Dhaka -The Capital of Bangladesh
November 20, 2008
:: Ahsan Manjil
Built in 1872 and standing on the river Buriganga, this stately building offers the visitors a feeling of the life-style of the Nawabs of Dhaka. Sometimes known as the Pink Palace, this building now houses a splendid museum.
Basically, it was the residence of the Nawabs. Nawab Abdul Gani renovated this building in the year 1872 and named it after his son Khaza Ahasanullah.
 [Ahsan Manjil] |
On the bank of river Buriganga in Dhaka the Pink majestic, Ahsan Manjil has been renovated and turned into a museum recently. It is an epitome of the nation’s rich cultural heritage.
Todays renovated Ahsan Manjil a monument of immense historical beauty. |
It has 31 rooms with a huge dome atop which can be seen from miles around. It now has 23 galleries in 31 rooms displaying of traits, furniture and household articles and utensils used by the Nawab.
Open 9 am- 5 pm from Saturday to Wednesday and 3-5 pm on Friday. Thursday is close.
The fort of Aurangabad, popularly known as the Lalbagh Fort, was built in 1678 AD by the then Viceroy of Bengal Prince Mohammad Azam, son of the Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb. The fort has a three storied structure with slender minarets at the South Gate. It has many hidden passages and a mosque of massive structure. Outstanding among the monuments of the Lalbagh Fort are the Tomb of Pari Bibi (Fairy lady) and Audience room and Hummam Khana (bathing place) of Nawab Shaista Khan, now housing a museum.
The fort was the scene of bloody battle during the first war of independence (1857) when 260 spays stationed here backed by the people revolted against British forces. It is one of the great historical places of Mughal era. A small museum is there in this fort where you will find the clothes and weapons of the Mughols.
Lalbagh fort is in the old town of Dhaka at Lalbagh. It is open 10 am-5 pm Sunday to Friday & Saturday is closed.
The capital city Dhaka predominantly was a city of the Mughals. In hundred years of their vigorous rule successive Governors and princely Viceroys who ruled the province, adorned it with many noble monuments in the shape of magnificent places, mosques, tombs, fortifications and ‘Katras’ often surrounded with beautifully laid out gardens and pavilions. Among these, few have survived the ravages of time, aggressive tropical climate of the land and vandal hands of man.
 [Lalbagh Fort - Dhaka] |
But the finest specimen of this period is the Aurangabad Fort [commonly known as Lalbagh Fort], which indeed represents the unfulfilled dream of a Mughal Prince. It occupies the southwestern part of the old city, overlooking the Buriganga on whose northern bank it stands as a silent sentinel of the old city.
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Rectangular in plan, it encloses an area of 1082′ by 800′ and in addition to its graceful lofty gateways on southeast and northeast corners and a subsidiary small unpretentious gateway on north, it also contains within its fortified perimeter a number of splendid monuments, surrounded by attractive garden. These are a small 3-domed mosque, the mausoleum of Bibi Pari the reputed daughter of Nawab Shaista Khan and the Hammam and Audience Hall of the Governor. The main purpose of this fort was to provide a defensive enclosure of the palatial edifices of the interior and as such was a type of palace-fortress rather than a siege fort.
 [Shahid Minar] |
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Symbol of Bengali nationalism. This monument was built to commemorate the martyrs of the historic Language movement of 1952. Hundreds and thousands of people with floral wreaths and bouquet gather on 21 February every year to pay respect in a solemn atmosphere.
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Source: travel.discoverybangladesh.com
Into the waterfall -Rangamati
November 19, 2008
We sailed from Pablakhali of Rangamati early in the morning. It was a tiring five-day expedition to the hills of Rangamati and Khagrachhari. And now, it was time to return. We felt both tired and exhilarated at the same time. Dr Reza Khan, the famous wildlife expert, had taken us round the hills looking for birds and animals.
Promoting tourism in Bangladesh
November 17, 2008
Tourism has experienced continuous growth and diversification to become one of the largest and fastest growing economic sectors in the world over the past six decades. This is one of the today’s most crucial, dynamic and charismatic international industry sectors.
Travel Bangladesh : Chittagong Division
November 15, 2008
Chittagong Division is located at southern part of the country has an area of 33771 sq. km and a population of 23.99. It has 11 districts and 38 municipalities.
Chittagong is the biggest seaport and second largest town in Bangladesh situated near the Bay of Bengal. It is 264 km away east of Dhaka, famous for hill areas, natural beauty and for the seashore. Chittagong is also known of the town of Aulias (Muslim saints).
 [Fay's lake at Chittagong] |
Its green hills and forests, its broad sandy beaches and its fine cool climate always attract the holiday-markers. Described by the Chinese traveler poet, Huen Tsang (7th century A.D) as “a sleeping beauty emerging from mists and water” and given the title of “Porto Grande” by the 16th century Portuguese seafarers.
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Chittagong combines remains true to both the descriptions even today. It combines the busy hum of an active seaport with the shooting quiet of a charming hill town.
The Shahi Jama-e-Masjid and Qadam Mubarak Mosque are two of the most impressive buildings in the city. It is also worth visiting the Ethnological Museum in the Modern City, which has interesting displays on Bangladesh’s tribal peoples. There are good views and cooling breezes from Fairy Hill in the British City in the northwestern sector of the city.
Chittagong is the country’s chief port and is the main site for the establishment of heavy, medium and light industries. Bangladesh’s only steel mill and oil refinery are also located in Chittagong.
Source: discoverybangladesh.com
chow time
November 12, 2008
Inside, the waiters rush to and fro with plates of khichuri and chicken biriyani held aloft in their hands. As one enters the shop, the nostrils are assaulted by the assortment of aromas given off by the variety of foods being served there, accompanied by the damp smell of wet cloths carried by waiters to wipe tables, which no one seems to notice or mind amid the delicious scent of food.
Watch them thrive again
November 10, 2008
The Sundarbans has resuscitated from the Sidr devastation caused about a year ago. The battered forest was a cause for worry for many who thought this world heritage site may be lost for ever. There was no harm in thinking like that — wherever you went in the mangrove forest, all you could see is fallen trees and mud. Prospect for tourism looked bleak.
But the great forest has sprang back to life with its glory of wildlife. And tour companies are upbeat about revival of the industry. Walk along the Pashur river or go deep into the forest, as our photographer Syed Zakir Hossain did recently, you find the trees in green foliage. And animals scurrying around. The crab eating monkeys diving into the water in search of snails, an amazing sight indeed. The wild boars with their huge tusks moving around in packs. The quick-footed deer scampering into the forest at the presence of tourists. The great adjutant stork slowly winging across the creeks. The huge birds just look fabulous. The greater herons craning their necks to look around at you. The squirrel scamper up the tree trunks and wonderful sight of the woodpecker peeling away at the trees in search of insects. And the Shikra, a bird of prey, wait on a branch looking for smaller birds to pounce on. And then if you are lucky, extremely lucky, you will see the mashed finfoot, an elusive bird.
So this is the chance for you, as the winter comes, to take a tour of the Sundarbans and witness its beauty, serenity and life.
Photo: Syed Zakir Hossain
Source: Star Holiday
Baitul Mukarram Mosque
November 8, 2008
Baitul Mukarram Mosque
Baitul Mukarram Mosque is situated at Purana Paltan east of Bangladesh Secretariat and north of Dhaka Stadium. Largest Mosque in the city, three storied and built after the pattern of the Kaba Sharif. Very beautiful and costly decorations in the interior. Long lawn, garden and rows of fountains to the south and east. The mosque is on a very high platform. Lovely flights of stairs lead to it; from the south, east and north. On the east is a vast veranda, which is also used for prayer and Eid congregation. Below in the ground floor is a shopping center.
Dhaka is a city of mosques. Other Prominent Mosques are the seven Domed Mosque (17th century), Star Mosque (18th century), Chawkbazar Mosque and Huseni Dalan Mosque.
Source: discoverybangladesh.com
Bangladesh national museum
November 6, 2008
Bangladesh national museum is situated in shahbag. Located at the central point of the city. The museum contains a large number of interesting collections including sculptures and paintings of the Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim periods as well as inscriptions of the Holy Quran in Arabic and Persian letters and Bengali works in the Arabic script.
Lalbagh Fort
November 5, 2008
The fort of Aurangabad, popularly known as the Lalbagh Fort, was built in 1678 AD by the then Viceroy of Bengal Prince Mohammad Azam, son of the Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb. The fort has a three storied structure with slender minarets at the South Gate. Read more
Italian extravaganza @ Radisson
November 3, 2008
There’s not much to do when it comes to recreation in Dhaka city, except maybe the occasional theatre or visiting local galleries for exhibitions. Which is why, dining out with friends, family or a special someone is definitely among the top three options in the list of things to do for entertainment. And especially so, because I’m pretty sure that almost all of us have a slight, if not deep, affinity towards the finer thing in life. With the advent of new hotels and restaurants almost every other day, it only goes to show how the citizens of Dhaka love the new trend that is fine dining. Yet, people are constantly on the search for something more. And that is where Radisson comes in.
Radisson Water Garden Hotel Dhaka has, since their inception, been committed towards offering new and exciting experiences to all. And as part of their attempt to always introduce new foods, bring innovative cuisines and showcase fascinating cultures from countries around the world, the hotel organised an ‘Italian Food Festival’ from the 19 to 24 October 2008.
Executive Chef Kai-Uwe Klenz, with his experience of twenty year and vast knowledge on Italian, Romanian, Argentinean, Mexican, Japanese and Asian cuisines, along with Chef Mainul Islam, with his experience of sixteen years and his mastery over Indian, Italian and Japanese cuisines, together prepared the tantalizing dishes that were displayed throughout the six day long festival.
The festival, which was hosted in Radisson’s ‘Water Garden Brasserie’, showcased some of the finest Italian cheese and wine, as well as mouth-watering dishes of pasta and seafood, amidst soothing music. Each dish was decorated with extreme care and grandeur, all in all, creating an ambience that portrayed pure indulgence!
What is Italian cuisine without cheese, and one of the main attractions of the event was a whole corner dedicated to finest cheese- everything from Ricotta, Blue cheese to Parmesan, all imported directly from Italy. There was also a live cooking station, where fresh pasta, such as fettuccine, ravioli, and many others were made, from which one could choose and ask the chef on standby to cook immediately from a choice of sauces, such as Napoli, Alfredo, Bolognese and other ingredients such as fresh olives, mushroom, tomatoes, etc. Also showcased, was a Risotto station that served two different types of Risottos daily.
Some of the many mouth-watering delights were dishes such as, Italian Minstrone, Stuffed Tomato Ravioli, yellow finned tuna freshly pan-fried in crushed pepper butter, Vitello Tonato, Smoked Mediterranean Monk fish, Picatta alla Milanese, and many, many others, among which, my personal favourites were the Italian Seafood Chowder, the Shrimps Salad a la Napoli and the Lasagna al forno. And the desserts where on an entirely different league of their own! There was a Gelateria corner, with three different flavours of the most luscious ice-cream that literally melted in your mouth, as well as incredible variations of Tiramisu, Sicilian Cake, Chocolate Mousse, Italian Fruit Cake, etc.
Another addition to the amazing experience that was the food festival was the presence of the award-winning Barista ‘Lina’, a graduate of the Sydney Coffee Academy in Australia, who had been especially flown in by Radisson to give their guests the complete Italian experience!
When it comes to acquiring a fine dining experience, amidst ultimate luxury and sophistication, Radisson Water Garden Hotel Dhaka, takes the cake, with their continuous endeavours in providing something new. So for all those in search of great food, be sure to keep a look out for Radisson’s next venture!
Source: The Daily Star