Thursday, March 5, 2015

Departure to Kathmandu



Roosted on the forceful Himalayan range, Kathmandu insurances to entrance you with its social, verifiable and gastronomical offerings

Complicatedly cut sanctuaries, fluttering Buddhist supplication to God banners, taxis zooming past you down thin slowing down, Kathmandu assumes responsibility of you forthright. Capital of Nepal, Kathmandu is 1,350 m above ocean level. It is a city where its authentic past flawlessly mixes with the present. Alongside its sister urban communities, Lalitpur Patan and Bhaktapur have been named together as 'Kathmandu Valley-UNESCO World Heritage Site'.

Past Glory


Kathmandu Valley's area was dependably geologically huge since it was arranged on the exchange course uniting India and China. Its building design and landmarks have been intensely impacted by both Hinduism and Buddhism.

Placed in the old piece of Kathmandu, Durbar Square speaks to the customary side of the city. A zone of castles, there are legacy structures from the prior kingdoms in Nepal, the most punctual being the Licchavi Dynasty. It is best to put on strolling shoes and meander around the terraced stages. The internal piece of the square houses the Hanuman Dhoka, a perplexing of palatial structures where the regal family had stayed till 1886.

Kasthamandap is one of the unmistakable sanctuaries in Kathmandu, it is likewise the source of the city's name. The sanctuary is implicit the pagoda style from the sixteenth century. Pashupatinath Temple is an alternate celebrated Hindu sanctuary devoted to Lord Shiva. Likewise implicit a pagoda style with cubic structural engineering, the sanctuary is stupendous with its four fundamental entryways secured with silver sheets.

Among the conspicuous Buddhist locales, Boudhanath and Swayambhu pull in various visitors. It has a substantial stupa, round fit as a fiddle that appears to flicker like gold during the evening when lit up in yellow light.

Apparatus up for enterprise


Kathmandu is frequently the ground zero for various trekking and outdoors trips. Different gatherings offer a mixed bag of agendas and some even modify it to suit your needs. The scene is known for its rough advance, giving a chilly territory to man to prevail. Trek past profound frosty chasms, high height vegetation, going by religious communities and actually taking a dunk in heated water springs. The experience is wild.

Must-consume spots


Kathmandu is any nourishment devotee's pleasure as it offers an enticing mix of a mixed bag of cooking styles. For real Nepali cooking, attempt Thakali Bhanncha for the common Nepali Dhal Bhat where sound and wholesome vegan dinners are accessible at unassuming costs. You can even visit Yak Restaurant to test the straightforward yet delectable Himalayan cooking. Do attempt the nearby brewskie went hand in hand with a plate of hot seared momos.

Thamel


Thamel is a traveler area of the city, frequently looked upon as a 'ghetto'. An asylum for low-plan voyagers, this some piece of the city is a full Wi-Fi zone. The epicenter for voyagers, its tight boulevards are plot by the numerous shops that house travel operators, plan lodgings, restaurants, and so on. There are even boutique bistros and art shops that achieve an old world appeal.

A period to spend too much


Kathmandu is a customers enchant as one can get Tibetan Thanka artistic creations, earthenware, woodcarvings, metal statues among others. Khukuri cuts that are conventional blades utilized by Nepalese Gorkhas are additionally accessible. Silver adornments, covers, veils and conventional painstaking work are likewise a portion of the things one can bring back home.

In affection with Bengal


There are numerous individuals who come to Bangladesh for some work or study, however like geologist Nigel Hughes they return back leaving a bit of their heart

It would not be totally wrong to say that individuals come to Bangladesh with a thought they could call their own yet return again to their property abandoning a bit of their heart right here. That is the thing that precisely happened when geologist Nigel Hughes came here when he was only 18 years of age. He reviews, "It was my first visit to Dhaka in the late spring of 1982 and it was astounding. The visit happened when I was in the secondary school. A companion having his relatives in Bangladesh included me with some social work in Dhaka. I got to be intrigued and made my first visit that still stays a nostalgic voyage. Actually, shockingly, the air transport I flew was Biman Bangladesh Airlines."

It was his first voyage by a plane. He says, "I delighted in flying massively. The Biman staff were all enchanting. It was unfathomably energizing to leave the UK via air and to touch base in what appeared to be an alternate world."

Tryst with Bengal


As indicated by Hughes, his involvement with Bangladesh has been both glorious and testing. He describes, "Route in those days, I was staying on Eskaton Road and I could walk all over Dhaka. The range around the Sonargaon Hotel was just about like a town. Individuals were greatly friendly, kind, and inspired by me. I had the capacity visit a mosque surprisingly and ride on the rocket steamer down to Chandpur. We went down five star however returned in a deck entry, which was considerably more fun. Obviously being in Bengal, I was soon asked to sing, which I love to do, yet this is an exceptionally uncommon demand in the west. I took in my first expressions of Bangla on the Buriganga that night."

Amid the starting piece of his trek to this a piece of the world, he burned through two weeks in Dhaka. He went gaga for Rabindra Sangeet once he heard so surprisingly. He says, "I got to be acquainted with the names of both Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam. The excellence and nuance of the music made a profound impact on me and I needed to discover all the more about it and these remarkable individuals." So after four years, after his college degree in Geology, he went to Shantiniketan for eight months to study the Bengali remote easygoing course. "I again went by Dhaka on the path over to the UK and recollect tunes I sang with the rickshaw-wallahs as we sold once more to the airplane terminal! It took me quite a while to conform once more to life in the UK after all the shading and surface of Bengal. I never completely recouped," he imparts.

Indeed now he approaches give addresses in colleges and for science associations with backing from the American Center and the British Council. He says, "I discover Bangladesh to be an especially inviting spot, with its kin readied to go that additional mile to seek after their diversions and interests, thus profoundly keen to any endeavors made by guests."

Socially delightful


Bangladesh has such a large amount of regular excellence and this is maybe, I feel, needs to be safeguarded, Hughes feels. Several years prior he went to Mymensingh to test waters from the nearby stream as a feature of an overall venture on the science of chromium in waterway waters. He illuminates, "We halted in a little school in Tangail where we did a few projects about science and afterward appreciated different exhibitions by the kids. I was bewildered, as dependably, by the unprecedented ability that is show all around in Bangladesh, by the balance and self-assurance of the youngsters and by their intrinsic feeling of comic timing. Bengalis are especially skilled, because of their one of a kind society. It is so moving to find that this is reaffirmed each time I visit and shows up shockingly crisp every time.


বাংলার প্রেমে

বাংলাদেশে কত লোকই না বেড়াতে আসে। কেউ কাজে আসে, কেউ আসে পড়তে। তবে ভূতাত্ত্বিক নাইজেল হিউসের মতো যারা আছেন, তারা বাংলাদেশ ছেড়ে ফিরে যাওয়ার সময় পেছনে সযতেœ রেখে যান এক টুকরো হৃদয়।

যদি বলা হয়, লোকে বাংলাদেশে বেড়াতে আসে নিজের ইচ্ছেতেই আর নিজের দেশে চলে যাওয়ার পরও পেছনে রেখে যায় মনের একটি টুকরো, তবে তা কিছুতেই বাড়িয়ে বলা হবে না। আর ঠিক এই ব্যাপারটিই ঘটেছিল নাইজেল হিউসের বেলায়, যিনি ১৮ বছর বয়সে প্রথম বাংলাদেশে এসেছিলেন। স্মৃতিচারণ করতে গিয়ে তিনি বললেন, “১৯৮২ সালের গ্রীষ্মে আমি প্রথম ঢাকায় এসেছিলাম। স্মৃতিটা ভোলার মতো নয়। হাইস্কুলে পড়ার সময়ই ট্যুরটা দিয়েছিলাম। এক বন্ধু ছিল, যার আত্মীয় থাকতো বাংলাদেশে। সে আমাকে এখানকার কিছু সামাজিক কাজকর্ম ধরিয়ে দিয়েছিল। আমি ধীরে ধীরে আগ্রহী হয়ে পড়েছিলাম। এরপরই জীবনের প্রথম বাংলাদেশ দর্শন ঘটে, এবং আজ অব্দি সেই ভ্রমণের কথা মনে করে আমি স্মৃতিকাতর হয়ে পড়ি। আর হ্যাঁ, অবাক করা বিষয়টা হলো যে এয়ারলাইনে চড়ে আমি বাংলাদেশে এসেছিলাম, ওটা ছিল বিমান বাংলাদেশ এয়ারলাইনস।” 
ওটাই ছিল হিউসের আকাশ পথে প্রথম ভ্রমণ। তিনি বললেন, “ভ্রমণটা আমি দারুণ উপভোগ করেছিলাম। বিমান-এর কর্মীরা সবাই বেশ মনোমুগ্ধকর ছিলেন। আকাশ পথে যুক্তরাজ্য ছেড়ে একটি সম্পূর্ণ নতুন জগতে আসাটা ছিল এক কথায় অপূর্ব এক অভিজ্ঞতা।”

বাংলার সাথে অভিসার

হিউসের কথা মতো বাংলাদেশে তার অভিজ্ঞতাটা একইসঙ্গে চমকপ্রদ ও চ্যালেঞ্জিং ছিল। বর্ণনা দিতে গিয়ে বললেন, “ওই সময় আমি ইস্কাটন রোডে থাকতাম। গোটা ঢাকা শহরটাই হেঁটে বেড়াতে পারতাম। সোনারগাঁও হোটেলের আশপাশের এলাকাটা ছিল একেবারে গ্রামের মতো। মানুষজন ছিল বেশ অতিথিপরায়ণ, দয়ালু, আর আমাকে নিয়ে তাদের আগ্রহের কমতি ছিল না। ওই সময় জীবনে প্রথমবারের মতো একটি মসজিদ দেখার সুযোগ পাই। তারপর এক দিন স্টিমারে চড়ে চাঁদপুরও গিয়েছিলাম। সেখানে যাওয়ার সময় প্রথম শ্রেণীর কামরায় উঠলেও ফেরার সময় আমরা ডেকে চড়েই ফিরি। ওটা ছিল আরও বেশি মজার। বাংলাদেশে যেহেতু আছি, তাই যথারীতি খুব শিগগিরই আমাকে গান গাইতে বলা হয়েছিল। আমার গাইতে ভালোই লাগে। তবে এ ধরনের অনুরোধ কিন্তু পশ্চিমের দেশগুলোতে সচরাচর কেউ কাউকে করে না। বুড়িগঙ্গার ওপর ওইদিন সন্ধ্যায় আমি প্রথম একটি বাংলা শব্দ শিখি।”
বিশ্বের এক কোণায় পড়ে থাকা দেশটিতে ভ্রমণের প্রথম পর্যায়ে তিনি টানা দুই সপ্তাহ কাটান ঢাকায়। প্রথম যে দিন রবীন্দ্র সঙ্গীত শুনলেন, সেদিনই তিনি গানটির প্রেমে পড়ে যান। নাইজেল জানালেন, “রবীন্দ্রনাথ ঠাকুর ও কাজী নজরুল ইসলাম, দুটো নামই এক পর্যায়ে আমার কাছে পরিচিত হয়ে আসে। এই দুজনের সঙ্গীতের সৌন্দর্য ও মাধুর্য আমার মধ্যে গভীর একটা ছাপ তৈরি করেছিল। তখন আমি ওই গান ও ওই দুই গুণীর সম্পর্কে আরও বেশি জানতে উদগ্রীব হয়ে পড়েছিলাম।” আর তাই চার বছর পর ভূগোলে অ¯œাতক ডিগ্রি অর্জনের পর তিনি বিদেশিদের জন্য নির্ধারিত বাংলা কোর্স করতে আট মাসের জন্য চলে গিয়েছিলেন শান্তিনিকেতনে। হিউস আরও বললেন, “যুক্তরাজ্যে ফেরার পথে আমি আবারও ঢাকায় ফিরে আসি। আর আমার এখনও মনে আছে সেই গানগুলোর কথা, যেগুলো গাইতে গাইতে আমি আর রিকশাওয়ালা প্যাডেল চালিয়ে এসেছিলাম বিমানবন্দরে! বাংলাদেশে এত রং আর এত বৈচিত্র্য দেখার পর যুক্তরাজ্যে পৌঁছে সেখানকার পরিবেশে মানিয়ে নিতে আমার সত্যিই অনেক সময় লেগেছিল। সত্যি বলতে কি, আমি কখনই পুরোপুরি মানিয়ে নিতে পারিনি।”
এমনকি এখনও তিনি আমেরিকান সেন্টার ও ব্রিটিশ কাউন্সিলের সহায়তায় বিভিন্ন বিশ্ববিদ্যালয় ও বিজ্ঞান বিষয়ক সংস্থাগুলোতে বক্তব্য দিতে আসেন। জানালেন, “বাংলাদেশকে আমি বরাবরই একটা উষ্ণ অভ্যর্থনাপূর্ণ দেশ হিসেবে খুঁজে পাই। যে দেশের মানুষগুলো তাদের আগ্রহ ও আবেগের জন্য বহু ক্রোশ পাড়ি দিতে প্রস্তুত থাকে, আর ওরা বাইরের অতিথিদের যেকোনো প্রচেষ্টাকে দারুণ শ্রদ্ধা করতে জানে।”


সাংস্কৃতিক সৌন্দর্যের আধার

হিউস মনে প্রাণে অনুভব করেন, বাংলাদেশ প্রাকৃতিক সৌন্দর্যের এক অপার লীলাভূমি এবং এগুলোকে অবশ্যই সংরক্ষণ করা উচিৎ। কয়েক বছর আগে নদীর পানিতে ক্রোমিয়ামের পরিমাণ নিয়ে রাসায়নিক গবেষণা করার একটি বৈশ্বিক প্রকল্পের অধীনে তাকে ময়মনসিংহ যেতে হয়েছিল। তিনি জানালেন, “বিজ্ঞান বিষয়ক কিছু প্রকল্পের কাজে টাঙ্গাইলের একটি স্কুলে আমরা গিয়েছিলাম। পরে সেখানে শিশুদের অংশগ্রহণে বেশ কিছু সাংস্কৃতিক অনুষ্ঠান উপভোগ করি। বরাবরের মতো আমি সেবারও অবাক হয়ে গিয়েছিলাম যে, বাংলাদেশের আনাচে কানাচে কতই না অনন্য সাধারণ প্রতিভা লুকিয়ে আছে। ভারিক্কি চাল আর আত্মবিশ্বাসে টইটম্বুর ওই শিশুদের মাঝে মজা করার প্রখর সময়জ্ঞানও দেখতে পেয়েলিাম। আসলে বাঙালিরা একটা দিক দিয়ে আশীর্বাদপুষ্ট। আর এ জন্য ধন্যবাদ দিতে হয় এই দেশের মানুষগুলোর অনন্য সংস্কৃতিকে। একটা ব্যাপার টের পেয়ে উল্লাসিত হয়ে পড়ি যে, যতবারই এখানে আসি ততবারই মনে হয় এই প্রথম এসেছি।”

Investigating Frankfurt



Despite the fact that famous for being the monetary operational hub of Germany, Frankfurt has a great deal to offer to voyagers as a relaxation destination

Consider banks and effective business honchos and one can picture the monetary operational hub of Germany i.e., Frankfurt. This alpha city that is better known for its buzz of corporate exercises is similarly satisfying to the eye in the event that you wish to invest your vacation time. This advanced city, or Frankfurt am Main as it is called, offers an impeccable plane to have relaxation journeys. This decently associated worldwide city doubtlessly takes the spotlight for its interesting cutting edge structural planning that can be seen in the setting of its unique past.

Recreation outings


The city is vivid and gloats a great deal of engineering wonders. Despite the fact that numerous think this city is more advanced and has almost no to offer for those searching for relaxation getaways, yet it just as offers an incredible experience. Case in point, the Rüdesheim am Rhein, which is the entryway to the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a famous UNESCO World Heritage Site. This has been a position of motivation for European artists since the nineteenth century, oozing an interesting, sentimental style.

Then again, Taunus is acclaimed for its moving slopes, old châteaux and chronicled warm showers, making it a peculiar of blend of everything inside a scene. For those ready to take a few minutes out of their occupied agendas, absorbing the warm showers will bring a charming knowledge. Passing by the city guide, it is clear that this district of the city offers you unlimited woodlands, vineyards along the Main River, conventional spa towns, medieval mansions and sentimental towns with their half-timbered building design... which isn't possible in a jiffy and requests time.

In this district, the Königstein Castle is something to pay special mind to. It is one of the greatest château ruins in Germany and the drive to Feldberg, the most noteworthy pile of the Taunus is truly a tremendous adventure as we get a perspective over the entire Rhein-Main range.

Stroll to investigate


Individuals are truly sound and enjoy strolls. Be it for their normal city venture out, going to workplaces, and so forth., and the same could done to investigate Frankfurt. It is a perfect city to enjoy city strolls to investigate it shockingly better and getting oneself drenched into its genuine appeal. Topical city strolls are offered by numerous travel orgs here and is a perfect choice to know all the more about Frankfurt am Main. The two-hour strolls are perfect providing for you abundant time to figure out city's most fascinating areas, which may incorporate a visit to the old town focus. Likewise, it is intriguing to look at the managing an account area that dependably buzzes with exercises. One can't miss a visit to the Main Tower's housetop perception stage 200 meters above, which offers you an awesome look of the city.

In the event that you have time, it is perfect to extend your visit to the south of Frankfurt i.e., Darmstadt. The cosmopolitan standpoint of this spot offers innumerable exhibition halls, engineering landmarks, stops and arrangements. Here, the well known craftsmen's state at Mathildenhöhe is very prevalent the whole way across the world.

Neighborhood taste


Sustenance is the most ideal approach to judge a spot and its way of life. Also the city is known for its "Handkäs" mit Musik', 'Green Sauce' and loin ribs with sauerkraut. It is exhorted that these ought to be appreciated with a glass of Frankfurt's apple wine. The wine would be great , poured straight from the 'Bembel', a blue-dim ceramic container, into the 'Gerippte', the ribbed glass from which apple wine is customarily intoxicated. Interestingly, this renowned apple wine has been local people's refreshment of decision for more than 250 years. The best place to appreciate a glass or two of this delightful fruit juice like beverage is Sachsenhausen, one of Frankfurt's most famous going out locale.

Aside from that for the individuals who adoration to crunch a considerable measure, "Fressgass" is the spot to be in. It is Frankfurt's culinary mile that gloats numerous bistros, lounges and cafe. It offers an incredible assortment of restaurants inside this single road.

Shopping liberality


It is a wrongdoing to leave a city without taking back its memories through something unmistakable and what preferred approach to do that over shopping! Standard shopping arcades are constantly welcome and Frankfurt am Main has numerous to offer with a complexity. Case in point, the monstrous Zeil promenade with a bended glass veneer in downtown Frankfurt positions among Germany's most productive shopping regions. The encompassing areas can be secured by tram ride for some magnificent shopping centers and malls. Also the special one can be found in the shopping town Wertheim Village that takes an hour via auto from the primary city.

For extravagance, Goethestrasse is the head shopping destination for creator boutiques and restrictive retail establishments. It is best to consolidate the visit with Fressgass which is close-by. Aside from that, there are numerous additionally shopping destinations for induvidual needs in Sachsenhausen and also Bergerstrasse in Bornheim. For gifts, Römerberg, home to Frankfurt's opportunity respected town corridor, is a decent place where you will get numerous shops. This wonderful court is encompassed by customary half-timbered homes going back several

On a culinary trail



London’s most renowned foodies' hub, Borough Market is a haven for those who love eating and can travel any distance to try scrumptious delicacies
It's not only about taste when it comes to food in Borough Market in London. The high quality on offer also makes it special for foodies. Extremely popular with locals as well as with people all over the UK, Europe and the rest of the world, the market has become a vast repository of culinary knowledge and understanding. It’s a place to explore, to ask questions, to discover new flavours and to savour a unique atmosphere where food is everything one can think of.
Here, many of the stall-holders are themselves producers; people who grow, rear or bake the food that they sell. Others are importers with intimate knowledge of whichever corner of the globe they source their products from.


Borough’s past

The history of this popular market goes back to the 11th century. The London Bridge attracted traders selling grain, fish, vegetables and livestock. In the 13th century, traders were relocated to what is now Borough High Street and the market has existed here ever since.
In 1755, the market was closed by the Parliament, but a group of Southwark residents raised £6,000 to buy a patch of land known locally as The Triangle, once the churchyard of St Margaret’s, and reopened the market. The Triangle, where you’ll find Northfield Farm and Furness Fish and Game, is still at the heart of the market today.

Food markets

As you get on exploring the market, you cannot afford to miss the few of the stalls including Northfield Farm for rare-breed meat, Furness for fish and game, Elsey & Bent for fruit and veg., and Flour Power City Bakery for organic loaves. Leave home hungry to take complete advantage of the numerous free samples and be prepared for lengthy queues for the famous barbecued-meat rolls from the Brindisa stand. Events, such as seasonal tasting days, run throughout the year.

For convenience, the market is divided into areas, namely - Three Crown Square, Stoney Street, Green Market, Winchester Walk, Bedale Street, The Market Hall, Middle Road, Jubilee Place, Rochester Walk, Park Street and Southwark Street. So pick and choose the zone you wish to explore.


Guided tours

Borough Market has also teamed up with passionate cook and food writer Celia Brooks to offer a Gastro-tour of Borough Market. The three-hour events can be booked for individuals or groups and have been developed by Brooks as a way to teach, entertain and inspire. In the tour, she highlights some of the vast array of produce available in the market with specially arranged tasting sessions and you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about how these artisan foods are produced.
These include rare breed meats, charcuterie, fine cheeses from Britain and beyond, homemade Turkish treats, French creamery delicacies, gourmet seasonings and many more. A tutored wine tasting and tasting session at one of Borough Market's renowned restaurants are also included.
So experience the unique world of food if you are in London and take back memories that will last a lifetime.

Sunday, March 1, 2015

A joyful experience



Nicknamed the city of joy, Kolkata is a daily festival of human existence and a fabulous place to soak into the Bengali culture and your love for food
Kalighat is an ancient Kali temple and Kolkata’s holiest spot for Hindus and possibly the source of the city’s name.
Dakshineshwar Temple’s compound, apart from the nine-spired main temple, contains a large courtyard surrounding the temple, with rooms along the boundary walls
The incredible Victoria Memorial is a vast, beautifully proportioned monument made of white marble.
The Howrah Bridge is a cantilever bridge with a suspended span over the Hooghly River in West Bengal.
Belur Math is a large religious centre and the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission, inspired by 19th-century sage Ramakrishna Paramahamsa.
Kolkata is the only city in India to have a tram transportation network
Kolkata is known for its famous street food. They are very cheap and tasty.


Street stalls selling fresh fish in the Chowringhee area of Kolkata.
Eden Gardens is the second largest cricket stadium in India by seating capacity, and is widely acknowledged to be one of the most iconic cricket stadiums in the world.
Located at a distance of about 100 kilometres from Kolkata, Sunderbans is most famously known for the Royal Bengal Tiger.
The Tipu Sultan Shahi Mosque is a famous mosque in Kolkata where people from all sections of society are allowed to visit and take pictures
Located on Lindsay Street, New Market, also known as Hogg's Market, is Kolkata's oldest and most well known market. It's got over 2,000 stalls
There are numerous sweets shops in Kolkata, with everyone serving the most famous sweet ‘Kolkatar Rosogolla’
Aquatica, which sprawls across 17 acres, serves as one of the largest parks across whole of eastern India

Flavours of Bangladesh



The aroma of food breathes music in the hearts of Bengalis. We bring you some mouth-watering dishes of Bangladesh that will keep you coming back for more
The way to a Bengali’s heart is truly through the stomach. Good food and Bengalis share an irrevocable relationship. Their closeness to food is resonated in the fact that they ‘live to eat’. With a variety of dishes from rice to lentils to fish, it is said that if a Bong does not lick each of his fingers after a meal it is to be understood that he has not truly enjoyed the food.
When it comes to Bangladeshi cuisine, it’s unique in its abundant use of fish and its employment of a wide variety of fiery pastes made from ground roots, spices and chilies. Bangladeshi cooking is a culinary art form that has been passed down the generations. It is a tantalizing blend of wonderful and fragrant spices that will keep you coming back for more. We bring you five must-try dishes once you are in Bangladesh.

Steamed Hilsa

In Bangladesh, there is no substitute for Steamed Hilsa or locally called Bhapa Ilish. This dish is a gravy prepared with mustard seeds paste and usually served with rice. A preparation of Ilish usually doesn’t require much of spices as the aroma of the fish itself is enough to make the dish exquisite.
What makes Steamed Hilsa a favourite among Bengalis is the way it is prepared -- the easiest and most flavourful Hilsa preparation. The steam cooking process keeps the aroma of all the ingredients intact and the mustard paste and green chillies nicely balance all the sour, sweet and spicy taste.

Kacchi Biryani

Biryani is the king of every food in Bangladesh. Be it a family get together, or a birthday party, this is a must have food. In Kacchi Biryani, raw marinated meat is layered with raw rice before being cooked together. Cooked typically with goat meat, or with lamb, potatoes are often added before adding the rice layer. A boiled egg and mixed salad often accompanies the dish.
If you come to Dhaka and do not taste biryani from any of the famous restaurants, you’ll miss half of the food culture of Bangladesh.

Bhapa Chingri

The sound of Bhapa Chingri breathes music in the hearts of Bengalis. Steaming is an honoured way to cook fish in Bangladesh; spice coated, packed, sealed and cooked while you hold your breath, waiting for that first whiff of the exhilarating aroma. Bhapa is steamed and in most steamed fish curries there is mustard and also mustard oil. This is a quintessential dish, made with mix of mustard, and poppy seed paste, slender hot chili peppers and a generous drizzle of mustard oil.


Beef Tehari

Tehari is an authentic Bangladeshi aromatic rice that packs a pleasant punch contributed by green chilies and curried beef. There are many versions of tehari, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian, in South Asia. However, Bangladeshi tehari is predominantly a rice dish that is always made with beef. Authentic old Dhaka tehari is cooked with mustard oil.
The difference between biryani and tehari lies in the cooking method. For Biryani, rice, meat and potatoes are cooked separately and then layered during cooking, while tehari is cooked with oil and the cooked beef is added to rice and mixed together while cooking.

Morog Polao

Morog Polao is a very special food of Bangladesh, especially served at marriage ceremonies or any other big family festivals. Morog is Bengali for chicken, and polao means rice cooked in a special way. Morog-polao is specially cooked rice with large portion of chicken, and a drink known as borhani is also served with it.

Riot of colours & smiles


Serene and unspoilt places, beaches and villages in Bangladesh can help you escape the madness and hectic city life of craziness

By Yasmin Choudhury

Every time I get on a Biman flight, I cannot stop myself from staring at the cabin crew. Admit that like me, you cannot keep your eyes off them, though my interest is purely aesthetic. I will often wave them over just to ask how they keep their saris so gracefully adorned and wrapped around. Then as we chat, I am greeted with the same beautiful Bangladeshi smile, which I see again and again.

Having flown many global airlines, I can say it with utmost guarantee that it is the national airlines of the developing nations that I find most thrilling. And so it is with a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight. Where can I expect to be greeted with a riot of colours and smiles?

As my fellow passengers and I settle into our seats to watch in-flight TV, a quick glance often shows me the colours of Bangladesh. The religious programmes to films to second and third generation young ones, all are united by one factor. They are ready to immerse themselves into a melting pot of a destination where 160 million Bangladeshi people live, squeezed into a land mass almost the same size as England and Wales.


Founding Lovedesh

A British-born woman of Bangladeshi heritage, I am the founder of Lovedesh, a British philanthropic brand that works hand in hand with my British charity 'Amcariza Foundation'. The sole purpose of Lovedesh is to bring the focus back on to Bangladesh and turn it into one of the finest tourist destinations of the world. Many people are ignorant about the stunning resorts, beaches and destinations that do exist in Bangladesh.

Most of all, Bangladesh for me is a serene and unspoilt place. Again, once you know where the quiet spot are and where you can also stay in comfort. Its beaches and villages are places that can help you escape the madness and hectic city life of craziness. Moreover, after a long air journey, the quiet meandering rivers to lush, still hillsides of Bangladesh can offer you the ultimate relaxation. Where you can drink tea that arrives in seven layers to cooking and eating a wood fired curry with vegetables picked from the riverside. All of which is being promoted by Lovedesh from my base in London.

New heights

Recently, I brought British newspaper The Guardian to visit Bangladesh. And I would like to thank Biman Bangladesh Airlines for making this happen as they gave me the free tickets. And like me, the journalists from The Guardian too fell in love with the country. Once you know where to go and who to go with, it is a destination so stunning.

Today I can proudly shout from the rooftops to anyone who will listen about all the good stuff about Bangladesh. I know this because I have travelled alone for many years. I have lived there too. People need to know you can have a jolly good belly laugh with the 160 million or so folks, who tell me jokes, offer me food and warm hospitality and tell me their idea of love is to feed me to the fullest. Can you get that in London, New York or Paris? No is my answer.

The writer is a British-born woman of Bangladeshi heritage and founder of Bangladesh specialist Lovedesh

Into the beautiful forest


The possibility of seeing a tiger in the wild will always be the main attraction in the Sundarbans. Yet, there is so much more

The Mirgamari River is gentle with just a hint of an outbound current. Our boat glides through the water sending chevrons of ripples to each of the opposing banks. The air is warm and humid, with only a hint of a breeze. Standing on the foredeck, with binoculars focussed, I watch the Sundarbans drifting by as I have done so many times before. Nipa palms line the banks, alternating with mangroves, their green foliage reflected in the river. A kingfisher stretches its blue wings and swoops from a branch to the Mirgamari, returning to its perch with a small fish in its flattened beak. A pair of Gangetic dolphins arc into view ahead of the boat, as if escorting it downstream. Scanning the treetops, I see a white egret watching for prey from on high. A sea eagle launches itself into flight while a troop of monkeys, invisible but noisy, chatter about us as we pass.
The Sundarbans, meaning ‘beautiful forest’, covers close to one million hectares spread across the Ganges River delta in south-western Bangladesh and south-east Bengal in India. While much of the Sundarbans is forest, an impressive 1,75,000 hectares on the Bangladesh side of the border are waterways, such as rivers, creeks and canals.
On land and in the rivers there is a veritable menagerie of wildlife, with well over 300 species of birds, 60 species of reptiles and 50 different mammals. Most are predators. The sea eagle, with its impressive wingspan of more than two metres, dominates the skies. The prehistoric estuarine crocodile rules the rivers, but the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger is the undisputed emperor of the forest.
We, a handful of adventurers from Bangladesh, Canada and Europe, boarded our boat at Mongla. We are travelling through the forest as far as the Bay of Bengal with the hope of seeing as many native species as possible. Top of the wish list, of course, is the tiger. They are rarely seen, but I have been fortunate in the past. During the course of many visits I have been surprised by occasional tigers on the river banks; I have found their tracks deep in the forest and, on one noteworthy occasion, met a full-grown male swimming across the river in front of my boat.
The rare possibility of seeing a tiger in the wild will always be the main attraction for visitors to the Sundarbans. Yet, there is so much more. Although it is possible to cruise the waterways for days without encountering other people, these rivers and the dense forest are busy with workers. Fishermen work their nets in twos and threes, sometimes assisted by trained otters. They take varieties of fish, plus shrimps, prawns and mud-crabs; wood-cutters fell trees, which are loaded on barges and taken to port by river sailors. Other workers cut nipa for roof-thatching purposes, or harvest sungrass for the same use. Between the beginning of April and mid-June, honey gatherers extract honey and beeswax from large natural hives.
The forest is never still. A day and a night spent on the tiger watchtower at the southern end of Jawtoli meadow close to the Bay of Bengal proves the truth of that statement. Spotted deer and wild boar roam the grasslands and surrounding woods. Rhesus macaques swing through the trees. Colourful birds and insects live out their short life-cycles and, just occasionally, when one hopes but least expects it, a Royal Bengal Tiger steps into the sunlight for a second or two.
For me, just being on a boat drifting through the waterways and watching the never-ending activity is an experience I’m happy to repeat over and over again.

The Song of Harvest


The villages of Bangladesh is now enchanted with the wind of Autumn. Smiles are on farmers and their wives faces. Its harvest time. It is the time to synch with the Saari Song.


Oh Sailor lets go to the village of my soul-mate
Lets go to my soul-mate.
Heiaho Heiaho Heiaho
My boat sailing through the wind oh Brother!
Sailing through the wind
Lets go the village of my soul-mate.




Saari song is an ancient folksong of Bengal. It is also known as the 'work-song'. The reason behind such naming is the unavoidable relationship among activity with rhythm and beat. Once the song was sung during the sailing. However, over time this song is sung by the farmers at harvest time of rural Bangladesh.
Saari song conveys a special nobility within the hard-working people. Because, by this song they can get back their strength and enthusiasm. The magical rhythm of such song can easily overcome the travail of doing something hard.


The First form of Saari song can be found in the Padmapuran written by the medieval poet Bijay Gupta. There the word 'Saari' used as synonym of 'Sangeet' (which means 'song' in Bengali). After that, this Saari highly promoted due the influence of boat-racing which was initiated by the naval force of Mughal emperor.
Mainly, the Saari song is sung by the men at a single rhythm and single melody, ordered in a row. But there is no obligation for the women to attend while they are also giving effort.
There is a main vocalist in singing the Saari song. He is called 'Boyati'. Others just follow his lead. And, the others are called 'Dohar'. The Saari song continues it's journey as the melody of Boyati and Dohar continuously synched with each other.


The Very basic idea of Saari song is the rhythm. The works which contains rhythm, such as sailing boat, harvesting, cutting trees, Saari is synched perfectly with those. Even at the time of building roof, Saari performed. Though, as the harvesting period is now watched over in Bangladesh, you can hear the rhythm of Saari if you walk through the rice fields.


Though the basic purpose of the Saari song is to overcome the labor of work or to gain some momentum, it is much more entertaining. Especially, the villagers usually make gatherings to listen the Saari. Because, this Saari can unfolds the story of love between men and women, the tale of Radha-Krishna and also can represent some of lyrical devotion. Saari can also be written as comedy or offensive. Amongst many other instruments usually Dhol, Mondira, Kortal are used as percussion with Saary.
There are different Saari for different work. The clue can found in between lines. At the time of cultivation, the farmers sing, “Oh kala, thy heart is full of sorrow/I can not be happy/when I am in love with you.” Again, this song sung at the time of collecting fibers from jute- “the currents under the bamboo/water flowing rapidly/oh dear friend/Lets go and harvest the jute”
Even the Saari is the song for harvesting crops, the long lasting and delayed tune of this song can be heard somewhere in the rural Bangladesh at all the period. It is mainly heard at the riverside, swamp area, farming land or in the site of work of labors. The East and lowland area are called the land of Saari. Beside these, Saari is also popular at Dhaka, Sylhet, Mymensing, Faridpur, Pabna, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Dinajpur, Jessore, Khulna and Barishal.
Though so many tradition of Bengal lost, Saari survived till today. It is mainly because, Saari is sung to soothe the pain sensation of labor. And, the labor is compulsory to hold up the civilization. Thus, as long as there is work, there will be Saari song too.


Mystical Mandalay



The last royal capital of Myanmar is home to several pagodas and monasteries. No wonder, the city is often referred to as the centre of Myanmarese culture

There's something about Mandalay. Hot, busy and not outwardly beautiful, the second-largest city of Myanmar immediately strikes a chord with those looking for 'inner peace'. For, amid the central grid of lacklustre concrete ordinariness lurk many pagodas, churches, temples and mosques. Some of them are impressive in their architectural style and construction. Some of them inspire royalty. But almost all of them offer tourists a spiritual, if not enlightening, experience.


Myanmar is often called the 'land of pagodas'. That said, Mandalay alone has over 700 pagodas. Myanmar's tryst with pagodas is to be expected, as Theravada Buddhism is the predominant religion in the country, with about 89% of the population practising it. The graceful tapering shape of a pagoda painted white or gilded to a shining gold, is a basic part of any Myanmarese landscape.
Still there's plenty of fascination to be found delving into a range of craft workshops and arts performances. Here's a quick tour of the prominent structures dotting Mandalay as well as places that would fascinate you to visit the place again and again.


* Kuthodaw Pagoda: 

Kuthodaw Pagoda contains the 'world's largest book'. It lies at the foot of Mandalay Hill and was built during the reign of King Mindon. The stupa itself, which is gilded above its terraces, is 188 ft (57 m) high, and is modelled after the Shwezigon Pagoda at Nyaung-U near Bagan. In the grounds of the pagoda are 729 kyauksa gu or stone-inscription caves, each containing a marble slab inscribed on both sides with a page of text from the Tipitaka, the entire Pali Canon of Theravada Buddhism. Visitors to the pagoda can pay obeisance to the Buddha image, and enjoy sweet recreation beneath the sweet-smelling, cool, shady trees in the premises.


* Shwenandaw Monastery: 

The monastery is known for its teak carvings of Buddhist myths, which adorn its walls and roofs. The monastery is built in the traditional Myanmarese architectural style. Shwenandaw Monastery is the single remaining major original structure of the original Royal Palace today. This is one of the few points in Mandalay that sells and requires a Mandalay Archaeological Zone ticket for $10. It’s required to visit a number of sites in and around Mandalay, including Sagaing, Amarapura and Inwa.
* Moat & Fortress Walls: Viewable only from the outside, a 230-feet-wide moat and well over 4 miles of crenellated 26-feet-high walls form a vast square around the site of the former Mandalay fortress/citadel. Reconstructed in the original 1857 style, the walls are punctuated at regular intervals with gatetowers topped by pyramidal creations of fancifully carved woodwork.


* Royal Palace: 

The last royal palace of the last Myanmarese monarchy, the Royal Palace was constructed between 1857 and 1859 by King Mindon. Much of the palace compound was destroyed during World War II by allied bombing; only the royal mint and the watch tower survived. A replica of the palace was rebuilt in the 1990s with some modern materials. Today, the palace is a primary symbol of Mandalay and a major tourist destination.


* Mandalay Hill: 

Mandalay Hill is known for its abundance of pagodas and monasteries and has been a major pilgrimage site for Burmese Buddhists for nearly two centuries. At the top of the hill is the Sutaungpyei (literally wish-fulfilling) Pagoda. A panoramic view of Mandalay from the top of the hill alone makes it worthwhile to attempt a climb up its stairways.


* Shopping sojourn: 

Taking a break from the touristy destinations, visitors can utilise their time in the city with a variety of shopping options. The new Mandalay Zaycho is the main market place in the city. You can get almost anything from there. Things to shop are acheik (Mandalay silk longyi), cotton clothing, hto moat (greasy cakes), laphet (pickled tea leaves), kadipar slippers (velvet slippers), silverware, lacquerware, jewellery, gems and more.

Jewels of Pabna


Pabna, one of the vivid district of North Bengal also the birthplace of super actress beautiful Suchitra Sen. Same time, it is full of natural stunners. Holding some of the ancient artifacts, this district still secured its natural Pandora’s boxes.
-Faisa Abdullah


If you considered yourself somewhat different (or totally different) within a range of normalcy or crowd of every other known topics, and then if you want to overlay a soothing zap of gentle breeze on the secret chamber of your heart, just come to Pabna. More precisely, just go to the bank of Hurasagar River. Lost yourself by walking through the riverside rural road which accompanies thousands of haystack. It is certain that nobody will not make your life miserable suddenly by putting an wanted poster of yours.

In u word, Pabna is a sweet city. The birthplace of sweet Suchitra Sen. Ever young and evergreen like Suchitra. Arrogant also! But it has it's own reasons too. So much rivers, so much water, villages, so many skies, green; you will get the smell of wood fired stoves from the very beginning of entering in to this gatekeeper of north Bengal. Which will remind you the the lost childhood and the restless days all of a sudden. You will discover the real and primitive You and if you are a Bangladeshi, then certainly you will recite, this is my country.. this is my country.

Some common names will come to mind while making a list of spectacular region of Bangladesh. The Bay of Bengal of Chittagong and the hill tracts dominate the list. Whether the rest of the sites situated within rural Bangladesh seems to be dimmed comparing to those in terms of tourism, it contains various hidden treasures in its secret layers.

The Magic Realism of Hurasagar

The Hurasagar river is the name of such a natural spell. Whether this branch of Jamuna spans from Sirajgonj to Pabna, you have to go to the Bera sub-disctric of Pabna, if you want to truly delude your mind by adding a spectacular evining-night. There you will find a long walking road just beside the river and an old port, namely Bera Port. Once upon a time, it was a commercial port, now it just welcomes old memories. A spectacular pump house and a sluice gate also stands near of it. Walking to the old river port, passing time within the tranquility of the river and observing the farmhouses which are rowed near the road, you will suddenly discover that you have became more rural than city dweller. The 'vot vot' sounds of the Nasimon and Karimon (a locally made transport vehicle with shallow engine) will become an inseparable part of the nature. It will be the best if you can go there at the time of full-moon. Sitting at the last corner of Bera port, the witness of nothingness and history; you will be lost somewhere beween the reality and magic realism while watching the glittering river water. If you want to submerge yourself within the soil, water and night sky, just grab a boat and tell the sailor to make you lost far away. Tranquility base here. River is soothing. Stare at the moon-soaked water, will be able to feel that the life has many mysterious meanings and several Pandora’s boxes left to be opened. And, if you are lost enough to travel at middle of the night in a boat with a sailor and a sky full of moon, some of the boxes will certainly wide-open. 
 


The Other Padma

To savor the beauty of Padma River, many tiptop arrangements in Bangladesh. Pabna is not exception. You can visit Pakshi Resort situated at Isshardi, a sub-district of Pabna. It is tinged with true flavor of rural Bangladesh. But you can also find that, the crazy stream is for sure overcome the hospitality of the resort. Just a 10 minute walk from the resort, you can go to immerse yourself at the call of river after having lunch made of locally produced organic rice at the resort. You can also catch fishes by fishhook. Opportunity to eat Pitha (cake made of grounded rice) while enjoying Baul songs at night time. During this cold season, the river may be calm, but in a foggy night the silent wave ans ripples will certainly wash away the fatigue of hectic city-life within a second. Suddenly you will not feel any intent to back to your regular life. 

 


Hardinge Bridge in 100 Years

A special celebration of a special bridge is going to take place in the early next year. The Hardinge bridge was completed at 1915, situated at Pakshi Union, 8 kilometer south from Pabna's Isshardi. The bridge was named after the then Indian Viceroy Lord Hardinge. This long bridge has been kept the communication between two sides of Padma from that period. According to some experts, it took 5 years of 25 thousands labor to build this 5800 feet long bridge. One can enjoy a foggy evening at the picturesque vicinity of this bridge.

At your finger tip


Google comes up with 360-degree Street View allowing people explore and navigate a neighbourhood through panoramic images



Picture this. You are a travel enthusiast from Bangladesh and are planning to visit historic locations worldwide. Sitting at home in front of your laptop or smartphone, you want to know different aspects of the Taj Mahal and also have a 360-degree panoramic view of the monument before actually visiting it.

You suddenly decide to visit the rest of the complex some other day and check out Angkor Wat instead. In a matter of a few seconds, you are transported to the ancient Buddhist archaeological monument complex in Cambodia and find yourself looking at the intricate carvings on the largest religious monument in the world.

Sounds far-fetched? Not quite, at least not in the virtual world. This is possible now as Google has come up with Street View that allows people to virtually explore and navigate a neighbourhood through 360-degree panoramic images.

After bringing iconic global landmarks like France’s Eiffel Tower, America’s Grand Canyon, Japan’s Mount Fuji and one of the oldest heritage monuments in the world — Angkor Wat temple, in Cambodia, among others, alive on the internet through its visual ‘walkthroughs’, the latest addition to the imagery is the famous Giza Pyramids of Egypt.
Once completed, users of Google Maps will able to get a complete view of the Pyramids of Giza, and five other landmarks in Egypt, namely necropolis of Saqqara, the Citadel of Qaitbay, the Cairo Citadel, the Hanging Church and the ancient city of Abu Mena.


How it is done

How the project is done, in itself, an interesting exercise. Trekker, a Street View camera system (a wearable backpack with a camera system on top), photographs the sites and captures 360-degree imagery of these monuments. Trekker is specially designed to capture imagery in remote sites or places only accessible by foot. It has already travelled to the Grand Canyon, Mount Fuji, the Galapagos Islands and even the historic pedestrian paths of Venice to make the world’s diverse heritage and beauty accessible to everyone.

Trekker will automatically gather images as it goes. There are 15 lenses at the top of the Trekker mast, each pointed in a different direction, enabling it to capture a 360-degree view. When the imagery goes live, one can simply search for one of the iconic sites. And once zoomed in, one will be able to pan around and check the imagery from various angles.

Over 90,000 images of Angkor were captured by Google using its Street View cars, which drove around the area and Street View Trekkers, who hiked around the temple complexes with the cameras mounted on their back. According to Google, this is one of their largest digital renderings of a world heritage site and the project was completed in a little over two months’ time since it began.


The Journey

Launched in 2007, Street View is a part of Google Maps Google Street View so far included over 3,000 cities and over 50 countries across the world. Over 90,000 images of Angkor were captured by Google using its Street View cars, which drove around the area, and Street View Trekkers, who hiked around the temple complexes with the cameras mounted on their back.

A similar initiative has also been launched in Bangladesh earlier in 2013. Once completed, Google Maps would start showing streets, attractions and major establishments of Dhaka and Chittagong cities in 360-degree street-level imageries.

For the love of the ‘heartland’


Yasmin Choudhury, a British-born woman of Bangladeshi heritage, wants to make Bangladesh a top tourist destination through her brand Lovedesh



What is Lovedesh?

It is not charity. Nor a tour operator but a British philanthropic brand aimed at smashing stigma surrounding developing countries.

How did you come up with Lovedesh & Amcariza Foundation?

Since the time my father died in 2004, a lot of things happened till 2010 that totally changed my life. However, I never led bad moments rule or overwhelm me. Inspired from my late father, I also wanted to do something for my heartland Bangladesh. So I came up with Lovedesh and to this day, I continue to work alone and feel my father's spirit alongside me all the way.

How do you plan to achieve this?

The good stuff that exists here needs to be lifted up. This content just needs to be taken and showcased to the right people in the right way. I am doing this to highlight the stunning sights and good times I experience, all of which exist each time I visit Bangladesh.


You have ‘Lovedesh voyage, heritage and concierge' services. What is the difference between the three?

Voyage is a top of the range escorted tour to nations like Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Kashmir, led by someone who has the knowledge of the country or region. 
Heritage is a tour for the diaspora – who are disconnected from their Bangladeshi heritage. 
Concierge is a bespoke planning service that allows me to help people access Bangladesh at a cost effective manner. I curate and plan their trip based on their preferences and they book direct.

You recently got a journalist a British newspaper to visit Bangladesh?

I won the Fringe World Travel Market Nov 2014 and one of the judges was a journalist from The Guardian. We then met and spoke and when she reached out to tell me she was convinced I was right to ask the world to give Bangladesh a chance and wanted to visit. I knocked the door of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, as I had no money to bring her. Thankfully, Biman agreed and I was given free tickets. I am really grateful to Biman as without this help The Guardian could not have visited Bangladesh.

What according to you is the best thing in Bangladesh?

The people, their warmth, humour and heart is what keeps me coming back. Not to forget the food and the serene scenery. I also like the nature spot resorts pioneered by people like Nazmin Kamran Choudhury -- The Wilderness is one of my favourite places.


Any favourite Bangladeshi food?

Fried Hilsa, Fushka and authentic Sylheti dishes such as shutki (dry fish), the vegetables (kata, mukhi, dried jackfruit seed, nail shag) also the khatta - wet sour fish soup that uses a variety of tangy, sour ingredients.


How do you think tourism can be promoted in the country?

The stakeholders need to work together and change the narrative to a one that is more positive, thrilling, awesome and also focus on sustainable tourism. Bangladesh has its own USPs -- its own unique aspects unavailable anywhere in the world. Tour operators need to learn the art of luring foreigners to visit Bangladesh again and again.


'হৃদয়নগর'-এর জন্য ভালবাসা

ইয়াসমিন চৌধুরী, জন্মসূত্রে ব্রিটিশ হলেও বংশগতির সূত্রে তিনি বাংলাদেশি। তিনি তার নিজের 'লাভদেশ' ব্র্যান্ডের মাধ্যমে বাংলাদেশকে বিশ্বের সেরা একটি পর্যটন দেশে পরিণত করতে চান।



লাভদেশ কী?

এটা কোনও দাতব্য প্রতিষ্ঠান নয়। কোনও ট্যুর অপারেটরও নয়। এটি একটি জনকল্যানমূলক ব্রিটিশ ব্র্যান্ড, যার কাজ হলো উন্নয়নশীল দেশগুলোকে ঘিরে জুড়ে থাকা যাবতীয় কলঙ্কগুলোকে গুড়িয়ে দেওয়া।



লাভদেশ ও আমকারিজা ফাউন্ডেশন গড়ে তোলার ধারণা পেলেন কীভাবে?

২০০৪ সালে বাবা মারা যাওয়ার পর ২০১০ সাল পর্যন্ত আমার জীবনে প্রচুর ঘটনা ঘটেছিল, যেগুলো আমার জীবনকে পুরোপুরি বদলে দিয়েছিল। তথাপি, আমি কখনও খারাপ কোনও মুহূর্তকে আমার ওপর ছড়ি ঘোরাতে দেইনি, কিংবা আমাকে গ্রাস করতেও পারেনি। আমার বাবার মতো আমিও আমার হৃদয়ভূম বাংলাদেশের জন্য একটা কিছু করার অনুপ্রেরণা পাই। আর তাই আমি লাভদেশ-নিয়ে এগিয়ে আসি এবং আজ পর্যন্ত আমি একা একাই কাজ করে যাচ্ছি। তবে বাবার আত্মিক উপস্থিতিটা আমি আমার পাশে সবসময়ই অনুভব করেছি।



এমনটা অর্জনের জন্য পরিকল্পনা করেন কী করে?

এখানে যে ভাল ভাল বিষয় রয়েছে, সেগুলোকে তুলে ধরার দরকার ছিল। এই উপকরণগুলোকে শুধু মাত্র সঠিক সময়ে সঠিক মানুষের সামনে সাজিয়ে গুছিয়ে প্রদর্শন করানোর দরকার। আমি এমনটা করে চলেছি কারণ আমি চাই সেই সকল চোখ ধাঁধানো দৃশ্য ও ভাল মুহূর্তগুলোকে তুলে নিয়ে আসতে, যেগুলো আমি প্রতিবার বাংলাদেশ ভ্রমণের সময় অনুভব করে এসেছি।



আপনার তো 'লাভদেশ ভয়েজ, হেরিটেজ ও প্রহরী (কনয়িার্জ)' সেবা রয়েছে। এ তিনটির মধ্যে পার্থক্য কোথায়?

ভয়েজ হলো বাংলাদেশ, ইথিওপিয়া, কাশ্মিরের মতো কিছু দেশে সবচেয়ে উঁচুদরের এসকর্টেড ট্যুর। আর এর নেতৃত্বে থাকে এমন কেউ থাকে, যার কি-না ওই দেশ বা অঞ্চল সম্পর্কে অগাধ জ্ঞান রয়েছে।
হেরিটেজ হলো প্রবাসীদের জন্য আয়োজিত ট্যুর। যারা কি-না তাদের বাংলাদেশি ঐতিহ্য থেকে বিচ্ছিন্ন অবস্থায় আছে।
আর কনসিয়ার্জ তথা প্রহরীর সেবাটা হলো অনেকটা নির্দেশমাফিক সেবা। যার ফলে আমি মানুষজনকে স্বল্পখরচে বাংলাদেশ দেখার ব্যবস্থা করে দেই। তাদের ইচ্ছানুসারে আমি তাদের ট্যুর-এর পরিকল্পনা করি ও পরিচালনা করি, আর তারা সরাসরি এই ট্যুর বুক করতে পারে।



সম্প্রতি একজন ব্রিটিশ পত্রিকার সাংবাদিককে বাংলাদেশ দেখাতে সাথে এনেছিলেন?

আমি ফ্রিঞ্জ ওয়ার্ল্ড ট্রাভেল মার্কেট নভেম্বর ২০১৪ পুরস্কারটি জিতেছিলাম। যে পুরস্কারের একজন বিচারক ছিলেন দ্য গার্ডিয়ান সংবাদপত্রের সাংবাদিক। এরপর আমরা দেখা করি, কথা বলি। তিনি আমার সঙ্গে যোগাযোগ করে জানিয়েছিলেন যে, বাংলাদেশ ভ্রমণ করে বিশ্ববাসীর উচিৎ দেশটাকে একবার হলেও সুযোগ দেওয়া, এই ব্যাপারটি তুলে ধরে আমি কোনও ভুল করিনি এবং তিনি দেশটিতে ভ্রমণ করতেও উদগ্রীব হয়েছিলেন। এরপর আমি বিমান বাংলাদেশ এয়ারলাইন্সে যোগাযোগ করি। ওই সাংবাদিককে দেশে নিয়ে আসার মতো টাকা আমার ছিল না। আর তাই বিমানকে ধন্যবাদ জানাবো যে এটা আমাকে ফ্রি টিকিট দিতে রাজি হয়েছিল। আমি সত্যিই বিমানের প্রতি দারুণ কৃতজ্ঞ, কেননা, তাদের ওই উপকারটি ছাড়া গার্ডিয়ান পত্রিকার বাংলাদেশ দেখা হতো না।



আপনার মতে বাংলাদেশের সেরা জিনিস কোনটি?

বাংলার মানুষ, তাদের উষ্ণতা, রসবোধ এবং হৃদয়; এগুলোর কারণেই আমি এখানে বার বার ফিরে আসি। অবশ্য খাবার আর ¯িœগ্ধ দৃশ্যপটের কথা ভুলিনি। এ ছাড়া নাজিম কামরান চৌধুরীর মতো মানুষদের দেখানো পথে নির্মিত প্রাকৃতিক স্পট রিসোর্টগুলোও পছন্দ করি। আমার সবচেয়ে প্রিয় জায়গাগুলোর একটি হলো দ্য ওয়াইল্ডারনেস।



প্রিয় কোনও বাংলাদেশি খাবার?

ইলিশ ভাজা, ফুচকা এবং সত্যিকারের সিলেটি ডিশ যেমন শুটকি, সবজি ও (কাটা, মুখি, শুকনো কাঁঠাল বিচি, নাইল শাক) খাট্টা- এটা হলো মাছের এক জাতীয় টক স্যুপ যাতে অনেক ধরনের চটকদার ও টক উপাদান মেশানো থাকে।



এই দেশে পর্যটনের প্রচারণা কিভাবে করা যায় বলে মনে করেন?

এই ক্ষেত্রে জড়িত সকলকে একসঙ্গে কাজ করতে হবে এবং যাবতীয় বর্ণনার একটি রূপ প্রণয়ন করতে হবে যা কিনা আরও বেশি ইতিবাচক, শিহরণমূলক ও অসাধারণ শোনায় এবং সবাইকে টেকসই পর্যটনের দিকে নজর দিতে হবে। বাংলাদেশের নিজস্ব ইউএসপি রয়েছে-- এর অনন্য কিছু বৈশিষ্ট্য বিশ্বের আর কোথাও পাওয়া যাবে না। বাংলাদেশে যাতে বার বার ভ্রমণ করতে আসে এজন্য বিদেশি পর্যটকদের লোভ দেখানোর তরিকাটাও শিখতে হবে ট্যূর অপারেটরদের।

48 hours in Singapore


From high life to street food, shopping malls to river cruises, two days are all you need to fall in love with 'the Lion City'



You have just landed at the Singapore Changi Airport after a memorable flight and have a little over 48 hours to explore the area. What do you do? We give you a quick rundown to help you get the most out of a short visit to this multi-cultural South-east Asian city-state.


Day 1
4 pm: Since you've just arrived, you can take it easy. Go on a leisurely walk around Orchard Road, a 2.2-kilometre-long boulevard that is said to be the shopping and entertainment hub of Singapore. It houses numerous upmarket restaurants, coffee chains, cafés, nightclubs and hotels. Grab a bite at Kopitiam, a great food court for trying out local Singaporean cuisines.
7 pm: Take an MRT (subway transport) to Suntec City, located in Marina Centre, which houses a huge shopping complex, one of the largest in Singapore. Once you're done mall-hopping, visit the nearby Esplanade, a waterfront location most famous for its performance art shows. It overlooks the Singapore river and is in between the Singapore Flyer and Merlion park.
9 pm: Time to dine at JAAN on the 70th floor of the Swissotel the Stamford Hotel. Helmed by French chef Julien Royer, it's a foodies paradise. The menu is delicate, fresh, innovative and teamed with excellent wines. They have dishes like rich and earthy cepes, mushroom tea and hay-roasted bresse pigeon leg teamed with barley.


Day 2
9 am: Pick up a map and take a walk through the heritages sites in Singapore. Start with the Raffles' Landing Site, where Sir Stamford Raffles is said to have first set foot in Singapore in 1819. From here, reach the historical Fullerton Hotel, cross and walk up through Boat Quay, once the main harbour for traders, now filled with bars and restaurants. Turn right onto North Bridge Road to take in St Andrew's Cathedral and the Supreme Court. Also check out Peranakan Museum on Armenian Street to discover the origins of the early Straits Chinese settlers.
12 pm: Ride the MRT to Bugis, which is known as a mecca for shoppers and bargain-hunters. A short walk from the street is Haji Lane, where you can try out independent fashion boutiques and Middle-Eastern cafes. Don't miss the Sultan Mosque, built in 1824.
4 pm: Board a bus to Chinatown, the island's traditional Chinese quarters. Wander at random and see the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum to the Chinatown Heritage Centre. There's plenty of Chinese food around to give you company.
7 pm: Go to Clarke Quay, which contains numerous restaurants and nightclubs. There are also moored Chinese junks (tongkangs) that have been refurbished into floating pubs and restaurants. River cruises and river taxis on the Singapore river can be accessed from here. Food lovers don't miss Singapore's quintessential dish, chilli crab at Jumbo Seafood in Riverside Point.

Day 3
9 am: With just about quarter of a day to catch your flight back home, take a walk through the sprawling Singapore Botanic Gardens and smell over 60,000 different varieties of orchids at the National Orchid Garden located within the botanic garden.
12 pm: Head back to Singapore Changi Airport where, if you love shopping, you'll be spoilt for choice, with retail offerings ranging from luxury goods to souvenirs and daily necessities.