage, Privilege, etc.). These clubs usually require
membership to enter, or befriend a member and have them sign you in. From there,
you can purchase a book of tickets or a cash card and then use it to order your
drinks.
Although alcohol is most easily available at the
international clubs and top hotels, there are quite a few local places to find
a drink for the enterprising traveler. Local bars are to be found in most
neighborhoods but can be difficult to locate due to lack of advertising. Popular
brands of beer (Heineken, Carlsberg, Tuborg, Foster's etc) and major types of
liquor are available at these places, and at much lower prices than at hotel
bars.
You can try:
La Diplomat at
Road 20, House number 7, near Gulshan 1. Don't expect to be rubbing shoulders
with any French ambassadors, however.
The Dip, like most
other Bengali bars, is a smoke-filled darkened room where many of its patrons
would rather not be recognized too easily. Definitely an experience, nonetheless.
Beers cost upwards of Tk 150 and "tots," which are single ounce
servings of gin, vodka or whiskey, are available from Tk 70(local brands)-Tk 200.
Female patrons may feel slightly uncomfortable.
There is a duty paid shop in Mohakhali which is only
permitted to sell alcohol to passport-bearing foreigners or their drivers who
bring their passports in when they purchase. The address is 12 Abbas Garden, New Airport Road, phone
+88 2988 1936-9. Their stated opening hours are from 9:30pm - 4:30pm, and
closed on Fridays. To get there you need to go towards the flyover as if you
were going to Banani, but instead of going on to the flyover, you take the
second left after it begins. You will see a small sign labelled "Abbas Garden."
Turn left and tell your transport to wait while you purchase.
North End Coffee, Kha-47-1
Pragati Sarani, Shahzadpur, North Badda (Around the corner from US Embassy, across
from Cambrian College and above the DBBL ATM), ☎ 01741055597,
[9]. Seven days 8am-9pm, except Tuesday closed and Friday 2pm to 9pm. Definitely
the best coffee in Dhaka. With foreign ownership,
an onsite roasting machine and big huge burlap sacks of coffee in the back, this
is definitely the place to get your caffeine fix. Prices reasonable. No meals
yet, just muffins and brownies. cappuccino Tk125. edit
[edit][add listing] Sleep
[edit] Budget
Hotel Al-Razzaque,
29/1 North South Rd
(Nazira Bazaar), ☎ +880 2 956 1990. A moderately priced hotel popular with
Bangladeshi men, it's got decent clean rooms with attached bathrooms with squat
toilets, and a popular restaurant. From Tk 160.
edit
Hotel Grameen, 22 Nawabpur Rd, ☎ +880 2
956 2422. A big hotel on busy Nawabpur
Rd, just south of Bangsal Rd. Tk 60-150. edit
Hotel Sugandha, 24 Nawabpur Rd, ☎ +880 2
955 6720. Its cheap and it's what to be expected of a cheap hotel, not very
exciting or hygienic. Tk 100-350. edit
Hotel Zakaria
International (Zakiria Hotel), 35, Gulshan
Road, Mohakhali C/A, Dhaka
1212, ☎
8825003, 8825004, (88) 06662613127, [10]. Value for money. The rooms are clean
and en-suite. edit
Hotel White House,
155, Santinagar (Near Siddheswari Circle.). In a central location and rooms
have air con, TVs and most importantly Internet Connection with a decent speed!..... edit
Hotel Motijheel 28/i
Toyenbee circular Road, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000, near Dainik Banglar mor, price
Tk. 300-600
Sabrina's Home (Home
Stay), C1,Hs-137,RD-4,Blk-A,Banani, ☎ +88-01199812848,01911758668 (sabhhl@gmail.com). checkin:
1PM; checkout: noon. Rate includes WiFi, fan and AC, guests' kitchen, satellite
and cable TV (in dining area, 24 hour hot water shower, mosquito net (for each
pure handmade wood bed), generator(one ceiling fan and one light in each
bedroom will work within one hour power off), 24 hour security, 24 hour
reception, elevator. Other paid service include 24 hour airport transfers, 24
hour meals, laundry. Phonecall and email needed for reservation, foreign
passport required for checkin,No call girl is allowed entry". US$30/head/bed/night. edit
[edit] Mid range
If you're staying long term, flat shares or furnished
apartments as well as guesthouses in Gulshan and Banani are widely available. Most
foreigners find a flat share through an advertisement in one of the expat clubs.
Advertisements for apartments are usually directly affixed in front of the
respective building or on one of the trees in the streets.
Ambrosia Guest
House, in Dhanmondi Residential Area, tel:+88 2 (0)966850/9665760. Tk 2,876 ($40)
per night, with breakfast and free broadband Internet connection from the rooms.
BRAC Centre Inn, 75
Mohakhali Dhaka 1212, +880-2-9886681 to 82, bracinn@bracinn.com, [11]. Near to
the diplomatic enclave overlooking the Gulshan lake. A hotel that probably
usually caters for business trips due to its location and facilities such as conference
rooms. This will mean however,that your rooms will have as standard, air-con, TVs
and en-suit. There is also a restaurant serving both local and international
cuisine. Rooms from: Tk 4,100 -5,460 ($60-80).
Green House
Guesthouse, Road 13, House 6, Baridhara Diplomatic Zone.Tel: +880 1939365803, e-mail:
info@greenhouse-dhaka.com, web: [12] Located only walking distance from most
foreign missions to Bangladesh.
All rooms have remote controlled AC's. Prices range between 50 and 75 $ and
include breakfast and free Wi-Fi internet access.
Eastern House, [13],
House Number 04, Road Number 24, Gulhan-1. Has internet braodband in every room
and breakfast is included in the price. Rooms from: Tk 3,420-6,156 ($50-90).
Grand Prince Hotel
[14] tel.+88-29012952, +88 2-8021599 . This hotel is located in Mirpur 1 near
the Grameen Bank making it popular amongst interns. Breakfast is included with
rooms. Internet is available in the lobby at 50 Tk per hour. Rates from Tk 1,368-6,840($20-$100).
Ideas Manzil, House -19, Road -79, Gulshan-2, Dhaka,
Bangladesh (From Zia international Airport Kuril Bissha Road to American
Embassy then to Gulshan-2 then next to Italian Embassy Road-79, House-19), ☎ 880 2
989 6791 (info@bisonhospitality.com, fax: 880 171 4206336), [15]. Ideas Manzil
could be called Bangladesh's
first "heritage accommodation," meaning it is the kind of place which
attempts to display and preserve the richness and heritage of Bangladeshi
culture. Rates from Tk 4,446 ($65) $65-75.
edit
Hotel de Crystal
Garden, House number 28, Road number 63, Gulshan-2 Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh, ☎ +880 2
8823147 (info@degardenhotel.com, fax: 880-2-8827076), [16]. All rooms are air
conditioned, en-suite and has cable TV. In close proximity you can find the
American,Australian, British and a few other international clubs where you are
likely to be able to get a beer. $50-80.
edit
Grand Azad Hotel,info@grandazadhotel.com,
[17] 55 Purana Paltan, +880-2-9559399. Located only 500 meters away from the main
city and some of the main tourist attractions. Newly built modern hotel with
facilities including a gym, lounge, restaurant, snooker room and an on site
beauty salon. Prices from $37-106.
[edit] Splurge
Dhaka Regency
Hotel & Resort, Airport Road
| Nikunja 2 | Dhaka 1229 | Bangladesh
(The closest 5 star business hotel from the international airport), ☎ +8801713332616
(mahmud@dhakaregency.com, fax: +88028911479), [18]. Dhaka
Regency as a magnificent new-generation business class hotel in the city. This
business hotel offers numerous categories of rooms to ensure to the individual
needs of its esteem guests. Each of 214 guest rooms and suites has been
immaculately decorated with complete attention to the comfort of guests. The
hotel offers a host of other attractions such as 24-hours multi-cuisine dining,
live performance bar lounge, authentic Thai spa center, health club and a
Mediterranean hookah lounge. Dhaka Regency has
8 B&E venues located on various levels in various sizes to cater up to 1500
Persons. A team of professional meeting planners are at your service for making
the ideal arrangements for any corporate meetings, seminars, banquets, exhibition
or wedding functions. $125-1200. edit
Lake Shore Hotel, Gulshan
2 (in the diplomatic area of town), ☎ +880 2 8859991 (info@lakeshorehotel.com.bd),
[19]. Luxury 80-room hotel, rooftop pool, fitness, wireless and LAN Internet. Corporate
discounts of 30% available. Probably the best medium sized 5* in the city. $100-220. edit
Radisson Water
Garden Hotel, Airport Road
(15 miles from downtown, immediately outside the diplomatic enclave but close
to the International airport), ☎ +880 2 8754555 (sales.dhaka@radisson.com), [20]. Huge
luxurious hotel sprawling over seven acres of manicured grounds and gardens
with water features. All rooms are clean and contemporary. The hotel is almost
a resort as it has a large outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, spa and even a
golf course. Arguably the best large hotel in the city. $240-900. edit
Ruposhi Bangla
Hotel formerly Dhaka Sheraton, 1 Minto Road, ☎ +880 2 865 3636 (sales@sheraton-dhaka.com),
[21]. This hotel has been running for over a decade now, and was, for the
longest time, considered one of the top hotels in the city. It was part of the
Sheraton group but not quite comparable with 5* Sheraton's you would find in
other countries. Internet access in the room is expensive. Room service choice
is fairly limited. edit
Pan Pacific
Sonargaon Hotel, 107 Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue, ☎ +880-8111005 (dhaka@panpacific.com, fax:
+880 2 811 3324), [22]. This hotel has been running for over a decade now, and
was, for a long time, considered one of the top hotels in the city. In room
internet access is available and works well. The hotel also has a swimming pool
to enjoy. A room on the Pacific floor (7/8) will cost $290 including breakfast.
These rooms are a good choice since laundry and wired internet access are
included in the price, plus a free bar in the Pacific lounge from 1800-2000. There
are good restaurants and service is excellent throughout the hotel. edit
Hotel Sarina, Plot
# 27, Road # 17, Banani (in the diplomatic area of town), ☎ +88 02
8859604 (reservations@sarinahotel.com, fax: +88 02 988-9989), [23]. 5* hotel, all
rooms have high speed internet connection along with dedicated port for laptop,
mini bar , in room safe and satellite TV. Has an Italian restaurant on site. $110-450. edit
Hotel Orchard
Plaza, 71 Nayapaltan Rd, Motijheel, ☎ +880 2
933 3904, [24]. Built in 2003 it's one of the newer top end hotels in town. Rooms
are equipped with complimentary Internet, and it's comfortable and clean with
super friendly staff. The restaurant on the 11th floor is also good and has
broad city views. $70-150, but immediate 30% discounts are offered. edit
The Westin, Plot-01,
Road 45, Gulshan-2, Dhaka 1212 (in the
diplomatic area of town), ☎ +880 2 989 1988, [25]. - relatively new, modern, clean, great
service, and would be at home in any major western city.However, extortionately
expensive - over US$10 for a small beer! $170-240 in winter, varies seasonally. edit
[edit] Stay safe
Dhaka isn't terribly unsafe, but as in any huge city you
should keep aware of your surroundings and try not to walk around at night, especially
females travelling alone. There's a very large number of people living on next
to nothing in the city, and while the vast majority are friendly there's
undoubtedly a few that would love to help you part with some of your seemingly
abundant wealth.
There has been a recent rash of incidents (as of July 2007) in
which some foreigners have been targeted for bag snatchings while riding
rickshaws. Often these have occurred at night, after 11pm. If you must be out
after this time please do your best to leave your valuables at your friends' places
or hotel and you can pick them up in the morning. The simplest way to reduce
your potential loss is to not leave with valuables in the first place if you
anticipate the need to travel after 11pm. The safest mode for travel for a
tourist is to hire a yellow cab. These can rented for a trip as well as by the
day. Be sure to write down the license plate number.
The greatest danger probably comes from speeding buses and
rickshaws - keep well alert when walking along main roads.
Being the capital, it's the area most affected during
hartals, and you should do your best to keep a low profile during times of
political unrest. Avoid any sort of large gatherings, even positive ones, as
there's a good chance you'll become the center of attention and you probably
don't want that from a group of raucous chanters.
Pollution (like most other cities in the subcontinent)is
high. It's not uncommon to see people with face masks on, and at the very least
you should carry a handkerchief with you to cover your mouth and nose during
rickshaw rides.
[edit] Contact
Internet is now widely available in all over Dhaka at Internet cafes hidden in the various shopping
complexes - ask around. Tk 20-30 per hour.
A new place in Gulshan - 2 Circle, Building #11, Road #46, above
the Philips showroom, in the same lane as Coopers - provides free Wi-Fi and
Internet kiosks for their customers. Now that's convenient. And these guys
really have great coffee.
CoFi 11 Cafe in Gulshan offers free high speed internet
service & Real Bean Coffee to its customers, Call 01713364499 for
directions.
Another one new restaurant in Mohakhali, opposite the East West
University, named
Newsroom Cafe - provides free Wi-Fi and Internet kiosks for their customers. Free
Wi-Fi is also available in Kozmo Lounge situated in Dhanmondi.
[edit] Cope
[edit] FM Radio Stations
Radio Foorti - 88.0
MHz
Radio Amar - 88.4
MHz
ABC Radio (Dhaka) - 89.2 MHz
Radio Today - 89.6
MHz
Bangladesh
Betar (Relays BBC World Service) - 100.0 MHz
[edit] Popular Newspapers
The Bangladesh
Observer (English)
The Independent (English)
The Daily Star (English)
The Financial
Express (English)
Naya-Diganta (Bengali)
Dainik Shomokal (Bengali)
Prothom-Alo (Bengali)
Ittefaq (Bengali)
[edit] Popular TV Channels
RTV
NTV (Bangladesh)
ATN Bangla
Channel I
Desh TV
Ekushey Television
Islamic Television
Digonto Television
Boishakhi Tv
Banglavision
[edit] Telecommunication
GrameenPhone
Airtel Bangladesh (formerly
Warid)
Citycell
Banglalink
Thursday, April 12, 2012
MUHURI PROJECT
MUHURI IRRIGATION PROJECT
Muhuri Irrigation Project
FENI
Muhuri Irrigation Project
Muhuri Irrigation Project is one of the importent irrigation project of Bangladesh Started in 1977-1978 finised in 1985-1986 Which depends on the waters of three rivers Feni, Muhuri and Kalidas Pahalia. A sluice gate of fourty foct has been built to provide water to Feni Sadar, Chagalnaia, Porshuram, Fulgazi, Shonagazi and few area of Mirshorai sub-district of Chittagong for reducing the Possibility of flood in the rainy season and also for the Aman crops. A Japane company SIMUJHU construct this project with the help of SIDA, EEC and World Bank.
Irrigation Projects impact on this area :
1. 20194 hector area are got irrigation facility and 27125 hector areas got full irrigation facility.
2. Many Picnic spot and park has been built beside this project.
3. visitor from many places of the country come to visit its natural beauty.
4. It constitutes the artificial dam, Courses & Programs, fish sanctuary, different birds, low barriers of stone Durba immaculate grass bed around the regulator.
5. One can see many kind of duck and almost about 50000 species of birds if he takes a tour by boat.
Muhuri Irrigation Project:
20 km away from Feni Sadar to Shonagazi Subdistrict Sadar > another 20 kilometers from Shonagazi subdistrict Sadar. total distance 40 km from Feni sadar.
Muhuri Irrigation Project
FENI
Muhuri Irrigation Project
Muhuri Irrigation Project is one of the importent irrigation project of Bangladesh Started in 1977-1978 finised in 1985-1986 Which depends on the waters of three rivers Feni, Muhuri and Kalidas Pahalia. A sluice gate of fourty foct has been built to provide water to Feni Sadar, Chagalnaia, Porshuram, Fulgazi, Shonagazi and few area of Mirshorai sub-district of Chittagong for reducing the Possibility of flood in the rainy season and also for the Aman crops. A Japane company SIMUJHU construct this project with the help of SIDA, EEC and World Bank.
Irrigation Projects impact on this area :
1. 20194 hector area are got irrigation facility and 27125 hector areas got full irrigation facility.
2. Many Picnic spot and park has been built beside this project.
3. visitor from many places of the country come to visit its natural beauty.
4. It constitutes the artificial dam, Courses & Programs, fish sanctuary, different birds, low barriers of stone Durba immaculate grass bed around the regulator.
5. One can see many kind of duck and almost about 50000 species of birds if he takes a tour by boat.
Muhuri Irrigation Project:
20 km away from Feni Sadar to Shonagazi Subdistrict Sadar > another 20 kilometers from Shonagazi subdistrict Sadar. total distance 40 km from Feni sadar.
Feni
Feni (Bengali: ফেনী) is a small southern district of Bangladesh, bordering (clockwise from the north) Tripura in India, Chittagong district, the Bay of Bengal, Noakhali district and Comilla district. It comprises six sub-districts ("Upazilas"): Feni Sadar, Chhagalnaiya, Porshuram, Fulgazi (variant of Phool Ghazi), Daganbhuiyan and Sonagazi.
Before becoming a full-fledged district in 1984, it was part of the Noakhali district. Feni has a moderate climate, and a rich history dating back almost 3000 years. Except agriculture, maximum people of Feni resides in Dhaka City, Chittagong City, Sylhet City and Khulna City engaged in all sorts of jobs and business ranging from menial labour to high profiled office jobs.It has a large contingent of its population residing in the Middle East and other parts of the world. Two years back, a Feni native, Abul Kashem, was in the news when he was captured by Iraqi insurgents while driving a truck for a Kuwaiti company. He was subsequently released without any harm.[citation needed]
The main highway of Bangladesh, Dhaka-Chittagong inter-district highway passes through Feni. Buses usually take 3–4 hours to travel on 165 km highway from Dhaka and about 2.5 hours from Chittagong. Panaromic landscape comprising the Tripura valley, Feni River estuarine and green paddy fields add to Feni district's scenic beauty. Feni is also important from strategic viewpoints, its position near the Indian border and the Bay of Bengal. Feni is also the only connecting link between the rest of the country and the districts of Chittagong (where the largest port of the country is situated), Cox's Bazar (the most important tourist destination of the country) and three Hill Districts: Rangamati, Bandaraban and Khagrachaari.
Among the famous personalities who hailed from Feni district are Famous saint Shah Syed Amir Uddin Pagla Miah/Baba( RA) who is regarded as founder of feni and sultanul awlia feni,Saint Mamu Fakir (RA), Begum Khaleda Zia (former Prime Minister), Sir A. F. Rahman (the first Muslim Vice Chancellor of Dhaka University), Dr. Mustafa Chowdhury (former Public Service Commission Chairman), Former Politician and Businessman Mowlana Abdul Wadud, Abdul Awal Mintu, Saber Hossen Chow. Mosarraf Hossen, Economist Abu Ahammed, journalists Johur Hossain Chaudhury, Iqbal Bahar Chaudrury, Abdus Salam, A. B. M. Musa,Gias Kamal Chowdhury,Iqbal Sobhan Chowdury, National press club president Kamal Uddin Sobuj, Columist Masud Majumder, former FBCCI President and Founder Chairman of North South University M A Kashem, Obaidul Haque, novelists Shahidullah Kaiser and Jahir Raihan,Renowned actor Shomi Kaisar, language martyr Abdus Salam, martyred intellectuals during the war of liberation Selina Parvin and Dr. Faizul Mohi, playwrights Selim Al-din and Dr. Inamul Huq, Gias Uddin Selim, rights-activist Wasfia Nazreen, Freedom fighter:A.B.M. Bahar, etc.
One of the three Girls Cadet Colleges in Bangaldesh is situated in Feni. The other two are in Mymensingh and Joypurhat districts. The country's only Government-run Computer Institute also is situated in Feni.
Before becoming a full-fledged district in 1984, it was part of the Noakhali district. Feni has a moderate climate, and a rich history dating back almost 3000 years. Except agriculture, maximum people of Feni resides in Dhaka City, Chittagong City, Sylhet City and Khulna City engaged in all sorts of jobs and business ranging from menial labour to high profiled office jobs.It has a large contingent of its population residing in the Middle East and other parts of the world. Two years back, a Feni native, Abul Kashem, was in the news when he was captured by Iraqi insurgents while driving a truck for a Kuwaiti company. He was subsequently released without any harm.[citation needed]
The main highway of Bangladesh, Dhaka-Chittagong inter-district highway passes through Feni. Buses usually take 3–4 hours to travel on 165 km highway from Dhaka and about 2.5 hours from Chittagong. Panaromic landscape comprising the Tripura valley, Feni River estuarine and green paddy fields add to Feni district's scenic beauty. Feni is also important from strategic viewpoints, its position near the Indian border and the Bay of Bengal. Feni is also the only connecting link between the rest of the country and the districts of Chittagong (where the largest port of the country is situated), Cox's Bazar (the most important tourist destination of the country) and three Hill Districts: Rangamati, Bandaraban and Khagrachaari.
Among the famous personalities who hailed from Feni district are Famous saint Shah Syed Amir Uddin Pagla Miah/Baba( RA) who is regarded as founder of feni and sultanul awlia feni,Saint Mamu Fakir (RA), Begum Khaleda Zia (former Prime Minister), Sir A. F. Rahman (the first Muslim Vice Chancellor of Dhaka University), Dr. Mustafa Chowdhury (former Public Service Commission Chairman), Former Politician and Businessman Mowlana Abdul Wadud, Abdul Awal Mintu, Saber Hossen Chow. Mosarraf Hossen, Economist Abu Ahammed, journalists Johur Hossain Chaudhury, Iqbal Bahar Chaudrury, Abdus Salam, A. B. M. Musa,Gias Kamal Chowdhury,Iqbal Sobhan Chowdury, National press club president Kamal Uddin Sobuj, Columist Masud Majumder, former FBCCI President and Founder Chairman of North South University M A Kashem, Obaidul Haque, novelists Shahidullah Kaiser and Jahir Raihan,Renowned actor Shomi Kaisar, language martyr Abdus Salam, martyred intellectuals during the war of liberation Selina Parvin and Dr. Faizul Mohi, playwrights Selim Al-din and Dr. Inamul Huq, Gias Uddin Selim, rights-activist Wasfia Nazreen, Freedom fighter:A.B.M. Bahar, etc.
One of the three Girls Cadet Colleges in Bangaldesh is situated in Feni. The other two are in Mymensingh and Joypurhat districts. The country's only Government-run Computer Institute also is situated in Feni.
chittagong port
The Chittagong Port is the principal seaport of Bangladesh handling
about 92% of import-export trade of the country. As such its importance
in the national economy is paramount. The Chittagong Port Authority
(CPA) is a basic services provider. Its objective focuses mainly on
providing necessary services and facilities to the port users
efficiently and effectively at competitive price.
Cox's Bazar sea beach
Cox's Bazar is a beach resort in the Chittagong
Division in south-eastern Bangladesh.
Cox's Bazar sea beach is the longest sea beach in the world,
120 km long.
For Bangladeshi's it doesn't get much better than Cox's
Bazar, the country's most popular beach resort. Sort of a Cancun
of the east, it's choc-a-bloc with massive cement hotels and gaudy over-development
catering largely to the country's elite. As a foreigner it likely won't compare
to other beach vacations you may have taken, but it's still interesting to see
how the Bangladeshi's live it up. The beach is crowded, especially near the
Hotel Motel Zone, a large cluster of more upmarket hotels. Expect lots of
attention, and expect to stay fully clothed.
30 km south is Inani
Beach, the world's
longest and widest with over 100 miles of unbroken sand. Things should be
quieter here, but still expect to draw some attention.
Get in
Located about 150 km south of Chittagong,
Cox's Bazar is connected both by air and road from Dhaka and Chittagong.
Non-Stop flights are available from Chittagong
and Dhaka on GMG Airlines, [1] United Airways [2].
Flights tend to be daily during the high season (Oct - Apr) but generally drop
back to 3-4 flights per week during the Summer and Monsoon (May - Sept).
The main bus terminal is a few kilometers east of the
central town area, about a 15 minute / Tk 10 rickshaw ride. Local buses head to
Chittagong (Tk 120,
4 hours) and Teknaf (Tk 70, 3 hours).
The private bus companies have offices near Hotel Sea
Queen on the main road, and also down in the Hotel Motel Zone.
[edit] Get around
Cycle-rickshaws
are plentiful, and the ride between Hotel Motel Zone and the Laldighi Lake
area on the main road should cost Tk 12, though foreigners will have to fight
hard for that price. They'll ask for at least Tk 20, Tk 15 is a fair enough
middle ground.
Approximate value in US currency:
Tk. 20 = 29 cents, Tk. 15 = 22 cents, Tk. 12 = 17 cents
[edit][add listing] See
Sunset at Cox's Bazar
Sunset at Cox's Bazar
Miles of golden sand, towering cliffs, surfing waves, colorful
pagodas, Buddhist temples and tribes, delightful seafood — this is Cox's Bazar,
the tourist capital of Bangladesh.
There are also a few very old wooden Buddhist temples at
Ramu, a few kilometers from Cox's Bazar, well worth visiting.
A drive to Teknaf, which is the southernmost tip of the
mainland of Bangladesh,
is a memorable journey. A day trip to either Moheshkhali or Sonadia, the
deltaic islands nestled among the gentle waves of the Bay
of Bengal, will also be really interesting.
Other attractions for visitors are conch shell market, tribal
handicraft, salt and prawn cultivation.
Himchari: It is
about 32 km south of Cox's Bazar along the beach, a nice place for a picnic and
photo-shooting. The famous "Broken Hills" and waterfalls here are
rare sights.
Inani Beach:
It is about 32 km south of Cox's Bazar and just on the beach, with the sea to
the west and a background of steep hills to the east. Inani casts a magic spell
on those who step into that dreamland. It is only half an hour's drive from Cox's
Bazar and an ideal place for sea-bathing and a picnic.
Maheskhali: An
island off the coast of Cox's Bazar. It has an
area of 268 square kilometers. Through the centre of the island and along the
eastern coast line rises a range of low hills, 300 feet high; but the coast to
the west and north is a low-lying treat, fringed by mangrove jungle. In the
hills on the coast is built the shrine of Adinath, dedicated to Shiva. By its
side on the same hill is a Buddhist Pagoda.
Ramu: This is a
typical Buddhist village, about 16 km from Cox's Bazar, on the main road to Chittagong. There are
monasteries, khyangs and pagodas containing images of Buddha in gold, bronze
and other metals inlaid with precious stones.
The village has a charm of its own. Weavers ply their trade
in open workshops and craftsmen make handmade cigars in their pagoda like
houses.
Sonadia Island:
It is about seven kilometers from Cox's Bazar and about nine square kilometer
in area. The western side of the island is sandy and different kinds of shells
are found on the beach. Off the northern part of the island there are beds of
window pane oysters. During winter fisherman set up temporary camps on the
island and dry their catches of sea fish.
Teknaf: Southernmost
tip of Bangladesh,
Teknaf situated on the Naaf river and just at the end of the hilly regions of
the district. Myanmar
is on the opposite bank of Naaf river. Wild animals and birds are available but
the most interesting thing is a journey on the river. Wide sandy beach in the
backdrop of high hills with green forests is an enchanting scene never to be
forgotten.
There are lots of shops in the Hotel Motel Zone catering to
Bangladeshi tourists. Things made of sea shells are very popular and also sold
by vendors on the beach, but think twice about encouraging such a non-eco
friendly practice.
You can also check out the Burmese Market. You can try some
local beauty products (sandal wood based), hand woven textile and bedsheets
among many other things.
[edit] Food
There's a ton of restaurants along Sea Beach Rd and in the Hotel Motel Zone,
most serving Bangladeshi standards.
Jhawban Restaurant
and Poushee Restaurant, next door to each other on Hotel Sayeman Rd just south
of Sea Beach Rd, serve similarly excellent Bangladeshi food including fried
fish, a Cox's Bazar specialty. Both are wildly popular, especially at lunch
time - go with the flow. Meals Tk 60-130.
Mermaid Café, Sea Inn
Beach, (in Hotel Motel
Zone), 01815 672855, [3]. Lunch and dinner until 7PM. Overlooking the beach
south of Hotel Media International, this newer cafe is super friendly and
laidback and probably the coolest place to hang out in the area. With its natural-ish
vibe of wood and bamboo, it hints at the direction that Cox's Bazar coulda
shoulda woulda taken way back when. If it were anywhere else it's prices would
put it out of business, but here it's taka well spent. It has several sitting
areas and hammocks, and a creative menu including crepes and savory pancakes, and
seafood-heavy mains like shrimp salad, pastas and fish pizza for Tk 250-400. Delicious
fresh juices are around Tk 80 and filter coffee and espresso around Tk 50. The
music is occasionally dubious but they're very open to requests.
Sea Stone Café, Sea Inn
Beach, ☎ 01914458443.
11am til late. As the only two-storey building on the beach-front, Sea Stone
Café offers superb 180 degree views of the Cox’s Bazar beach. Its top deck is
the best place in town to watch the sun set over the Bay
of Bengal. Quality Western and Asian dishes are on offer, as well
as fresh juices, real coffee and herbal teas. Entrées include grilled prawns, calamari
and niçoise salad. Home-made pasta, pizza, chicken, beef and seafood dishes are
on offer for mains. If you are after fresh prawns, calamari, crab, lobster or
fish, this is the place for you. The staff are friendly and although the
service can be slow, it doesn’t matter because there’s nowhere else in Cox’s that
you will be in a hurry to get to!
Alcohol is available in a few locations in Cox's Bazar. The
following hotels have bars which generally open from 7pm: Seagull Hotel, Hotel
Sayeman, Hotel Shaibal, Renaissance Hotel. Don't expect much as their ambience
leaves much to be desired and there is no guarantee the beer will be cold. Prices
are higher than you might expect.
Most of the budget hotels are in the area surrounding Laldighi Lake in the main town area. The massive
cement beasts are closer to the beach, getting bigger and grander as you move
the 2km south to the Hotel Motel Zone.
Hotel Sea Gull and Hotel Media International are decent
choices in the center of town. There are a few hotels/motels such as Hotel
Probal and Sikat operated by the Parjatan Corporation, a government tourism
organization.
Seagull Hotel, Hotel
Motel Zone, ☎
0341-64-91, [4]. checkin: 1400; checkout: 1200. Seagull is probably the best
hotel in Cox's Bazar. It is modern and safe, with its own landscaped walkway to
the beach. It does have a hidden bar - from the reception area, walk towards
the main restaurant and turn right, then through part of the kitchen and
upstairs. Nice swimming pool outside. Tk3000.
edit
Hotel Sea
Crown, Marin Drive,
Kola Toil New Beach, ☎ 0341-64795, [5]. Sea Crown is a three star deluxe hotel
on the Beach
[
Saint Martins
Island - This small coral island about 10 km (6 mi) south-west of the southern
tip of the mainland is a tropical cliché, with beaches fringed with coconut
palms and bountiful marine life. There's nothing more strenuous to do here than
soak up the rays, but it's a clean and peaceful place without even a mosquito
to disrupt your serenity.
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