Rivers of Bangladesh Tour: 8-Day Barishal Floating Markets & Kuakata

Your aquatic adventure begins with a meet-and-greet at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Our team will transfer you to your hotel for check-in. Spend the day recovering from your travels, or if you wish, take a light evening tour of the nearby areas to get your first taste of Bangladesh.

After a relaxed morning and breakfast, we take a short tour of Old Dhaka to see the historic Pink Palace (Ahsan Manzil) or the National Parliament House. In the evening, we transfer to the bustling Sadarghat River Terminal to board a luxurious overnight river launch (ferry). As the ship sets sail, enjoy the cool breeze on the deck under a starlit sky as we drift towards the southern delta.

Wake up to the fresh morning air of Barishal, a city crisscrossed by rivers. After checking into your hotel, we set out to explore the region’s architectural beauty, visiting the stunning Guthia Masjid with its intricate designs and the expansive Durga Sagar, the largest pond in southern Bangladesh.

Rise early for the highlight of the trip—the Floating Guava Market of Jhalokathi. We take a traditional boat to navigate the narrow canals, weaving through hundreds of boats laden with fresh green guavas. It’s a photographer's paradise. After a traditional lunch featuring local delicacies, we explore the lush orchards on land before returning to Barishal.

We leave the backwaters and head toward the ocean, driving to Kuakata, affectionately known as the "Daughter of the Sea." Upon checking into your coastal resort, head out to visit Lal Kakrar Dwip (Red Crab Island), where thousands of red crabs carpet the beach. We also pay a visit to the historic Kuakata Buddhist Temple.

Today is for exploring the unique history and lifestyle of the coast. We visit the ancient "Kua" well and a 200-year-old boat preserved as a relic. Wander through local fishing villages to witness the traditional drying of fish. The afternoon is yours to relax on the sandy shores, watching the sun dip into the Bay of Bengal.

We venture into the wild with an excursion to the Horinghata Reserved Forest. A guided nature walk takes you through this mangrove sanctuary, offering chances to spot deer, monkeys, and various bird species. We enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by nature's quiet beauty before returning to our base.

Our return journey is an experience in itself. Depending on your package, we drive back to Dhaka crossing the iconic Padma Bridge (or take a short flight from Barishal for Diamond guests). We arrive in the capital by evening for a farewell dinner before your final Airport drop-off.