Kuakata, Barisal, Bangladesh

                  Kuakata,Barisal, Bangladesh

Any sea beach is an attraction to the nature lovers and tourists. In one sea beach can u want to enjoy both sunrise and the sunset? Is it possible or imagination in Bangladesh? Yes, it is possible, if you go to Kuakata sea beach.

Kuakata, locally known as Sagar Kannya (Daughter of the Sea) is a rare scenic beauty spot on the southernmost tip of Bangladesh. The Kuakata beach is 30 km long and 6 km wide as it is situated about 320 Km. far from Dhaka and 70 Km. away from Potuakhali district headquarter. At Kuakata excellent combination of the picturesque natural beauty, sandy beach, blue sky, huge expanse of water of the Bay and evergreen forest in really eye-catching. The name Kuakata have originated from Kua-Well dug on the sea shore by the early Rakhine settlers in quest of collecting drinking water, who landed on Kuakata coast after expelled from Arakan by Moughals. Afterwards, it has become a tradition of digging Kua-Well in the neighborhood of Rakhaine homestead for collection water for drinking purpose and general use. Kuakata is one of the rarest places which have the unique beauty of offering the full view of the rising and setting of crimson sun in the water of the Bay of Bengal in a calm environment.

That perhaps makes Kuakata one of the world's unique beaches which is the most attractive tourist attraction and makes a typical natural beauties. Bathing there is as pleasant as walking there. Kuakata, a totally virgin beach, popularly known as sanctuary migratory winter birds, a series of coconut trees, a feast for the eye. Boats playing in the Bay of Bengal with colorful sails, fishing, towering cliffs, surfing waves include everything touches every tourist’s soul. Not only this fisherman villages is another place where you can go and can watch the lifestyle, tradition of the fisherman. If  you are adventurous you may also go for fishing if u can manage the local fisherman.

 As the local peoples are more supportive, so you can easily adopt with them. This will give you such pleasure that you will never find from anywhere and you can also buy the famous Hilsha fish. Besides the unique customs and costumes of the 'Rakhyne' tribal families and Buddhist Temple which is about hundred years old indicate the ancient tradition and cultural heritage, where it makes Kuakata is the place of pilgrimage of the Hindus and Buddhist communities. During the "Rash Purnima" and "Maghi Purnima" Hindu and Buddhist devotees arrive here for a celebration and usually local fairs are also arranged by the local people.

There exists road communication between capital Dhaka and Potuakhali .Direct bus services are also available from Dhaka to Kuakata via Barisal. One can also go by water to kuakata as well. Everyday launches starts from sadarghat launch terminal to Patuakhali at the evening. Next mornings launches reach Patuakhali, then bus, car are easier vehicle to come Kuakata. Lots of luxurious hotels, motels are available and cheaper here for staying at night and don’t forget to eat the delicious Hilsha fish, the special attraction of Kuakata.

Wari-Bateshwar, Narsingdi, Bangladesh

                    Wari-Bateshwar, Narsingdi,Bangladesh

Wari-Bateshwar is the newly established Archaeological site of Bangladesh. It is situated in Wari and Bateshwar villages, Belabo Upazila, Nasingdi district. The Pathan family mainly plays a significant rule to discover and increases the awareness about the site among the mass people. Hanif Pathan, a local school teacher discovers the site in 1933. Then he and his son Habibullah  Pathan have build a museum where they stored the collection of knobbed ware, rouletted ware, flakes, stones, various type of glasses and coins found from the site. They wrote several books and journals about the importance of this very important Archaeological site. The site gives the details information about the establishing the cultural, political and economy of the whole south Asia. The Department of Archaeology in Jahangirnagar University provides us the details information about the importance of the  site. They has been investigating the site since 1989 and started digging the site in 2000. However, more research needed to know various stuffs related to this Archaeological site. Now the question how can you explore the site? It is quite easy to visit Wari-Bateshwar from the capital Dhaka. There are a lot of bus services available from Mohakhali or Saydabad bus stand by which you can reach marjal bus station, Narsingdi and it will take not more than 2.30-3.00 hours. Then you will find some autos for going Belabo or directly to Wari-Bateshwar. The total costing of the whole tour will be 500-1000 taka only. 

Mainamati and Shalban Bihara, Comilla, Bangladesh

                     Mainamati and Shalban Bihara

Comilla is a boisterous and a market town 90km southeast of capital Dhaka. Here Mainamati, an ancient seat of Buddhism in south Asia, is about 8 Km. to the west of Comilla town. Everywhere you go there will be an object of intense and friendly curiosity. It is a base for those visiting the fascinating and extensive Buddhist ruins of Mainamati. It is called the home of one of the most important Buddhist archaeological sites in the region. There are a number of Buddhist sites in this region, dating approximately from 7th to 12th centuries.

 Mainamati is named for the Chandra queen of the same name, mother of the Govindachandra.Large number of Buddhist ancient sculptures have been discovered from its neighboring areas other nearest archaeological sites of Ananda Vihara, Bhoj Rajar Bari, Kotila Mura, Charpatra Mura etc. is important and tourist attracted sites. Large full size Buddhist images were discovered from these places through archaeological excavates.

 The centre piece of the Buddhist sites at Mainamati is the Shalban Bihara almost in the middle of the Mainamati-Lalmai hill range insists of 115 cells, built around a spacious courtyard with a cruciform temple in the centre, facing its only gateway complex to the north, resembling that of the Shompur Bihara. It is clearly a Vihara, or an educational centre with residential facilities.

 

Kutila Mura is situated on a flattened hillock, about 5 km north way of Salban Vihara inside the Comilla Cantonment is a picturesque Buddhist establishment. Here, there are three stupas found side by side representing the Buddhist "Trinity" or three jewels, i.e. the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha.

Charpatra Mura is an isolated small oblong shrine situated about 2.5 Km. North-West of kotila Mura stupas. The only approach to the shrine is from the East which leads to a spacious hall. A number of shrines can be found here as well.

The natural green atmosphere and beauties are available around the whole Buddhist Bihara.  So why you are wasting your time by sitting in room, it’s just 2 hours journey from Dhaka to Comilla. One can easily go in the morning and could return at night.  There are luxurious bus and train services are available for Comilla where lots of others tourist places are also available near about the city, you can see altogether. For Bangladesh Railway Mohanagar Provati, Godhuli, Upokul Express and other mail trains is available to go to Comilla. Many remarkable restaurants are available for lunch or dinner in Comilla town and besides the famous “Roshomalai” on desert as well. Interested tourists may avail package tours with smart guides by Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation to visit this historic seat of Buddhist civilization.

The Mainamati site Museum has a rich and varied collection of copper plates, gold and silver coins and 86 bronze objects. Over 150 bronze statues have been recovered mostly from the monastic cells,

Hum Hum Waterfall- The Mystery Of Bangladesh

     Hum Hum Waterfall- The Mystery Of Bangladesh

Now I want to write few words about Hum Hum waterfall which is situated in Razkandi reserve forest, Maulvibazar district, Sylhet. It is discovered in 2009. It is actually a place where you can find the real taste of adventure. I went there in 2012 with Brac University Adventure Club. The height of the fall is about 135-160 feet. If you select rainy season to go there then you can discover the unlimited beauty of the fall. It is a matter of wonder that most of the Bangladeshi people do not even know about the fall. Now I will tell you how you can reach there. You can go throw bus or train from Dhaka to Srimangal. You can find some hotels there. The next step is to go kolabagan bosti. For going to kolabagan bosti  you need to hire a jeep. The most important thing is you need to start your journey early in the morning about 5-6 am. Carrying Knife, torch, dry food, fresh water, saline, glucose,first aid is a must for every one. Now a days there are a lot of guides available who can help the tourists to reach Hum Hum.  Take some bamboo sticks from kolabagan which will really helpful in the whole journey.

    

Now its time to start an adventurous journey. To reach Hum Hum fall you have to trek 3-4 hours  through  the muddy paths and jungle. When you travel trough the jungle you definitely find the unlimited beauty created by the God. Leeches are waiting there eagerly for you and the worst thing is that you can not escape from them. There are two way to reach Hum Hum fall. The guide will suggest you which will better to follow. While trekking you will find jiri path which is full of water and stones. You need to pass the path very carefully. Please do not spend much time too see the beauty of water fall or for bathing because if it is getting darker you need to struggle a lot. From my personal experience it is better to go Hum Hum with a team rather individually.