Welcome to Dhaka, the vibrant capital of Bangladesh—a city with a population of around 20 million people, making it the 8th largest megacity in the world. It is the political, economic, and cultural heart of the country, known for its rich history, bustling streets, and diverse culture.

Today, we focus on exploring Old Dhaka and its most iconic attractions:

1. National Parliament Building (Exterior) – Designed by world-renowned American architect Louis I. Kahn, construction began in 1961 under Pakistani rule and was completed in 1982 after Bangladesh’s independence, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. This is one of the most celebrated modernist buildings in the world.
2. Kawran Bazar – Established during the Mughal period and named after merchant Kawran Singh in the late 18th century, this bustling market has evolved into one of Dhaka’s busiest wholesale and commercial hubs.
3. Dhaka University – Founded in 1921 during the British colonial period, the campus features architecture influenced by British design traditions.
4. Lalbagh Fort – An incomplete Mughal fort complex started in 1678 by Prince Muhammad Azam, son of Emperor Aurangzeb. Shaista Khan halted construction after the death of his daughter, believing the fort to be unlucky. Today, it stands as a prominent historical landmark.
5. Dhakeshwari National Temple – Built in the 12th century, this sacred Hindu temple is a key spiritual site for Bangladesh’s Hindu community.
6. Star Mosque (Tara Masjid) – Constructed in 1860 by Mirza Ghulam Pir, famous for its beautiful star-patterned mosaic tiles.
7. Armenian Church – Built in 1781, a reminder of the once-thriving Armenian merchant community in Dhaka.
8. Ahsan Manzil (Pink Palace) Museum – Former residence of the Nawabs of Dhaka, now a museum showcasing the city’s aristocratic and colonial heritage.
9. Buriganga River & Shipyard – A boat ride along the Buriganga River offers a lively view of Dhaka’s river life, followed by a visit to the bustling shipyard.

Overnight Stay: Ship

Our ferry arrives early in the morning at Barisal. After disembarkation, we begin our full-day exploration of river life, heritage architecture, and the gateway to the Sundarbans.

1. Banaripara Ferry Ghat & Backwater Boat Trip – Located about 35 km from Barisal City, Banaripara is our starting point for a scenic backwater journey. Along the way we will visit:
   • Floating Vegetable Market – A colorful riverside market where vendors sell fresh produce directly from boats.
   • Floating Timber Market – A bustling river-based hub for timber trading, showcasing traditional commerce.
   • Riverside Village Life – Meet friendly locals and witness the peaceful rhythm of rural life along the waterways.
2. Sixty Dome Mosque (Shat Gombuj Masjid, Bagerhat) – Bagerhat, known as the Mosque Capital of Bangladesh, is home to numerous historic mosques. The UNESCO-listed Sixty Dome Mosque, built by Khan Jahan Ali in the 15th century, is the largest historic mosque in the country. It features 77 domes supported by 60 stone pillars and is celebrated for its grand Sultanate-era architecture.
3. Khan Jahan Ali’s Shrine – The mausoleum of the saint-general who founded Bagerhat, revered for both its historical significance and spiritual importance.
4. Nine Dome Mosque (Singra Mosque) – A beautifully preserved 15th-century mosque with nine domes and intricate terracotta ornamentation.

Overnight Stay: Mangrove Forest Resort

We begin the day near the edge of the world’s largest mangrove forest, combining community life, wildlife encounters, and a rare cultural tradition before returning to Dhaka.

1. Sundarbans Community Village – A morning visit to a village near the forest to see how local communities live in harmony with their natural surroundings. Learn about traditional livelihoods, craftsmanship, and the challenges of living close to the mangrove ecosystem.
2. Karamjol (Sundarbans) – Our first station inside the Sundarbans, Karamjol is a popular wildlife sanctuary and crocodile breeding center. Here, visitors can:
   • Walk through lush mangrove forest trails
   • Spot spotted deer, monkeys, and various bird species
   • Enjoy serene boat rides along calm river channels
3. Otter Fishing – In the afternoon, we witness one of Bangladesh’s rarest traditional fishing methods. In this centuries-old practice, trained otters are used to herd fish into nets—a fascinating example of human-animal cooperation still maintained by a handful of fishing families.

After our exploration, we begin the journey back to Dhaka, arriving in the evening.