For many people in Bangladesh, especially those who love mountain views, it is like an annual ritual. A trip to Tetulia in the northern part of the country. Because from here, they can gaze on the dazzling snow peaks of Mt Kanchenjunga (the third highest peak in the world) and its retinue of lesser peaks, shining under the blue autumn sky. Surprised

Not known to many people beyond the country, in autumn, especially between October and November, there is a short window in nature&rsquos calendar, when the snowbound Himalayan range located beyond the international border becomes visible from various points of Tetulia Upazilla in Panchagarh in northern Bangladesh. Of course, visibility depends on the whims of nature but according to most visitors they have rarely returned disappointed.

And to the delight of the people, this year, it has been a bonus year, with the snowy range visible almost a month before the usual time. According to media reports, Tetulia is already choc a bloc with visitors.

One of the best places from where one may see Mt Kanchenjunga is the Tetulia Dak Bungalow located on elevated grounds, near the bank of the Mahananda River. Reminiscent of Victorian architecture, the bungalow, now owned by the local administration, is said to have been built by the Cooch Behar royals (Cooch Behar is now a district in West Bengal, India) during the British period. Other vantage points include the landscape picnic spot near the bungalow, Tetulia Bypass, Banglabandha, bridge on Korotoa River in Bhajanpur, etc., according to veteran visitors.

Tetulia is connected to capital Dhaka by regular bus service. Or, you may travel by bus or train to Panchagarh (headquarters of the eponymous district), from where you can travel onward by road. Once in Tetulia, you may hire local vehicles for sightseeing. There are quite a few tea gardens in the area. Accommodation is limited apart from the Dak Bungalow and a few other administrative rest houses, there are a few hotels in and around Tetulia.

However, do remember to check the latest pandemic containment rules before planning your holiday.