Growing up in a tropical monsoon region like Bangladesh, you should be no stranger to humidity, sweat, and more sweating. Which is why, the winter season is something most Bengalis love, cherish, hope, and pray for to stay as long as possible. “Most” because some anomalies are allergic to cold and NRBs who love to jump at the opportunity to say, “Eita kono thanda hoilo?” (Is this your idea of cold weather?).

Putting them aside, winter lovers often love to travel with layered-up clothes throughout the country, but often end up visiting the same place in other seasons. To change that up, here are the top 6 places to visit in the winter.

LALAKHAL

Lalakhal, a broad canal, is located in Jaintiapur, Sylhet District. The bluish-green lake is the main reason people come here. The only thing to do in Lalakhal is taking a boat ride. However, the mix of the lush hills and the gorgeous canal water will undoubtedly take your breath away. Sunsets are more beautiful in Lalakhal. Lalakhal is best visited between November and February. The canal’s water is at its optimum during these months. It signifies that the water’s colour is readily seen. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some migratory birds in Lalakhal. The water loses its clarity during other seasons of the year, particularly during the rainy season.

SAINT MARTIN

St Martin’s Island is Bangladesh’s sole coral island. Because of the abundance of coconut palms on the island, it is known as “Narikel Zinzira” in Bengali, which translates to “Coconut Island.” The island is located 9 kilometres south of Cox’s Bazar. It is wonderful to walk along pristine beaches and swim in clean water. A boat ride to Chhera Dwip, a small island near St. Martin’s, is available. Due to strong seas, Chhera Dwip was separated from St. Martin’s. When visiting St. Martin’s, you must go scuba diving. You can also sample the amazing local cuisine, get low-cost gifts from the local market, and take some stunning photographs.

KUAKATA

Bangladesh is well-known for two seaside resorts: Cox’s Bazar and Kuakata. While Cox’s Bazar is well-known and visited by many tourists, those who have seen Kuakata have never forgotten the peace and quiet it affords. Kuakata is the ideal destination to visit in the winter. You will have more privacy on this beach, so photographing the gorgeous sunset and sunrise with your family will be pretty relaxing. The hotels and resorts in Kuakata have nice and comfortable rooms with heaters in the bathrooms so that you may take a long bath even in the winter.

SREEMANGAL

Sreemangal is a popular tourist destination in Bangladesh because of its green tea fields. It is situated in Sylhet Division’s Moulvibazar District. Because of the enormous number of tree plantations and the origin of the seven-coloured tea, it is known as Bangladesh’s tea capital. Sreemangal is well-known for two reasons: Madhabpur Lake and Baikka Beel. The only confirmed location in Bangladesh for the great white-bellied heron is Madhabpur Lake. Baikka Beel is a small wetland where the large-billed reed warbler can be found. Apart from Madhabpur Lake and Baikka Beel, Sreemangal is known for the surrounding Lawachara Rain Forest, Hum Hum waterfall, and Rema-Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary.

SITAKUNDA

Sitakunda is one of Bangladesh’s oldest sites. Sitakundu’s natural and attractive beauty is ideal for relaxing your mind. It is well-known for the Chandranath temple and other Buddhist temples. The location is heaven because of the numerous waterfalls, mountains, and green rivers. If you enjoy nature and adventure, you must visit this location.

RANGAMATI

Rangamati, or Lake City, is a popular tourist destination in Bangladesh, famed for its waterfalls, lakes, parks, and mountains. It is another hill district in Chittagong Division, like Bandarban.

Kaptai Lake, Bangladesh’s largest lake, is located in the Rangamati district’s Kaptai Upazila. The lake has a maximum depth of 150 metres and an average depth of 30 metres. Aside from this lake, Rangamati is known for the Shuvolong Waterfall, Hanging Bridge, Sheikh Rasel Eco Park, Rajban Bihar Pagoda, and many other local tourist sites. When visiting Rangamati, you must go kayaking on Kaptai Lake. Lakeshore Resort, located near the lake, includes a swimming pool with a panoramic view of the lake.

By K Tanzeel Zaman

Photo: Courtesy