BANGLADESH   & The “Rocket” river steamer.

 

This is a picture taken in 1968, the steamers were built in 1934 and re-engined in 1995.

 

Day 1,             Friday.    

Depart Hong Kong with Biman Bangladesh Airlines           1820

Arrive Dhaka                                                                         2000

Met on arrival and transfer to Hotel Sonargaon.

 

Day 2,             Saturday.

Visit  Curzon Hall, one of the unique buildings in Dacca, dating from 1904. It is a blend of Mughul and British architecture and is now the Science Faculty of Dhaka University. Also visit  Sakakri Patty- a narrow old street with lots of activities and a major area for the making and selling of Conch shell bangles, used by the Hindu womenfolk during their marriage. 

 

Ahsan Manzil (Pictured right)- the palace of the Nawabs of Dhaka, who ruled over the area during the British period is now a museum displaying artifacts once used by the Nawab’s family.  Lalbagh Fort- is a fort built by the Mughals in 1678. It was never used except during the Sepoy Mutiny against British rule. It is one of the major examples of Mughal  architecture in Dhaka.

 

The Parliament Buliding is the masterpiece of Louis I. Kahn, the famous American architect.

 

In the afternoon, transfer to the river port to board the famous old  “Rocket” river steamer. Accommodation is in a First Class Cabin.

Enjoy the riverside scenes as you commence your journey downstream.

The jetty is always a hive of activity.

 

Day 3,             Sunday.

 Find yourself a comfortable deck chair on the front deck and enjoy the riverside  life slowly drifting by. See fishermen and those living and working on the banks of the river. Pass through many major rivers of Bangladesh, such as the Buriganga, Meghna, Dhaleswari, Padma, Kirthankhola, Pasur, etc.

 

In the evening arrive at Mongla and transfer to the Motel Pasur

 

    

River scene                                                      The “Rocket” plying the rivers waters.

 

Day 4,             Monday.

 Make an excursion to Bagerhat. Visit the 60 domed mosque dating from the 14th century AD, now a World Heritage site, together with other sites. Later cruise down the River Pasur and into the famous Sunderbans. Enjoy the atmosphere of  this mangrove jungle, another World Natural Heritage site, and later transfer to Khulna.

Overnight at the Hotel Millenium.

Mangrove forest at rivers edge.

 

Day 5,             Tuesday.

Drive to Rajshahi via Jessore and Kushtia. Enroute, visit  Shilaidaha, the temporary residence of Noble Laurate, Rabindranath Tagore. Also visit the Akhra (area) of the saint singer Lalon Shah.

Overnight at Rajshahi.  Parjatan Motel.

 

Day 6,             Wednesday.

 During the morning, visit Barendra Museum, famous for its black stone statue collection, best made in Bengal. Continue the drive to Gaud, capital of the Sultani period. Visit Chotto Shona Mosque and Taha Khana (summer house). This area is also famous for mango cultivation. Later in the afternoon, enjoy sunset on the river Padma (Ganges). Another overnight in Rajshahi.

 

Inside of one of the many Mosques.

 

Day 7,             Thursday.

Drive to Paharpur, to see the largest Buddhist Bihar south of the Himalayas. It dates from the 7th century AD. En route, visit Puthia village, famous for its temples.

Return to Dhaka, crossing the 5 km bridge over the River Jamuna.

Transfer to Hotel Sonargaon.                          

　

  Dhaka city skyline

 

Day 8,             Friday

Transfer to the airport.

Depart Dacca with Bangladesh Biman Airlines                  1130

Arrive Hong Kong                                                                  1705

 

 Note: This itinerary is based on the best available accommodation throughout.

 

Costs as at June 2004, please call for updated prices.

 

2 Passengers    -  US$1140.00, per person based on two sharing.

4-6 Passengers -  US$835.00 per person based on two sharing.

Please call for cost if travelling alone.

 

Includes all transfers and transportation by air-conditioned vehicles with English speaking guide, accommodation (on share twin basis), meals, entry fees and taxes.