Dhaka has been the subject of fascination with both travellers and historians in South Asia. The city has suffered a long, fractured and brutal history, witnessing the turmoil of Partition in 1947 and the creation of the state of Bangladesh in 1972, as well as the heartache of wartime devastation and a flurry of natural calamities throughout its past. However, Bangladesh’s capital still retains a distinct sense of heritage and cultural identity, referencing its eclectic historical background in every architectural corner of the city.

Dhaka formerly known as Dacca is  city of the people’s republic of Bangladesh. The history of Dhaka goes back to the 7th century AD to Buddhist times, when it belonged to the ancient kingdom of Kamarupa; after this, it passed into the hands of the Hindu Sena rulers (9th century AD), Turkish, Afghan and Mughal governors, until the British East India Company took control in 1765. The British built latest educational institutions and public works, a modern system for supply of water in the year 1874 and introduced electricity in 1878. After Bengal’s partition in the year 1905 and the second partition again in the year 1946, Dhaka was made the capital city of East Bengal. On 15th of August, in the year 1947, the state merged into the newly fomed Pakistan.

However, the ethnic Bengali populace felt discriminated against by the central government, leading to public anger, and they declared Bangladesh as an independent state in March, 1971. In their turn, the Pakistan Army launched a counter operation, arresting and killing thousands of Bengali students, intellectuals and ordinary people. Finally the Indian Army marched into Bangladesh in December, 1971 and captured Dhaka, leading to the creation of a new, independent state of Bangladesh. The name of the city is believed to be derived from the temple dedicated to the Goddess Dhakeshwari, built by Raja Ballal Sena in the 12th century.

Dhaka, a city replete with history, lies on the banks of the Buriganga River. The old parts of the city lie to the south of the city centre, and this is where most of the tourist attractions are found. The old European area lies to the north of Dhaka’s old town; the Presidential mansion, the National Museum and Dhaka’s business district and diplomatic regions are located to the north-east of this part of the city. If you take a taxi ride into the suburbs you can visit the Dhaka Zoo and the Botanical Gardens.

Dhaka was famous from time immemorial for its fine muslin. Now, pink pearls and its rich variety of traditional handicrafts take pride of place. Shoppers will also find gold and silver products at amazingly low prices. New Market, Elephant Road and Dhanmondi are the best areas for shopping. Dhaka is not lacking in famous monuments from the Mughal era and these are a must visit. Lalbagh Fort was built in 1678 by the Mughal governor Nawab Shaista Khan. It contains a mosque, tomb, the Hall for Audience and the hammam. Ahsan Manzil Palace Museum is the former home of the Nawab of Dhaka; it has 23 galleries displaying paintings, furniture and articles of household use. Star Mosque is a beautiful, 200 year old mosque, famous for the thousands of stars which twinkle on its surface. You can see a large collection of antiques and sculptors from the Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim periods in the National Museum.

Bangladesh provides visitors with a rich history and unique cultural experience. The democratic republic welcomes guests that have the proper documentation, including a passport and visa. If you are planning a trip to Bangladesh, there are certain attractions that you simply must see. These attractions will make your trip worthwhile and give you a real sense of the people and nature that makes Bangladesh such a welcoming location to visit.

Since you will probably base your trip out of Dhaka, Bangladesh’s capital city, be sure to spend some time exploring its attractions. While in Dhaka, you will want to shop at the Dhaka Markets, where you can buy discounted clothing and leather goods. Be prepared to haggle on the price, though! The National Museum, National Zoo and Dhaka Botanical Gardens are all popular with Dhaka visitors. Be sure to visit the zoo, because it is the best place to see the country’s tigers up close.

If you would prefer to see nature in its natural habitat, visit Rejandrapur National Park, which is about 50 km to the north of Dhaka. This park is the perfect destination for birdwatchers, so be sure to take along your binoculars when you visit. Sundarbans National Park is another place that is popular with nature lovers. Here you can see Royal Bengal Tigers, spotted deer, birds, and monkeys in their national habitats. Sundarbans is the largest mangrove forest in the world, and you can take an organized tour led by the Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation if you visit during the winter months.

Bangladesh has its fair share of historic buildings to explore. One building that dates back to the time that the British controlled the land is Curzon Hall. Old High Court is another popular architectural and historic landmark in the country, and it is considered an excellent example of the architecture of the European Renaissance. Of course, Bangladesh is known for its beaches, and at the southernmost point of the country you can find Kuakata, a new beachside resort. This resort is located near the Rakhane tribes, so it is a great choice for those who want to see what the traditional culture of Bangladesh is like. It is also a great location to view both the sunset and sunrise.

Inani Beach is the world’s longest beach, and it is located in Cox’s Bazar. This is the tourist Mecca of the country, and here you can shop local artisans who sell their wears along the road. The main beach that tourists visit is Patenga, so if you are looking to avoid crowds, visit one of the others. Regardless of what you do while you are in Banglandesh, visiting these popular attractions will make your stay worthwhile and ensure that you come back with great memories and wonderful photographs.Of course, while you are visiting the country, you will want to spend some time on the beach. Bangladesh is home to the world’s longest natural sea beach! With all that Bangladesh offers, are you ready to start searching for Bangladesh flights and begin planning your trip?