Explore the Journey of Islam in Bangladesh

07 Nights / 08 Days

Bangladesh is the third-largest Muslim-dominated country. The country has a very impressive history of how arriving Islam, during the lifetime or after the death of Prophet Mohammad (S) some of his followers came first to spread Islam in this region and established a mosque in the northern part of Bangladesh called Harano mosque. After that Islam has been brought by Arab traders, Sufis before Muhammad bin Bakhtiyar Khalji conquered the Bengal and start spreading Islam. From the Northeast the spiritual leader Shah Jalal (R) arrived and start spread Islam, there were historical wars and the Islamic beautiful establishment of the mosque, madras around the country. This tour is focusing on the history of Islamic arrival in Bangladesh 

Day 01: Explore the Mosque City & Cultural capital Dhaka 

Dhaka is called the city of the mosque, every five minutes walking distance you will find a mosque. From the Mugul period to British colonial time, Dhaka has been extended and impressive Islamic architecture has been revealing in heritage mosques and sites. Today we will explore the old and new mosques and cultural sites of Dhaka 

• Baitul Mukarram, National Mosque: the beautiful modern architecture, Baitul Mukarram is the national mosque situated in the center of Dhaka, large cube shape was modeled after that of the Ka'abah at Mecca making it a noticeable structure is unlike any other mosque in Bangladesh.

• Khan Mohammad Mridha Mosque: Located in the old part of the town build in a very interesting mogul design. This three dome mosque has a Ground floor which was used for living pursues. The main mosque where the Imam and a few Muslims have accommodated consists of three domes that bears testimony of the architecture practiced during the sixteenth century
• National Museum of Bangladesh: Bangladesh National Museum is the biggest museum in Bangladesh and here you will get a perfect introduction of its history, culture, festivals, lifestyle, and traditions including the heritage mosque with its little introduction 
• Baro Katara & Madrasa: it is one of the oldest monuments in Dhaka built during mogul dysentery as a Sarai or guest house. Most of the part of Baro Katara has been demolished and rebuilt as a madrasa. The building follows the traditional pattern of Central Asian caravanserais design and is embellished as per Mughal architecture. It’s also called the gateway of Dhaka 
• Lalbag Fort & Mosque: the most impressive fort in Bangladesh, Lalbagh fort was the first fort built for the third of son mogul emperor Aurangzeb. It’s one of the incomplete sites with a single domed mosque that bears the tragedy of sipahi mutiny in 1857
• Old Dhaka Rickshaw Ride: to experience Dhaka life, you must try a rickshaw at the capital of rickshaw. Especially old towns have so many alleys and business social life going so interesting that only can be seen by riding on a rickshaw 
• Old Dhaka Biriyani: Seven dome mosque: popularly known as Sat Gambuj Mosque situated at the residential part of Dhaka in Mohammadpur area, it was built during mogul period crowning seven domes in the top. 
• Star Mosque: Star mosque or ara mosque located in the old part of the town a place called armanitola, it’s the most famous ornamental mosque with glittering tiles of the vase, motifs, flowed was build during British time. because of its star pattern, it’s called star mosque 
• Boat Ride at Burigonga River: the capital of Dhaka stands on the river bulgogi and this river port is the busiest in the country. Hundreds of small boats crossing the river and big boats start to leave for an overnight cruise from the afternoon. We will visit the riverport during that time to experience real Dhaka. 

Transfer to the hotel and overnight in Dhaka.

Day 02: Heritage Mosques of Tangail & Bogra overnight 

The morning after breakfast, we will drive to the oldest city of Bengal Bogra, on we will explore - 

• Batur Rouf Jame Mosque: located in Uttra, Baitur Rouf Jame Mosque is considered one of the most unique modern architecture in Bangladesh.  Its build in an eco-friendly way, the mosques a lot of sunlight and winds come inside the most and flexible spaces that allow the building to act not only as a mosque but also as a school, meeting room, and children’s playground.
• Tangail Weaving Village & Organic Tourism:  Tangail is one of the oldest cities of Bengal situated at the bank of the Brahmaputra. For ages, people are doing traditional tangail weaving to make a saree gamcha, etc. There is an NGO that is actively working to promote organ farming for this reason and they are having the biggest community-based seed bank in the world. we will visit their project and enjoy the local Bangladesh food cooked with organic foods 
• Atia Mosque: in Bangladesh, you will never find many mosques with traditional Bengal terracotta art, we can see most terracotta art in temples but the Aita mosque is an exception. Built 17 Century one of the most unique brick made mosques with details of terracotta art. we will have a brief visit 
• 201 Dome Mosque: this is the largest mosque in Bangladesh built in the village of Tangible. It was 201 domes; the entire Quran is describing in the wall with the highest minaret of Bangladesh. Beautifully decorate this mosque became one of the famous tourist attraction 
• Pakulla Mosque: situated near the current Tangail to Bogra high way, it is one of the less known less explored mosques in this region, though there is no inscription of the making of this mosque according to the design & tombs of Khaza Anwar shahid & Manik Pir, it was most probably built in late 17 AD. 
• Yogurt Factory visit: on the way to rangpur, we will have a stopover in the sherpur area to see the traditional yogurt-making factory. the yogurt of sherpur is very tasted and they make it the traditional way!

Afternoon transfer and overnight in Bogra 

Day 03: Oldest mosque, oldest civilization & Rangapur Kings Palace 

The morning after breakfast, we will start a tour of Rangpur and the daily activities include - 

• Mahastangar Citadel & Museum: Mahastangar is considered the oldest civilization of Bengal dated 3rd BC during the time of Asoka. This township bears the evidence of the Buddhist kingdom to Hindu kingdom to Muslim arrival. Walk into the mahastangar citadel and the museum to understand the history and collection of Muslim inscriptions!
• Tomb of Shah Sultan Balkhi: Shah Sultan Balkhi, a 14th-century Afghan warrior who – according to legend – came and defeated the Hindu king Parshuram and spread Islam in this region. People from very far come for soul searching
• Mahastangar Largest vegetable Market: Mahastangar market is the oldest and the largest seasonal vegetable market in this region. Every day farmers with their locally grown vegetables come to do their tradition. One of the interesting places to meet the locals 
• Mithapukur vanga mosque: this mogul mosque is situated on the way to rangpur in a village called Mithapukur. This rectangular three dome mosque with traditional decoration makes it an interesting stopover!
• Harano Mosque or Saba Karim Mosque: Many historians claim this heritage mosque was probably the first mosque built in the sub-continent in the year 69 Hijri. They found that the `Harano Masjid' was built after 61 years of building the Koanta mosque in the Chinese port city of Canton on the bank of the river Koanta in the Hijri year of 8. Although there is a lot of disagreement about the construction period of the mosque, experts believe it is the oldest mosque of Bangladesh, as well as South Asia, as some ancient plaques were found at the site during excavation. The surrounding area of the mosque was partially dug up in 1987. Local people found huge ruins of minarets and other structures of the mosque. Some plaques carried inscriptions, including one with Kalema Taiyeba and the year 69 (Hijri) written in Arabic. Thus, according to that inscription, the mosque was built in 69 AH or 690 AD. The plaque is now preserved at Tajhat Museum in Rangpur.
• Tajhaat Jamindar Palace: the twenty-century beautiful palace now acts as a museum of Rangpur. the special attraction is, here you can see the oldest mosque 7th AD inscription and the Kalema 

Transfer to the hotel and overnight in Rangpur 

Day 04, 05: Explore the Educational Capital Rajshahi Heritage Sites 

The morning after breakfast, we will drive to the silk city and educational capital Rajshahi and we will stay two days and visits - 

• Kusuma Mosque:  Kusumba Mosque is one of the historical jewels of our medieval Muslim history. Kusumba Mosque was completed in 1558-59 when Bangla was under the Afgan rule. The Afgan last Suri ruler Ghiyasuddin Bahadur Shah was the founder of these masterpieces. 
• Paharpur UNESCO Site & Museum: Paharpur UNICCO world heritage site is one of the influential & significant ancient monuments of our history. According to Tibetan sources, it was built by the second king under the Pala dynasty. The total area is 27 acres ( 11 ha), this monastery was consists of 177 cells and viharas, numerous stupas, temples, and several other ancillary buildings. The monastery was destroyed by fire, during a conquest in the 11th century.
  
• Shah Mukdom Tomb: Shah Makhdum is a Sufi saint of Islam. He is spread Islam with the method of Sufism of Northwest part of Bangladesh is called Greater Rajshahi Region. In 1287 AD, he came from Baghdad with his elder brother and spent the rest of his life for the spread of Islam. 
• Choto Sona Masjid: Shona Mosque is located in the Sibgong sub-district under the Chapai Nawabgonj district. This mosque was built between 1493-1519 during the Sultan Hussain Shah reign. Here fifteen domes of the mosque were once gilded and considered the name of the mosque Choto Shona Masjid ( small Golden Mosque) 
• Darasbari Masjid & Madrasa: Darasbari Mosque is the 3rd largest mosque in the city of ancient Gaur- Lakhnauti. Now the roof of the mosque has fallen dawn. Build with brick but pillars are stone, it was 24 doms, 4 Chautala vaults all fallen now. Darasbari Madrasa was built around 1500AD by Sultan Alauddin Hossen Shah. The oldest and 1st madrasa was built in Bangladesh. It has a room at its center surrounded by forty other rooms but at present, the rooms are abandoned.
• Khaniya Dighi Mosque: Also Rajbibi Mosque, it was built in 1490 and is in excellent condition. It has some ornately decorated walls, embellished primarily with terracotta floral designs. The dome is particularly fascinating and is in perfect architectural unison with the gracefully proportioned building.
• Takkhana complex: Tahkhana Complex is located on the bank of a pond called Zahedulbala near Chhoto Sona Mosque. This complex is two-storied. On the first floor have 17 rooms of which two are octagonal. The octagonal room was used for performing Salah, & the rest for different purposes, viz-saloon, recreation, dining, meeting hammam, etc. from the two views regarding the construction of this building. Firstly, Shah Shuja used to come and stay here during his administrative visit, rest, and recreational purpose and to meet his spiritual guide Shah Niamatullah (R). Secondly, to provide residential accommodation to Shah Niamatullah (R) during the year 1655 AD. A mosque and tomb of Shah Niamatullah (R) are located on the north-west and north of the building respectively. 
• Silk weaving Factory & Mango orchards: Rajshahi district is famous for Mango and Silk, in summer you see mango everywhere, travelling to chaptai you will cross so many mango orchards. garden and markets. Also here you can go and visit the silk weaving villages 
• Boat Ride on Padma / Ganges & time of island villagers: the famous Ganges arrives in Bangladesh from India, it’s named the Padma. It became a famous tourist destination for locals, especially in the afternoon. We will also do an afternoon boat cruise in the Padma river and cross the river to visit the last village at the Bangladesh India international border. enjoy the sunset and back to the city 
• Varendra Research museum: this museum is the richest in Bangladesh for the collection of all the dynasty arts effects including Islamic inscriptions on bricks, stones, etc 

Day 06: Khulna Drive & UNESCO Heritage Mosque City Bageraht

The morning we will have a drive to Bagerhat mosque city, the most impressive Islamic monuments of south Asia will be on our scheduled to visit including - 

• Sixty Dome mosque: Sixty dome mosque is the largest brick made mosque built by Khan Jahan Ali who is considered the reformer, founder, and spiritual leader who came from Delhi. Becuaitfl terracotta design, stone pillars connect with domes makes it lake forest of pillars. To spread the island he dug many mosques, ponds for sweet water and also famous for these spiritual powers! The city was listed by Forbes as the 15th lost city in the world
• Singari mosque: Single dome mosque situated opposite Sixty dome mosque. It is a square-shaped single dome mosque. In what is typical to the Khan Jahan Style, the dome is supported on thick walls and topped with a cambered cornice.
• Nine dome mosque: located near the shrine of Khan Jahan Ali, it is also a beautiful mosque in the forest and vegetation. While walking there you might see some curious people feeding the famous crocodile here. Facing towards the west it was built in 15 AD and it having the beautiful original terracotta!
• Ranbijaipur mosque: it is the largest dome mosque in Bangladesh plagued with floral design located near the tomb. It has been renovated several times and many renovations are still needed!
• Bibi Begin Mosque: located in Bagerhat and it was said to be the mosque named after khan Jahan alis wife name. It was also a khan Jahan Ali brick made style and while waling to the mosque you will visit some interesting village life!
• Bagerhat Museum: antiquaries collected from the area of the historical site are displayed providing knowledge on the history of Bagerhat. It has three exhibit galleries of antiquaries related to the "Historic Mosque City of Bagerhat", which include inscriptions, potteries, terracotta plaques, and ornamental bricks.

Day 07: Overnight Paddle Steamer Cruise 

The morning after breakfast, we will transfer you to a boat station and intake the mosque's beautiful river cruises in Asia with a heritage paddle steamer. 

• Paddle Steamer Cruise: paddle steamer boats are the heritage boat we have in Bangladesh. These boats were built in Kolkata hundred years ago to cruise from Dhaka to Kolkata. it now this boat service is operated and it cruises from Dhaka to Bagerhat up and now. Now a few new boats have been included in the fleet and every four days in a week they are in operations. We Bangladesh Eco Adventure always recommend the Journey from Bagerhat to Dhaka instead of Dhaka. The reason behind this is this way you can see more of the river line beauty of Bangladesh while staying on the boat. You will get a first-class cabin for you for the overnight boat ride. 

Day 08: Daylong Tour of Old Capital Sonargaon & Fly Back 

Early morning arrives at the Dhaka river port and disembark & transfer you to the hotel for fresh up. At around noon we will drive to Old capital sonargaon and visit -

• Panam City: the Panam city also known as a lost city, ghost city, abundant city. the city township was expanded and highlighted during the British period and it was one of the wealthiest parts of Bengal. Still, now more than thirty house stands are bearing the Bengal colonial architectural design, due to lack of restoration the building was declining fast but still it’s one of the highlighted sites to visit.
• Goaldi Mosque: the mosque Goaldi is the existing oldest mosque of the region built in 1517 AD. The beautiful terracotta mosque with a single dome was mostly built during the sultanate period.
• Sardar Bari & Folklore Art museum: the folklore art museum is the center of all art and craftwork that has been collected during that period and the Sadarbari palace is the most decorative in sonargaon with mosaic decoration. Only Sunday and Wednesday for a short time it opens but you can still see this from outside. in January a month-long festival will be placed here
• Jamdani weaving village: Jamdani weaving is the most decorative extensive work in craft. It takes 15 days to make a 7 feet sari and it’s all handmade. The workers create each sari with their own designs. We will visit the village and see the work. you can also do shopping here
• Megna riverboat tour: the city sonargoan situated at the confluence of several rivers. To enjoy the river beauty we will take a boat tour of the Meghna River to enjoy the river beauty and also visit one of the islands on another side of the river.
• Shopping in Dhaka: Dhaka is a fun city for shopping. All the international brands of clothing you get at a very cheap rate. We will take you to all the small and big markets; handicraft shops etc. please note that: shopping is an optional tour if you like we will take you!
• Final Departure: After dinner, we will transfer you to the airport and end our services

PRICE PER PERSON IN USD:

  Package Includes:

• Accommodation in three-star category hotels with breakfast
• All transfers as mentioned by AC Car  
• All Entry fees & sightings as per itinerary 
• English speaking tour guide 

  Package Excludes: 

• Items of personal nature 
• Any kind of tipping 
• Any kind of canceling in train/bus
• Any kind of insurance 
• In any emergency, Bangladesh Eco Adventure will have the right to change hotels
  

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