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Flames & Festivals: November 2026 Cultural Tour

Join a 15-day cultural tour through Bangladesh, timed perfectly for two of the country's most breathtaking festivals — Rakher Upobash and Manipuri Rash Mela. From Dhaka's vibrant river ports to the misty tea gardens of Sreemangal, this journey connects you with UNESCO heritage sites, the wild Sundarbans, and intimate local celebrations. Led by TripAdvisor's highest-rated agency, it is not just a trip but a story you will carry with you long after you return.

Thousands of Hindu devotees with lit oil lamps and incense at the Rakher Upobash festival in Barodi, Narayanganj, Bangladesh, seen from above.
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Overview

What you’ll experience

Duration
15
Group Size
1-2
Difficulty
easy
Activity
cultural
Highlights

Why this trip?

  • Rakher Upobash Candlelight Festival: Experience the profound spiritual atmosphere at Barodi near Dhaka, where thousands of devotees light oil lamps (pradip) during the sacred month of Kartik.
  • Manipuri Rash Mela Festival: Witness the colorful celebration in Sreemangal, featuring traditional tribal dances and community festivities.
  • Brahmaputra Island Cruise: Embark on a cruising boat to explore isolated islands, offering a glimpse into traditional rural life with horse and cow cart rides.
  • Kantajew Terracotta Temple: Visit the majestic 18th-century temple and join its month-long November festivity.
  • Sundarbans Day Cruise: Venture into the world's largest mangrove forest to spot otter fishing and explore traditional fisherman villages.
  • UNESCO Heritage: Explore the historic Bagerhat 60-domes mosque and the ancient Paharpur Buddhist Monastery.
  • Cox's Bazar Photographic Walk: Capture scenes of daily life at Asia's largest dry fish market.
  • Lawachara National Park: Trek through the rainforest and visit the lush tea gardens of Sreemangal.
Itinerary

Day by day

  1. Day 01

    Arrival - & The Festival of Lights Rakher Upobash Festival

    Stay · Three Star Standard Hotel, DhakaMeals · Breakfast
  2. Day 02

    Dhaka - Grameen Bank - Tangail - Bogra

    Stay · Three Star Standard Hotel, BograMeals · Breakfast
  3. Day 03

    Bogra - Mahasthan - Brahmaputra Cruise & Islands - Rangpur

    Stay · Three Star Standard Hotel, RangpurMeals · Breakfast
  4. Day 04

    Rangpur - Kantajew Temple - Paharpur - Rajshahi

    Stay · Three Star Standard Hotel, RajshahiMeals · Breakfast
  5. Day 05

    Rajshahi - Putia - Kushtia - Jessore

    Stay · Three Star Standard Hotel, JessoreMeals · Breakfast
  6. Day 06

    Otter Fishing - Sundarbans Day Trip & Eco Resort Stay

    Stay · Three Star Standard Hotel,, MonglaMeals · Breakfast
  7. Day 07

    Mongla - Bagerhat UNESCO Site - Barisal

    Stay · Three Star Standard Hotel, BarisalMeals · Breakfast
  8. Day 08

    Barisal Floating Market - Drive to Dhaka

    Stay · Three Star Standard Hotel, DhakaMeals · Breakfast
  9. Day 09

    Dhaka - Cox's Bazar & Photography Tour

    Stay · Three Star Standard Hotel, Cox's BazarMeals · Breakfast
  10. Day 10

    Chittagong Transfer & Ship Breaking Yard

    Stay · Three Star Standard Hotel, ChittagongMeals · Breakfast
  11. Day 11

    Chittagong - Mainamati - Sreemangal

    Stay · Three Star Standard Hotel, SreemangalMeals · Breakfast
  12. Day 12

    Sreemangal & Manipuri Rash Mela Festival

    Stay · Three Star Standard Hotel, SreemangalMeals · Breakfast
  13. Day 13

    Sreemangal - Korail Slum - Shopping - Dhaka

    Stay · Three Star Standard Hotel, DhakaMeals · Breakfast
  14. Day 14

    Full Day Dhaka City Tour

    Stay · Three Star Standard Hotel, DhakaMeals · Breakfast
  15. Day 15

    Dhaka & Departure

    Meals · Breakfast
Included
  • ✓All transfers and road journeys by microbus for 1-2 persons
  • ✓All sightseeing as per the itinerary
  • ✓Community Impact: 5% of every booking supports Riverside Primary School — providing books, school meals, and uniforms for 80+ children.
  • ✓All accommodation on twin-bed room sharing basis with breakfast
  • ✓Sundarbans Forest authority permit with meals, breakfast, tea/coffee and mineral water
  • ✓Armed forest rangers during the Sundarbans cruise
  • ✓Grameen Bank micro-credit program visit
  • ✓Sufi music at Lalon's shrine
  • ✓One 500ml bottle of mineral water per person per day
  • ✓Domestic air ticket Dhaka - Cox's Bazar with local taxes
  • ✓English-speaking accompanying guide
  • ✓Government taxes
Not included
  • —Lunch and dinner (add 465 USD for lunch and dinner)
  • —Beverages, hard and soft drinks
  • —Items of a personal nature
  • —Items not included in the inclusions list
  • —Cost of guaranteed Day 1 booking (check-in from 1400 hrs)
  • —Tipping to guide and driver
Common questions

Before you book

Is it safe to travel to Bangladesh and attend these large festivals?
What level of physical fitness is required for this tour?
Do I need any special permits for the Sundarbans or other areas?
What should I pack for a November trip to Bangladesh?
Are meals included, and what can I expect for accommodation?
How does payment work for this tour?
Tripadvisor reviews

What travellers say

6
6863mariella
Cugnasco, Switzerland

“Just think about enjoying every moment!”

Just everything perfect! We did a 2-week tour: our only “concern” was to get up in the morning and show up in the hotel lobby to enjoy the day! Afridi was our impeccable guide and the driver Zia extricated himself wonderfully in the traffic, nothing short of chaotic! Our needs were taken into account and we also appreciated the flexibility shown by our guide. The atmosphere was cheerful, the knowledge of the country excellent and not least Afridi speaks commendable English! THANK YOU very much for this wonderful adventure!

January 2026
T
Tom
Washington DC

“Fun, interesting and truly authentic experience in Bangladesh”

My mom and I went on this trip in September 2025, and it was so much fun. Bangladesh is not a common travel destination for Westerners, but I am so glad we took a chance and traveled here for a week. We spent several days touring beautiful tea plantations, interacting with locals, visiting different villages, hiking in the forests, trying new foods, visiting a local village school, and making new friends. The best part was that it was 100% authentic. Our tour guides, Alfridi and Shymol, went out of their way to make us feel safe, happy and satisfied.

September 2025
a
annabelle v
Ghent, Belgium

“A.M.A.Z.I.N.G”

What a trip! What a ride! What a country! What an experience! It was amazing! We got into contact with the real Bangladesh — amazing people, good food, chaos and peace. We’ve got it all!

April 2025
G
Guido Helga
Bredene, Belgium

“Simply the best”

Just back from a 14-day beautiful tour through Bangladesh with Beyond Borders (Belgium) and Bangladesh Eco Adventure. Wonderful. There is a full program and we saw a lot of the country. Mahadi and Jerry did everything they could to show us as much as possible of this beautiful country. We visited Dhaka, Sonargaon, Sreemangal, Lawachara National Park, Mongla, Barisal, Chittagong and a Sundarban forest 3-day cruise. Often very adventurous — getting around by comfortable bus, boat and train. Lots of local markets, contacts with locals, good hotels, good food. One of our top trips among the many we have made all over the world.

March 2025
B
Benoît and Jany Chassatte

“Unforgettable experience”

Mahadi took us on a trip to Sundarban last March. It was an unforgettable holiday. Everything was so well organized. The team (drivers, boat team) were kind and helpful. With the engine boat we got to explore the beautiful waterways and with the small rowing boat we got close to the mangrove forests with their wild animals. We also got to know this unique and precious environment better through Mahadi’s explanations and books. If you could only visit one place in Bangladesh, we highly recommend this trip.

March 2021
M
Mohamed M

“10/10 Would recommend them for all Bangladesh tourism!”

Mahadi at Bangladesh Eco Adventure and team really made the trip a dream come true — they handled all logistics, were on time, excellent communicators, well priced and had immense local knowledge. We went to the Sundarbans for a few days, as well as day tours in Sonargaon and Dhaka. Sundarbans in particular is a must see. Myself and my friends had a wonderful time and would not hesitate to recommend them as the people to trust with all your travel and tourism in Bangladesh.

January 2026
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