Rajshahi

Rajshahi is the capital of Rajshahi Division in northwestern Bangladesh, situated near ancient capitals of Bengal including Lakhnoiti and Pundra. The city is renowned as Bangladesh's 'silk city' where pure silk products are cheaper than anywhere else in the country. Beyond silk, Rajshahi offers ancient mosques, shrines, and temples alongside famous mango and lychee orchards, providing a cultural alternative to busier destinations.

Rajshahi municipality was established in 1876, one of the first in Bangladesh. The city has a population of 1.6 million (2022) and is home to many educational institutions, earning the nickname 'education city.' The Padma River runs along the southern edge of the city. Notably, Rajshahi was declared the happiest city in the world by the World Happiness Survey in 2006.

Shah Makhdum Airport (IATA: RGH) in Nowhata serves as the primary airport with flights from Dhaka on several airlines. Rajshahi Railway Station provides train connections. By road, buses connect Rajshahi to Dhaka and other major cities. The journey from Dhaka by bus takes approximately 8-10 hours.

Local transport primarily relies on auto-rickshaws, which are affordable and readily available throughout the city. Tempos (small buses on fixed routes) offer another option. Standard buses are less common and often overcrowded but useful for longer journeys. Private car and taxi services are available but more expensive. Rajshahi boasts relatively well-maintained and extensive sidewalks compared to many other Bangladeshi cities.

The best time to visit Rajshahi is during the dry season from November to April. For boating on the Padma River, November to April offers ideal conditions. The monsoon season (June-October) brings rising water levels that enhance the river's beauty but may limit some activities. Summer months (March-May) can be very hot.

Accommodation options range from budget to mid-range. Hotel Mukta International (Batar Mor, Ganakpara, Shaheb Bazar) offers rooms from Tk 1200. The Rajshahi Parjatan Motel (Abdul Majid Road, Rajpara) provides amenities including complementary breakfast, WiFi, restaurant, laundry service, and satellite TV. Grand River View Hotel features a pool, gym, restaurant, and cineplex.

The city offers Chinese restaurants including Nanking Chinese Restaurant (Monibazar), Party Point (Shalbagan), Warisan Chinese Restaurant and Catering (Shaheb Bazar), and Chili's Chinese Restaurant (Shaheb Bazar). Local Bangladeshi cuisine is widely available throughout the city at various eateries and street food stalls.

Take a boat ride on the Padma River to enjoy scenic views of the surrounding countryside; be sure to bargain for a good price. Visit the Varendra Research Museum (established 1910), the oldest museum in Bangladesh, featuring artefacts from Hindu, Buddhist, and Muslim heritage dating back to the 16th century. Explore Shah Makhdum's Shrine (established 1635 CE), where legend says the first preacher of Islam arrived riding down the Padma on 2 crocodiles. The Rajshahi University campus offers a well-planned green space worth visiting.

Natore borders the district to the east, just beside Rajshahi City. Gaud is a historical centre with important mosques extending into the Gour region of West Bengal, India. Puthia, a temple town located 23 km away, is best explored as a day trip. Bagha Mosque is a historical mosque situated in Bagha of Rajshahi; its image appears on the Tk 50 note.