This trip was a dream come true for my family and me. For years, I had wanted to travel to this exotic place and take in the sights and sounds of one of the most culturally diverse places on earth. Steeped in history, this eight-day and seven-night adventure was something that had been on my bucket list for most of my adult life. I was certainly not disappointed! I can’t wait to go back.
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Day One
The adventure began as soon as we stepped off the plane. It was a full four-hour journey through some of the most beautiful green countrysides I have ever seen. The resort was magnificent and eco-friendly which score highly in my opinion. It was worth the trip alone just to sit and relax in the atmosphere. I have not caught lightning bugs since I was a child, but we did that night, and it is an experience I will always remember.
I was so excited to be here finally. I almost got lost in the totality of the experience. It was both simple and fun to chase lightning bugs around while being barefoot like I was a kid again. There is just something about this place that makes you want to leave all your worries and cares behind as you enjoy this freeing experience.
Day Two
We woke up to an amazing breakfast served with impeccable style. We then went on a guided walk of the area and saw so many amazing things! The Lawachora reserve promised to deliver the native wildlife and we saw many amazing animals! The native peoples were very hospitable, and we came to know them at their cultural level in a way I never dreamed possible. Lunch was just as good as breakfast had been and featured many local favorites. A walk around the tea garden was a perfect ending to the perfect day.
Day Three
After checking out, we travelled to the Bikkar Bil, a natural bird sanctuary. Since it was winter, I didn’t expect to see many birds but was I surprised. Our avian friends from Siberia, Russia and Tibet, had flown to the warmer climes in search of food and to stay the winter. How amazing and unexpected was that?
If that was not enough, we made our way to Comilla, an archaeological site on the way to Chittagong though it was not in our list of things to do in Bangladesh. After arriving in Chittagong, we visited what is known as a ship-breaking yard market. If the day hadn’t been packed with exciting things already, we made our way up to the top of the hills to enjoy one of the most stunning sunsets I have ever seen. Foy’s lake, our resort for the evening, was beyond compare with its fine amenities and gracious staff.
Day Four
Today took us to Banderban, but along the way, we explored so much of the city and countryside of this astounding country, it took my breath away. The resort is built on a hillside and the view of the surrounding landscape was unbelievable. I found myself just sitting and staring at the surrounding going back in my mind to times past and meditating on things to come. It was almost a spiritual experience for me.
Day Five
Today we focused on the Banderban area. We took a vintage open-air jeep ride through the country. At first, I had my doubts about the 1950’s era vehicle, but it didn’t let us down. Called Chander Gari, or car from the moon, it carried us to places I will never forget. The ethnic people we met that day were kind and welcoming and made quite the impression. Today was another rest day, and I needed it for we have been very busy since our arrival. Being on our own for the night was a chance to explore even more, and it was beyond belief.
Day Six
Today, we reached Cox’s Bazar. We arrived around noon, so there was plenty of time to explore again, this time on the beach. I have never seen so much sand in my life, which is fitting. I don’t know why I was so surprised since it is said to be the longest stretch of unbroken beach in Brazil.
Source: The Daily Star
Loved the local shops and bazaars in the area. The air was so fresh and clean, and again, the people were so friendly and welcoming. I didn’t want to leave. I’m so glad we stayed the night nearby.
Day Seven
I was so sad when day seven arrived, for I knew my visit was coming to an end soon. There was so much left to explore on this last full day. We relaxed as we drove further south with frequent stops to view the landscape, the beach, the fish processing plant and more shops and bazaars. I was told when we pulled into our resort, knowing it would all end soon. Yet, I was content and amazed at all that I had seen and experienced in the last week.
Day Eight
The drive to the airport was very quiet since we were all reflecting on the adventure we had shared. We then took a domestic flight from Cox Bazar to Dhaka before walking just down the street to the international airport for the flight home. There were no glitches at all, even at the airports. It was a perfect ending to a perfect trip.
Source: dhakatribune.com
Wrapping It Up
What can I say about this trip? It was a dream come true to explore such a wonderful south Asian country. It was a trip that I had dreamed about and planned for a long time. The tour company in Bangladesh was absolutely astounding in their attention to detail and the way they worked so hard to make sure that each member of the group had the times of their lives.
It was such a good experience; I may back again in 2023. I can’t wait to visit the shops, the resorts and mostly the wonderful people once more. They were amazing.
