Bangladesh is one of the most beautiful countries in the world when it comes to language, history, religion, culture, and natural beauty. Bengalis make up the second greatest (most populous) ethnic group in the world after the Han Chinese. My beautiful country Bangladesh consists of sacrifice and martyrdom for one's mother language in the liberation war, the beautiful sounds of wedding bells and marching bands during weddings, the smells of roses and marigolds, the taste of sweet tea, the foundation of mud houses and dirt roads, the animals, and the green grounds. A thing to note before going to Bangladesh is that the trip will not be easy. Because of the climate and air it is very easy to get sick. Within my three week stay in Bangladesh I got the fever, ear ache, headache, nausea, gas, headaches, and many other illnesses. However, this is preventable. It will be a shame if one is not able to enjoy one's trip due to illness. Thus remember the following: bring nasal sprays or nasal drops for colds, always cover up during the winter with shawls over the head, take malaria medication, remember that cough drops are a must regardless of the season, always have anti gas medication on hand, and carry 7-Up or Sprite during your long journeys. When eating street food make sure the food is cooked in sanitary conditions. Although Bangladesh is a tiny country, it is difficult to get from place to place. Things that you may feel will take 30 minutes due to length can take up to 3 hours due to the narrow roads, traffic, and construction. Because Bangladesh is a green agricultural country this means that there are very few concrete roads which is why it is harder to get places by vehicle. The local people are good at predicting the time it will take to get place to place, so this is not a problem. There is also dirt in the air along with pollution, so if you have allergies remember to bring a face mask and medication. Once all of this is covered, you can have an amazing trip. I made the mistake of journeying long distances in a very short period of time which is why I got sick. Thus, if you are planning on travelling all of Bangladesh within three weeks, be extra cautious and enjoy your stay! Here are Top 10 Places to Visit in Bangladesh (in no particular order):

1. Sylhet Tea Gardens

In Sylhet you may find beautiful tea gardens. Bangladesh is one of the greenest countries in the world in terms of preservation of its natural beauty and its tea gardens are proof of this. In Sylhet you can also drink "7 flavours of tea" in one cup. Just remember that tea picking season is mid spring or summer, however you can enter tea gardens and buy samples at any time of the year.

2. Jaflong, Sylhet, Bangladesh

Jaflong is a collection of natural greenery in Bangladesh. It consists of rainforests, subtropical mountains, the Bangladesh-India border land (best spot to cross the border), and fruit gardens.

3. Sundarbans, Bangladesh

This is an amazing UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the largest halophytic mangrove block in the world and one can view nature's beautiful forest area and animals through a safari here. Bengal Tigers are known to live in the Sundarbans area along with lizards, birds (like pelicans), otters, crocodiles, and more. The forest would be a great place to have an overnight sleepover--but beware of the animals.

4. Cox's Bazar Beach and St Martin's Island

Cox's Bazar is actually the world's largest and longest sea beach. It is a long beautiful beach state where you can enjoy para sailing, jet skiing, boat riding, fishing, and much more. St Martin's Island is off the coast of Cox's Bazar and you can get there by ship. The water is blue and incredibly clean and the inhabitants of the island are wonderful. One of the most famous people who inhabited the island is Humayun Ahmed, a Bengali poet.

5. Lalon Akhra, Kushtia

Bengalis are known for their love of the arts and poetry. Lalon Fakir is a Bengali saint and mystic who created a lot of social reform. Many folk singers and musicians come to Lalon Akhra to pay tribute to Lalon Fakir. Kushtia is also home of Rabindronath Tagore--the man who made the Bengali national anthem and is one of the most famous poets and song writers to grace this planet.

6. Birishiri, Netrokhana Bangladesh

This is otherwise known as Heaven on Earth in Bangladesh. It is a land filled with lakes and natural rocks. The lakes are incredibly blue, clean, and beautiful. Emerald Lake is fantastic and is a must see. The roads here are rocky so it is important to be cautious, otherwise there is a beautiful view here.

7. Lal Bagh Fort and Dhaka, Bangladesh

Lalbagh Fort is a 17th century Mughal fort before the Buriganga River in southern Dhaka. Dhaka Bangladesh is also the capital of Bangladesh and there is a historical museum there for those who were martyred in the 1971 War for Independence.

8. Bandarban District, Bangladesh

This is the highest hill resort area in Bangladesh. There are many waterfalls and green sites to see here. Must sees include the Buddhist temples and Nilachal. Fun fact: Although mosques can be found anywhere in Bangladesh where pigeons flock to naturally, Buddhism and Hindusim are also very prominent in this country.

9. Patenga, Chittagong, Bangladesh

Patenga is one of the most beautiful beach areas in Bangladesh. This is where the best pictures of sea sunsets can be taken in anywhere in Bangladesh.

10. Rajshahi Bangladesh: Puthia Rajbari, Paharpur, Shahid Minar RUET

Puthia Rajbari is a historically Hindu royal palace site. There is the Shiv Temple which is nearby and the region is very beautiful and spread out. Somapura Mahavihara is an important archaeological site of Buddhism in Bangladesh. Shahid Minar is a memorial site that can be found in Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology. Shaheed Minar dedications are located all across the country in memory of the martyrs of the Bangladesh Liberation War.