• In the capital city, Dhaka, spend some time at the National Museum, the Zoo or the Botanical Gardens.

• Go birdwatching in the Rajendrapur National Park, about 50km (31 miles) north of the capital, which is noted for its varied birdlife. The Madhupur National Park and Game Sanctuary is situated about 160km (99 miles) from Dhaka. Nature lovers will also like Madubashah, just 10km (6 miles) outside Barisal (south), which has a lake and a bird sanctuary.

• Spot Royal Bengal Tigers, the country's national animal, in the Sundarbans National Park, a supreme example of lush coastal vegetation and the variety of wildlife which it can support. Spotted deers, monkeys and a great variety of birds are also to be found here. Not surprising, considering this area boasts the largest mangrove forest in the world. The park is located in the Khulna Division, which is principally marshland and jungle. Tours (usually for 10 people or more) are organised by the Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation during the winter; otherwise, boats can be hired from Khulna or Mongla, which is the main port for the Khulna region. Accommodation is available at Heron Point.

• Travellers in pursuit of beaches should head for Kuakata, a newly developed tourist resort. It is a scenic beauty spot on the southernmost tip of Bangladesh in the district of Patuakhali and has a wide sandy beach which is an ideal vantage point to watch the sun rise and set. Here, visitors can also observe the traditions and unique lifestyle of the Rakhane tribes.

• Step foot on the world’s longest and broadest beach, Inani Beach, which can be found in Cox’s Bazar, a thriving regional tourist centre and beach resort in the extreme south of Bangladesh, with a mixed population of Bengali and Burmese origin. The beach is 120km (75 miles) long and 55m (180ft) to 90m (300ft) broad (depending on the tide). The area has not, however, been fully developed for tourism. The town also has many thriving cottage industries for weaving and cigar making.

• The main tourist beach is Patenga (southeast), which is also broad and long.

• Boating enthusiasts may head to Sunderbands National Park, large parts of which are only accessible by rowing boat.

• Located in the Rangamati Hill District, Kapati Lake offers good opportunities for sailing, swimming and fishing.

• In February each year, join the annual 10-day pilgrimage in Sitakund, 37km (23 miles) from Chittagong (southeast), also famous for its temples, including Chandranath and Buddhist temples, a hot spring and the supposed footprint of Lord Buddha.

• Enjoy an excursion to Sylhet, North of Dhaka, known as ‘the land of two leaves and a bud’ because of its long tradition as a tea-growing area. Srimongol is the main centre of the Sylhet tea gardens.

• Enjoy a game of cricket, hockey or football. The Dhaka Metropolitan Soccer League season begins in April. Games are held in the city stadium and playgrounds.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.