1 GLOBAL CULTURE AND TOURISM GEOGRAPHY
SOUTH ASIA
BANGLADESH REGIONS OF BANGLADESH
Dhaka Division - home to the capital city along with jute
and rice paddies.
Chittagong Division - a picturesque hinterland of large hills,
forests and beaches.
Rajshahi Division - known for its silk and mangoes.
Khulna Division - a relaxing, slow paced area; home of the
incredible Sundarbans.
Sylhet Division - home to endless rolling tea estates and
beautiful natural scenery.
Barisal Division - the land of rivers, rice paddies, and lush
vegetation.
Rangpur Division - Indian influence and orange-colored
CAPITAL: Dhaka (Dacca) limes
GOVERNMENT: Parliamentary democracy
CURRENCY: taka (BDT)
AREA: 147,570 km2 LALBAGH FORT DHAKA
POPULATION: 164,669,751.00
(2017 December est.)
LANGUAGE: Bengali (official)
English (recognised, has some
national status)
RELIGION: Muslim 90%, Hindu 9%,
other 1%
Bangladesh is a country state in Southern Asia (converging
with Southeast Asia), bordering the Bay of Bengal to the
South, almost entirely encircled by India to the West, North
and East, and Myanmar to the Southeast. Although off the
beaten path by virtually any measurement, Bangladesh is
populated by friendly locals.
Bangladesh is a small country, broken into 8
administrative divisions:
Of all the famous tourist places in Bangladesh, you have to
start with Dhaka. The capital and probably your starting
point for the adventure ahead. If you’ve never visited the
subcontinent you’re in for a treat. If you’re feeling like
jumping in at the deep-end, head over to Old Dhaka and
sort out your accommodation.
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THE SUNDARBANS BAGERHAT
Accessible from Khulna or Mongla, Bagerhat offers a
Located near Khulna, the Sundarbans mean it’s safari
couple of impressive Mosques and the famous tomb
time! This mangrove forest is home to over 400 Royal
of Khan Jahan Ali. Lots of locals make pilgrimages
Bengal tigers. You can sort out your safari from either
Khulna or Dhaka. Expect to pay around $30 pr day here daily so expect some organized chaos.
everything, which is a great bargain considering what you
may see.
NAFAKHUM WATERFALLS
COX’S BAZAR BEACH
Nafa-Khum is a beautiful waterfall found a 3hours walk
from Remakri. Which is found 3 hours by boat from Tindu.
The longest sea beach in the world! Over 120 km long. Which is a 3 hours drive from Thanchi. It may not be the
This place offers a great respite from the madness of biggest waterfall but its awesome none-the-less and you
Bangladesh, and it’s dotted with religious sites too. The can swim in the pool. The trek is beautiful too and you’ll
beaches get quite crowded and there’s plenty of really feel like you’re travelling if you make it out here.
accommodation to be found upon arrival.
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BHUTAN Central Bhutan
Eastern Bhutan
Western Bhutan
A small, landlocked country high in the Himalayas,
Bhutan is one of the least known travel destinations
in the world, which actually suits its own unique
brand of tourism. Dedicated to environmental
tourism, the country actually limits the number of
CAPITAL: Thimphu people that it has visiting it at any one time by
GOVERNMENT: constitutional monarchy
making it very complex to get into the country, and
CURRENCY: ngultrum (Nu., BTN)
requiring all visitors to be on a pre-arranged tour
AREA: 47,000km²
POPULATION: 672,425 (2005 census)
through one of the hundreds of approved and
LANGUAGE: Dzongkha (official), 19 other accredited travel agents.
languages
RELIGION: Vajrayana Buddhism (official,
74.7%), Hinduism (22.6%),
indigenous beliefs (1.9%), other
(2.7%)
Bhutan is a small country in the Himalayas between the
Tibet Autonomous Region of China and India.
Besides the stunning natural scenery, the enduring image
of the country for most visitors is the strong sense of
culture and tradition that binds the kingdom and clearly
distinguishes it from its larger neighbours. Bhutan is the The capital and largest city in the kingdom, Thimphu
only Vajrayana Buddhist nation in the world, and the is situated in the western part of central Bhutan, in
profound teachings of this tradition remain well preserved one of the country’s most stunning valleys. The city
and exert a strong influence in all aspects of life. Due to its does not have a stunning nightlife for the younger
pristine environment and harmonious society, the tiny generations of visitors; it does have many amazing
Kingdom of Bhutan has been called "The Last Shangrila."
and astounding sights to see, including the Tashichho
Dzong, the ancient fortress monastery at the edge of
the city that was once a seat of governance for the
Bhutan can culturally and geographically be divided
civil leaders of Bhutan.
into three regions, which are further divided into 20
districts or dzongkhag (singular and plural):
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BUDDHA DORDENMA STATUE complex architecture, with traditional Bhutanese
houses and shops vying for space with cafes and
restaurants. Paro is also a good place for unique
antiques and Buddhist souvenirs, as well as many
prayer-related artifacts, although antiques cannot be
taken out of the kingdom.
TAKTSANG MONASTERY
Erected in the mountains to celebrate the 60th
anniversary of the fourth Bhutanese king, Jigme
Singye Wangchuck, the Buddha Dordenma Statue is
one of the largest Buddha rupas in the world, and
stands 52 meters tall, with over 125,000 small
statues of the Buddha inside. Made in the form of the
sitting figure of Sakyamuni Buddha, the project cost
over 100 million US dollars to complete. Around the Taktsang or “Tiger’s Nest” monastery. Renowned
Buddha statue lies the Kuensel Phodrang Nature around the world for its unique and spectacular
Park, 943 acres of forested areas that was opened in position, the Taktsang Monastery has become
2011 to allow visitors to the site to relax in a quiet something of a legend in Bhutan, and across many
and peaceful atmosphere. Interestingly, the building parts of Asia and around the world where Buddhism
of the statue was foretold by Padmasambhava resides. Believed to be the meditation place of the
himself in an ancient terma that dates back to the Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), who first brought
8th century, which was repeated by the yogi Sonam Buddhism to Bhutan, legend has it that he landed on
Zangpo in the early 20th century. the mountain after flying on a giant tigress believed
to be a consort known as Yeshe Tsogyal. The
monastery was built around the caves in 1692, and
has since become a cultural icon of the Bhutanese
people.
Set in the delightful Paro Valley, the second city of
Bhutan is the first place you will see when you enter
the country, since it is where the only international
airport is situated. Lying alongside the Paro River, the
site has been the location of a monastery of one kind Also known as Pungtang Dewa chhenbi Phodrang,
or another since the 10th century, and was the which translates into “the palace of happiness and
northern stronghold of Bhutan against invasion from bliss”, Punakha Dzong is a 17th century monastery
Tibet. The main street of the city is filled with rich and that was constructed by the first Bhutanese
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Zhabdrung Rinpoche, and it is the second oldest THE TAJ MAHAL, AGRA
Buddhist dzong in the kingdom.
INDIA
Perhaps India's most recognizable building; the Taj Mahal
is also the world's most famous testimony to the power of
CAPITAL: Delhi love. Named after Mumtaz Mahal, the favorite wife of
GOVERNMENT: Federal Parliamentary Republic Emperor Shah Jahan, this most beautiful of mausoleums
CURRENCY: Indian Rupee (₹, INR) was begun upon her death in 1631 and took 20,000
AREA: total: 3,287,263km² workmen until 1648 to complete.
WATER: 314,070km²
LAND: 2,973,193km² Incorporating many elements of Islamic design including
POPULATION: 1,324,171,354 (according to the arches, minarets, an onion-shaped dome, and black
2017 revision of the World calligraphy inlaid around the entrance, the Taj Mahal is
Population Prospects) largely constructed of white marble decorated with
LANGUAGE: Hindi, English and 21 other delicate inlaid floral patterns and precious and semi-
official languages precious stones such as jade, lapis lazuli, diamonds, and
RELIGION: 79.8% Hindu, 14.2% Islam, 2.3% mother of pearl.
Christianity, 1.7% Sikhism, 0.7%
Buddhist, 0.7% Other religions, THE HOLY CITY OF VARANASI
0.4% Jain, 0.2% Religion not
stated (2011 Census)
India is the largest country in the South Asia Region,
located primarily in the center of the subcontinent. The
Republic of India is the seventh largest country in the
world by area and, with over a billion people, is second
only to China in population, although its much higher birth-
rate makes it likely to reach pole position in less than ten
years. India provides a vast canvass for touring whether it
may be cultural, adventure, religious, history, beach,
wildlife and other forms.
A major pilgrimage center for Hindus, the holy city of
Varanasi has long been associated with the mighty
Ganges River, one of the faith's most important religious
symbols. Dating back to the 8th century BC, Varanasi is
one of the oldest still inhabited cities in the world.
Bathing in the Ganges is of great importance to Hindus,
and numerous locations known as "ghats" feature
stairways leading to the water where the faithful bathe
before prayers.
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HARMANDIR SAHIB: THE GOLDEN TEMPLE the Golden Fort-a daunting 12th-century structure that
OF AMRITSAR rises high above the town.
THE RED FORT, NEW DELHI
Founded in 1577 by Ram Das, Amritsar is an important
hub of Sikh history and culture. The main attraction here is
Harmandir Sahib, opened in 1604 and still often referred Built by Shah Jahan in 1648 as the seat of Mughal power-
to as the Golden Temple for its beautiful gold decoration. a role it maintained until 1857-the magnificent crescent-
The holiest of India's many Sikh shrines (it also attracts shaped Red Fort in New Delhi, named after the stunning
many Hindus and people of other faiths), the temple was red sandstone used in its construction, covers a vast area
built in a blend of Hindu and Islamic styles, its lower of more than two square kilometers, all of it surrounded by
marble section featuring such flourishes as ornate inlaid a large moat. Highlights include its two largest gates: the
floral and animal motifs, while the large golden dome impressive Lahore Gate (the fort's main entrance) and the
represents a lotus flower, a symbol of purity to Sikhs. elaborately decorated Delhi Gate, once used by the
emperor for ceremonial processions.
THE GOLDEN CITY: JAISALMER
MALDIVES
So named for the yellow sandstone used in most of its
buildings, the Golden City of Jaisalmer is an oasis of
splendid old architecture that rises from the sand
dunes of the Thar Desert. Once a strategic outpost, today
the city is filled with splendid old mansions, magnificent
gateways, and the massive Jaisalmer Fort-also known as
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CAPITAL: Malé HULHUMALE ISLAND
GOVERNMENT: Presidential Republic
CURRENCY: Rufiyaa (MVR)
AREA: 300km²
POPULATION: 392,473 (2018 estimate)
LANGUAGE: Dhivehi is the native language,
English is widely spoken
RELIGION: Sunni Muslim
The Maldives (Dhivehi: ޖ ެެ ރ ްއ
ާ ިދ ެވ ިހDhivehi Raajje) are an
archipelago of 1,192 coral islands grouped into 26 coral
atolls (200 inhabited islands and 154 islands with tourist
resorts) in the Indian Ocean. They lie south-southwest of
Sat just across the sparkling waters from the capital of
India and are considered part of Southern Asia.
Male, the island of Hulhumale is forever growing and
growing as more and more land is reclaimed to house the
Maldives was for the most part unknown to tourists until
sprawling urban tendrils of the city.
the early 1970s. Just 189 of the islands are home to its
392,473 inhabitants. The other islands are used entirely
It’s got a gorgeous – if artificial – beach on its eastern
for economic functions, of that tourism and agriculture are
haunch, a clutch of leafy neighborhoods, a glass-topped
dominant. Tourism accounts for 28% of the GDP. Over
mosque, and planned promenade walkways above the
90% of the state government income comes from import
Indian Ocean.
duties and tourism-related taxes.
ISLAMIC CENTRE
MAAFUSHI might not have the sprawling luxury resorts
and opulent 5-star hotels that many of its nearby brothers
do, but it’s got plenty of charm.
Something that’s helped is the opening up of rights to
Thrumming with scooters and cars and Indian bazaars local guesthouses, which is transforming Maafushi into
stacked with coconuts and spice, the city of Male – the one of the top off-beat island getaways for budget
capital of the Maldives atolls – has the frenetic feel of a travelers.
place crammed into a slot that’s too small for it.
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UTHEEMU That was Feydhoo, which is today a pretty picture of lived-
in Maldivian life.
NEPAL
Sat on the far northern reaches of the Haa Alif Atoll, itself
the northernmost of all the Maldivian island chains, the
beautiful site of Utheemu holds a special place in the
history of this archipelago nation.
That’s because it was once the home of the revered Sultan
Mohamed Thakurufaanu – the leader who’s credited with
driving out Portuguese invaders from the isles in the late CAPITAL: Kathmandu
16th century. GOVERNMENT: Republic Monarchy was dissolved
by Constituent Assembly on 28
May 2008.
CURRENCY: Nepalese rupee (npr)
AREA: 147,181km²
WATER: 3,830km²
LAND: 147,516km²
POPULATION: 27,474,377 (2012 estimate)
LANGUAGE: Nepali (official; spoken by 90% of
the population), about a dozen
other languages and about 30
major dialects; many in
government and business also
speak English
RELIGION: Hinduism 81.3%,
Buddhism 9%, Islam 4.4%, Kirat
3.1% other 2.2%
Feydhoo’s story is a curious one.
Nepal is an independent country in Southern Asia,
In the 19th century, the people now living between the between the Tibet autonomous region of China and India.
leafy streets and tight-knit housing blocks here were the It contains 8 of the world's 10 highest peaks, including
inhabitants of nearby Gan island (more on that one later). Mount Everest - the world's tallest - on the border with
When the British came in the run up to WWII, Gan was Tibet, and Lumbini, the birth place of Gautama Buddha,
transformed into an airbase, and the locals were shipped the founder of Buddhism.
out to live on the next island along in the Seenu Atoll.
A monarchy for hundreds of years, Nepal was declared a
republic in June 2008.
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The BODHANATH STUPA, just outside Kathmandu,
is one of the largest stupas of its kind in the world and
dates to some time around the 6th century, possibly even
earlier. Like Bhaktapur, it lies on the old trade route to
Tibet and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
KATHMANDU, the capital and largest city in Nepal, is
like no other city in the world. The decaying buildings in
the heart of the city are a stark contrast to the lively
atmosphere that permeates the streets. The smell of
incense wafts from stores while street sellers push their
goods, and people go about their daily lives, all against a
backdrop of historic temples and carved statues.
POKHARA is one of Nepal's most scenic cities. For
trekkers, Pokhara is the gateway to the Himalayas and the
starting point for treks to Jomsom and the Annapurna
region. It's also a wonderful spot to relax for a bit, either
before or after a hiking trip.
BHAKTAPUR, the third of the "Royal Cities," lies on
the old trade route to Tibet, just outside of Kathmandu. For
Bhaktapur, the trade route was both an arterial link and
major source of wealth. Its relative remoteness at the time
allowed the city to develop independently and in ways
which distinguish it from the other two cities. TREKKING IN THE ANNAPURNA REGION
The Annapurna Region is one of the most popular trekking
regions in Nepal, with options that range from a few days
to a few weeks. Three main routes in the Annapurna
Region intersect and combine in places, and you can opt
to do a portion or a variation on the routes. The routes are
well marked and easy to follow.
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