May 25, 2025
Travel
10 Sights Not To Miss On Your Trip To Bangladesh
May 25, 2025
Often overlooked by travelers, Bangladesh is a land rich in heritage, culture, and natural beauty. From ancient mosques and royal palaces to lush hills and the largest river delta in the world, Bangladesh offers unforgettable places.
Here are 10 incredible sights to explore on your next trip to Bangladesh with background info to help you appreciate their full story.
1. Sixty Dome Mosque (Shaṭ Gombuj Masjid), Bagerhat
- Built in: 15th century
- Architect: Khan Jahan Ali
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: Since 1985
This massive medieval mosque, also known as the Shat Gombuj Masjid, is the largest of its kind in Bangladesh and a masterpiece of Tughlaq architecture. Despite its name, it actually has 77 low domes supported by 60 stone pillars, creating a serene and spiritual atmosphere inside. It was made entirely of baked bricks and has 11 arched doorways, allowing air and light to flow beautifully into the interior.
2. Sundarbans (Bangladesh Side)
- Size: ~6,000 sq. km (larger than the Indian portion)
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: Since 1997 (Bangladesh side)
- Species: ~400 tigers, estuarine crocodiles, Ganges river dolphins, 300+ bird species
The Bangladeshi Sundarbans form the largest mangrove forest in the world. A trip through this wetland wonderland — home to the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger — is both thrilling and humbling. The forest is interwoven with tidal rivers, creeks, and islands that are only accessible by boat. Visit Kotka or Kochikhali for wildlife watching and dense, untouched mangrove zones.
3. Lalbagh Fort, Dhaka
- Construction started: 1678 by Mughal prince Azam Shah
- Main features: Tomb of Pari Bibi, Diwan-i-Aam, Lalbagh Mosque
Located in Old Dhaka, Lalbagh Fort is an incomplete yet stunning example of Mughal architecture in Bengal. The fort complex combines elegant buildings with landscaped gardens and secret tunnels, telling stories of royal intrigue and Mughal ambitions. A legend says the construction was halted after the death of Pari Bibi, leading to the fort being considered unlucky.
4. Paharpur – Somapura Mahavihara
- Built in: 8th century CE
- By: Dharmapala of the Pala Dynasty
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: Since 1985
- Area covered: ~11 hectares
This was once one of the largest Buddhist monasteries south of the Himalayas and a major intellectual hub in the ancient world. The central temple, shaped like a pyramid, is surrounded by monks’ cells and intricately carved terracotta panels. Influences from Paharpur can be seen in Buddhist temple architecture as far as Myanmar and Indonesia.
5. Mahasthangarh, Bogura
- Earliest remains date back to: 3rd century BCE
- Historical significance: Ancient city of Pundranagara
One of the oldest archaeological sites in Bangladesh, Mahasthangarh was the capital of the Pundra Kingdom and later flourished under Mauryan, Gupta, and Pala rulers. Excavations have revealed ancient fortifications, palaces, and relics. Visit the Govinda Bhita Temple nearby and the on-site museum with coins, terracotta plaques, and sculptures.
6. Sajek Valley, Rangamati (Chittagong Hill Tracts)
- Altitude: ~1,800 ft above sea level
- Nickname: “Roof of Rangamati”
Nestled in the hills near the India-Bangladesh border, Sajek Valley offers stunning views, cool breezes, and colorful tribal villages. Clouds float below your feet in the early morning, and the sunsets here are nothing short of magical. Despite its remote appearance, Sajek is only a 2-3 hour drive from Khagrachari and is becoming one of Bangladesh’s most beloved eco-tourism spots.
7. Sylhet – Jaflong, Ratargul, and Tea Gardens
- Tea estates in Sylhet: ~150
- Ratargul Swamp Forest: One of the few freshwater swamp forests in the world
Sylhet, in northeastern Bangladesh, is a land of rolling tea gardens, spiritual shrines, and green hills. Jaflong offers crystal-clear rivers and views of the Indian Meghalaya hills. Ratargul is best explored by boat during monsoon when it’s partially submerged. Visit the Hazrat Shah Jalal Dargah, a major Sufi shrine and pilgrimage site.
8. Star Mosque (Tara Masjid), Dhaka
- Built: Originally in the early 18th century, later renovated in the 20th century
- Style: Mughal architecture with Chinitikri (porcelain tile) mosaic
Located in old Dhaka, this small yet exquisite mosque is covered in a mesmerizing white-and-blue star-patterned mosaic. Its five domes and star-studded interiors are especially unique to Bangladesh’s Islamic heritage. It was extensively restored in the 1920s using imported Japanese and English porcelain.
9. Ahsan Manzil – The Pink Palace, Dhaka
- Built in: 1859–1872
- Original owner: Nawab Abdul Ghani
- Style: Indo-Saracenic architecture
The former residence of the Nawabs of Dhaka, Ahsan Manzil sits along the Buriganga River and served as the heart of Dhaka’s aristocracy during British rule. Now a museum, it showcases furniture, photos, and royal artifacts from the 19th century. The entire palace was once destroyed by a tornado in 1888 and rebuilt soon after in even greater splendor.
10. Cox’s Bazar – World’s Longest Natural Sea Beach
- Length: ~120 km
- Location: Southeast coast of Bangladesh
- Best time to visit: November–February
Often called the “unofficial tourist capital” of Bangladesh, Cox’s Bazar is famed for its endless golden beach, surfing opportunities, and proximity to coral islands like Saint Martin’s. It’s also a gateway to the Inani and Himchari beaches, with quiet, crystal-clear waters. Cox’s Bazar is named after Captain Hiram Cox, a British officer who rehabilitated refugees here in the 18th century.
Final Thoughts
Bangladesh is a country of contrasts — from ancient ruins, tea gardens, mystical forests lead to pristine beaches. It’s a place still flying under the radar of global tourism, offering a rich experience to those willing to explore. From spiritual retreats to ecological wonders and historical marvels, Bangladesh rewards the curious with authenticity, warmth, and stories that stretch across millennia.
Have you been to any of these sights? Planning a trip? Let us know which one you’re most excited to see!
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