Trip Facts

Duration:
6 days

Group Size:
4 Persons

Activity Level:
High

Accommodation:
Hotel

Tour Type:
Religious Heritage

Transportation:
Air-conditioned Car, Train, Tuk-tuk, Rickshaw, Boat, Flight

Location:
Dhaka, Rajshahi, Natore, Bogra, Rangpur, Dinajpur

Bangladesh, the world’s largest river delta, is heir to a rich cultural legacy that has endured despite the challenges of both nature and mankind. If we look back 2,500 years into history, we discover a land once adorned with splendid cities, magnificent palaces, temples, stupas, mosques, and mausoleums built by rulers and settlers across different eras.

The northern region of Bangladesh, in particular, stands out for its immense archaeological wealth and treasures. According to numismatic evidence, our recorded history of archaeological sites dates back to the 7th century BC (Iron Age). Over the centuries, Buddhist, Hindu, and Muslim dynasties flourished here, leaving behind remarkable contributions to art, architecture, and culture.

On this tour, you will explore the most impressive archaeological sites of North Bengal, including Mahasthangarh (Mohasthangor), the grand Somapura Mahavihara, and the Harano Masjid (Lost Mosque)—the earliest known mosque in Bangladesh, built in AH 69 (7th century). You will also discover exquisite medieval mosques, terracotta temples, ancient stupas, and royal mausoleums that speak of a glorious past.

If you are passionate about archaeology and eager to experience the serene beauty of the Bangladeshi countryside, this tour offers an unforgettable journey through time and heritage.

Highlights

Itinerary

Price

Includes & Excludes

Trip Notes

Review

Overview

- Visit the very first mosque in Bangladesh – and in Southeast Asia (7th century, Harano Masjid)
- Explore the oldest museum in Bangladesh – the Varendra Research Museum in Rajshahi
- Enjoy a scenic boat ride on the two mighty rivers – Padma and Jamuna
- Walk through Puthia, the famous temple village with its exquisite terracotta temples
- Admire beautiful medieval mosques showcasing Islamic architecture and heritage
- Step inside a Jamidar Bari (Landlord’s House) to glimpse the aristocratic past
- Discover Somapura Mahavihara – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest Buddhist monasteries south of the Himalayas
- Explore the ruins of Mahasthangarh – the ancient city that was once a thriving capital
- Marvel at Kantajew Temple, Bangladesh’s most stunning terracotta masterpiece
- See a legendary man-made water tank that has sustained communities for centuries
- Experience rural life – witness the culture, customs, and traditions of ordinary villagers
- Stroll through a vibrant local bazaar and feel the pulse of everyday life
- Visit a Char (river island) – a sandbank formed by river sedimentation, isolated from the mainland
- Interact with local people for an authentic cultural exchange and unforgettable memories

Itinerary

Day 1

Day-01: Dhaka – Rajshahi (Varendra Research Museum)

Begin your journey with a train ride from Dhaka to Rajshahi, enjoying the scenic beauty of Bangladesh’s countryside, including green fields, seasonal orchards of mangoes, litchis, and other fruits, and crossing the Bangabandhu Bridge (4.63 km). Upon arrival, transfer to Hotel Royal Raj for check-in, lunch, and rest. In the afternoon, visit the Varendra Research Museum, the first museum in Bangladesh (established 1910), showcasing Hindu and Buddhist sculptures, Sanskrit, Arabic, and Persian manuscripts, and historical inscriptions. Depending on the season and daylight, enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the Padma River.

Overnight: Rajshahi – Hotel Royal Raj

Day 2

Day-02: Excursion to the Ancient Capital of Gauda (Lakhnauti)

Depart for a full-day excursion to Gauda (Gour/Lakhnauti), the medieval capital of Bengal. Explore the Choto Sona Mosque (Small Golden Mosque), built during Sultan Alauddin Husain Shah’s reign, once adorned with gilded domes. If visiting during mango season (May–August), explore local orchards and bazaars to taste the region’s famous mangoes. Visit the Tohakhana Complex, Darasbari Mosque and Madrasa, and other historically significant mosques such as Khania Dighi, Chamchika, and Dhunichak. Return to Rajshahi in the evening.

Overnight: Rajshahi – Hotel Royal Raj

Day 3

Day-03: Bagha Mosque, Puthia Temple Village & Natore Rajbari

Drive to Bagha to visit the Bagha Shahi Mosque (1523 AD), celebrated for its Islamic terracotta ornamentation. Continue to Puthia Temple Village, home to Bangladesh’s largest concentration of historic Hindu temples, including Pancharatna Gobinda Temple, Bhubaneshwar Shiva Temple, Bara Ahnik Mandir, Gopal Temple, Rath Mandir, Dol Mandir, and Puthia Rajbari. After lunch in Natore, explore Natore Rajbari (Pagla Raja’s Palace) and Uttara Gonobhaban, reflecting the grandeur of Bengal’s zamindari era. Return to Rajshahi for overnight stay.

Overnight: Rajshahi – Hotel Royal Raj

Day 4

Day-04: Kushumba Mosque, Somapura Mahavihara & Mahasthangarh

Drive to Kusumba Mosque (1558–59 AD), also known as Kala Pahar or Kala Ratno (“Black Pearl”), built during the reign of Afghan Suri ruler Ghiyasuddin Bahadur Shah. Continue to Somapura Mahavihara, the 8th-century UNESCO World Heritage Buddhist monastery built by Pala Emperor Dharmapala, featuring a massive central stupa, monastic cells, and terracotta plaques. After lunch at a local restaurant or guesthouse, drive to Mahasthangarh, Bangladesh’s oldest known city, and explore its museum, citadel, and key archaeological remains such as Govinda Bhita, Bairagir Bhita, Khodar Pathar Bhita, Parasuram Palace, Godaibari Dhap, Narapatir Dhap, Gokul Medh, and Bhasu Vihara.

Overnight: Bogra – Hotel Naz Garden

Day 5

Day-05: Rangpur – Tajhat Palace & Harano Masjid

Drive to Rangpur, stopping along the way for breaks and refreshments. Visit the magnificent Tajhat Palace, a 19th-century Indo-Saracenic mansion showcasing grand architecture and rare artifacts. Explore the Harano Masjid (Lost Mosque, 690 AD), widely regarded as the first mosque in Bangladesh and one of the oldest in South Asia. If time permit, we will visit a local bazar for seeing villager’s lifestyle.

Overnight: Rangpur – Hotel Grand Palace

Day 6

Day-06: Dinajpur – Kantajew Temple & Nayabad Mosque – Fly to Dhaka

Drive to Dinajpur to visit Kantajew Temple (18th century), the most stunning terracotta Hindu temple in Bangladesh, originally a nine-spired (Nava-Ratna) structure, adorned with intricate terracotta panels depicting Hindu epics and daily life. Explore Nayabad Mosque (1793 AD), located on the bank of the Dhepa River, believed to be built by Kalu Khan, also architect of Kantajew Temple. In the late afternoon, transfer to Saidpur Airport for your flight to Dhaka. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel, concluding the tour.

Overall Trip Rating

5 stars - Based on 1 review

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It was a fantastic 6 days in Bangladesh!
Mr. Andrey (Moscow, Russia) February 25, 2020

I walked around just a great guide that shows Bangladesh the way it is. For 3 days, we saw the main archaeological sites in Rajshahi, Bogra and the surrounding area, then there was a two-day dive in Dhaka - we visited the main markets, unusual areas, looked at the main attractions, visited restaurants for local people, where everything is very inexpensive, but incredibly tasty. And one more day we explored the dock in Chittagong, where huge ships are being dismantled. Any request has been granted. In addition to the planned program, we went to local schools, factories, private homes - this is real life and it is very cool! A professional driver Liton was with us all the time. In Bangladesh, it is very important to travel with real professionals, because traffic is very active :) On-site hotels selected the best, but for the right price. I am very grateful to Obaidul and his team for these fantastic 6 days in Bangladesh! Definitely recommend it!