Bangladesh, formerly known as East Pakistan, came into being as a result of the split of Pakistan into two. Most of the country is formed by the alluvial plain of the Ganges-Brahmaputra river system-the largest delta in the world. To the east of the delta lies the Chittaggong Hill Tracts. Located South Asia and holding a population estimate of 153 million people who predominantly speak Benghlai and many of them live in Dhanka its capital, Bangladesh's geography is mainly flat.



Visitors to Bangladesh should brace themselves with lightweight cotton and linen attires since the area has a very hot, tropical climate with a monsoon season from April to October when the temperatures are highest but a cool season exists between November and March.In spite of all this, you could get a 5-star hotel in Dhaka, Chittagong and Cox's Bazar. Bills are usually paid in hard currency or with traveler's cheques. Alternatively, government owned and private guest houses are available for hire throughout the country.

Don't hesitate to go out where plenty of food and drink awaits your consumption. There are plenty of good restaurants in Dhaka and the main towns around the country. Western food can be found in most hotels and in some large restaurants. Take note that alcohol is expensive and the strict Muslim customs severely limit availability and drinking times, although leading hotels have bars which will serve alcohol. National specialties include curries (like korma, bhuna, masala gosht and tikka), dishes served with rice, naan or paratha (grilled fried flat breads), kebabs, sea food and fresh water fish and dessert which tend to be sweet and milky. Alternatively, enjoy sumptuous drinks like Chai (milky sweet tea), lassi (yoghurt drink) and coconut water. Top up these with an ecstatic nightlife. Leading hotels have bars, but western syle night clubs don't exist. Displays of local dance and music are occasionally to be seen, particularly during religious festivals. Traditional theatre can be seen in major cities like within the modern theatre hall, Dhaka Mohanagor Natya Mancha.

Bangladesh can be accessed via internal air flights, ferries, slow but efficient railway transportation, or the often unreliable road system that employs buses, taxis and car hire to manoeuvre through the country. Spend some time at the National Museum, the Zoo or the Botanical Gardens in Dhaka; go bird watching in the Rajendrapur National Park or Madubashah for the nature lovers; spot Royal Bengal tigers or enjoy boating sprees in the Sundarbans National Park; head for Kuakata which is a newly developed tourist centre if you are in search of beaches; sail, swim and fish at Lake Kapati or enjoy a game of cricket, hockey or football in the stadiums from April onwards.

You could also visit the old part of the Dhaka and marvel at many buildings of interest like Kuakata, a Buddhist statue, mosques and many more. Be enchanted by beautiful panoramic scenery and waterfalls in Madhabkunda or simply visit the duty free shops and get yourself handloom fabrics, silks, coconut masks, bamboo products, pearl jewelry and leather crafts which are the popular purchases.

Bangladesh is prone to widespread flooding and is also a high risk earthquake zone. Therefore, ensure that you take regular reviews of existing situation. There is a high threat from terrorism and one is advised against all travel to Chittagong Hill Tracts because of tribal clashes or wearing revealing clothing.