Bangladesh trip itinerary - comments appreciated

Hi all,

I am planning a trip to Bangladesh via the land borders with India. The start date in Agartala and the end date in Calcutta are fixed, but other than that everything is still open, although I have very much planned the trip around the Sundarban’s tour, which is my highest priority. The only workable dates I have been confirmed so far is 1-3 March, so I am trying to build around that.

I have a basic itinerary below and further down also a potential alternative program, which spends less time in Dhaka and more in more laid-back territory (Kuataka), although it also means more time in transit and a more rushed plan.

I have lived many years in India, so I am very comfortable travelling in South Asia, and I’m generally more short on time than money, so I am okay rushing it a bit and compensating by buying small luxuries here and there.

So my questions:

1. Which itinerary looks best to you? Is the alternative one too rushed and sacrificing too much time in Dhaka?
2. Anything that could be done smarter or better? Am I missing something really good?
3. Would I be likely to find agents in Agartala to exchange Rupees to Taka and possibly help with train bookings from Akhaura to Dhaka?
4. Any other good advice?

Any help would be very much appreciated.

Default itinerary
24 Feb, Sunday......... Land in Agartala, India
25 Feb, Monday........ Agartala
26 Feb, Tuesday....... Cross Akhaura border. Continue straight to Dhaka by bus or train
27 Feb, Wednesday.. Dhaka
28 Feb, Thursday...... Dhaka To Khulna (by early morning train)
1 Mar, Friday............ Begin Sundarbans tour with Guide Tours in Khula
2 Mar, Saturday........ Sundarbans
3 Mar, Sunday.......... Tour ends in Khulna at evening
4 Mar, Monday.......... Day trip to Bagerhat from Khulna
5 Mar, Tuesday......... Khulna – Hularhat, board the Rocket
6 Mar, Wednesday.... Arrive Dhaka
7 Mar, Thursday........ Dhaka, possibly day trip to Sonargaon
8 Mar, Friday............ Maitree Express from Dhaka to Kolkata
9 Mar, Saturday........ Kolkata
10 Mar, Sunday........ Flight to Copenhagen

Alternative itinerary
24-26 Feb................. Same as in the default itinerary
27 Feb, Wednesday.. Dhaka To Khulna (by early morning training), rest of day in Khulna
28 Feb, Thursday...... Day trip to Bagarhat
1 Mar, Friday............ Begin Sundarbans tour with Guide Tours in Khula
2 Mar, Saturday........ Sundarbans
3 Mar, Sunday.......... Tour ends in Khulna at evening
4 Mar, Monday.......... Bus to Barisal, then onwards to Kuataka
5 Mar, Tuesday......... Kuataka
6 Mar, Wednesday.... Kuataka, bus to Barisal, board the Rocket
7 Mar, Thursday........ Arrive Dhaka
8-10 Mar................... Same as in the default itinerary

I think ur alternative itinerary is perfect. But you can make a bit change to enjoy the journey :

Mar 4 : Go to Hularhat by bus and take the Rocket to go Barisal. The rocket starts at 12.30 p.m and reaches Barisal at 6 p.,. So, you will get the chance to take Rocket trip some hours in daytime. In worse case, if you dont get the Rocket, take small launch to Barisal.

Mar 5/6 : In fact Kuakata is not worthy for only 1 day. Because it takes more than 5 hours to reach Kuakata. If you start 8 am from Barisal, you will reach around 2 p.m and only few hours to see Kuakata. Because next morning you have to take morning bus to reach Barisal before evening.

Better : You pass 2 days in Barisal, through visit a village, taking Barisal/Bhola/Barisal boat trip.

If you need any explanation, please feel free to ask here.

mahmud

I think ur alternative itinerary is perfect. But you can make a bit change to enjoy the journey :

Mar 4 : Go to Hularhat by bus and take the Rocket to go Barisal. The rocket starts at 12.30 p.m and reaches Barisal at 6 p.,. So, you will get the chance to take Rocket trip some hours in daytime. In worse case, if you dont get the Rocket, take small launch to Barisal.

Mar 5/6 : In fact Kuakata is not worthy for only 1 day. Because it takes more than 5 hours to reach Kuakata. If you start 8 am from Barisal, you will reach around 2 p.m and only few hours to see Kuakata. Because next morning you have to take morning bus to reach Barisal before evening.

Better : You pass 2 days in Barisal, through visit a village, taking Barisal/Bhola/Barisal boat trip.

If you need any explanation, please feel free to ask here.

mahmud

I think ur alternative itinerary is perfect. But you can make a bit change to enjoy the journey :

Mar 4 : Go to Hularhat by bus and take the Rocket to go Barisal. The rocket starts at 12.30 p.m and reaches Barisal at 6 p.,. So, you will get the chance to take Rocket trip some hours in daytime. In worse case, if you dont get the Rocket, take small launch to Barisal.

Mar 5/6 : In fact Kuakata is not worthy for only 1 day. Because it takes more than 5 hours to reach Kuakata. If you start 8 am from Barisal, you will reach around 2 p.m and only few hours to see Kuakata. Because next morning you have to take morning bus to reach Barisal before evening.

Better : You pass 2 days in Barisal, through visit a village, taking Barisal/Bhola/Barisal boat trip.

If you need any explanation, please feel free to ask here.

mahmud

I think ur alternative itinerary is perfect. But you can make a bit change to enjoy the journey :

Mar 4 : Go to Hularhat by bus and take the Rocket to go Barisal. The rocket starts at 12.30 p.m and reaches Barisal at 6 p.,. So, you will get the chance to take Rocket trip some hours in daytime. In worse case, if you dont get the Rocket, take small launch to Barisal.

Mar 5/6 : In fact Kuakata is not worthy for only 1 day. Because it takes more than 5 hours to reach Kuakata. If you start 8 am from Barisal, you will reach around 2 p.m and only few hours to see Kuakata. Because next morning you have to take morning bus to reach Barisal before evening.

Better : You pass 2 days in Barisal, through visit a village, taking Barisal/Bhola/Barisal boat trip.

If you need any explanation, please feel free to ask here.

mahmud

I think ur alternative itinerary is perfect. But you can make a bit change to enjoy the journey :

Mar 4 : Go to Hularhat by bus and take the Rocket to go Barisal. The rocket starts at 12.30 p.m and reaches Barisal at 6 p.,. So, you will get the chance to take Rocket trip some hours in daytime. In worse case, if you dont get the Rocket, take small launch to Barisal.

Mar 5/6 : In fact Kuakata is not worthy for only 1 day. Because it takes more than 5 hours to reach Kuakata. If you start 8 am from Barisal, you will reach around 2 p.m and only few hours to see Kuakata. Because next morning you have to take morning bus to reach Barisal before evening.

Better : You pass 2 days in Barisal, through visit a village, taking Barisal/Bhola/Barisal boat trip.

If you need any explanation, please feel free to ask here.

mahmud

I think ur alternative itinerary is perfect. But you can make a bit change to enjoy the journey :

Mar 4 : Go to Hularhat by bus and take the Rocket to go Barisal. The rocket starts at 12.30 p.m and reaches Barisal at 6 p.,. So, you will get the chance to take Rocket trip some hours in daytime. In worse case, if you dont get the Rocket, take small launch to Barisal.

Mar 5/6 : In fact Kuakata is not worthy for only 1 day. Because it takes more than 5 hours to reach Kuakata. If you start 8 am from Barisal, you will reach around 2 p.m and only few hours to see Kuakata. Because next morning you have to take morning bus to reach Barisal before evening.

Better : You pass 2 days in Barisal, through visit a village, taking Barisal/Bhola/Barisal boat trip.

If you need any explanation, please feel free to ask here.

mahmud

I think ur alternative itinerary is perfect. But you can make a bit change to enjoy the journey :

Mar 4 : Go to Hularhat by bus and take the Rocket to go Barisal. The rocket starts at 12.30 p.m and reaches Barisal at 6 p.,. So, you will get the chance to take Rocket trip some hours in daytime. In worse case, if you dont get the Rocket, take small launch to Barisal.

Mar 5/6 : In fact Kuakata is not worthy for only 1 day. Because it takes more than 5 hours to reach Kuakata. If you start 8 am from Barisal, you will reach around 2 p.m and only few hours to see Kuakata. Because next morning you have to take morning bus to reach Barisal before evening.

Better : You pass 2 days in Barisal, through visit a village, taking Barisal/Bhola/Barisal boat trip.

If you need any explanation, please feel free to ask here.

mahmud

I think ur alternative itinerary is perfect. But you can make a bit change to enjoy the journey :

Mar 4 : Go to Hularhat by bus and take the Rocket to go Barisal. The rocket starts at 12.30 p.m and reaches Barisal at 6 p.,. So, you will get the chance to take Rocket trip some hours in daytime. In worse case, if you dont get the Rocket, take small launch to Barisal.

Mar 5/6 : In fact Kuakata is not worthy for only 1 day. Because it takes more than 5 hours to reach Kuakata. If you start 8 am from Barisal, you will reach around 2 p.m and only few hours to see Kuakata. Because next morning you have to take morning bus to reach Barisal before evening.

Better : You pass 2 days in Barisal, through visit a village, taking Barisal/Bhola/Barisal boat trip.

If you need any explanation, please feel free to ask here.

mahmud

I think ur alternative itinerary is perfect. But you can make a bit change to enjoy the journey :

Mar 4 : Go to Hularhat by bus and take the Rocket to go Barisal. The rocket starts at 12.30 p.m and reaches Barisal at 6 p.,. So, you will get the chance to take Rocket trip some hours in daytime. In worse case, if you dont get the Rocket, take small launch to Barisal.

Mar 5/6 : In fact Kuakata is not worthy for only 1 day. Because it takes more than 5 hours to reach Kuakata. If you start 8 am from Barisal, you will reach around 2 p.m and only few hours to see Kuakata. Because next morning you have to take morning bus to reach Barisal before evening.

Better : You pass 2 days in Barisal, through visit a village, taking Barisal/Bhola/Barisal boat trip.

If you need any explanation, please feel free to ask here.

mahmud

I think ur alternative itinerary is perfect. But you can make a bit change to enjoy the journey :

Mar 4 : Go to Hularhat by bus and take the Rocket to go Barisal. The rocket starts at 12.30 p.m and reaches Barisal at 6 p.,. So, you will get the chance to take Rocket trip some hours in daytime. In worse case, if you dont get the Rocket, take small launch to Barisal.

Mar 5/6 : In fact Kuakata is not worthy for only 1 day. Because it takes more than 5 hours to reach Kuakata. If you start 8 am from Barisal, you will reach around 2 p.m and only few hours to see Kuakata. Because next morning you have to take morning bus to reach Barisal before evening.

Better : You pass 2 days in Barisal, through visit a village, taking Barisal/Bhola/Barisal boat trip.

If you need any explanation, please feel free to ask here.

mahmud

I think ur alternative itinerary is perfect. But you can make a bit change to enjoy the journey :

Mar 4 : Go to Hularhat by bus and take the Rocket to go Barisal. The rocket starts at 12.30 p.m and reaches Barisal at 6 p.,. So, you will get the chance to take Rocket trip some hours in daytime. In worse case, if you dont get the Rocket, take small launch to Barisal.

Mar 5/6 : In fact Kuakata is not worthy for only 1 day. Because it takes more than 5 hours to reach Kuakata. If you start 8 am from Barisal, you will reach around 2 p.m and only few hours to see Kuakata. Because next morning you have to take morning bus to reach Barisal before evening.

Better : You pass 2 days in Barisal, through visit a village, taking Barisal/Bhola/Barisal boat trip.

If you need any explanation, please feel free to ask here.

mahmud

I think ur alternative itinerary is perfect. But you can make a bit change to enjoy the journey :

Mar 4 : Go to Hularhat by bus and take the Rocket to go Barisal. The rocket starts at 12.30 p.m and reaches Barisal at 6 p.,. So, you will get the chance to take Rocket trip some hours in daytime. In worse case, if you dont get the Rocket, take small launch to Barisal.

Mar 5/6 : In fact Kuakata is not worthy for only 1 day. Because it takes more than 5 hours to reach Kuakata. If you start 8 am from Barisal, you will reach around 2 p.m and only few hours to see Kuakata. Because next morning you have to take morning bus to reach Barisal before evening.

Better : You pass 2 days in Barisal, through visit a village, taking Barisal/Bhola/Barisal boat trip.

If you need any explanation, please feel free to ask here.

mahmud

I think ur alternative itinerary is perfect. But you can make a bit change to enjoy the journey :

Mar 4 : Go to Hularhat by bus and take the Rocket to go Barisal. The rocket starts at 12.30 p.m and reaches Barisal at 6 p.,. So, you will get the chance to take Rocket trip some hours in daytime. In worse case, if you dont get the Rocket, take small launch to Barisal.

Mar 5/6 : In fact Kuakata is not worthy for only 1 day. Because it takes more than 5 hours to reach Kuakata. If you start 8 am from Barisal, you will reach around 2 p.m and only few hours to see Kuakata. Because next morning you have to take morning bus to reach Barisal before evening.

Better : You pass 2 days in Barisal, through visit a village, taking Barisal/Bhola/Barisal boat trip.

If you need any explanation, please feel free to ask here.

mahmud

I think ur alternative itinerary is perfect. But you can make a bit change to enjoy the journey :

Mar 4 : Go to Hularhat by bus and take the Rocket to go Barisal. The rocket starts at 12.30 p.m and reaches Barisal at 6 p.,. So, you will get the chance to take Rocket trip some hours in daytime. In worse case, if you dont get the Rocket, take small launch to Barisal.

Mar 5/6 : In fact Kuakata is not worthy for only 1 day. Because it takes more than 5 hours to reach Kuakata. If you start 8 am from Barisal, you will reach around 2 p.m and only few hours to see Kuakata. Because next morning you have to take morning bus to reach Barisal before evening.

Better : You pass 2 days in Barisal, through visit a village, taking Barisal/Bhola/Barisal boat trip.

If you need any explanation, please feel free to ask here.

mahmud

I think ur alternative itinerary is perfect. But you can make a bit change to enjoy the journey :

Mar 4 : Go to Hularhat by bus and take the Rocket to go Barisal. The rocket starts at 12.30 p.m and reaches Barisal at 6 p.,. So, you will get the chance to take Rocket trip some hours in daytime. In worse case, if you dont get the Rocket, take small launch to Barisal.

Mar 5/6 : In fact Kuakata is not worthy for only 1 day. Because it takes more than 5 hours to reach Kuakata. If you start 8 am from Barisal, you will reach around 2 p.m and only few hours to see Kuakata. Because next morning you have to take morning bus to reach Barisal before evening.

Better : You pass 2 days in Barisal, through visit a village, taking Barisal/Bhola/Barisal boat trip.

If you need any explanation, please feel free to ask here.

mahmud

I think ur alternative itinerary is perfect. But you can make a bit change to enjoy the journey :

Mar 4 : Go to Hularhat by bus and take the Rocket to go Barisal. The rocket starts at 12.30 p.m and reaches Barisal at 6 p.,. So, you will get the chance to take Rocket trip some hours in daytime. In worse case, if you dont get the Rocket, take small launch to Barisal.

Mar 5/6 : In fact Kuakata is not worthy for only 1 day. Because it takes more than 5 hours to reach Kuakata. If you start 8 am from Barisal, you will reach around 2 p.m and only few hours to see Kuakata. Because next morning you have to take morning bus to reach Barisal before evening.

Better : You pass 2 days in Barisal, through visit a village, taking Barisal/Bhola/Barisal boat trip.

If you need any explanation, please feel free to ask here.

mahmud

I am sorry for my net problem, the answer replied many times. I am so sorry. I tried but could not delete.

well the place you are missing specially is the Chittagong hill trace, for that it will be best if you could shit your sundarbans tour may be next week as scheduled. then you may check your plan like that:

26 Feb: Akhura to CTG by train. afternoon at CTG.
27, 28 Feb; Bandarbans for 2 days.
01 March: Bandarbans - CTG by Bus, CTG -Dhaka by train.
02 March: After City sightseeing in Dhaka, board on Rocket,
03 March : from Moralgong after arriving drive to Khulna.
then join Sundarbans tour with any reputed company.
then the Bagerhat and to your regular plan.

Hi Mahmud,

Thank you very much for your response. I have seen many of your posts here throughout the years, now I am finally the one to benefit :)

Perhaps you are right that Kuakata is a bridge too far although I did schedule 2 nights (so had one full day there). But it does add 10 hours road time to a schedule that already has a lot of driving around.

If I understood your suggestions correctly my new itinerary after returning from Sunderbans would be something like this:

Revised itinerary
3 Mar, Sunday.......... Sundarbans Tour ends in Khulna at evening
4 Mar, Monday.......... Bus to Hularhot take day-time Rocket to Barisal
5 Mar, Tuesday......... Barisal-Bhola-Barisal
6 Mar, Wednesday.... Day in Bharisal, Board night-time Rocket from Barisal to Dhaka
7 Mar, Thursday........ Arrive Dhaka
8 Mar, Friday............ Maitree Express from Dhaka to Kolkata

Was that what you meant?

A few additional questions:

1) Is there anything particular to see or do in Bhola, or is it more about seeing what small-town Bangladesh is like? Is it a public ferry I will be taking?
2) Nothing much seems to be mentioned about Barisal in the Lonely Planet. Any advice for what to see do in Barisal itself?
3) Is the trip Banaripari worthwhile (e.g. on 6 March before catching the Rocket)
4) Do you know about opportunities for exchanging Rupees for Taka in Agartala? Or could I easily exchange after crossing the border? I don't assume there will be an ATM there?
5) And would anyone be able to help me with Bangladesh train tickets from Agartala?

Thank you again.

/Esben

Hi esben

Thank you very much for some kind word towards me ;) Now, let me give the answers of ur questions as under :

1) Is there anything particular to see or do in Bhola, or is it more about seeing what small-town Bangladesh is like? Is it a public ferry I will be taking?

• Nothing. This is just for viewing the river beauty. The boat goes small and big rivers. So, you can nejoy the river beauty through seating on the roof of the small boat.

But if u r not interestd, you can return Dhaka 1 day earlier and take Dhaka tour or Kolakopa daylong tour.

2) Nothing much seems to be mentioned about Barisal in the Lonely Planet. Any advice for what to see do in Barisal itself?

• In fact, if you want to see real Bangladesh, Barisal is the best. If you want, I will suggest you to go to a village, walk around the paddy filed, take small country boat trip, visit primary school..you will see how life is easy and slow here. This may be best part of ur BD trip. Even you can think for night staying in a local home in rural village of Barisal.

3) Is the trip Banaripari worthwhile (e.g. on 6 March before catching the Rocket)

• This place is busy river port and floating market. If you like, can visit this place. This is Banaripara not banaripai :)

4) Do you know about opportunities for exchanging Rupees for Taka in Agartala? Or could I easily exchange after crossing the border? I don't assume there will be an ATM there?

• You will find some money changers both side of the border. You will not find ATM unless you come Dhaka (may be theer are some in Akhaura but I am not sure abt their location)

5) And would anyone be able to help me with Bangladesh train tickets from Agartala?

• Difficult. Better you go directly to Station master of Akhaura (Bangladesh side) station and request him to arrange a ticket. He must help you as a foreigner.

Hoping you safe arrival in BD.

Mahmud