• We rise early this morning for breakfast and immediately set off by rickshaws to cycle our way toward the forests of Lawachara National Park.

• The Hoolock gibbon is one of the world’s most endangered apes, but 60 of these animals can still be found swinging through the trees of this beautiful forest preserve. (Later in the day our student forum will consider the fate of all the great and lesser apes in the world and discuss actions we can take to prevent their further demise.)

• After a short cycle trip we will set off hiking along a 3-hour trail deep into this forest in search of gibbons, langurs, barking deer, hanging parrots and other wildlife not found in the mangroves. This is the best time of day to spot gibbons doing their morning territorial calls and possibly to see Bangladesh’s other big cat, the ever-elusive leopard.

• Following a wonderful morning learning about lowland tropical forest ecosystems we will cycle our way back to our lodge for lunch and then have time to swim, sun and relax at the poolside.

• Later in the afternoon we will set off by rickshaws once again for a journey into the countryside to experience the traditional life of the rural people. Students can try their hands planting or harvesting rice, weaving a mat, tending the animals or hauling water from the canals to get first hand impressions of the lives of the vast majority of Bangladeshi people.

• Bangladesh has been called a nation of rickshaws, as this is the most popular mode of travel. There are literally millions of brightly colored, three-wheeler cycles in use throughout the country. With folding hoods to guard passengers against sun and monsoon rains, these quiet, non-polluting transport vehicles could become a green model for inner city transport world-wide. In this sense, Bangladesh may be so far behind the rest of the world, it is actually ahead.

• Returning to our lodge for dinner, there will be another campfire session under the stars to discuss the experiences of the day.

Overnight: Tea Resort - Srimangal