Itinerary
On arrival, you will be warmly welcomed and taken on a culinary tour of Dhaka, where local flavors and culture come alive. In the evening, board an overnight river cruise to Barishal.
Overnight Stay: Overnight River Cruise to Barishal
Early in the morning at around 6:00 AM, you will be met by your guide at the boat and begin a one-hour drive to Banaripara. From there, board a traditional country motorboat to reach a local floating market—Banaripara, Harta, or Athghar Baokathi (depending on the day). Experience an authentic, non-touristic floating vegetable market where village farmers sell freshly harvested produce directly to city traders using traditional methods.
After the market visit, enjoy a scenic canal cruise through narrow waterways, offering panoramic views of rural Bangladesh. En route, stop by a riverside timber market and, if available, enjoy lunch at a local homestyle restaurant.
Later, travel from Barishal to Bagerhat, known as the Mosque City of Bagerhat—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Bangladesh’s most important archaeological regions. Visit the iconic 15th-century Sixty Dome Mosque and the shrine of Khan Jahan Ali, featuring exquisite terracotta work and hand-made brick architecture that reflect the country’s rich past. After exploring the heritage sites, continue your drive to Khulna/Mongla for overnight accommodation.
Overnight Stay: Mongla
Travel to Mongla and board a local boat for a river journey to a community settlement located on the edge of the Sundarbans. While cruising through the waterways, watch for river dolphins surfacing gracefully and, with some luck, spot small-clawed otters along the banks.
Upon arrival, check in to a local community cottage and enjoy a short walk to observe how villagers live in close harmony with the surrounding forest. Experience a traditional honey-collection demonstration, offering insight into age-old methods used by local honey hunters.
In the evening, take a peaceful ride on a hand-rowed boat through nearby forest channels, where sightings of rhesus macaques or water monitor lizards are possible. Spend the night at the community cottage, featuring simple, non-air-conditioned accommodations in a serene natural setting.
Overnight Stay: Community Cottage (located on the forest edge, separated by a canal)
After breakfast, enjoy a gentle walk through the community to experience sustainable village life in harmony with nature. Later, take a local boat to Karamjal, the first forest station of the Sundarbans, home to a crocodile and endangered turtle breeding center. On the return journey, pause along the riverbank for a chance to spot river dolphins surfacing for air.
Continue to a remote village in Narail District, crossing the mighty Padma (Ganges) River with scenic views along the way. Here, witness a rare and ancient tradition—otter-assisted fishing—practiced by a handful of families for generations. Interact with local villagers and experience their simple lifestyle amid serene natural surroundings.
Overnight Stay: Narail
After breakfast, drive towards Kushtia and visit a remote village popularly known as the “YouTube Village,” where local creators have transformed community life by sharing authentic rural stories online. Experience this modern cultural shift and the village’s creative spirit.
Later, enjoy a unique community cooking experience, where villagers prepare and share meals together (activity usually not held on Fridays and Saturdays). In the evening, visit the shrine of Lalon Shah—the renowned Bengali mystic, philosopher, and cultural icon—offering a deep insight into Bengali literature and spiritual heritage.
Overnight Stay: Kushtia
After breakfast, drive to Rajshahi, passing through scenic villages, lush rice fields, and the tranquil countryside of Bangladesh—perfect for photography. By noon, visit the 18th-century Puthia Rajbari and Temple Complex, showcasing late Mughal and British colonial influences with fine Indo-Saracenic architecture and beautifully crafted Hindu temples.
Later, continue towards Bogra, stopping en route to explore the historic Natore Rajbari.
Overnight Stay: Bogra
After breakfast, drive to Mahasthangarh, Bangladesh’s earliest urban archaeological site. Rising over 100 feet above sea level, this ancient citadel dates back to the 4th century BC. Wander among its thick handmade brick walls and feel the echoes of a civilization long past. Excavations, ongoing since the 1930s, continue to reveal its rich history.
After lunch, drive to Dhaka.
Overnight Stay: Dhaka
After breakfast, explore the rich heritage, culture, and history of Dhaka on the final day of your tour. Visit top attractions including the Parliament House, Dhaka University, Dhakeshwari Temple, and Lalbagh Fort.
Food lovers can savor the famous Dhaka Biryani and sample the city’s vibrant street food along the way. In the afternoon, wander through the narrow lanes of Old Dhaka to discover the Star Mosque, Armenian Church, and the Pink Palace. End the day in Shadarghat, witnessing the lively river port culture before returning to your hotel.
Overnight Stay: Dhaka
Start your day with a hotel pickup and drive 1.5 hours to Sonargaon, the historic first capital of Bengal. Explore the restored Sardarbari and nearby folk museum, and admire the intricate terracotta and wood carvings of the old merchant buildings. Visit the 16th-century Goaldi Mosque, the region’s oldest single-dome mosque, and immerse yourself in the heritage of Bengal.
After the visit, enjoy a transfer to the airport based on your flight schedule.