Dhaka: The enchanting journey of the Ganga Vilas River cruise through the waters of Bangladesh came to an end with the visit to the historic places in northern Rangpur district.
Crisscrossing the country from the southern tip of Sundarbans mangrove forest to the northern tip of Chilmari and Rangpur over 2 weeks, the voyage through Bangladesh was as exciting for the tourists as it was invigorating for the tourism potential of the country by bringing the focus on the bounty of nature, as well as the invaluable heritage of art and architecture of Bangladesh. It will re-enter India at Dhubri after leaving Chilmari in the morning on Friday.
The tourists arrived at Chilmari river port on Wednesday to complete the customs and immigration formalities. On Thursday, the tourists travelled to Rangpur to visit the majestic Tajhat Palace built in the early 20th century. The palace, a protected monument, is a fine example of architecture. The cruise members visited the century old Dimla Kali Temple and also more than a century old Carmichael college. They paid floral tributes at the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Memorial and Language memorial at Rangpur.
During their two week long journey in Bangladesh beginning February 3, the Ganga Vilas tourists visited some of the most popular historical places of Bangladesh. Starting with the World heritage site of Sixty Domed mosque at Bagerhat and the Oxford Epiphany Church at Barisal, they visited Dhakeshwari temple and High Court building in Dhaka, Goaldi mosque in Sonargaon, 17th century Atia mosque in Tangail and Hatikumrul Navaratna Temple in Sirajganj among many others.
They also enjoyed the serene beauty of the Sundarbans mangrove forest, feasted their sense on creeks and canals at Harbaria, soaked at the enticing sea-beach and lost themselves in the beauty of the forest at Kotka among many others. The tourists also had a taste of local handicraft and art, custom and tradition during the magical tour through Bangladesh.
In the short duration of two weeks, the longest river cruise of the world Ganga Vilas has shown to the world the great potential of the river route, showcased the tourism landscape of Bangladesh and opened new vistas of connecting India and Bangladesh through shared culture and history.
