Bangladesh, India's vibrant neighbor, offers travelers a rich cultural experience with its lush landscapes, historic sites, and warm hospitality. From the bustling streets of Dhaka to the serene tea gardens of Srimangal and the world's longest natural sea beach at Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh presents an affordable and fascinating destination for Indian travelers.
This comprehensive guide covers everything Indian travelers need to know—from visa requirements and transportation options to the best places to stay, eat, and explore in this beautiful country.
Why Bangladesh is a Great Destination for Indian Tourists
- Cultural Similarities: Shared history and cultural connections
- Affordable Travel: Very budget-friendly for Indian travelers
- Natural Beauty: Sundarbans mangrove forest, tea gardens, beaches
- Historical Sites: Ancient mosques, colonial architecture
- Vegetarian-Friendly: Many traditional dishes are plant-based
- Easy Accessibility: Multiple land and air routes from India
How to Travel from India to Bangladesh
Flight Options
Several airlines operate between India and Bangladesh:
- Direct Flights: Biman Bangladesh, Air India, IndiGo
- Main Routes: Delhi-Dhaka, Kolkata-Dhaka, Mumbai-Dhaka
- Flight Duration: 1-3 hours depending on route
Land Border Crossings
Popular land routes from India:
- Petrapole-Benapole: West Bengal to Jessore (busiest crossing)
- Gede-Darshana: West Bengal to Chuadanga
- Dawki-Tamabil: Meghalaya to Sylhet
Travel Tip: For land crossings, complete immigration formalities on both sides and carry passport with valid visa.
Approximate Travel Duration & Cost
| Route |
Duration |
Cost (Round-trip) |
| Delhi/Kolkata to Dhaka (flight) |
1-3 hours |
₹8,000–₹20,000 (varies by season) |
| Kolkata to Dhaka (train/bus) |
12-15 hours |
₹2,000–₹5,000 |
Best Time to Visit Bangladesh
| Season |
Months |
Pros & Cons |
| Winter (Peak) |
Nov-Feb |
Pleasant weather (15-25°C), best for sightseeing |
| Spring |
Mar-Apr |
Warmer but still comfortable |
| Monsoon |
May-Oct |
Heavy rains, lush landscapes, fewer tourists |
Festivals to Experience:
- Pohela Boishakh (April): Bengali New Year celebrations
- Durga Puja (Sept/Oct): Grand Hindu festival celebrations
- Eid-ul-Fitr: Major Islamic festival with special foods
Bangladesh Travel Budget for Indian Tourists
Bangladesh is very affordable for Indian travelers. Here's a rough estimate per person:
| Expense |
Budget (₹) |
Mid-Range (₹) |
Luxury (₹) |
| Accommodation (per night) |
₹800–₹1,500 (Guesthouses) |
₹2,000–₹4,000 (3-star hotels) |
₹6,000+ (5-star hotels) |
| Food (per day) |
₹300–₹800 (Local eateries) |
₹1,000–₹2,000 (Restaurants) |
₹3,000+ (Fine dining) |
| Transport (local) |
₹100–₹300 (Buses/rickshaws) |
₹500–₹1,500 (Taxis) |
₹2,000+ (Private car) |
| Attractions (per day) |
₹200–₹500 (Museums/sites) |
₹800–₹2,000 (Guided tours) |
₹3,000+ (VIP experiences) |
Total Estimated Cost for 7 Days:
- Budget Traveler: ₹15,000–₹25,000
- Mid-Range Traveler: ₹30,000–₹50,000
- Luxury Traveler: ₹80,000+
Where to Stay in Bangladesh
1. Dhaka (Capital City)
- Budget: Hotel Pacific (₹1,200/night)
- Mid-Range: Lakeshore Hotel (₹3,500/night)
- Luxury: InterContinental Dhaka (₹8,000/night)
2. Chittagong (Port City)
- Budget: Hotel Golden Inn (₹1,500/night)
- Mid-Range: The Peninsula Chittagong (₹4,000/night)
3. Cox's Bazar (Beach Town)
- Budget: Seagull Hotel (₹2,000/night)
- Luxury: Royal Tulip Sea Pearl Beach Resort (₹7,000/night)
Top Attractions & Must-Do Activities
- Sundarbans Mangrove Forest: Home of Royal Bengal tigers
- Cox's Bazar: World's longest natural sea beach
- Srimangal: Tea gardens and rainforests
- Lalbagh Fort: 17th century Mughal fort in Dhaka
- Paharpur Buddhist Monastery: UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Rangamati: Scenic hill district with tribal culture
- Ahsan Manzil: Pink palace museum in Dhaka
Bangladeshi Food Guide for Indians
Bangladeshi cuisine is similar to Bengali food in India with many vegetarian options:
- Bhorta: Mashed vegetables with spices
- Dal: Lentil soup, staple with rice
- Vegetable Curry: Seasonal veggies in light gravy
- Pitha: Traditional rice cakes
- Fuchka: Bangladesh's version of pani puri
- Mishti Doi: Sweet yogurt dessert
Tip: Specify "vegetarian" as some dishes may use fish sauce. Many pure vegetarian restaurants available in cities.
Visa Requirements for Indian Travelers
Do Indians Need a Visa for Bangladesh?
✅ Yes, but process is straightforward
Types of Visas
- Tourist Visa: Single or multiple entry
- Land Port Visa: For land border crossings
How to Apply
- Apply at Bangladesh High Commission or online
- Processing time: 3-5 working days
- Can get visa on arrival at airports with prior approval
Required Documents
- ✔ Passport valid 6+ months
- ✔ 2 passport photos
- ✔ Completed application form
- ✔ Hotel booking or invitation letter
- ✔ Bank statement (₹50,000+ balance)
- ✔ Flight itinerary
Visa Fees
Tourist Visa: ₹1,500–₹3,000 depending on duration
Important: Indian citizens of Bangladeshi origin have different visa rules - check with embassy.
Important: If you need help with your Bangladesh Visa application, please visit our website and fill out the assistance form. (👉
www.executivevisaservices.in)
FAQs for Indian Travelers
1. Is Bangladesh safe for Indian tourists?
Generally safe, especially in tourist areas. Standard precautions advised in crowded places.
2. What's the currency in Bangladesh?
Bangladeshi Taka (BDT). 1 INR ≈ 1.3 BDT (check current rates).
3. Can I use Indian rupees in Bangladesh?
Officially no, but some border areas may accept INR at poor rates. Better to exchange to BDT.
4. How to get a SIM card in Bangladesh?
Purchase from Grameenphone/Robi at airport (₹300 for basic plan). Need passport copy.
5. What's the best way to travel within Bangladesh?
Domestic flights for long distances, buses for intercity, CNG auto-rickshaws in cities.
6. How many days are enough for Bangladesh?
7-10 days covers main attractions. 2 weeks allows deeper exploration.
7. Any cultural tips for Indian travelers?
Dress modestly outside tourist areas, avoid public displays of affection, and remove shoes when entering homes.
Final Thoughts: Why Visit Bangladesh?
Bangladesh offers Indian travelers an affordable, culturally rich destination right next door. With shared linguistic and culinary traditions, it provides a familiar yet distinctly different experience. From the mangrove forests of Sundarbans to the vibrant streets of Old Dhaka and the serene tea gardens of the northeast, Bangladesh presents diverse experiences at a fraction of the cost of international travel.
With improving infrastructure and easier visa processes, now is an excellent time for Indian travelers to explore this often-overlooked neighbor that shares so much history and culture with India.