Sunday, March 22, 2009

Sightseeing & River Cruises in Bangladesh


BANGLADESH EXPEDITIONS
( LONELY PLANET RECOMMANDED TOUR OPERATOR IN BANGLADESH)
CONTACT
DHAKA OFFICE:
Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel,107, Kazi Nazrul Islam Av. Dhaka, Bangladesh
Phone: 00 88 02- 8140216, 00 88 - 01715093412Fax:00 88 02- 8140217Email: info@bananigroup.com, info@expeditions-bd.com

---------------DAY TOURS & CRUISES-----------------
DHAKA CITY TOUR (HALF DAY)

Normally this tour will be in the morning and will last 3-4 hours. On this tour our experienced guide will show you a little bit of this fast growing city. However, due to the lack of time and the traffic situation, it will be restricted within the main city area only. The trip will include visits to some well-known places like Sadarghat (river front), Nawab’s (King’s) Palace which is also known as Ahsan Manzil or ‘Pink Palace’, Lalbagh Fort, Star Mosque, Armenian Church, Dhakeswari Temple, National Parliament Building, National Museum and Freedom Fighters Museum.
If you wish, we can organise this trip with the help of bicycle rickshaw. In that case, a small group is preferable. The price will be the same as above.
Price per adult : USD 20, Price per Child: USD 15To operate this trip we need minimum 3 adults
Full Day Sigtseeing of Dhaka City & Sonargaon/Savar

This tour will be for the whole day and will include a light lunch. The first part of this tour will be the same as mentioned above (refer to HALF DAY sightseeing).

After completion of the morning session, and a quick lunch in a fast food restaurant, our experienced guide will take you out of the city. You may go to either Savar, about 20 Km. north-west of Dhaka and the National Martyr’s Monument. This 50m high and beautifully kept structure was built as memorial to the millions who died in the struggle for independence in 1971. Or, to Sonargaon (means Golden City), 25 Km. to the east, which was the country’s first capital from the 13th to the early 17th century. In its prime time, besides being the capital of the region this was a important river port, an important centre for the manufacture and export of the famous muslin cloth one of the main export item of Bengal in those days.

Although, except for several mosques, a bridge, a few tombs & stupas nothing remains of the original city. still you will find much to see there. In addition there is a well maintained Folk Art Museum worth visiting. Back to Dhaka late in the afternoon.

Price per adult : USD 35, Price per Child: USD 20
To operate this trip we need minimum two adults.

Cruise On Meghna River & visit Sonargaon

You board on our wooden cruising boat "S.B. Kheya" to join this adventure. Explore the remote island villages that are only accessible by boat. Know their lifestyle. Stop at any island in the middle of river, swim and have more fun. Enjoy the Hilsha fishing and the activities of villagers. If you wish, you can also visit a weaving village. On way back, visit Sonargaon, which was the first capital of Bengal (13th to 17th century). A traditional Bangladeshi or Chinese food will be served at lunch on boat.Depart Dhaka at 9 am from your nominated pick up point. You will board to the boat at Bouddhar Bazaar, which is 27 km from Dhaka and takes about an hour to reach. Leave the boat at around 4 pm. We will drop you at your residence at 05.30 in the evening.

Price per adult : USD 40, Price per Child: USD 25

To operate this trip we need minimum six adults and for exclusive booking we need minimum fifteen adults.

Cruise On Ganges

Leave Dhaka at 9 am for Maowa Ghat to cruise on the most Holy River of Indian sub-continent. The journey will take a bit more than an hour. After boarding the boat, cruise down the Ganges and enjoy the view of the River. It is fantastic, especially during the early hours. Small little fishing boats and the row of green trees along the bank disappeared into misty distance as they followed the curve of the River. A full morning exploring the riverside lifestyle, visiting a village, meeting the villagers. Before having a traditional Bangladeshi lunch on the boat, free for swimming and exploring the surrounding area. Leave the boat at 4 pm and arrive here at Dhaka in the evening.

Price per adult : USD 60, Price per Child: USD 35
To operate this trip we need minimum six adults and for exclusive booking we need minimum fifteen adults.

Full Day River Cruise on Shitalakhsma River

After pick-up, you will drive to Demra Ghat, which is about 15 km east of Dhaka. On arrival there, board our boat. Immediately the cruising on Shitalakhya river will begin and. Tea / coffee with cakes or cookies served.
After about 1-1½ hours, the boat will reach a place called Murapara. Here you can visit an old Zamindar’s palace now converted into a college. Also here is a jute mill which you can visit. For that you need to inform us early. The cruising will continue northward for another hour before turning back. At this stage, if you wish, the boat will stop and you can go for a swim. At around 13:00 the lunch will be served. Generally on Friday we serve continental food, on Saturday Chinese food and on Monday Bangladeshi food. For drinking we serve, mineral waters. Cold soft drinks will be available on payment. On this cruise you should easily see the Gangetic Dolphins.On way back we shall serve you tea / coffee with cookies before stopping, at Noapara village to show the traditional and famous Jamdanee weaving. It is also possible for you to buy pieces of Jamdanee cloths here as a souvenir.
You will then return back to Demra and from there drive back to Dhaka.
Price per adult : USD 40, Price per Child: USD 25To operate this trip we need minimum six adults and for exclusive booking we need minimum fifteen adults.

Full Day Sightseeing & River Cruise

This is an intensive sightseeing and river-cruising program. This tour is ideal for those with limited time to spare The first part of this trip will be similar to half day s/s, but a bit short. Following this, at approximately 12:30, you will arrive at Demra Ghat and board the boat.
Immediately the cruise on Shitallkhya River will start and the lunch served. At Murapara, you may visit the olld Zamindar’s palace. On the way back tea/coffee with cakes will be served before stopping at Noapara village to show you the traditional and famous Jamdanee weaving.After that we cruise back to Demra and drive from there Dhaka. Arrive Dhaka late in the afternoon.

Price per adult : USD 65, Price per Child: USD 40
To operate this trip we need minimum six adults and for exclusive booking we need minimum ten adults.

Evening River Cruise with Dinner

Normally this trip will begin around 16:00. After pick-up drive to Demra and board the boat .Immediately the cruising on the Shitalakhya River will begin. After about 15-20 minutes cruising the boat will arrive Noapara village and stop. Here you may go to watch the weaving of the famous Jamdanee, a special kind of textile unique in Bangladesh. It will be possible for you to buy pieces of Jamdanee cloths here as a souvenir. After that, the cruising will continue and we shall serve tea/coffee with cookies. After cruising for an hour the boat will anchor at a nice place for you to enjoy the evening or take a swim in the river.

At around 19:30 dinner will be served. For your drinking needs we shall provide mineral water. Cold soft drinks will be available on payment.
Around 20:00 the boat will start it’s return journey. You will cruise back Demra at around 21:30 and from here drive back to Dhaka.

Price per adult : USD 65To operate this trip we need minimum six adults and for exclusive booking we need minimum fifteen adults.
Full Day Excursion Trip to Monamoti

This trip will begin early in the morning around 08:00, when our guide will come and pick you up from our usual pick-up points or your nominated place with a reserved transport.Immediately you will drive to Moinamoti in Comilla. The journey will take around two and half hours time. The road is quite good. After arrival, you will have a cup of tea at the cafeteria of BARD (Bangladesh Academy for Rural Development).
After that the guide will take you out for a interesting sightseeing of this archeological site bearing old Buddhist civilization. Also you will visit the close by museum where they have preserved many excavated findings from this place.
Lunch will be offered at the cafeteria of BARD or a local restaurant. After lunch you will go to visit an old Hindu temple situated at the southern end of the city, before driving back to Dhaka.On the way back, you will stop at Sonargaon, the old capital of Bengal for sightseeing. During 16th and 17th century this was the capital of Bengal. You can also visit the folklore museum at Sonargaon.You will arrive back in Dhaka late in the afternoon at around 18:00.
Price per adult : USD 60 Price per child : USD 35
To operate this trip we need minimum two adults.

Full Day Excursion Trip to a Pottery Village

This trip will begin early in the morning at around 08:00, when our guide will come and pick you up from our usual pick-up points or your nominated place with a reserved transport. Immediately you will drive to Savar (around 35 km away from Dhaka). Upon arrival, you will visit the National Martyr’s Monument.
After that your accompanied guide will take you to a nearby place called Dhamrai. This place is famous for brass artisans. The accompanied guide will take you to one of the places where you will see the artisans at work. Also you can visit the “Rath”, which is similar to the Roman Chariot. During the Bengali month “Ashar” a big festival called “Ratha Jatra” takes place here in Dhamrai.
After this you will go to have some snacks at the Joy Restaurant situated just in front of the monument, before going to the famous pottery village in Kakran. To reach this village you will have to leave the vehicle at Nayarhat and take a small ride by boat for about 20-30 minutes. The accompanied guide will make all the arrangements.
Earlier, when there was widespread use of pots & utensils made from the clay, most of the people of this village used to be potters. Now you will see that only few families are still trying to hold this profession as their living.After spending some time in this village, you will come back to the vehicle, and drive back. You will be arriving in Dhaka at around 17:00.

Price per adult : USD 50, Price per child : USD 30
To operate this trip we need minimum two adults.

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Overnight Village Home Trip -- Explore Bangladesh

On the first day you will go to the village from Dhaka at around 08:00 by reserved car/coach. We are offering this trip in order to introduce you to a village life in Bangladesh, where over 80% of the population resides. We have a few selected villages for this purpose. Depending upon your interest we shall select the village. The villages that we visit are all within a 1-1½ hour drive from Dhaka.
On this trip you will experience first-hand the slow and unhurried pace of rural life of a simple community that has not significantly changed its rhythm over the centuries (except for the inevitable intrusion of modern technology here and there). We shall not only help you to understand the village life but we shall also help you to communicate with the villagers in the evening. During the day, if you are contented to be an observer, you will watch, or if you prefer to get closer and more involved, you can participate, in the normal activities of the villagers like agricultural work in the field, fishing, weaving or tending cattle. We shall arrange your accommodation in the house of your home stay family. Obviously, it will be very simple but surely there will be no mechanical sound to disturb your sleep. We shall however make sure that the basic necessities are provided for you.
In the following morning you will continue to experience village life in your own way. The accompanying guide will be there to assist you in all respects. After lunch you will drive back to Dhaka.Price per adult : USD 75 , Price per child : USD 50To operate this trip we need minimum 2 adults.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

BANGLADESH EXPEDITIONS ( LONELY PLANET RECOMMANDED TOUR OPERATOR IN BANGLADESH)

CONTACT
DHAKA OFFICE:
Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel107, Kazi Nazrul Islam Av. Dhaka, BangladeshPhone: 00 88 02- 8140216, 00 88 - 01715093412Fax:00 88 02- 8140217
Email:
info@bananigroup.com, info@expeditions-bd.com

PARIS OFFICE:
48, Rue de Vouille - 75015, Paris , France
Tel: 0142500406, 0608711387,0610092893, Fax: 0142500212, 0140450445
Email:
info@bananigroup.com, info@expeditions-bd.com

BANGLADESH TOUR PACKAGE

Tour Operator: Bangladesh Expeditions
Web: www.expeditions-bd.com
Country: Bangladesh
Departures:15 Mar, 31 May, 16 June, 5 July, 7 August, 24 Oct, 19 Dec
Price:From €1240 - €1300 (tailormade departures run with a minimum of 2 people


Sundarbans--the amazing things you'll be doing The fascination of Bangladesh lies in observing the life going on around you. Our small group tours are a unique opportunity to take in some of the highlights of the country. From World Heritage sites to the Worlds longest natural sea beach the colourful festival of Durga Puja, Bangladesh is waiting to be discovered. Choice of two trips: ·

Bangladesh discovery tour · Ancient Bengal and the Durga Puja Festival
Bangladesh discovery tour Small group


Departures in Jan, Mar, May, Oct & Dec, plus private departures throughout the year

The journey begins in bustling Dhaka, followed by a leisurely cruise on the famous ‘Rocket’ paddle steamer south to the Sundarbans. A short flight will bring you back to Dhaka, from where you will head north to the country’s tea growing capital, Srimangal. Enjoy an oasis of a hotel, with a distinct colonial feel, before heading back south to Cox’s Bazaar, where you will experience beach life, Bangladeshi style. Ancient Bengal and the Durga Puja Festival Small group departure in Oct plus private departures throughout the year One of the most exciting events to be part of in Dhaka is the colourful festival of Durga Puja, which takes place at the Dhakeswari Temple to commemorate the victory of the mighty warrior goddess, Durga. We have organised this special tour to be in Dhaka for the last day of the festival when devotees parade their colourful clay-and-bamboo effigies through the streets of the capital towards the river front. At nightfall the statues of Durga are immersed in the Buriganga, ending the festivities and marking a fabulous end to this remarkable tour.
Bangladesh Travel Itinerary for Cultural TOUR
Departures: 9th March, 16th April, 18th June, 28th June, 5th July, 15th July, 28th July, 2nd August, 16th August
price: From €1125 (12 days)

the amazing things you'll be doingBangladesh is nestled in the crook of the Bay of Bengal. The country is largely flat, dominated by the braiding strands of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, Jamuna and Karnaphuli rivers. The country has a multifaceted folk heritage enriched by a blend of Animist, Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim roots. Bangladesh has been a priority of ours since we started, and this tour takes us to producer groups who featured in the first ever catalogue. It is a beautiful country of fertile farmland, winding waterways and a fascinating architectural heritage. On this tour you will have an opportunity to meet the producers behind fair trade in Bangladesh and visit development projects that address the problems caused by war and flooding, as well as sampling the tastes, sights and sounds.Highlights of the tour include: Time with producers and other projects of broad development interest, tours to sites of historic and cultural interest, the chance to visit people in their homes, opportunities to discuss and learn about a wide variety of issues, and the chance to be part of a small group of like-minded individuals.day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Reception at Dhaka airport. Transfer to Hotel & Dhaka City tour.
Day 2: Dhaka. Visit oldest capital city Sonargaon & Cruise on Meghna river. Visiting weaving village at an island of Meghna River.
Day 3: Visit the factory of Tradecraft producers - Swajan Crafts and Jute Works.. This evening we’ll also be able to visit Prabartana ethical shop.
Day 4: Visit embroidery producers - Swajan Crafts and Jute Works’ production centre.
Day 5: Meet director of Arong supplier, the marketing arm of BRAC (Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee), to provide a stable source of employment for rural artisans. Visit the design studio and export department and meet the people behind the products. Visit to Manikganj in the afternoon.
Day 6:
By boat we visit the Jamdani weaving area. We will take a picnic lunch and enjoy a relaxing day taking in the sights and sounds of Dhaka.
Day 7:
Drive to the Tangail UBINIG project. In this farming community we can learn about local initiatives to improve livelihoods and environmental conditions through ecologically sensitive agriculture. A performance of local folk music over dinner, and overnight with our village hosts.
Day 8:
We stay in Tangail again today to watch the skilled weavers of the village and learn more about the community. After lunch we set off for Rangpur Parjatan Hotel where we check in and have a free evening.
Day 9:
Visit to producer in Rangpur - MCC Saidpur enterprise, Action Bag and Eastern Screen Printers. Their main objectives are to provide job opportunities to women and training in social development activities.
Day 10:
Sightseeing in Dinajpur - the Kantajee Temple, Ramasgar and old King’s Palace.
Day 11:
Today is a long drive back to Dhaka, but we’ll make stops along the way, including a visit to Bogra Mahastangar to see some 3rd century archaeology. We’ll be back in Dhaka for dinner and a relaxing evening.
Day 12:
Departure to airport to catch your flight back.

BANGLADESH TOUR -
places to visit:Dhaka, sonargaon, Moinamoti, Chittagong, Rangamati, Kaptai Lake, Bandarban.


Day 01 : We shall welcome & receive you at Zia international airport as per your flight schedule. Transfer you to your hotel. After a short refreshment, we shall take you to do a short city tour! Dinner at some reputed Bengali restaurant and over night at hotel.
Day 02: This trip will be started in the morning at 9.am from your hotel mostly cover the old part of Dhaka, which is more, attracted by the tourists. The main attractions are: Sadarghat, Ahsan Manjil, Lalbagh Fort, Star Mosque, Armenian Church, Dhakeswai Temple, Karzan Hall, National Parliament Building, National Museum, Liberation War Museum and Dhaka Zoo. Though it is not possible to visit all the places by this tour but we will try to show you as many as possible within 4-5 hours. After having lunch at city restaurant,drive to either Sonargaon (29km). The oldest capital city of Bengal (13th – 17th century) or Saver (35km) to visit our National martyrs monument. We shall take a river cruise for 1 hour in case we visit Sonargaon. Back to your hotel. Dinner at some good restaurant & overnight at your hotel.
Day 03 Depart from Dhaka early in the morning about to Hill Station Bandarban. Onway, you will visit Moinamoti (the ancient budhist civilization from 7th to 12th century. arrival transfer Bandarban parjatan hotel in the afternoon, Our Guide will offer you to go for a hike down to the Shangu River or a walking in the Bhom tribal village of Shaila Propat. In the evening you will back to the hotel for dinner & the overnight.
Day 04: after having breakfast Guide will take you for a sightseeing tour of Ruma and Chimbuk (the highest accessible places by car). Packet lunch will be arranged for this outing. Back to the hotel in the evening for dinner an d the overnight stay.
Day 05: After breakfast you will leave bandarban and drive to Rangamati via Chandrogona. The drive to Rangamati will take three hours. your accommodation will be at the parjatan Motel. In the afternoon sightseeing of Rangamati town and its surrounding will be offered. include a boat-cruise on Kaptai Lake, a visit to tribal village, local tribal museum, swimming, (if open), a Buddhist temple, the chakma King’s place, handicraft centers, souvenir shops. Starts return drive back to Dhaka. After arrival at Dhaka transfer you to your residence at around 11:00 Day 06: Sightseeing of Dhaka city, include shopping, visiting national Museum, Liberation war Museum, Dhaka University, Banghabanhu Shekh Mujib Museum & the best of the city! See you off at Dhaka airport to catch your flight.

Price: USD 450 (Includes meals), USD 350 (Excludes meals)
Both price included:
A/C Accommodation at international class Hotel/Guest house at Banani, Gulshan/baridhara Dhaka & Parjatan motel at Rangamati.
A/c reserve transportation
Permission to visit hill tracts
All entry tickets
Boat Cruise at Kaptai Lake
Experienced English speaking guide
The tour as per itinerary.

BANGLADESH TRAVEL







TOUR OPERATOR:
BANGLADESH EXPEDITIONS
Bangladesh Expeditions (a sister concern of Banani Travels located at Paris, Rome & London) is a leading tour operator in Bangladesh based at Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel. We have been providing our extensive services to the valued clients and promoting Bangladesh as a fascinating tourist destination in world map of tourism since 2001.Having own cruising boats, necessary transportations & experienced tour guides makes us possible to operate regular tours.Our regular river-cruise and sightseeing tours are quite popular among the expatriate community living in Bangladesh. We have also rich experiences working with many reputed TV team who have made documentary films at home & abroad.


WHAT DO WE OFFER?

Ø Cruising in the largest mangrove forest in the world & the home of Royal Bengal Tiger ‘Sundarbans Forest”.
Ø Sparking Rivers & life style
Ø Visit another world heritage site “Sixty dome mosque”.
Ø Lake Cruise, Buddhist temple & Tribal culture in Chittagong Hill Tracts.
Ø Cox’s Bazar-the longest unbroken sea beach in the world.

Ø The biggest wooden Buddhist temple in Ramu.
Ø World Heritage sites & ancient civilization.
Ø Dense rain forest, vast green Tea valley & rubber plantations.
Ø Quite villages, unspoiled nature at its best.

Ø World war –2 cemeteries.
Ø One of the greenest countries.
Ø 1% land 100% contrast
Ø A country of 130 million smiling people.



For tourists/Holyday maker


Sightseeing tours
River Cruises
Archeological Excursion
World heritage Sites tours
Wildlife adventure tours
Tailor made packages on your demand.

Other services
In addition to daylong tours and Package tours, both inbound and outbound; we also offer the following services:


Media research, Filming & Logistics
Study Tours
Corporate Meetings, Seminars & Expositions
Language Guides/interpreter
Hotel reservations
Transport Rental

RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL POLICY:

Ø Bangladesh is one of the least developed nations in the world. Although our operation is small and focused we are passionate about creating real and sustainable economic benefits.

Ø We take our role incredibly seriously and are determined to put as much as possible back into the communities we are privileged to visit. We have gone to great lengths to personally research our tours and to meet with our 100% locally owned suppliers. We have built up strong relationships with these operators who we prefer to call ‘colleagues’. We believe that our continued success is dependent on this close relationship.

Ø Our travelers are only accompanied by locally based staff and guides.

Ø We actively support and advise our overseas colleagues on a range of issues, which are intended to benefit their overall business, not just the business they do with BANGLADESH EXPEDITIONS/BANANI TRAVELS. We have advised on brochure and website design, and have contributed financially to their overseas marketing campaigns.




CONTACT
DHAKA OFFICE:

Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel107, Kazi Nazrul Islam Av. Dhaka, Bangladesh
Phone: 00 88 02- 8140216, 00 88 - 01715093412Fax:00 88 02- 8140217

PARIS OFFICE:
48, Rue de Vouille - 75015, Paris , France
Tel: 0142500406, 0608711387,0610092893, Fax: 0142500212, 0140450445






an expedition with us, an experience forever...