There are so many beautiful things to see in Bangladesh for the UK traveller. Whatever your motivation for travel, whether it’s visiting relatives or just exploring a glorious part of Asia often missed off other traveller’s itineraries, Bangladesh has a lot to offer.
For starters, there are primeval swamps in the tiger-filled Sundarbans National Park, hidden relics of ancient Buddhist kingdoms in Rangamati, lush tea plantations around Srimangal, glorious beaches at Cox’s Bazar,and freshwater dolphins and deep-water whales off the coast.
Bangladesh is also home to many stunning temples. Here are five to add to your must-see list next time you visit. Also included is a simple travel tip for making a cheap call to Bangladesh whenever you need to.
5 beautiful temples in Bangladesh
Dhakeshwari Temple
The national temple of Bangladesh can be found in the capital and is devoted to the goddess of Dhaka. It hosts the biggest Durga Puja in Bangladesh every year. This ancient temple has been restored and renovated several times so it’s very much a living house of worship, rather than an ancient architectural wonder. Within the large temple complex you’ll find four identical structures dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Kantaji Temple
The18th-centuryKantaji Temple in Dinajpur is an architectural marvel realised in terracotta and dedicated to Krishna. Construction was started by the Maharaja PranNath and finished by his son 50 years later. It is walled all over with stunning tilesboasting intricate designs and depictions of narratives– all which create an entrancing and hypnotic effect.
Temples of Bhatpara
These crumbling ruins, found in the small village of Bhatpara,have a history that can be traced back to Lord Shiva himself. The imaginative visitor who can look beyond the neglect of these temples will undoubtedly experience the mystic aura that haunts this site. Designed and constructed by Raja Nikontho Rai, this temple complex is said to be the former home of the king’s daughter, Abhaya, and her husband, Lord Shiva.
Buddha DhatuJadi
This is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Bangladesh and is home to the second largest statue of Buddha in the country. Its architecture (known as Arkanese) is closely related to the style frequently used in south-east Asia. It’s an absolute delight to the eye with its elegant metal structures and the meditative atmosphere is a balm to the soul.
Bhabanipur Temple
One of the many Shakti Peethas in the Indian subcontinent, the Bhabanipur Shaktipeeth is consecrated to the Goddess Maa Bhabani. The Shakti Peethas mark places where it is believed that Shiva’s wife Sati’s body parts fell, after he danced in frenzied grief with her following her suicide to protect his honour.
Exactly which part of “Sati” Maa Tara’s body fell at Bhabanipur depends on whom you ask – itcould be left ankle, ribs, right eyeor simply just her bedding. This beautiful temple still resonates with the heroic deeds of ancient gods and goddesses.
