Rajshahi Division

About Rajshahi

The town of Rajshahi was announced as the most joyful and happiest town on the World by the World Happiness Survey in 2006. The town has very peaceful environment.

Rajshahi is connected to the rest of the country through roads, water, rail and air.

In ancient time Rajshahi was integrated in Pundra. It was known as the “Beuleah” during the British Raj. The district was developed in 1772. At that time, the region was dominated with Zamindars, Maharajas and Rajas.

Rajshahi municipality recognized in 1876. It is best tourist places of the country. The river Padma, one of the significant river of Indian subcontinents flows along the town. In July 12, 1897, earth quakes trigger huge damage to the town.

 A steamer service was at the Ganga linking it with the Kolkata in 20^th century. The town was City corporate in 1991. The site was chosen as a center for the silk business.

Silk larvae

 Today there are many educational institutes in Rajshahi and is known as 'education city'. It is popular for genuine silk, mango and litchi. Pretty silk items are very cheap in Rajshahi and are often generally known as the 'silk city'. The town is known for its Attractive tourist spots, such as the zoo and also there are a variety of historical mosques, shrines or temples and universities within the town.

World Happiness Survey was announced in 2006 that the town of Rajshahi as the most joyful and happiest city on the world. The town has very friendly and relaxing environment.

There are many way to reach to Rajshahi like roads, water, rail and air.

By air:

Shah Mokhdum Airport terminal flights are not available to this location.

Route by Road:

It is 350 km far from Dhaka. It takes 5 hours to reach Rajshahi city from Dhaka.

AC and non-AC buses are available from and to Dhaka via Natore.

Bus services to other major regions are also available from the Bus Terminal of Rajshahi.

Route by train:

A comfortable and luxurious intercity train named Silk City runs between Dhaka to Rajshahi. There are also a number of intercity trains run between Rajshahi and other major places of Bangladesh. Another intercity train named Padma Express between Dhaka and Rajshahi.

Silk city train starts from Dhaka to Rajshahi at 2:40 PM and from Rajshahi to Dhaka at 07:35 AM.

Padma Express starts from Dhaka to Rajshahi at 11:45PM and from Rajshahi to Dhaka at 04:00 PM.

Weekly Holiday: silk city Train: Sunday and Padma Express : Tuesday

Varendra Research Museum at Rajshahi 

Varendra Research Museum is in the center of Rajshahi, Bangladesh. If you want to know more about Bangladesh then must visit Varendra Research Museum. You can get lot of information about the country. It was the first art museum of Bangladesh. This museum has a rich and historical collection, a large number of collections of Paharpur, Mohasthangar and Mohenjodaro and also of Sixteenth to Nineteenth century A.D. This is dedicated to the research of historical lifestyle and culture. Its collections contain exciting heritage of past Hindu, Buddhist and Islamic lifestyle. It is situated at the center of Rajshahi town and from 1964 it is maintained by Rajshahi University authority. 

The year of its official organization is 1910 A.D. by Sharat Kumar Roy.

What to See                                         

There are over 20,000 books and 6,000 manuscripts in the museum. These are available in several 'languages' such as Sanskrit, Persia, Arabic and Bengali. Several of the anthology deal with the lifestyle and history of the country. There are also a large number of publications and books.

The library has been shifted to a new complex, which is much more modern. The Varendra Research Museum also homes several sculptures of Lord Surya. 

There are also many art items presenting the lifestyle and culture of Bangladesh. There is a part which devoted to a large number of Buddhist statue.There is also a spot devoted to Old Persian, Sanskrit and Bangla molded stones. There is a selection displaying the tribe lifestyle of the Rajshahi.

History       

Varendra Research Museum is one of the oldest Museums in Bangladesh. It was recognized in 1910 with the help of the maharaja of Dighapatia. These days, the museum is being supervised  by the Rajshahi University.

The developing was designed in a way that is similar to British building structures of the era. During the development, a trefoil arch on top of the windows and entrances were included. There is a Rekha temple on the roof.

The town of Rajshahi was involved in the Pundra zone historical Bengal. In 1772, the management sector was set up. The time of British Raj, it was christened “Beuleah”.

Other information

The Varendra Museum is divided into several galleries, which concentrates on different social culturals and spiritual relics. In the first gallery, visitors will find historical scripts on display, spectacular items from the Indus Area Civilization and collections from Sompur. In the gallery two, there are a variety of statues that include Hindu and Buddhist statues, wood made statues and statues illustrating different goddesses and gods from the Hindu spiritual beliefs. The Islamic period is showed through sculptured stones in the 6th gallery, where rock identities in Bangla, Arabic, Persian and Sanskrit can also be found. The lifestyle and communities of the Rajshahi region can be researched in the last and most lately added, gallery in the museum. The Varendra Museum, at the Rajshahi University, is a durable monument and honor to the Buddhist, Islamic and Hindu faiths, though its commitment, research and protection of the collections that symbolizes the past of Bangladesh and the people that have resided here for hundreds of years.  

Entry Fee

There is no entry fee.

Visit Time:

Open:  10:00 am to 5:00 pm from Saturdays to Fridays.

On Fridays it is start from 2:30 until 5:00 pm.

The Central Park and Zoo in Rajshahi City – Bangladesh

Shaheed AHM Kamaruzzaman (one of the four national leaders) Central Park and Zoo is the only spacious amusement place in Rajshahi metropolis. It is covering 36.76 acres of land.  The Park and Zoo, Rajshahi is considered to be one of the best entertainment centers in the city. The park has been set up over a vast area covered with lush greeneries. The zoo is a best attraction for the visitors and the local residents especially for the children. Rajshahi Zoo and Central Park is home to various species of animals which are the center of attractions at the zoo and park. Rajshahi Central Park and Zoo was established in 1972. 

Location

It is located by the bank of river Padma. 

What to See

There are many sectors in the zoo. One of them has lush greens and plants. The tourists can observe about 50 various species of animals. Inside the zoo there are total 400 animals kept including 200 deer. There are several animals to be seen here. There are many lizards such as different kinds of snakes, Crocodiles, Ghariyals. The Royal Bengal tigers are the most well-known attractions here.

However, the monkeys, chimpanzees and the baboons are also a hit with the visitors. There are also hippos and tapirs. The Rajshahi Main Recreation area and Zoo also has several impala, tigers, bears, deer and hyenas.

Tourists to the zoo will also see the otters, waterbucks and zebras. There are also rhinos, cheetahs and monsters.

Shrine of Hazrat Shah Mokhdum (Rh.)

Shrine of Hazrat Shah Mokhdum(Rh) Gate

Pond beside the Shrine Mosque

  

Shrine of Hazrat Shah Mokhdum(Rh)

Shrine of Hazrat Shah Mokhdum (Rh.): A Majar or Dorga (Shrine) is recognized around the grave of Hazrat Shah Mokhdum Ruposh (Rh.) at Dargahpara in Rajshahi town. It is said that Hazrat Shah Mokhdum Ruposh (Rh.) was the first Islam preacher in the Rajshahi. It is also said that he came to Rajshahi through the river Padma ride on a crocodile. Even now, some crocodiles are held in reserve in the Dighi (Large Pond) beside to the shrine of Hazrat Shah Mokhdum (Rh.).

Dargahpara is popular for the shrine of Hazrat Shah Mokhdum Ruposh (Rh.) and for the river Padma. Two popular academic institutions, Rajshahi old govt. College and Rajshahi Collegiate School, are also located in this place. There is also another shrine of Shah Turkan (Rh.) which is older than the shrine of Hazrat Shah Mokhdum Ruposh (Rh.)

Other Info

In the zoo there are many varieties of bird species. Among the most well-known are the vultures and eagles. There are also owls, babblers, finches and teals. There are also African gray parrots the ostrich, cassowary, Africa gray parrots and peacocks.

On the South of the park there is an artificial hill which is also na advance the beauty of the spot. The kid's Park is also located at the Western of the area. The kid’s are very interested to visit the beautiful spots because of its rich collection of birds and animals in the zoo. There are many rare varieties of plants in the park. The spot is also a great position for enjoy a picnic and day out. It is one of the famous sightseeing opportunities in Rajshahi which offer some features like picnic corners and canteen.

The Rajshahi Central Park and Zoo is always being improved and new features being implemented. Whether journeying alone or with friends and family, it is sure to hold your interest.

 

Baro Kuthi: 

The historic building known as Baro Kuthi is situated at the south-east site of Rajshahi Old Govt.college, on the bank of the Padma River. It is one of the staying example of the Nil kuthi (factories) that once prospered in this area. The Baro Kuthi bulding is of architectural interest with amazing history. In the early19th century Baro Kuthi was designed by the Dutch for silk trade, and provided as a fort in times of emergency. Some rooms were probably used as a jail. After 1833, when Baro Kuthi was taken over by the British East Indian Company, it was used for the Nil business, which survived for about 25 years.

 

Bagha mosque:

Bagha Mosque

The Bagha Mosque is at Bagha Upzilla, 25 kilometers south east of Rajshahi town in Bangladesh. The mosque was designed by brick on the bank of a big pond and is enclosed by a brick walls. It is well maintained and is now secured. The mosque is known for its wonderful terracotta decoration. The environment of the Bagha Mosque is natural with a large number of migratory birds watching the nearby big pond (dighi) can be another attraction for tourists. There is the shrine of Auliah Hazrat Danishmand and his followers at Bagha Mosque area. During the Husain Shahi period it was built by Sultan Nusrat Shah in 1523 A.D in the district of Rajshahi. This mosque has a rectangle-shaped prayer stage which was spanned by ten small cup shaped domes. The southern side has five arched entryways each outlined by a rectangle-shaped structure. And there seems to have been a female gallery in the northwestern area of the mosque. The monument features some of the most amazing examples of terracotta walls designs.

 

Puthia Temple Complex.

One of the most historical tourist spots in Bangladesh, the complex has the premier number of ancient temples in the country.

Location

Puthia Temple Complex is located twenty nine km east of Rajshahi town, in the Puthia upzilla.

What to See

The temples are built beside a big pond. There are many different styles and shapes of temples were built in the complex area. It is a historical and medieval Hindu temples. Besides the Maharani's Palace  there is many attractive variety of temples. At the entry to the village there is a large stucco temple dedicated to Shiva, it is from 1823 following a typical north Indian design. Left of the main frontage of the palace is the Govinda Temple, dedicated to the Hindu God Krishna, which follows a typical Hindu temple shape established in Bengal. It is decorated with terra-cotta 

design depicting scenes from the Radha Krishna and other Hindu epic. There is another agreeable “Bangla style” small temple, which is in the shape of a Bengali hut but built by brick and adorned with some exquisite terra-cotta designs at the back of the palace. To the right of the palace, across a Dighi (large pond)  is a further pair of temples, the another Jagaddhatri Temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Durga, is a combination of the hut-shaped roof with four slopes or Chau-chala style Bangla style. The other temple alongside is also of the Chau-chala style. Both temples are decorated with terra-cotta designs. 

Also there ia a Shiva Temple in the Complex area. In Bangladesh it is the biggest holy place dedicated to Shiva. Worthy of mention are the passages, which holds a similarity to Jaipur structure. Within the haven is dark basalt Shiva Linga.

History

The temples were designed and built at different periods. In the middle of the nineteenth century the Govinda temple was built. The temple was designed upon the order of the Queen of Puthia. The temple was built for God Krishna following the renovation to Vaishnavism of the queen and her peoples.

The Shiva temple was built in 1815, also by the Queen of Puthia. It was distroyed  during the  War of Freedom of Bangladesh in 1971. The Visigoth tried to destroy the Shiva Linga. However, they were incapable to do this.

The Jagannath Forehead is mature than the two. All these  temples are now being secured by the Bangladesh govt. The maintenance initiatives have assisted increase travel and leisure in the nation in common.

Other Info

There is a Jagannath tample also has inside the complex. This was designed in respect of the Hindu deity Jagannath. This is a symptom of Krishna. The style of the temple is a excellent example of Bangladeshi structure.

Like the other temples, it is known for its terracotta and decorative elaborations. However, its measurements are 5m by 10m, small as opposed to others. 

Uttara Gonobhobon, Nator

Uttara_Gonovaban,Natore

The Maharaja's Palace or "Dighapatia Rajbari" is also known as "Uttara Gonobhabon" is a historical tourist spots. And it is situated at the northern part of the Bangladesh. But now it is used as the official residence of the Bangladesh President. When the President have a official tour at this side then it is used to stay, that's why it’s known as "Uttara Gonobhobon". From the British Raj many historical conferences took place at the palace and lastly after the freedom of Bangladesh. This is only two kilometers distance from the town of Natore. You can achieve there by any rickshaws or vehicles. The whole palace or Rajbari is around 43 acres. It was originally built by Dayaram Roy. But during the earth quake of

Rajbari,,Natore

1897 it was almost damaged. After that it was reformed by Pramada Nath Roy. This is a very properly secured palace, and you are not permitted to get into the area. All side of the rajbari is filled with ponds, and after that very high boundary wall. But if you have the appropriate authorization from the District Commissioner, only then you'll be permitted to get into within the area. Since this is a very properly secured area, and not that much tourists inside of it, that’s why it is a very nice and relaxed place. No doubt, only sound to be from birds and footsteps. Inside the main rajbari, you'll discover a numbers of statues which show the culture of Greek. Also there are few dark shaded metal statues available too. Below there are few of the statues from the palace.

 Paharpur Buddhist Bihar

Bangladesh is the land of nature because she is full of natural beauties and many  heritage sites also. There are many destinations for the visitors. In holiday many tourists even the students come to the place to enjoy.

Bangladesh is the area of elegance, such as cox’s bazar, Nill giri, Kuakata sea beach, Big mangrove forest Sundarban and also there are many traditional and culture sites in Bangladesh. There are many

locations for the tourists. During the holiday many people even the students come to the place have fun with.

One of the heritage site is Paharpur Buddhist temple. Paharpur is a little town 5 km western of Jamalganj at Badalgachi upazila in Naogaon district.This Buddhist temple was discovered underground. It is one of the most historical sites in the country. Paharpur/Shompur Bihar was developed by Expert Dharmapal Dev (770-810), who was the second king of the Pal Kingdom. As it was staying in a stopped situation for decades, it modified into a very excellent hillock, and this activated the people to get in touch with it Paharpur. It was specific a UNESCO Globe heritage site in 1985.

In 1807 it was found and in 1875 discover performs started. The size of the main brow of the Bihar is approximately 80 toes. After discovered this historical site protect roughly of 27 miles of place. The total institute, using a quadrangular check, conniving more than 900 ft. on the outer surface on every part, has great enclosure-walls on 16 feet. in width and from 12 feet to 15 feet size with complex entrance complicated on the northern, there are 45 rooms on the northern and 44 rooms in each of the other three factors with a amount of 177 areas.

How to go?

Paharpur is approximate 250 km by road from Dhaka city and it will take about 5.30 hours. Firstly you need to go Naogaon. From Naogaon city, take a bus to Jaipurhat (approximately 34 km). From Naogaon bus tarminal, then go to paharpur village and take a rickshaw or a three wheeler to go to the site and enjoy.

Mahasthangarh in Pundranagara City – Bangladesh

The Ancient City of Bangladesh

   

Pundranagara the most historical archeological site discovered in the country. Mahasthangarh is one of the popular tourist attraction places of any trip at Bangladesh. Among the findings are stone made Buddha, coins and mosque devastate.

Location

It is north side of Bangladesh. It is at the Bogra district in Shibganj Upzilla. The ruins to be are in the village of Mahasthan.

What to See

The site is separated into several parts. A castle fortifies the main site. Within the castle is the Bairagir Bhita. Some of the relics discovered here are the molded sand rock support pillars and temple ruins. These have been old from the 4^th to the 11^th century.

At the Khodarpathar Bhita, rock designs with Buddhas have been discovered. At the Parasuramer Prasad are the ruins to be from the periods 800 to 1800 AD. One of the tourist attractions at Mahasthangarh is Mankalir Dhap. It was where the ruin to be of a 15 domed mosque was discovered. Bronze Garuda and bronze Ganesha and terracotta have also been discovered in the place.

Another attraction is the Gokul Medh. It is known for the terraced stage with over 100 of blind cells. This has been old to the 6th century. The Khulnar Dhap is where the ruins to be of another temple have been discovered.

History

It is the place of the historical kingdom Pundravardhana in 1280 BC. It was made of Eastern India. In the Mahabharata the name of the place has been talked about several times.In the ancient time, a Vasudeva lead over the area. A marble stone was discovered with some collections in Brahmi. This was discovered in 1931 and goes returning to 300 BC. From 300 BC to 200 BC, the area was aspect of the Mauryan Empire. Numerous excavations have since been done in the area.

Cost

The entrance fee BTD 10:00 for grownups and BTD 5:00 for kids.

Other Info

Outside of the place also has many ruins. The Govinda Bhita is where the ruins of temples from the 3rd to the Fifteenth centuries have been discovered. This is located opposite of the museum and to the northeast of the citadel.

Other tourist attractions are Narapatir Dhap and Totaram Panditer Dhap. Both are located at the Basu Vihara village. This is six km north-west of the citadel.

Khandakartala Mosque, Bogra

Khandakartala Mosque is located at Sherpur in Bogra and half a km from the west of the Kherua mosque (1582). The mosque was developing by Muazzam Khan in 1632 AD.

It is now in a damaging situation. All the four octagonal in shape area have misplaced, the domed ceiling has fallen down and the external area of the east surfaces is damaged in the site and the west wall undetectable under waste. Protected with ridged metal linens the mosque is now being used for both Friday and everyday prayers by the people of the area.

Khandakartala Mosque Built by thin brick. A wide rectangle-shaped evaluates 23.77m × 9.30m on the outside and 20.12m × 5.64m on the inside. The internal of the mosque could be joined through curved entrances, three in the east and one each on the south and north sides.

The west surfaces are internal recessed with three semi-circular “Mihrab” niches which match to the main entrance. The main entrance and the main Mihrab were initially given popularity by external fame, which were highlighted with flanking attractive minarets. 

The internal, developing a single rectangle-shaped area, was separated into three equivalent rectangle coves by wide archways. The three domes, one over each bay, have dropped down. The cornices, now mislaid, were initially rounded in the Bengali culture. The external and inside area of the surfaces such as the three Mihrabs was decorated with terracotta decoration, but is now engrossed in plaster.

In design and attractive parts the developing seems to be a duplication of the Kherua Mosque. But the developing shall get special because of the popularity of its main archway with its flanking minarets, previously unidentified in Bengal.

Kherua Mosque, Sherpur

Kherua mosque, Bogra, Sherpur

Kherua Mosque one of the first Mughal mosques in Bengal, is located in Sherpur of Bogra. It was built when Sultani period was at its end and Mughal period had just started. In 1582 AD (989 Hijri) it was built by Nawab Mirza Murad Khan, son of Jawahar Ali Khan Kakshal,

The end of the Sixteenth century AD is in the history of Bengal due to anti-Mughal resistance lead by the Bara Bhuiyans. At that time, the area, tell as ‘Sherpur Morcha’ in Ain-i Akbari by Abul Fazal, was the stronghold of the Kakshal rebel. They indicated solidarity with the Bara Bhuiyans of Bengal and the Afghan innovator Masum Khan Kabuli. Actually Khherua mosque came into being to provide the group. As it was designed while a governmental crisis was going on, a level of carelessness is obvious in the development and decoration of the mosque.

The rectangle-shaped mosque is 17.34 meters lengthy from northern to southern and 7.5 meters wide from western to eastern. Its inside is 13.72 meters length and 3.8 meters wide. The surfaces are about 1.83 meters wide. The mosque has three entryways at the east, which is the main one is larger than the two on its entrances. Also, there is a way on each side on the north and the south. Within the mosque, on the western walls, there are three half-cylindrical concave Mihrabs within a rectangle-shaped structure. The one in the center is larger than the other two and all three are without any decoration.

There are three domes in a row in the Kherua mosque, which look like three upside down, dishes of same dimension placed. There is no design or decoration on the domes. The development looks just like that of Sultani era. The two sides of the cornice are a little bit rounded taking after the traditional hut of Bengal. This kind of roof is seen in most of the Fifteenth century architectural works. In the front surfaces some paneling work was done. There was also some decoration with terra-cotta tiles, which are not there now. There were two inscriptions etched on the two sides of the main entrance. One of them is still there and the other is in the Karachi Museum. Kherua Mosque is significance as an example of beginning Mughal mosques in Bengal.