Backpacking Bangladesh: 6 Things to do

Bangladesh isn’t a country most people would associate with tourism. India, its neighbor, overshadows Bangladesh as the number 1 South Asian tourist destination. As a result, many overlook Bangladesh as a place to visit on holiday. Tourism in Bangladesh ranks towards the bottom of most nations; however, I believe it’s a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by backpackers. Not only are locals some of the friendliest people you’ll ever come across, but there are aspects of Bangladesh that make it unique in its own way. Here are 6 things to do if you find yourself backpacking Bangladesh. Note* I excluded the Sundarbans as it is probably one of the more obvious attractions in the country.

1) Visit Srimangal Tea Gardens. You won’t regret it. Located in the Sylhet Division, this tea garden is said to account for about 3% of the world tea production! Here, you can sample tea and watch the production process.

2) Try the 7 layer tea at Adi Nilkantha. The Srimangal tea gardens is also home to the Adi Nilkantha tea cabin. It’s only place in the world with 7 layer tea and each layer has its own unique flavor. This tea consists of three different types of locally produced black and green tea, cinnamon, cloves, lemon, and condensed milk.

3) Watch kids play cricket in the street. People in Bangladesh are serious about their cricket, you can find kids playing in the alleys of almost any street or field in the countryside. They take it seriously and are pretty good, sit back and watch the young professionals in action…for free.

4) Visit Old Dhaka, incredible place! Old Dhaka is an opportunity to see everyday life in the city. There is a nice shipyard to visit where you can see the production of ships. One of my favorite places in Bangladesh.

5) Talk with strangers. Tourism is so limited in Bangladesh. Almost anyone of non-South Asian heritage will draw several looks from locals. It isn’t uncommon for a stranger to strike up a conservation with you and ask about your country, job, or income. Locals are friendly and give you a great opportunity to see what life in Bangladesh is all about.