Bangladesh in 12 Days: Tea Gardens, Folk Culture & Wetlands Tour

Lush green hills covered in tea plantations cascade down to a serene valley with paddy fields, all bathed in soft sunlight.

A serene view of a lake with several wooden boats lined up on the shore against a backdrop of lush green trees and distant mountains under a cloudy sky.

A vibrant scene unfolds at a Bangladeshi floating market, where numerous boats gather, laden with goods and vendors, along a river lined with stilted houses and lush greenery.

A serene landscape with rolling green hills, a lake, and people engaging in daily life, including fishing and transportation on a cloudy day.

A wide shot of two boats carrying cargo and people across a large body of water, with lush green trees lining the distant shore.

Four children in green clothing paddle a narrow boat across a calm blue lake against a backdrop of lush green trees and distant hills under a clear blue sky.

This is an aerial view of Ahsan Manzil (Pink Palace) in Dhaka, Bangladesh, featuring the grand staircase, palm trees, and surrounding buildings.

A grand, two-story colonial-style building with ornate columns and decorative details stands prominently against a pale sky with a lawn stretching out in front.

A bright, white, intricately designed temple with a large, rounded dome is front and center, surrounded by lush greenery and buildings under a clear, blue sky.

A brick building with multiple arches and domes sits on a lush green lawn, framed by trees and a low fence.

A serene reflection of the Sonargaon Panam City architecture on the water, showcasing a blend of brick and ornate white buildings surrounded by lush greenery.

A group of children in vibrant, traditional costumes and makeup participate in a cultural event or festival in Bangladesh.

A full shot of Curzon Hall, a historical building in Dhaka, Bangladesh, with a red brick exterior, arched windows, and palm trees on either side, set against a blue sky with scattered clouds.

Duration: 12 Days (approx.)
Location: Dhaka
Product code: PMN73U

12-Day Bangladesh Explorer Tour

Bangladesh is a land of vibrant culture, deep rivers, old cities, and friendly people. This 12-day journey takes you from the busy streets of Dhaka to peaceful tea gardens, tribal villages, wetlands, and UNESCO sites. You’ll travel by car, boat, and even overnight launch, giving you an authentic view of this rich and diverse land.

From eating biryani in Old Dhaka to floating through hidden canals in Barishal, this tour is designed for curious travelers who want to slow down and soak up local life.

Tour Highlights

Explore Old Dhaka’s bustling streets, pink palaces, and river ports
Visit tea estates and tribal villages in Shreemangal
Boat through crystal-clear wetlands and backwaters
Discover UNESCO heritage mosques and folk museums
Cruise overnight on a river launch, a uniquely Bangladeshi experience
End with mystic music, temples, and timeless countryside views

Day 1 – Arrival in Dhaka & A Gentle Introduction

You’ll land in Dhaka, and after a warm welcome, we’ll get you checked into your hotel so you can relax and freshen up for a few hours.
In the late afternoon, we’ll ease into the city with a short drive around modern Dhaka — stopping by the iconic Parliament House, designed by the legendary Louis Kahn, and the leafy Dhaka University area.
In the evening, enjoy your first taste of Bangladeshi cuisine at a cozy restaurant.
Night stay: Comfortable hotel in Dhaka

Day 2 – Dive Into Old Dhaka’s Living History

We’ll start early with a traditional breakfast in Old Dhaka — think hot parathas, spicy chickpeas, and sweet milk tea.
From there, we’ll walk through the maze-like alleys of Old Dhaka:

The pink palace of Ahsan Manzil
A boat ride on the bustling Buriganga River
Wandering Shankhari Bazar with its hidden temples and artisan shops
The spice market at Badamtoli, shipbreaking yards, and the chaos of Sadarghat
Lunch will be an experience in itself — a legendary Old Dhaka biryani.
We’ll wind down the day by exploring New Market and later have dinner in the upscale neighborhoods of Gulshan or Banani.
Night stay: Hotel in Dhaka

Day 3 – Road Trip to Shreemangal: Nature’s Calm

After an early start, we’ll drive to Shreemangal — the tea capital of Bangladesh.
Midday, we’ll explore Lawachara National Park, home to rare gibbons and ancient forests. It’s a peaceful, cool place where you can stretch your legs and breathe in fresh forest air.
Later, you’ll check into a serene eco-resort surrounded by tea gardens.
Night stay: Resort in Shreemangal

Day 4 – Tea Gardens, Lakes & Tribal Culture

Today is all about slow travel.

Walk through the rolling hills of Nurjahan Tea Estate
Visit the glassy Madhobpur Lake, surrounded by forest
Meet the Manipuri tribe and learn about tea workers’ daily lives
End the day sipping the famous 7-layer tea — a local specialty that’s as delicious as it is photogenic
Night stay: Same resort in Shreemangal

Day 5 – Wetlands, Colorful Rivers & Hill Views

We’ll visit Baikka Beel at sunrise — a wetland sanctuary full of migratory birds.
Then it’s off to Sylhet, stopping along the way for local snacks and photos.
Once there, we’ll visit Jaflong, where the river meets the hills of Meghalaya.
You’ll see stone collectors at work and take a relaxing boat ride on the turquoise waters of Lalakhal.
Night stay: Hotel in Sylhet

Day 6 – Explore Tanguar Haor: Bangladesh’s Hidden Water World

We’ll leave early for Sunamganj, where we’ll have a simple but delicious Bengali breakfast.
Then begins our boat journey through Tanguar Haor — crystal-clear waters, open skies, and little floating villages.
We’ll stop at watchtowers, take a swim, and enjoy lunch at Niladri Lake, known for its unique blue water.
By sunset, we’ll dock at Teker Ghat, where your houseboat awaits.
Night stay: On the boat under the stars

Day 7 – More River Magic & Back to Dhaka

We’ll begin the day with breakfast on the boat as we float toward the Jadukata River.
Explore Barikka Tila, a green hilltop by the water, and the vibrant red bloom of Shimul Bagan (Silk Cotton Garden).
In the afternoon, we’ll return to Sunamganj and drive back to Dhaka.
Night stay: Hotel in Dhaka

Day 8 – Palaces, Folk Culture & a River Cruise to Remember

After breakfast, we’ll visit the Mini Taj Mahal and continue to the historic city of Sonargaon, once a rich trading hub.
We’ll tour the Folk Art Museum, the old merchant houses, and walk through streets that feel frozen in time.
That evening, you’ll board an overnight launch (passenger boat) to Barishal. You’ll have a private cabin and enjoy watching riverside life — fishermen casting nets, little houses with flickering lights, and the slow rhythm of river travel.
Night stay: Onboard launch

Day 9 – Backwater Villages of Barisal

Wake up to birdsong and riverside views.
Today’s boat journey takes you through canals and floating markets — this area is often called the “Kerala of Bangladesh”, but here you’ll likely be the only tourists.
We’ll glide past villages, see locals selling veggies from their boats, and soak in the peaceful pace of life.
Afternoon rest and explore Barisal town.
Night stay: Hotel in Barishal

Day 10 – Mosques, Crocs & Local Delicacies

We’ll head to Bagerhat to visit the incredible 60-dome mosque, a UNESCO site.
Then drive to Khulna, where we may stop at Karamjal to see the crocodile breeding center (if time permits).
Dinner will be a treat: try Chui Jhal beef and giant Golda prawns, a specialty of the region.
Night stay: Hotel in Khulna

Day 11 – Mystic Music, Wetlands & Colonial Trains

In Kushtia, we’ll visit the shrine of Lalon Fakir, a legendary mystic and musician. If lucky, you might hear live Baul music under the banyan trees.
Then we’ll drive past the Hardinge Bridge & Lalon Shah Bridge, great spots for photography.
Rail fans will love our stop at Ishwardi Railway Junction, full of colonial charm.
Our final adventure of the day is a boat ride in Chalan Beel — a seasonal wetland teeming with birds, floating houses, and life on the water.
Night stay: Hotel in Rajshahi

Day 12 – Temples, Royals & Farewell Dhaka

We’ll begin with breakfast on the banks of the Padma River, then visit the Varendra Museum, one of South Asia’s oldest.
Next, explore the beautiful temples and royal residences at Puthia.
On our way back to Dhaka, we’ll visit Tangail to see the Jamidar Baris — stunning colonial-era mansions like Mohera, Kortia, and Pakulla.
After a long but rewarding day, you’ll return to Dhaka.
Night stay: Final night in Dhaka hotel (or transfer to the airport)

Accommodation

All 3-star standard hotels in Dhaka, Sylhet, Barishal, Khulna, Rajshahi, etc.
Eco-resort in Sreemangal
Mid to premium-class houseboat at Tanguar Haor (subject to availability)
Daily housekeeping and hotel taxes included

Transportation

All long-distance travel via air-conditioned private car
Dhaka to Barishal overnight travel in AC cabin launch
All road tolls, parking, fuel, and driver accommodations included
Local transportation as needed:
Easy bikes, battery rickshaws, tuk-tuks, cycle rickshaws, Dhaka Metro
Boat rides: Lalakhal, Barishal backwaters, Tanguar Haor, Jadukata, and more

Entry Fees & Permits

All site entry and permit fees included:
Ahsan Manzil
Panam City & Sonargaon Folk Museum
Sixty Dome Mosque, Bagerhat
Lawachara Forest, Baikka Beel, Tanguar Haor Watchtower
Environmental and boat permits where applicable

Guided Experiences

English-speaking tour guide for the full tour duration
(guide fee, accommodation, and meals included)
Complete sightseeing with walking tours, village visits, cultural stops, and local experiences
Unique cultural experiences:
Baul music session in Kushtia
Interaction with Monipuri tribe and tea workers
Floating market visits
Observing stone collection and riverside life in Jaflong

All Meals Included (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks)

Full board meal plan throughout the 12-day trip
All breakfasts, lunches, and dinners provided at local restaurants, hotels, or on-the-go

Highlighted food experiences:

Traditional Old Dhaka biryani
Kalai Ruti breakfast in Rajshahi
7-layered tea in Sreemangal
Chui Jhal meat & Golda Chingri (giant prawn) in Khulna
Onboard Bengali meals on the houseboat in Tanguar Haor

Street food & local snack tasting in Old Dhaka, Sadarghat, New Market, and regional areas
(Fuchka, chotpoti, jilapi, halim, kebab, etc.)

Bottled drinking water throughout the tour

Tour Exclusions

Personal travel insurance
Personal expenses: souvenirs, SIM cards, laundry, extra snacks
Any additional activities or extensions not listed in the itinerary
Emergency medical expenses

This tour isn’t about rushing from place to place. It’s about feeling the rhythm of Bangladesh — the sounds, sights, smells, and smiles. You’ll ride boats, walk tea trails, sip layered tea, and hear folk songs by the river. It’s a story you’ll tell for years.

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