From Himalaya to Bay of Bengal

 

Dr. Banshidhar Mishra

Nepal the land of Majestic Himalayas the country of   (Mount Everest), the highest mountain peak in the world, and the Birthplace of Lord Gautama Buddha- Lumbini, with rich ancient cultures is a land of discovery and unique, authentic and mesmerizing experience.

 

Nepal Annapurna Himalaya tracking ….

As Bangladesh gears up to celebrate its “Golden jubilee 50 years of Independence and the Birth Centenary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman”  and in light of two-day visit to Dhaka by the Rt. Hon. President of Nepal H.E. Bidya Devi Bhandari to mark the celebrations in March 2021, it’s an opportune time to look at how the country that at its nearest point is just over 20 kilometers distant from Bangladesh, become able to entice larger tourist numbers. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in tourism is proposed to be signed during this visit.

 

Dhaka

Bangladesh is so close and ever time most friendly country having many similarities. Noting that “from the highest mountains to the longest sea beach of the world or from Himalaya to Bay of Bengal” tremendous potentials exist between Nepal and Bangladesh for promotion of tourism and cultural cooperation.

 For Bangladeshis, the most famous Nepali destinations are the Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara and Nagarkot in West Nepal. Yet in eastern Nepal there is the chance to take scenic flights over Everest or to visit the base camp. There are ample opportunities for trekking and rafting, as well as the chance to experience local cultures that are unique to the east.

When considering longer term tourist exchange, the foremost factor is the question of road connectivity. By road, the distance between the Banglabandha Land Port in the north-western tip of Bangladesh and the entry point to eastern Nepal across the Siliguri Corridor at Kakarbhitta is around 40 kilometres. Theoretically, such a short distance should make even day trips possible. But between the two points is India, for which Bangladeshis would need a dual entry transit visa, arranged in advance, to cross the corridor and return. The Nepalese, meanwhile, enjoy visa-free entry to India but need a visa for Bangladesh. It is unavailable at the border. Thus, for a resident of eastern Nepal to visit Bangladesh, they would first need to travel either by air or for around 12 hours by road to Kathmandu, to process their visa. With direct transport, within 12 hours they could reach Dhaka. Enabling tourism across these shorter distances could become an economic boon to both the eastern Nepalese region, and to Rangpur and Rajshahi Divisions in Bangladesh.

 

Pokhara Phewa Lake, Nepal

For Bangladeshis, the most famous Nepali destinations are the Kathmandu Valley, Nagarkot, Pokhara and Chitwan in middle and west Nepal. Yet in eastern Nepal there is the chance to take scenic flights over Everest or to visit the base camp. There are ample opportunities for trekking and rafting, as well as the chance to experience local cultures that are unique to the east Nepal.

Chitwan Nepal, Jungle Saphari.

Nepal’s major tourist activities also include wilderness and adventure activities such as bungee jumping, rock climbing and mountain climbing, trekking, hiking, bird watching, cable car experiences, mountain flights, ultralight aircraft flights, paragliding and hot air ballooning over the mountains of the Himalaya, hiking and mountain biking, exploring the waterways by raft, kayak or canoe and jungle safaris and many more.

For many, Nepal’s greatest attraction is its people. The traditions and famous hospitality of its many different groups are indeed a major part of what makes Nepal so special. From remote mountain villages to medieval hill-towns and the ancient cities of the Kathmandu Valley, the people of Nepal are always welcoming. Come and experience the strong and unique flavors of Nepalese cuisine, prepared with love and a depth of flavor or join in and celebrate at one of the many festivals year round. In fact, with more festivals than days of the year, there is nowhere else in the world that can offer as many festivities as Nepal. As Nepal is a land of festivities and celebrations, visitors can experience how a culturally diverse and rich society of Nepal grooms in harmony.

Kathmandu the capital city of Nepal is the city of temple and very rich in cultural heritage.

 

Kathmandu world heritage sites …

Within 7 km radius there are 7 world heritage sites (Pashupatinath Temple, Baudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath Stupa, Changunarayan Temple, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square and Bhaktapur Durbar Square) which cannot be found anywhere. Museums in Kathmandu have rich collections of archaeological, historical and artistic importance and galleries display art work of the past and present. Full of art, architecture and culture, the Kathmandu Valley is the prime destination for the tourists.

The 800 km stretch of the Himalaya lies in Nepal with eight peaks that rise above 8,000m including Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) the highest peak in the world. Ever since the country opened its peaks to climbers in 1994, the Nepal Himalayan has become a great theatre of mountaineering activity and the event of success and failure have provided impetus to thousands of men and women to meet the ultimate challenge. The Nepal Himalaya has been an attraction to many people, be they saints, philosophers, researchers or adventures.

Only awe-stricken silence can come close to matching the experience of going on a mountain flight to encounter the tallest mountains on earth. Mountain flights offer the closest possible aerial views of Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga and the Tibetan Plateau.

Similarly, Cable car travel now available in Kathmandu valley also taking up to the Chandragiri Hills appeal to all category of travelers and have become a popular tourist attraction of Nepal. For those who are restricted by time or other considerations from going for a trek, the Mountain flights and cable car rides offer a panoramic view of the Himalayan in just one hour.

We would like to expose, share and provide opportunities to explore the natural boons the hidden   treasures of Nepal for the whole world through Visit Nepal Campaign unfortunately postponed in 2020 due to Covid-19 pandemic.

For the people who value an experience that is authentic and mesmerizing, Nepal is the ideal destination. We intend to expose, share and provide opportunities to explore the natural boons the hidden   treasures of Nepal for the whole world.

 

Nepal, Bhaktapur Durbar square

Nepal, Rafting in Trishuli River

Janaki Temple, Janakpur Nepal

For Nepali tourists to Bangladesh, meanwhile, who thus far are not significant in number, the best-known attractions are Dhaka and, of course, the sea. For just as many Bangladeshis hope to experience the Himalayas, the landlocked Nepalese have a fascination for the coast.

There are many special things to see in Bangladesh, The reality is that you cannot afford to be ignorant of some of the highly magnificent places without visiting them, which are the signature sites of Bangladesh. These include the longest uninterrupted Sea beach of the world at Cox’s Bazar with pretty long Marine drive facility.

Cox’s Bazar is considered as one of the most widely visited tourist destinations in Bangladesh. Also the first safari park of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Safari Park is about 50 kilometers away from Cox’s Bazar Town.

 

Saint Martin

The only coral island of Bangladesh, Saint Martin’s Island is quite small and it embraces about 8 square kilometers of the land area.

Kuakata

Kuakata is located in the southern part of Bangladesh. The panoramic view of the sea beach and the beautiful tourist attractions in and round Kuakata makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Bangladesh.

Sundarban

Sundarbans, literally meaning ‘beautiful forest’ is known all over the world for the tidal halophytic mangrove forest. Several documentary films have been made on this exotic forest. Sundarban is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The major part of it is in Bangladesh; some part of it also comes under Indian Territory.

Bandarban

Bandarban, literally meaning ‘dam of monkeys’, is a district of Bangladesh in Chittagong Division and Chittagong Hill Tracts. After the Chittagong Hill Tract Insurgency, it emerged as one of the most fascinating tourist attractions of Bangladesh.

Rangamati

Known as the ‘Lake City’ of Bangladesh, Rangamati is full of matchless beauty and is one of the most visited tourist destinations of Bangladesh. It is located about 77 kilometers away from Chittagong.

Chittagong

Chittagong is quite a big town. The largest international seaport in Bangladesh is situated here. Shah Amanat International Airport connects Chittagong to various hot destinations of the world through airways. It functions as a domestic airport too.

Sylhet

Located amidst the picturesque landscape of Surma Valley, Sylhet is such a well-visited and popular tourist destination that no tourist desires to miss a visit. The scenic beauties of Tamabil-Jaflong, Kalibari Temple near Jaflong, Sri Mahalaxmi Temple near Sylhet city, the largest tea garden named Sree Mangal, and Lawacherra Rain Forest are really eye-catching in and around Sylhet. The tourists can enjoy shopping at the places like Al Hamra, Blue Water, Millennium, Aarong, Monorom, Artisti, Westecs, and Kumarpara etc.

Cumilla

A big district in Chittagong Division along the Dhaka-Chittagong Highway, Cumilla is a well-known tourist destination in Bangladesh. Lalmai Hills, Bangladesh Academy for Rural Development, War Cemetery, Maynamoti Museum, Shah Shuja Masque, and Cumilla Zoo etc. brings in thousands of domestic and foreign tourists every year.

As living standards in both countries rise, the potential for tourism is growing. Fortunately BBIN Passenger Motor Vehicle Agreement is close to be concluded between  Bangladesh, India and Nepal,  passenger travel across the Siliguri Corridor will become practical, there is for both Bangladesh and Nepal a benefit in tourism revenue. It is all the more significant for tourism’s potential to positively impact the economies of regional areas in both countries.

Nepal being a unique creation of Nature I on behalf on my government and the people of Nepal, would like to invite People of Bangladesh to visit Nepal and have Life Time Experience.

 

Dr. Banshidhar Mishra, Ambassador of Nepal to the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. Earlier the Ambassador was the State Minister and Member of Parliament of Nepal.