Tourism In Bangladesh

1. INTRODUCTION

Tourism is one of the initiators of people's movement, a facilitator for exchange of knowledge, a provider of pleasure, a way to enjoy leisure, and a means to enrich culture. There was a time when only the elite classes had the time and money to enjoy traveling. Especially before fifties of the twentieth century, travel was the privilege of a few rich, affluent and perhaps adventurous people. Things have since changed much. Today the rise in the standard living of people in several developed and developing countries along with the fast technological revolution in transport industry has brought overseas holiday within the rich of middle and even working class. Besides, the emergence of cheap holiday through non-scheduled carriers has brought about a major revolution in the concept of holiday package. Thus, the concept of tourism has now acquired a wider significant among the mass people.

2. ATTRACTIVE BANGLADESH

Bangladesh is situated on the north-eastern side of the South Asian subcontinent and is bordered by India in the east, west and north; by a small part of Myanmar in the south-east and by the bay of Bengal in the south. Bangladesh is mainly a flat alluvial plain, criss-crossed by the world's three mighty river systems, namely the Padma, the Jamuna and the Meghna and their innumerable tributaries. The land mass of Bangladesh is home to 120 million people. The hill districts are situated in the eastern fringes of the country reaching an average elevation of 660 meters. The slopes and valleys are covered with virgin forests that are home to numerous flora and fauna. In the south are the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest and the habitat of the Royal Bengal1iger. The climate of Bangladesh is sub-tropical with a hot and humid summer and a cool and dry winter. Annual rainfall ranges from 160 to 200 cm. The best period to visit Bangladesh is from November to March when a temperature ranges from 13.50 C to 26.50 C.

3. TOURISM IN BANGLADESH:

Tourism in Bangladesh is a slowly developing foreign currency earner. The country has everything to attract international and domestic tourists.
In the northern part, comprising of the Rajshahi division, there are archaeological sites, including the temple city Puthia in Rajshahi; the largest and most ancient archaeological site, Mahasthangarh in Bogra; the single largest Buddhist monastery, Paharpur in Naogaon; the most ornamental Terracota Hindu temple in Bangladesh Kantaji Temple, and many Rajbaris or palaces of old Zamindars.

In the south-western part, mainly the Khulna Division, there is the Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest of the world with Royal Bengal Tiger and spotted deer. The historically and architecturally important sixty domed mosque in Bagerhat is a notable site.

In the south-eastern part, which is the Chittagong division, there are mainly natural and hilly scenarios along with sandy sea beaches. The most notable beach is the longest unbroken sandy sea beach in the world in Cox's Bazaar.

In the north-eastern part, Sylhet division, there is a green carpet of tea plants on small hillocks. Natural reserved forests are great attractions. Migratory birds in winter, particularly in the Haor areas, are also very attractive in this area.