A week-long local-style journey by train, boat and tuktuk through Dhaka, Paharpur, Rajshahi, the Sundarbans and Barisal's floating markets.
Arrive and transfer to your hotel, then spend the day exploring Dhaka in a local way. Visit the Karwan Bazar wholesale vegetable and fish markets, the modern Parliament House, the 1678 Lalbagh Fort and Dhaka University with its Language Monument and Curzon Hall. End with an old Dhaka rickshaw tour past the Star Mosque and Hindu Street, the Pink Palace, and a late-afternoon boat trip on the Buriganga River from Sadarghat.
Take the morning train from Dhaka to Joypurhat, a relaxed ride that reveals the country's shift from urban to rural life. On arrival, transfer by tuktuk to the Paharpur Buddhist monastery, an impressive 8th-century UNESCO heritage site. Stay in the archaeological guest house inside the monastery for a unique chance to enjoy sunrise and sunset, with free time to visit nearby tribal villages.
Board a train to the silk city of Rajshahi, meeting fellow travellers and capturing portraits and river-life scenes along the way. Visit the temple city of Putia to see the beautiful terracotta temples of Shiva and Govinda and the palace, built during the Mughal period and flourishing under the British. In the afternoon enjoy a leisurely boat trip on the mighty Ganges.
Take the early morning train from Rajshahi to Khulna with breakfast arranged on board. On arrival transfer to Mongla and ride a local bike to the Sundarbans eco village. Spend the afternoon exploring village and fisherman life before an overnight stay in the eco village.
After breakfast, take a boat trip to the Karamgol forest office inside the Sundarbans, then transfer back to Mongla. Visit the Bagerhat UNESCO World Heritage site including the 60 Dome Mosque, the 9 Dome Mosque and the shrine of Khan Jahan, with time for lesser-known mosques and temples. Continue to Barisal and take an evening walk through the river port area.
Drive to Banaripara, taking local breakfast on the way, then board an engine boat for a half-day exploring the seasonal floating market at Sopukati, the floating wood market, village life and the famous floating gardens. Return to Barisal for dinner before boarding an overnight launch to Dhaka in a private cabin.
Arrive in Dhaka by launch and transfer to your hotel or the airport to end the tour.
