Bangladesh Is For Everyone – 16 days trip
$2799 per person
Bangladesh is for everyone trip presents the tradition and rich reservoir of culture and an ever-evolving museum of human heritage. This journey is not only a tour but a celebration of history and heritage, art and culture, food and festivals, and a collage of its beauty and splendor within. This journey will introduce the excitements of Dhaka, Sylhet and Sreemangal, the Barisal Backwater – floating markets cruise and riverine life, some religious architecture around Bagerhat, and an adventurous journey through the world’s largest single-block mangrove forest Sundarbans.
Bangladesh’s culture is among the world’s oldest; its civilization began about 3000 years ago. One of the lasting achievements of civilization that flourished in Bangladesh is its architecture. Different architectural expressions transformed by the forces of history, culture, and religious beliefs are unique to Bangladesh.
Bangladesh has a rich tradition of music and dance. The music forms prevalent in Bangladesh include various folk, classical and popular songs that manifest the cultural heritage and spiritual alleviation. Bangladeshi cuisine is known for its subtle flavors, emphasizing on fish (Mach), vegetables (Shobjee), lentils (Daal) and rice (Bhat). Fresh sweet water fish is one of its distinctive features.
Old Dhaka is our inner courtyard where everyone has a happy time. The four hundred years old Dhaka caters to all your five senses. Your eyes would never forget the feast of colors this city has to offer. Walking through the old Dhaka streets, meeting people, riding rickshaws, boating on the Burigonga river, and visiting huge recycling industries besides the famous spots that this city has a name for! Visiting a Jamdani saree weaving factory and lost wax brass artisans is witnessing incredible art. Sonargaon – the first capital of Bengal on a deltic village, introduces the history and rich heritage. The lush natural abundance of Sylhet and Sreemangal awaits your exploration through the panoramic tea estates, tropical fruits groves, rainforests, wildlife and bird sanctuaries, vibrant life of tea workers and ethnic communities, trekking, cycling, pleasant cruise on rivers and marshy lands, and hand-picked comfortable accommodation according to your desire. Experiencing a five hours local train journey from Sreemangal to Dhaka is very interesting to feel the geographical changes. A boat journey over the Ganges delta from Dhaka to Barisal, backwater and cannel cruise, floating market exploration, the ancient architecture of Bagerhat, and the unparallel wilderness of Sundarban forest makes this trip a lifetime memory.
No matter how tiny the country is, but never too small to accommodate the world.
- Basic Plan
- $ 2799
Per-person trip price starts from
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- 1 PAX – $5901
- 2 PAX – $3817
- 4 PAX – $3233
- 6+ PAX – $2799
16 Days
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Destination
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Dress Code
Casual, comfortable athletic clothing, closed shoes, hat. Warm jacket during the winter (November to February). Raincoat/ umbrella during the rainy season (May to August). Full sleeves are always necessary while visiting any religious place, mosque, temple, church or a trip during Ramadan. -
Included
AC vehicle with experienced chauffeur for sightseeing and transfersAccommodation in twin sharing basis as per itineraryAll air, bus, train and launch tickets as per itineraryAll entrance fees and local permitsAll Museum TicketsAll rickshaw/ cycle / boat / local transportsBottled water, soft drinks and seasonal fruits during the sightseeingExpert English-Speaking GuideLunchTrip as per itineraryTypical Souvenir -
Not Included
Any activity not mentioned in the itinerary.DinnerGratuitiesLocal guide/ escort/ experts/ academicsPersonal expenses
From Our Gallery
Stepping into the noble of life and colours
The story of Bangladesh is colourful and multi-layered. This trip promotes the tradition and rich reservoir of culture and an ever-evolving museum of human heritage. Bangladesh is for everyone; is not only a tour but a celebration of history and heritage, art and culture, food and festivals, a collage of its beauty and splendour within a trip. This journey will introduce the excitements of Dhaka, Sylhet and Sreemangal, Barisal Backwater – floating markets cruise and riverine life, the religious architecture around Bagerhat and the world largest single block mangrove forest Sundarbans.
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Day 1: Dhaka arrival and a slow orientation to the city
Upon arrival at Dhaka airport, meet and greet your guide and transfer to a hotel in the Gulshan area (diplomatic zone). Depending on your available time, your guide will propose some activities around. Night stay at a hotel in Gulshan/ Banani.
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Day 2: Excursion to first capital; Sonargaon Cruise on Meghna River & primitive life of rural Char Village
Pick up at 8:30 AM from your place and leave Dhaka for Sonargaon. On the way, visit Nawapara Jamdani saree weaving village. Here, the magic fingers are weaving traditional Jamdani sari, an incredible artwork recognized by UNESCO, but unfortunately disappearing! Drive towards the old capital of Bengal - Sonargaon for another 20 minutes. Sonargaon was the country's first capital, about 30km southeastern direction beside the Dhaka Chittagong highway. The 'Golden City' was also an important river port and the trading center for the world-famous muslin cloth in its prime time. The remains of many mosques, tombs, stupas and a bridge in Panam Nagar, the Shiv Mandir (Hindu temple) and the well-maintained Folk-Art Museum are well worth visiting. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant in the Sonargaon area and continue drive to Buiddyer Bazar. Here we take a country boat for a couple of hours cruise on the Meghna (One of the major rivers in Bangladesh, came from India) River. I am sure that you will be very interested in exploring the primitive Char village life. Char is a temporary sandy island formed by river erosion and sedimentation. There are thousands of chars in Bangladesh up from the northern part to the south coast. This char can be disappeared by flood, high tide or any natural disaster or so. Lives in the char are minimal; access to medical and education is very tough, impossible in some areas. Return home late in the afternoon. Overnight at the same hotel in Dhaka.
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Day 3: Exciting Old Dhaka walk, meeting people; experience life and culture
This is an elaborate trip to Old Dhaka; Old Dhaka is a place where you can spend a couple of days walking on the streets. Be ready to take pictures, meet friendly people, walk through heritage sites, and learn about their culture. We will come to pick you up with a reserved vehicle from your place at 8 AM. This tour takes you to the heart of Dhaka. Sadarghat (Riverfront), shipbuilding yard, Armenian Church, Pink Palace, Star Mosque, Dhakeswari Temple, Lalbagh Fort, Curzon Hall, a local garments factory, few Hindu streets (Shankharia & Tanti Bazar), carpenter street, bicycle Street and Bongshal residential area would be our excursion route. A rickshaw ride is an option instead of walking. We would offer you a short cruise on the Burigonga River by country boat, an incredible experience. We will invite you for typical lunch at a local restaurant (simple but nice and clean). We shall get back to your hotel by late in the afternoon.
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Day 4: Past Glory, Present Development – trip to pottery and brass artisan villages
Leave Dhaka at 7:30 AM for Manikganj, located about 70 km from Dhaka. Drive to Baliati Palace Museum. A twenty-minute walk through the picturesque landscape brings you to some of the abandoned Hindu palaces in the nearby village. Dipping into the rural and peaceful village life. Visit the Eshore Chandra High School – the first certified high school in East Bengal. Then, continue driving towards Dhamrai for famous brass artisans and pottery village excursions. During the Bengali month of Ashar (June-July), the colorful Hindu festival 'Ratha Jatra' take place here. The large 'Rath', similar to a Roman chariot, can be seen throughout the year. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant on the way. The tour will continue to Nayarhat, where you will leave the vehicle and take a short boat journey to Kakran. Here most villagers are engaged in the pottery trade. After returning to the vehicle, we will head back towards Dhaka. Overnight stay at your hotel.
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Day 5: Morning flight to Sylhet and afternoon City sightseeing
According to your flight time, you will pick up from your place and transfer to the domestic airport for a flight to Sylhet. Welcome to Sylhet – the holly city. After the check-in formalities and a bit of rest, we would invite you for a city sightseeing. Today's excursion will include a visit to the holly Mausoleum of Hazrat Shah Zalal- who has brought Islam to this part of Bangladesh. Walking along with the Keane's Bridge neighborhood and the old marketplace is interesting. In such a little place, so many things are happening simultaneously, which is fascinating to observe. Enjoy the sunset from Keane's bridge over the Shurma River. It is nice to walk around the worker's residential colony, just on the other side of the Shurma River. Meeting friendly people is always lovely, learning their life stories can be a lesson for a lifetime. (These are just ideas of what we think you will be interested in! Please discuss with your guide what exactly you are interested to see. He has the right to make necessary adjustments to the itinerary to make the trip nicer). Overnight at the hotel (Shuktara/ Rose View/ Metro/ Nazimgarh Resort) in Sylhet.
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Day 6: Enchanting hilly area and a beautiful cruise on Lalakhal
After breakfast, start for a full-day excursion around Jaflong and Tamabil. Located amidst a splendid panorama, Tamabil is a border outpost on the Sylhet – Shillong Road (55 km from Sylhet City center). Sights of the waterfalls over the hilly zone across the border add to the charming views. Jaflong is a picturesque spot nearby amidst tea estates and the beauty of rolling stones from hills. The hardship of primitive stone collectors is a darkness behind the beauty. We should probably meet these people and listen to their daily life struggles before complaining about our lives. After lunch at a local restaurant in Jaflong, drive to Lalakhal to enjoy a scenic and refreshing country boat cruise. Drive back to Sylhet town to avail your flight/ train/ bus/ reserved vehicle to Dhaka.
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Day 7: Sylhet to Sreemangal
Check out from your hotel and drive (2.5 hours) to Sreemangal by reserved car. Upon arrival, check in at hotel Grand Sultan. Enjoy the natural surroundings and hotel amenities till late noon. Your guide will offer you some activities; visiting tribal villages, and Bazar or hiking through the tea estates and fruit plantations. Overnight stay at Hotel Grand Sultan Tea Resort. (you can also skip activities for this afternoon and just relax in the resort and enjoy nature)
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Day 8: Lawacharra National Park, Khashia Tribal village, bird watching trip to Baikka Beel
Your local guide will offer you a rewarding wildlife trek through the nearby Lawacharra National Park. Early morning is a good time to explore the abundant and diverse wildlife. The Lawacharra forest is one of the last remaining tropical rainforests of the country and home to many endangered and rare species; Hollock Gibbons is one of the most prominent. A few hour's tracts through the dense forests are heaven for birdwatchers, naturalists and adventure seekers alike. After lunch, drive to Baikka Beel – a permanent wetland and bird sanctuary. Depending on the seasons, we offer either a boat trip (Summertime: April to September) on this marshland or birdwatching (wintertime: October to March) and a nature enjoying the trip. It is a beautiful marshland where thousands of lilies and lotus bloom. Birdwatchers and nature lovers have begun frequenting it. An observation tower promises the visitors a good view of the Beel, its residents and winter visitors. During the winter season, many migratory birds find their nesting ground at this place. Among many migratory birds, some species have found their home here for living & nesting permanently. Please note that around a 3km road just before the wetland is in lousy condition, difficult to access by sedan cars but no problem for 4X4 driven vehicles (Jeep) or even minivans. Either we have to walk three kilometers or drive by a 4 X 4 vehicle (rainy season). Drive back to the resort for dinner and an overnight stay.
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Day 9: Sreemangal to Dhaka by Train
You will be transferred to the train station according to your train ETD. Have a pleasant train journey to Dhaka. Upon arrival at Dhaka Train Station, you will be transferred to your hotel in the Diplomatic Zone. Here is the Sreemangal to Dhaka train timetable: Train Schedule between Sylhet (ZYL) - Dhaka Airport Train Station (ATS) and Dahak, Kamalapur Station (KRS):
| Train Name | ETD (ZYL) | ETA (ATS) | ETA (KRS) | Day Off |
| Parabat Express | 15:45 | 22:03 | 22:40 | Tuesday |
| Joyenteeka | 11:15 | 17:56 | 18:25 | Saturday |
| Kalni Express | 06:15 | 12:013 | 13:00 | Friday |
| Upaban Express | 23:30 | 06:03 | 06:45 | Monday |
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Day 10: Dhaka to Barisal by day Launch; Crossing over the Ganges delta
Leave your hotel at 6:15 AM for Sadarghat River Port by reserved vehicle. Embark on Greenline catamaran day launch (ETD 8:00, ETA 14:30) Barisal. In a normal situation, it takes about 5/6 hours to get there. It is a memorable journey through the Bengal River delta. Hotel Grand Park is about 5 minutes driving distance by rickshaw from Barisal River Terminal. After having lunch at the hotel's restaurant (the best in town), walk around the old Bazar and township area of Barisal, accompanied by a local guide. Overnight stay at Hotel Grand Park.
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Day 11: Full day Back Water Trip by local boat- endless impression about the nature, riverine life and culture
Leave the hotel at 6 AM for Banaripara (40 km/ 1 hour) by reserved vehicle. Here we embark on a country boat for a daylong backwater trip. Exploring life, people, and their daily activities while watching from the boat is charming. We will get off in some interesting village marketplaces and Schools in the rural area. There are some weekly floating vegetables, fruits, and timber markets on our route. Spectacular to see how the manual laborers load and unload all the giants' logs just by hand. The cruise is for 5/6 hours, but the impression is endless. There will be sufficient drinking water, light snacks, local fruits, and tea/coffee on the boat, and enjoy a lovely lunch with a local family in a nearby village. Walk around the village and explore the local craftsmanship and rural life. Otherwise, you can also visit some modern and ancient architecture before driving back to your hotel in Barisal. We will have a short walk through an interesting fish market. Dinner and overnight stay in Barisal.
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Day 12: Bagerhat – the city of past glory and magical mangrove forest Sundarbans
Leave Barisal after breakfast at your hotel for Bagerhat by reserved vehicle (5 hours). The Historic Mosque City of Bagerhat is an ancient city, formerly known as Khalifatabad, founded by the Turkish general Ulugh Khan Jahan in the 15th century. This city contains some of the most significant Muslim architecture of the initial period. Welcome to the marvelous sixty-domed mosque – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the mausoleum of Khan Jahan Ali. Continue a scenic drive to Mongla by reserved vehicle and embarking the houseboat for the Sundarban trip ( or spend the night at the Pashur Motel, Mongla) Pashur Is a very basic category hotel, owned and maintained by the government, with better security, and the rooms are cleaned with air conditioning and attached bath facilities. Houseboat -is not a luxury but has enough spaces, delicious local foods, rooms, a bathroom (dining area on the upper deck), and some crew and guards' rooms on the backside of the boat. The boat is nice and clean for a couple of days.
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Day 13 - Sundarbans – Forest between Land and Sea
The boat shall start its cruise towards the south for a couple of hours. The boat will anchor at a forest station to complete the necessary forest permission and pick up some forest-armed guards to accompany us during our stay in Sundarban. Depending on the tides and weather, the ship will be cruising through the mangrove forest. Reach Kotka/ Kochikhali Forest Range station (southeast) late in the afternoon. If we are allowed by daylight, your guide will offer you some exploratory rowboat cruise through a narrow mangrove to catch a glimpse of the unique flora and fauna. All meals and overnight stay on board.
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Day 14 - Sundarbans – The Beautiful Forest
After an early morning excursion on the small boat, you are invited to join an easy hike along the sea-facing beach. With the mangrove forest on one side and the Bay of Bengal on the other, how seasonal and climate-induced changes shape this ever-changing forest becomes apparent. The boat will meet you on the other end of the walk near the Kotka Forest Station. This is the ranger station in the Eastern Sanctuary, one of the three Sundarbans sanctuaries with UNESCO World Heritage Site recognition. A silent evening boat ride will allow you to get a closer look at some of the wildlife inhabiting the biologically most diverse mangrove forest in the world. All meals and overnight stay on board.
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Day 15 - Living with Tides and Tigers – People of the Sundarbans Forest
After the early morning exploratory boat trip, the ship will start cruising north through the mangrove forest. You will have the opportunity to observe fisherfolk at work in the channels, using various fish, crab, and shrimp-catching gear. If you are interested, we may grave an opportunity to visit one of the communities along the forest fringes highly dependent on the Sundarbans' resources. Having an early lunch on board disembark in Mongla, and avail the awaiting transport to Khulna (1-hour drive) bus/train station or to Jessore (4 hours drive) to avail flight to Dhaka. Upon arrival at Dhaka airport, you will be received and transferred to your hotel by a reserved vehicle. [If your flight is in this evening, we will make our whole day plan accordingly]
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Day 16: Leaving Bangladesh for coming back
You will be transferred to the Dhaka international airport, according to your flight time. At this point, we will say goodbye to each other to meet again.
Tour Location
This tour is a combination with few days around Dhaka, Sonargaon, Sylhet, Sreemangal, Barisal and Sundarban forest.
Old Dhaka is our inner courtyard where everyone has a happy time. The four hundred years old Dhaka caters to all your five senses. Your eyes would never forget the feast of colours this city has to offer. Walking through the old Dhaka streets, meeting people, riding rickshaws, boating on the Burigonga river, visiting huge recycling industries besides the famous spots that this city has a name for! Visiting a Jamdani saree weaving factory and lost wax brass artisans is witnessing incredible arts. Sonargaon – the first capital of Bengal on a deltic village, introduces the history and rich heritage. The lush natural abundance of Sylhet and Sreemangal awaits your exploration through the panoramic tea estates, tropical fruits groves, rainforests, wildlife and bird sanctuaries, vibrant life of tea workers and ethnic communities, trekking, cycling, pleasant cruise on rivers and marshy lands, and hand-picked comfortable accommodation according to your desire. Experiencing a five hours local train journey from Sreemangal to Dhaka is very interesting to feel the geographical changes. Boat journey over the Ganges delta from Dhaka to Barisal, backwater and cannel cruise, floating market exploration, the ancient architecture of Bagerhat and unparallel wilderness of Sundarbans Forest makes this trip a lifetime memory.
Thomas
The only man you need in Bangladesh.
Jun 2019 • Friends
Jewl was fantastic, he took me around Dhaka on my first day, it was a great way to get to know the city and Bangladesh. Jewl took me to a number of unique spots that only a local would know, this was great way to see Dhaka for what it really is. Jewl was also unbelievably helpful throughout my tip, I asked him a number of questions throughout my trip with travel logistic/recommendations he was more than happy to help in any way he could! My honest opinion- the only person you need for any questions/travel advice/tours throughout Bangladesh. Keep doing what you’re doing Jewl.
Prioj | Zurich, Switzerland
House boat in Sundarbans!!!
Nov 2016 • Friends
We are a group of 5 people. Jewel organized our 7-day trip in Bangladesh: Dhaka – Barisal – Sundarbans – Khulna – Dhaka. The highlight of our trip was the 3 days on the house boat in Sundarbans. The boat crews were amazing. The cook was GREAT!!!! He served us delicious Bangla foods. Seafoods were so fresh. Adulrahim, one of the boat crews, took care of us very well during the trip in Sundarbans. He made sure we had everything we needed. The captain and his assistants went fishing so we had more fried fish for dinner (beside the amazing grill large fish from the cook). A small rowing boat brought us to small canals to appreciate the forest and watch birds in the morning and evening.
The rest of our trip was also well planned. The choices of hotels were excellent. On the overnight boat cruise from Dhaka to Barisal, we had VIP rooms which were fantastic.
The backwater boat tour in Barisal was also wonderful.
The only drawback was our guide who was not Jewel. Our guide did well in guiding us from place to place but he forgot to plan our meals and to ask our preferences. We just started to make more requests so it was quite OK at the end.
Robin H | Minneapolis, MN
Comprehensive Tour of Bangladesh
Dec 2017 • Family
Our family had the pleasure of traveling with Jewel and his associates for 2 weeks in Bangladesh. He was an impressive and thoughtful guide – well versed in his country’s history, potential and challenges. There was nothing he didn’t know and seemed energized by our interest and curiosity. He got us safely through the markets and local communities when we travelled out of Dhaka and I was touched by the compassion and respect he showed to all we met along the way. Jewel is an extremely competent guide – (organizing transportation (cars, flights, etc.), hotels and meals for 12 for 2 weeks is no small feat), and an engaging companion for travel. I recommend him to anyone looking for an active, informative (and safe) visit to Bangladesh.
Madeline H
Two weeks of exploring with Jewel
Dec 2017 • Family
Jewel organized a two week tour of Bangladesh which included Dhaka, the Sundarbans, Bandarban and Cox’s Bazaar for my family of 12. We visited local villages, mosques, churches, markets and restaurants and spent five days on a boat in the Sundarbans. Jewel is a fantastic guide, he literally knew the answer to every question asked, whether it was about birds, history, food, or random things. He fit right in with our family and we all enjoyed spending time talking to him and learning about his life and family. He organized planes, boats and automobiles for us and was a never ending logistical master! I would highly recommend Royal Bengal Tours.
佳川李
畢生難忘的旅程!! Amazing trip with Royal Bengal Tours!!
Apr 2018 • Solo
在孟加拉的旅程裡，何其幸運有Royal Bengal Tours的規畫以及帶領之下，才有機會一窺她美麗的身影。Royal Bengal Tours的創辦人Mr. Jewel，是一個有趣、善良、有智慧而且熱愛及熟識自己土地的人。榮幸在其中的幾天跟他接觸，他帶我去很多一般觀光客不會前往的私房景點，在他的解說下，讓我愛上這個國家。感謝Royal Bengal Tours!感謝Mr. Jewel!
Sonia
Absolutely excellent service and experience!
Jan 2019 • Family
Highly highly recommend! Whether you’ve been to Bangladesh before or it’s your first time, this tour will take you through the must see attractions of a beautiful country with the help of different tour guides for each city.
The driver for the whole journey (ours was Najim) was extremely polite, very gentlemen, professional and beyond to ensure we were safe at all times of our journey and would request him again on my next visit.
I will tell others whom may want to travel to Bangladesh to make sure to use this tour company. Thank you Mr Jewel for making my journey a great one.
Royal Bengal Tours were an amazing company to do a tour with. It was easy to organise via email or WhatsApp through Mr Jewel who was very helpful and who was contactable over in Bangladesh to help us with any enquiries.
Alan T
Two weeks in Bangladesh
Feb 2019 • Couples
We contacted Royal Bengal Tours for assistance with arranging tickets for the Rocket launch to Morrelganj, at the edge of the Sundarbans, with a transfer to Sadarghat in Dhaka for the start of the Journey and for a homestay in Morrelganj. Jewel and his colleagues provided excellent advice regarding the options for the type of launch and accommodation on board, arranged the homestay and provided guidance regarding other accommodation options available. We were met at Dhaka airport with the launch tickets and provided with detailed contact information and schedules. A transfer had also been arranged. The support and communication from Royal Bengal was excellent throughout and we would recommend them to anyone planning a trip to Bangladesh.
wolfarth Turin | ItalyJewel
Great time in bangladesh
Jan 2019 • Couples
We were in Bangladesh during the festive season, after Xmas, and due to the elections we had to change our plans at the very last minute, but Jewel could arrange us a very interesting trip around the Country from North to South: Panam Nagar, the Char villages, Chittagong Shipbreak yard, Comilla and in the far North, the Tea plantations in Sreemangal. Both the guides and the driver were very helpful and safe driving.
And, on top of it all, we had the opportunity to visit an orphanage ruled by a very brave woman. What a wonderful time we had.
Christophe
A unique experience
Jan 2020
I booked 10 Days with Royal Bengal Tours and everything was so organized from the hotel booking to all places I visited. Rocky was my tour guide and he was friendly and knowledgable. Overall I would recommend 100% Royal Bengal Tours for your travel to Bangladesh. It is a beautiful country and Royal Bengal Tours will give you a truly unique and tailored experience.