Underrated places in common destinations

Over the past couple of years, Bangladeshis have become more and more inclined towards travelling. The growing middle class has made travelling the new activity of interest - thanks to cheaper travel expenses, new-found hype over discovery and exploration in the domestic travel scene, and active local traveller groups.

Although there is no hard data, domestic travel spending has increased tenfold in the last ten years, according to local tour operators. About 20 lakh people visited India in 2018 alone and Bangladeshis are the second highest visitors in India.

All these have led to the rise of some very common destinations we all rush to whenever we get some time off. There is a fixed number of “touristy” places in these destinations we all go to whenever we go there. But if you want to travel off the beaten path and explore some unexplored parts in these common destinations, buckle up because this article is for you.

Chattogram

A sleeping beauty rising from the mist and waters, a mythical realm of a hundred tribes and the exotic land where the mountains meet the ocean - Chattogram is everyone’s favourite travel destination in the country. Bandarban, Sajek, Rangamati, Cox’s Bazar, the list doesn’t end, but there’s a lot to see and do in the Chittagong city itself. And one of the most underrated places in Chittagong that people barely visit is the Ashram of Medha Muni.

Only a one-and-a-half-hour drive from the city, this remote Ashram is high up on a hill (obviously) and a little difficult to find for tourists since even the locals are not completely aware of it. Legends speak of a local king who ventured up to the Ashram during the time of Mahabharata, fleeing from his enemies and meeting the sage Medha. The sage instructed him to offer prayers to the Goddess Durga and that is where the tradition of Autumnal Durga Puja comes from.

Sylhet

One of the most visited places in the country and a land of exquisite natural beauty that houses the mountains of Meghalaya, the tea gardens and the city of mazars and Sufis - Sylhet has many beautiful destinations up its sleeves.

But one of the most underrated places in Sylhet is Panthumai. No, not the waterfall, but the village itself. Panthumai is often called the most beautiful village in Bangladesh. The entire village is one big green canvas with the giant and lush green mountains of Meghalaya in its backdrop. Panthumai waterfall, like many other small waterfalls can be seen from the village. It’s a serene and calm place with no touristy ruckus, unlike other popular places in Sylhet. Do try visiting Panthumai, no regrets shall befall your fate.

Kolkata

Venturing outside our borders, India is where most Bangladeshis go to travel. And most of them visit Kolkata, since it is closer and cheaper than the rest. Also, who can resist the roshogollas and kati rolls?

Anyone visiting Kolkata will most likely visit places like Jorasanko, New Market, Park street, College street and all of the standard ones you find in a travel brochure. But if you want to take in a little more of the flavour of Kolkata, take a ferry from Babughat and go to Howrah. Witness the majestic iron giant that is the Howrah bridge from right beneath it and get intimate with the lifestyle of the locals. Go to Belur Math and Dakhineshwar Kali Temple from Howrah. Find the Firinghee Kali Mandir in Kolkata city. And before you leave, do not forget to try the lamb rogan josh from Nizam’s.