Tourism Bangladesh
← Home

Destinations

Rajshahi

Rajshahi sits on the northern bank of the Padma River, known across Bangladesh as the Silk City for its centuries-old sericulture industry and as the Mango City for the orchards that surround it.

Getting there

Rajshahi is about 5-6 hours from Dhaka by train — the Silk City Express and Padma Express are the fastest options, both under 5 hours — or a similar duration by bus. There are also direct flights to Shah Makhdum Airport.

Best time to visit

Mango season, roughly May through August, is when the city's orchards and markets are at their most memorable. November through February is cooler and more comfortable for general sightseeing if fruit isn't the priority.

What to see

  • Puthia Temple Complex — about 22 km east of the city, home to the largest concentration of terracotta Hindu temples in Bangladesh, including the Bhubaneshwar Shiva Temple, the country's largest Shiva temple, built in 1823.
  • Varendra Research Museum — established in 1910, the oldest museum in Bangladesh, with an extensive collection of regional artifacts.
  • The Padma riverfront — a popular spot for an evening walk or boat ride, especially around sunset.
  • Bagha Mosque — a 16th-century mosque with Mughal-era architectural details.

Practical notes

Hiring a CNG for a half-day is the practical way to reach Puthia and the surrounding mango orchards, since public transport between them is limited. For visa and entry requirements and general safety guidance, see Practical Info.

Rajshahi features in several of our sample itineraries — see Itineraries for full multi-day routes. More photos of the region are in the Photo Gallery.