Madaripur, Dhaka
An old river-trading bazar near Madaripur town, known for the troops of monkeys that live among its houses and trees.
Charmugria grew up as a river port and trading bazar in the days when goods moved by boat, and its old buildings recall that busier past.
Today it is best known for its monkeys: troops of rhesus macaques live in the trees and on the rooftops around the bazar, side by side with the people. Their numbers have fallen as their trees and food have grown scarcer, and local people and visitors often bring food for them.
It is a small, unusual stop — a chance to see wild monkeys living in a Bangladeshi town.
Take a CNG or auto-rickshaw from Madaripur town in the morning.
Walk through the old bazar and look for the monkeys in the trees and on the rooftops.
Stop for tea and chat with the shopkeepers about their neighbours.
Return to Madaripur town for lunch and an evening at Shakuni Lake.
November to February, in the morning
A short CNG or battery auto-rickshaw ride from Madaripur town; ask for Charmugria bazar.
