ATTRACTIONS OF EASTERN REGION

Sylhet: Sylhet is the widely hilly district in the country. Nestled in the picturesque Surma Valley amidst scenic tea plantations and lush green tropical forest, rolling countryside the exotic flora and fauna, eye catching orange groves and pineapple plantations and hills covered with tropical forest form a beautiful landscape. Sylhet region has a good numbers of haors, which provide sanctuary to the millions of migratory birds who fly from Siberia across the Himalayas to avoid the severe cold there. Sylhet is considered to be a holy city by the Muslims because of the mazars of saint Shah Jalal (R), Shah Paran (R) and others.

Sylhet became a district of saints & shrines, its rich potentialities became easily attractive and the 18th century Englishmen made their fortune in tea plantation. Sylhet, the tea granary of Bangladesh, not only has over 150 tea gardens but also proudly possesses three largest tea gardens in the world both in area and production.

Attractions of Sylhet Region:

The shrine of Hazrat Shah Jalal
Shrine of Hazrat Shah Paran
Tamabil-Jaflong
Temple of Sri Chaitannya Dev
Jaintiapur
Srimongal
Lawacharra Rain forest
Madhabkunda
Tangua Hakaluki Haor
Manipuri Dance
Handicrafts

MAINAMATI:

An ancient seat of Buddhism in Asia is about 114kms southeast of capital Dhaka and eight kms to the west of Comilla town. Archeologists have discovered the ruins of the Buddhist culture including artifacts, coins and pottery that testify the rich historical heritage of the area. On the slopes of the hills scattered treasure troves were found which belonged to the early Buddhist civilization between 8th and 12 centuries A.D in this part of the world.

MAINAMATI MUSEUM:

The Mainamati museum has a rich and varied collection of copper pates, gold and silver coins and 86 bronze objects. Over 150 bronze statues have been recovered, mostly from the monastic cells. There are also bronze and stone sculptures and hundreds of terracotta plaques, each measuring on an average of………..

MAYNAMATI WAR CEMETRY:

Situated about 144 km from Dhaka and roughly 7 km from Comilla, this cemetery was once a hamlet of a few huts and later converted into a large military camp during the world war if that came as close as Myanmar in 1941-1945. Under a canopy of indigenous flowering and evergreen trees — serene, solemn and peaceful — dominated by a small flat – topped hill, place the graves of 737 soldiers.

Between the entrance and the hill lie the graves of the Christian soldiers, while the graves of the Muslims are on the far end of the cemetery. Towards the farther end of the cemetery on the left are the graves of the Japanese soldiers, while the African graves lie on the left of the cross – just below the foot of the small hill. Twenty-three unknown soldiers were buried on the right between the main entrance and the Cross-. Each tombstone of marble and mosaic carries the name of the deceased and some information about the origin of the person and the regiment he belonged to. In this cemetery lie the bodies of British, African, Indian, Australian and Japanese. The cemetery is one of the city’s principal tourist attractions.

Bangladesh Academy for Rural Development (BARD): An autonomous national institution for training, research and experiment on rural development. Established in 1959 at Kotbari, 10 km of Comilla town, BARD provides training for both officials and non-officials. BARD has a very entertaining campus of 156 acres of land in natural surroundings.

CHITTAGONG AND SURROUNDINGS:

CHITTAGONG:

Chittagong is the most fascinating city of Bangladesh and busy International seaport and Airport. It’s green hills and forests, spacious sandy beaches and its elegant cool climate always attract the holidaymakers. The varieties of natural beauty that Chittagong possessed are not to be found other parts of Bangladesh. Green hills, deep forests and the union of rivers and seas are only seen in Chittagong. Besides the various lakes also have added the beauty and for this it is a special enjoyment to visit Chittagong is the main site for the establishment of heavy, medium and light industries. Bangladesh’s only steel mill and oil refinery are also located here.

Places of interest within city:

·World War II Cemetery Shrine of Shah Amanat Bandel Church ·Tomb of Sultan Bayazid Bostami Chandanpura Mosque Cheragi Hill ·Karnafuli & Kalurghat Bridge Maizvander Grave Marine Academy · Zia Memorial Museum The Fairy Hill Patenga Beach
·Tiger Pass Ethnological Museum

Parki Beach:

The beach lies 16-17 km away from Chittagong city in Anwara Thana. As the beach is situated at the Karnafuli river channel, visitor’s csn view both the Karnofuli River and the sea together. Tourists enjoy the views of big ship anchored at the outer dock, fishermen catching fish in the sea, sunset, and various colored crabs at the beach and the quiet environment.

Sitakunda:

Approximately 37 km far from Chittagong, Shitakunda is famous for Chandranath Hindu Temple- one of the oldest temple in the sub-continent. There is also a Buddhist temple having a footprint of Lord Buddha. Both the Hindus and Buddhist regard these place s very sacred.. Shiva Chanuturdash (14th) festivals are held every year in February when thousands of pilgrims assemble which lasts for ten days. There is a salt-water spring 5Km to the north of Sitakunda, known as Labanakhya. One can enjoy the steer ridings to go to the Chandranath Temple by walking. It is situated on the top of the hill from where one can enjoy the beauty of the sea and also the hill areas

Bandarban:

Situated some 92 kms from Chittagong, Bandarban is rich in tribal heritage, attracts tourists in their thousands. Its flora and fauna, bamboo cottages of its ethnic peoples and their life style have made this picturesque hilly resort a popular destination of tourists from home and abroad. There are some indigenous peoples living in the remote areas of the district. Bandarban has the unique opportunity of having two highest peaks of the country, the Keokradung, and the Tazing Daung that measure up to 4000 and 4632 feet respectively. The magnificence and mystic charm of these peaks are simply beyond words and imagination. It is very difficult to reach the spot through deep forest and the rugged terrains. Here a tourist may be lucky to see how huge logs of wood are being carried to the plain by tamed elephants. The panoramic sight of Bandarban will unquestionably charm the travelers and tourists to extend their stay, wandering around in the natural wilderness of this hilly district. Tourists can also have a good access to a wider variety of activities of hill trekking to isolated ethnic villages, bird watching, enjoying waterfalls in a day trips and a good chance of interacting with the local and ethnic culture in the adjacent areas.


Attractions in Bandarban:

Bagakine Lake
Chimbuk Hill
Ruma Bazar
Prantik Lake
Raj Bari and the Museum
Ali Kadam
Shailapropat
Meghla

Khagrachhari:

Khagrachhari is a beautiful picturesque town about 266 kms from Dhaka and 112 kms from Chittagong through the hills and green forests. It is an island of isolation and charming calm. For tourists seeking nature in leisurely restful mood, Khagrachhari is an ideal spot. It is also an ideal place for shooting films.

Khagrachhari is the natural wild beauty of Bangladesh. The great attraction of Khagrachhari is Alutilla. Surrounded by deep forest, it is actually a high hill. There is also a cave inside the Alutilla. Approximately, 100 meters long, it is a dark mysterious cave. Torches are available at the top of the hill
To go inside the cave through which a hilly stream flows. From the top of Alutilla, one can view the whole Khagrachhari town at a glimpse. There is a Watch Tower, a lighthouse and a Buddhist Temple at the top of the hill.

Other Attractions:

Manikchhari is the seat of the local Magh Chief. Rajbari or palace of the tribal chief worth seeing. The palace contains a bed of ivory.


The forest or jungle Guimara, the water bodies and the hills of Khagrachhari is a feast for the eyes.


The abandoned Deeghi of former King of Tripura Manikkya Dev at Deeghinala is another place to visit.


At Ramgarh, there is a memorial monument of the war of liberation called ‘Sharthok Ejanmo’ and an old tea garden.


There is a lake known as Matai Pukhiri, 1500 feet above the ground at Nunchhari. Water of this lake never dried up nor became dirty and that is why it is called Matai Pukhiri or Lake of God.


The local tribal people celebrate a colorful Bizu festival every year in April.

Rangamati:

Rangamati is one of the most scenic tourists attractions in Bangladesh. This hilly resort town is connected with Chittagong by a 77 kms metalled road snacking the way through zigzag hills clad with green jungle and beautiful lakes. It is an ideal place for tourists who like nature and bucolic peace. And it is also the place they can discover the enigmatic and colorful culture of the tribal people who inhabit the Rangamati Hill District. And it is indeed a rare spot for eco-tourism.

The town is very rich in scenic beauty and the landscape is visible on all sides. Besides a lake of almost transparent water dancing in ripples under the glittering sun in the foreground and two ranges of hills running almost parallel from north to south present a magnificent sight.
Rangamati has become a favorite holiday resort because of its beautiful landscape, its colorful people, its flora and fauna, homespun textiles, tribal handicrafts, flower vases and silver jewellery. The tribal handicraft factory and sales center run by BSCIC produces many varieties of souvenirs made of bamboo, cane, straw, textile and leather. This is the only place that can be visited round the year. But Rangamati exposes its full beauty in rainy season when trees become greener; waterfalls are in full tide, the river Karnaphuli with its full wave.
For the tourists the attractions of Rangamati are numerous- tribal life, fishing, boat cruising, and water-skiing, hiking or merely enjoying nature as it is. Rangamati has too many exciting spots to visit. A visit to the Hanging Bridge, Pedatingting, Rajbari, Tribal Museum, Bein Textile Factory and Sales Center and Kalapataruivory product shop, to name a few. A tour to the weekly Hat Market or the Subhalong fountain can be memorable for any visitor. But boating is also a prime attraction in Rangamati. One can go to Kaptai and visit the tribal villages, Chakma King’s palace, Rajbonbihar Pagoda, Tribal Museum etc by boat. One can find a lot of natural waterfalls if they go inside the hill areas. One can take a shower in the waterfall. Tourists can also enjoy the tribal handicrafts if one goes for shopping in the local market. Cruising past the market place is an exotic experience. River crafts of different sizes and shapes, from graceful to grotesque, crowd the ghat of the lake. The ghat itself is another place of interest, rising sharply from the lake with bamboo and split logs dug in for steps.

The homespun and embroidered tribal clothes, especially the beautiful scarf, which the tribal women love to wear, are available at Rangamati. There is also a Buddhist Khyang called the Ananda Bihar in the heart of the town.
Kaptai: An amusing and striking drive of 64 kms from Chittagong, Kaptai is the famous man-made lake created as a result of damming Karnaphuli River. Only three kms from Kaptai, along the Chittagong Road, lays the ancient Chit Morong Buddhist temple that contains beautiful Buddhist statues. It is an excellent tourist spot. The extensive and lovely lake offers a majestic view on a moonlit night. One can enjoy swimming, water skiing, angling and fishing in the lake. A cruise on the calm waters of the lake can be a memorable experience.

Cox’s Bazar& Surroundings:

As a sea resort Cox’s Bazar has acquired much name and fame. ‘Panowa’ another name of Cox’s Bazar, means the land of yellow flower and another ancient name was ‘Palongkee’. Its recorded history goes back to the Mughal period when the ill-fated Prince Shah Suza passed through the hilly regions of present day Cox’s Bazar on his way to Arakan. He became so much enchanted by the natural beauty around his trail that he ordered his one thousand palanquins to stop and camp amidst the hills. In 1799 the British Government sent a captain named Hiram Cox to settle Burmese immigrants in the area. A new colony was formed and the place was named as Cox’s Bazar.
Cox’s Bazar is one of the most attractive tourist spots & the longest sea beach in the world (approx. 120 km long). Miles of golden sands, towering cliffs, surfing waves, rare conch shells, colorful pagodas, Buddhist temples and tribes, delightful seafood are the attractions of Cox’s Bazar, the tourist capital of Bangladesh. The warm shark free waters are good for bathing and swimming & while the sandy beaches offer opportunities for sun bathing. The beauty of the setting-sun behind the waves of the sea is simply captivating. Locally made cigars and handloom products of the tribal Rakhyne families are good buys.
In addition to the long sea-beach with its silvery waves breaking at the foot of hills and sea-bathing, the attractions of Cox’s Bazar include a drive along the beach, the view of the sun setting on the rolling sea-waves, the moonlit night, and the exciting interior of the bazar and its people. Interesting places around Cox’s Bazar include Himchhari, Ramu, Sonadia Island, Maheskhali, Teknaf and St. Martins Island.

Attractions in Cox’s Bazar:

# The Aggameda Kyang, Cox’s Bazar
# Himchhari
#Ramu
# Moheskali
# Sonadia Island
# Dulahazara Safari Park

Teknaf:

Teknaf is a small township on the Naf River at the end of the hilly region. It is 80 km south of Cox’s Bazar and is a beautiful place facing Myanmar across the Naf. One of the major attractions of Teknaf is the journey by boat or sampan. The town and its surrounding areas provide outsiders an opportunity to see the people and culture of the Arakan and Magh communities. On the other hand, there is a hill called “Ne Taung’ or “ the hill of God’ in Teknaf. It is probable that “Naf Tek’ or “ Tek Naf’ is a perverted from of “ Ne Taung’


ST MARTIN’S ISLAND:

St. Martins is a small island in the northeast part of the Bay of Bengal; about nine kms south of Cox’s Bazar- Teknaf peninsular tip in the southern most part of Bangladesh. This island is only 30 kms from Teknaf and 3.6 meter above from the sea level. St. Martins Island is the most beautiful Coral Island where one will find lives corals. 182 species of wildlife are recorded from the island, according to researchers. Of these, four species are amphibians, 28 reptiles, 130 birds and 20 mammals. A huge numbers of migrated birds come to this Island in winter season, enchanting the beauty of this island.
Usually most of the visitors go to St. Martin’s Island during November and February, as the season is the best and more convenient to travel to this Island. Moreover the Government as well as some private initiatives has developed some tourist facilities on the Island.

Chera-Dwip:

Chera-Dwip is a part of St. Martin’s Island but divided during tides. One can go to Chera-Dwip by walking during low tide. About two and a half hour walk from St. Martin’s Island or one can go there by also by local motorboat or tourist boat. One will find the corals all over the island. A small bush is there which is the only green part of Chera-Dwi, enhancing the beauty of this island.

Nijhum Island:

Inhuman Island is a prime tourist spot in the Noakhali district. The island is famous for a beautiful forest, which is not natural but planted forest. Though the island area is of planted forests, the flora and fauna are suitably adapted there as in natural forests. The island is full of mangrove trees. The government has declared 40 thousands 390 acres of 11 islands as National Park in April8, 2001.
The forest is a sanctuary for the deer. There are about 10 thousands deer in the forest, which came from only four pairs released in the forest in 1978. Apart from the deer, there are seven different species of mammals and 16 species of reptiles. Except that, there are monkeys, mongooses. Wild buffaloes, and wild boars also adapted in the forest. Around 35 species of birds such as Saras, Kingfisher, Soalo, Bulbuli treat the island as a sanctuary. The largest sanctuary of the country has been established there. The island has become a great attraction for the migratory birds. Many migratory birds from the winter countries reverberate the forest with their chirping and twittering during winter. The plants are suitably adapted here with beautiful birds in different seasons of the year.

Gandhi Ashram:

Situated about 23 km. Northwest of Choumuhani town and 2 km. East of Chatkhil at Jayag under Begumganj upazilla, about 30 km north of Noakhali district headquarters. This asram was established in the memory of historic visit of the Mohatma Gandhi to Noakhali and devoted to his ideology Historical Charka and other valuables used by Mahatma are preserved in this asram and those evoke deep respect to the unique memories of the great soul.