1. Transportation Options

a. By Road Travelers can use various land routes for a scenic and economical journey. 1. Benapole-Petrapole Border: The most popular land crossing between Jessore (Bangladesh) and Kolkata (India). Buses like Shyamoli Paribahan and Green Line operate daily. Duration: Approximately 8–10 hours from Dhaka to Kolkata. Cost: BDT 1,500–2,500.

2. Other Land Borders: Tamabil-Dawki (Sylhet to Meghalaya): Ideal for those visiting Shillong or Guwahati. Akhaura-Agartala: Direct access to Tripura, with plans for expanded connectivity. b. By Air Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to travel between the two countries.

1. Major Airlines: Biman Bangladesh Airlines IndiGo Air India US-Bangla Airlines

2. Routes: Dhaka to Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, or Chennai. Sylhet to Kolkata flights are also available.

3. Duration and Cost: Flights to Kolkata: 1 hour, costs around BDT 6,000–10,000. Flights to Delhi: 2–3 hours, costs BDT 12,000–20,000. c. By Train Trains offer a comfortable and culturally immersive journey. 1. Maitree Express: Connects Dhaka and Kolkata. Runs six days a week. Duration: 8–10 hours. Cost: Approx. BDT 2,000–2,500. 2. Bandhan Express: Operates between Khulna and Kolkata. Ideal for those from the southwestern part of Bangladesh. d. By Waterways A lesser-known but scenic option includes water routes. Services operate between Dhaka and Kolkata through the Sundarbans, offering a picturesque experience. Duration: 2–3 days. Cost: Varies based on the service. --- 2. Visa Requirements a. Types of Visas India offers several types of visas for Bangladeshi travelers: 1. Tourist Visa 2. Medical Visa 3. Business Visa

4. Student Visa b. How to Apply Applications are submitted through the Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC). Required Documents: Valid passport Recent passport-size photos Proof of travel (ticket or itinerary) Hotel bookings or an invitation letter. c. Processing Time and Fees Processing Time: 3–7 business days. Visa Fees: Approx. BDT 800–3,000 depending on the type. --- 3. Travel Costs a. Accommodation Budget hotels: BDT 1,000–3,000 per night. Mid-range hotels: BDT 3,500–8,000 per night. Luxury stays: BDT 10,000+ per night.

b. Food and Dining Meals at local restaurants: BDT 200–500. Fine dining: BDT 1,000–2,500. c. Transportation Public transport (rickshaws, buses, trains): BDT 50–500. Ride-sharing services: BDT 200–1,000 for intra-city travel. d. Sightseeing Costs Entry fees to popular tourist sites range from BDT 200–1,000. --- 4. Top Destinations in India for Bangladeshi Travelers a. Kolkata Victoria Memorial: A blend of British and Mughal architecture. Dakshineswar Temple: A spiritual retreat near the Ganges. Shopping: New Market and Gariahat. b. Delhi Historical Sites: Red Fort, India Gate, and Qutub Minar. Modern Attractions: DLF CyberHub and Connaught Place.

c. Agra The Taj Mahal: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and iconic symbol of love.

d. Jaipur Amber Fort and City Palace: Architectural marvels in Rajasthan. e. Shillong and Darjeeling Perfect for nature enthusiasts and those seeking serenity. ---

5. Cultural Tips for Bangladeshi Travelers 1. Respect Local Customs: Dress modestly and follow local traditions. 2. Currency Exchange: Exchange Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) to Indian Rupees (INR) before crossing. 3. Language: While Hindi is widely spoken, Bengali is also understood in West Bengal and Tripura. 4. Emergency Contacts: Keep the contact information for your country’s embassy in India. ---

6. Recent Developments Visa Relaxation: E-visas and on-arrival visa facilities are under discussion for certain categories of travelers. New Bus Routes: Plans for additional Dhaka-Guwahati and Dhaka-Agartala services. Rail Expansion: Talks of increasing train services to meet growing demand. ---

<a href="1. Transportation Options a. By Road Travelers can use various land routes for a scenic and economical journey. 1. Benapole-Petrapole Border: The most popular land crossing between Jessore (Bangladesh) and Kolkata (India). Buses like Shyamoli Paribahan and Green Line operate daily. Duration: Approximately 8–10 hours from Dhaka to Kolkata. Cost: BDT 1,500–2,500. 2. Other Land Borders: Tamabil-Dawki (Sylhet to Meghalaya): Ideal for those visiting Shillong or Guwahati. Akhaura-Agartala: Direct access to Tripura, with plans for expanded connectivity. b. By Air Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to travel between the two countries. 1. Major Airlines: Biman Bangladesh Airlines IndiGo Air India US-Bangla Airlines 2. Routes: Dhaka to Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, or Chennai. Sylhet to Kolkata flights are also available. 3. Duration and Cost: Flights to Kolkata: 1 hour, costs around BDT 6,000–10,000. Flights to Delhi: 2–3 hours, costs BDT 12,000–20,000. c. By Train Trains offer a comfortable and culturally immersive journey. 1. Maitree Express: Connects Dhaka and Kolkata. Runs six days a week. Duration: 8–10 hours. Cost: Approx. BDT 2,000–2,500. 2. Bandhan Express: Operates between Khulna and Kolkata. Ideal for those from the southwestern part of Bangladesh. d. By Waterways A lesser-known but scenic option includes water routes. Services operate between Dhaka and Kolkata through the Sundarbans, offering a picturesque experience. D