Bangla
BBF Tourism
Dhaka – Narayanganj – Narsingdi – Munshiganj – Gazipur – Manikganj – Tangail – Mymensing – Rangpur – Dinajpur – Rajshahi – Khulna – Barisal – Comilla – Rangamati – Sylhet – Cox’s Bazar – Kuakata – Bandarban – Chottogram – Saint martin
Officially referred to as Barishal, Barisal is a significant city located on the banks of the Kirtankhola River in south-central Bangladesh. It is the most populous city and administrative center of both Barisal District and Barisal Division. It is among the oldest cities and river ports in the nation.
The second largest river port in Bangladesh is the Barisal River Port. It is the most common mode of transportation between Barisal and Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. It is also a transport system that connects Bhola, Barguna, and Lakshimapur with other districts such as Bhola.
How to arrive in Barishal
Bus from Dhaka to Barisal
From Dhaka to Barisal, the trip takes between 6 and 8 hours. From the Gabtoli bus terminal in Dhaka, buses to Barisal depart routinely between the hours of 6 am and 10 pm.
Some buses take Mawa Ghat to get to Barisal. The Natullahbad bus terminus in Barisal city was where Dhaka-bound buses halted.
Hanif Transport (01713-049559), Eagle Transport (02-9006700), and Shakura Transport (01729-556677) are among the bus companies that travel between Dhaka and Barisal.
Launch from Dhaka to Barisal
The Sundarbans 7/8, Surabhi 8, Parbat 11, and Kirtankhola 1/2 launches depart from Dhaka’s Sadarghat towards Barisal between 8 and 9 p.m. Moreover, if you wish to depart in the morning, you may head to the Greenline launch.
The night launches reach Barisal at approximately 5 a.m. Deck fare on these launches is Tk 250, double cabin fare is Tk 2000, and VIP cabin fare is Tk 4000.
Most Visited Places In Barisal
The Barisal district has earned the moniker “Venice of Bengal.” There exist several noteworthy destinations in the Barisal district that are highly recommended for visitation.
The aforementioned landmarks include the Lakutia Zamindar House, Durgasagar Dighi, Guthia Masjid, Floating Guara Bazar, Satla Shapla Village, Bibir Pukur, Brajmohan College, Jibananda Das’s House, Oxford Mission Church, Bangabandhu Park (Bells Park), Barisal University, Shwetpadma Pukur, Mukund Das’s Kalibari, and Sher-e-Bangla Museum, among others.
1.Bibir Pukur/বিবির পুকুর
Bibir Pukur
The body of water known as Bibir Pukur, located on the eastern side of Sadar Road, has dimensions of 450 feet in length and 150 feet in width. Following the existence of Jinnat Bibi, the hundred-year-old body of water acquired the appellation of Bibi’s Pond, or Bibir Pukur in the local vernacular.
Bibir Pukur, commonly known as Bibi’s Pond, is a conventional aquatic feature situated in the heart of Barisal. Bibir Pukur is a noteworthy site situated within the Barisal District. In 1908, Jinnat Bibi excavated a pond with the aim of mitigating the water scarcity experienced by the local populace.
In the early 1600s, a small group of Christian missionaries made their way to Barisal. William Carey Barisal, who is considered the patriarch of Bengali printed literature, lived during the 19th century.
Jinnat Bibi was raised by William Carey subsequent to her rescue from Portuguese bandits. Jinnat Bibi’s dwelling was situated within the residence of Minister Hashem Ali Khan in pre-partition Bengal.
Following the establishment of the Barisal Municipality, Bibir Pukur underwent multiple cycles of reconstruction and excavation. The pond is adorned with various embellishments such as lighting fixtures, suspended gardens, seating arrangements, and multiple fountains. Furthermore, a Public Square outdoor entertainment facility has been established in proximity to Hiran Square, colloquially referred to as Bibi’s pond.
How to go to Bibir Pukur
You can go the launch ghat or bus station in Barisal and then take a rickshaw to reach the bibi’s pond on Sadar Road’s eastern side.
2. Oxford Mission/অক্সফোর্ড মিশন
Oxford Mission
The old church was formerly known as the Epifani Church and then as the Oxford Mission. The construction of the church, planned by Sister Edith, began in 1903 and was finished in 1907 under the direction of Father Strong.
It is situated on Bogragami Road in the East-famous Barisal Division of Venice. The second largest church in Asia is the Oxford Mission Church, one of the most magnificent examples of church architecture in Bangladesh. This location is well-known in Barisal.
You can observe green grass fields, playgrounds, ponds, the Oxford Mission Primary School and High School, libraries, hospitals, student hostels, flower gardens, and various medicinal plants.
The Oxford Mission Church appears to be a single-story structure, although it is in fact five stories tall. The gorgeous church is constructed in the Greek architectural style.
On the primary altar is a massive cross. The Oxford Mission Church, built on around 35 acres of land, features woodcarvings and marble flooring.
The Oxford Mission Church has a spacious, lovely prayer space; the surroundings are very tranquil and smooth, with rows of pump trees. Father’s House and Mother’s House are located adjacent to the church.
Considered the largest bell in Asia, the Oxford Mission Church’s bell is an impressive sight. Seven times every day, this bell is rung. The fundamental structure of the cathedral has been bolstered by the addition of numerous corridors and arches.
Entry Time: Morning to 4 pm
How can you go to Oxford Mission Church?
To visit Oxford Mission Church in the city of Barisal, CNG, autorickshaws, and rickshaws are available.
3. Durga Sagar Dighi/দূর্গা সাগর দীঘি
Durga Sagar Dighi
The Durga Sagar Dighi is located in Madhavpasha on the Swarupkathi-Barisal route, only 12 kilometers from the city of Barisal. In 1780, to alleviate the water shortage in Madhavpasha, King Shiva Narayan built a massive dighi, which he named Durga Sagar in honor of his mother Durga Devi.
The historic dighi contains a 27-acre wetland area and a total size of 45.42 acres, including the banks and land. Current maintenance of Durgasagar Dighi is the responsibility of the district administration.
There are three ghatalas on each of the three sides of Durga Sagar Dighi, as well as a little island in the middle of the lake. Durga Sagar is also commonly known as Madhovpasha Dighi among the locals. Enjoy a vast ghat on the north side of Dighi, surrounded by coconut, supari, children, and mahogany trees. At any time of the year, you can visit Durga Sagar Dighi, however migratory birds only come at Durga Sagar in the winter.
Thousands of birds of roughly six species, including sarails and Balihashes, are collared. The historic Durga Sagar Dighi, which is around 250 years old, drew a large number of visitors due to its beauty.
How can You reach Durga Sagar Dighi?
Those who ride the bus from Barisal to Chakhar will arrive in front of Dighi. In addition, battery-powered legunas depart the launch ghat for Durga Sagar Dighi. If you choose, you can reserve CNG or autorickshaws to travel across Durga Sagar.
4. Gutia Masjid/গুটিয়া মসজিদ
Gutia Masjid
The enormous mosque was constructed on a 14-acre plot of ground located 11 kilometers from the city of Barisal. It is recognized as Baitul Aman despite being named as Guthia Masjid. On December 16, 2003, construction began on the mosque and Eidgah complex of the Gutia Union. In 2006, the construction of the Gutia Masjid and Eidgah complex was finished.
The Gutia Masjid complex contains a mosque, a beautiful minar, an Eidgah maidan with space for 20,000 people, a dak house, an orphanage, automobile parking, ponds, lakes, and flower gardens.
The minar of the mosque is roughly 193 feet tall, and the mosque can accommodate approximately 1,500 Muslims at once. The mosque was built at a cost of approximately 21 crore rupees, and its architectural style reflects that of the most prestigious mosques in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
The mosque employs heightened glass, frames, and Bose speakers. The Guthia Mosque is continuously supervised by a staff of 30 individuals. Women are permitted to pray separately in the mosque.
The remarkable Guthia Mosque is visited daily by tens of thousands of worshippers. The mosque complex also retains the Kaaba Sharif, jamjam well water, arafar maidan, Jabal Rahmat, Jabal Noor, nabiji’s birthplace, mother Hawa’s cemetery, caliph cemetery, and other well-known mosques and landmarks.
How can You reach Gutia Masjid?
You must first travel to Barisal city, in order to visit the mosque. 11 kilometers from Barisal, Guthia Masjid may be reached by CNG or autorickshaw.
5. Shankar Motth/শংকর মঠ
Shankar Motth
The religious institution known as Shankar Motth, also referred to as Shree Shree Shankar Motth, is situated in the commercial district of New Market in the city of Barisal. Swami Pragyananda Saraswati, who spearheaded the anti-Partition movement, was born on August 12, 1884, in Galachipa, India. The establishment of Shree Shree Shankar Motth, an ashram, was initiated by him in the year 1912.
The given name of Swami Pragyananda Saraswati is Satish Chandra Mukherjee. Despite the establishment of the ashram, Swami Pragyananda’s involvement in the anti-British movement continued to be enduring. Shankar Motth extended a hospitable reception to the freedom fighters even amidst the tumultuous events of the Great Liberation War in 1971.
The Shankar monasteries are embellished with metallic ‘Om’ symbols and a Trishul positioned on the summits of its three domes. Shankar Motth comprises a triad of chambers. The primary chamber of the monastery houses Stone Shiva Lingas. The Shankarananda vigraha and the Swami Pragyananda Saraswati samadhi shrine are situated in distinct chambers flanking the entrance.
6.Miabari Jame Masjid/মিয়াবাড়ি জামে মসজিদ
Miabari Jame Masjid
One of the oldest mosques in the Barisal district is the Kadapur Miabari Jame Masjid (Mia Bari Mosque). In Barisal, this is an ideal location for tourists. The mosque was built in the 1800s, according to local mythology.
On a high-rise rectangular basement, the main mosque was constructed. In addition, the rooms in the madrasa’s basement are currently filled by students.
To enter the Miabari mosque, a large stairway has descended from the second floor. In addition, the mosque’s roof is decorated with three beautiful domes.
Each of the mosque’s front and rear walls features eight minarets. The massive pond on the east side of the Kadapur Miabari Mosque gives a new dimension to the splendor of the mosque.
How do You reach the Miabari Masjid?
Miabari Masjid, around 9 kilometers from Chaumatha and near to Hatem Ali College in Barisal city, is a convenient location to rent a simple Auto.
7. Lakutiya Zamindar Bari/লাকুটিয়া জমিদার বাড়ি
Lakutiya Zamindar Bari
Lakutiya Zamindar House (Lakutiya Zamindar Bari) is located in the village of Lakutiya, 8 kilometers north of Barisal. In 1700, Rajatantra Roy, the son of Rupchandra Roy, inherited the brick-and-mortar zamindar bari of Lakutiya, which was 400 years old. There is a magnificent monastery, expansive dighi, grounds, and carved zamindar residences.
It is said that even in the 19th century, zamindar Rajchandra Roy’s zamindar bari was the center of cultural activity in the region, but today it serves mostly as a place of recollection.
With the help of these zamindar family members, the Rajchandra College and Pushparani School have been constructed in Barisal. The Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation is in charge of Lakutiya Zamindar Bari at the moment.
Among the constructions of Lakutiya Zamindar Bari, more than one building has been created in addition to the nearly demolished two-story structure of the zamindar Bari.
How do You arrive in Lakutiya Zamindar Bari?
From the Nathullahbad bus stand in the city of Barisal, an autorickshaw to Lakhutiya Babuhat will cost Tk. 20- 30.
8. Floating Guava Market/ভাসমান পেয়ারা বাজার
Floating Guava Market
The Asian continent’s largest guava orchard has been established in the border regions of Jhalkathi, Barisal, and Pirbajpur. Barisal boasts a breathtaking locale.
The preeminent “Vashoman Peyara Bazar” in Bangladesh is situated in Bhimruli, which is positioned 15 kilometers away from the city of Jhalkathi district (also known as the Floating Guava Market). The Bhimruli floating market for guava is situated in close proximity to a canal, which encircles it on three sides. The period of highest demand for the pair is typically observed in the months of July and August, although there are instances where the market may persist into the month of September.
The optimal period to visit the floating guava market is in August. The population of Guava Market starts to decrease after 11 a.m., hence it is advisable to arrive prior to this time.
Upon visiting the backwater, one may observe the picturesque architecture of the canal’s edifices, educational institutions, bridges, and thoroughfares. One may opt to take a leisurely walk alongside the canals while holding hands, and in the event of precipitation, the scenery is further enhanced by its inherent splendor.
While en route, it is recommended to partake in the hot rosgulla delicacy available at the Rituparna establishment located in Kuriyana Bazar. Following this, it is suggested to proceed to Bhabhi’s Hotel situated in the market for a midday meal. During the trip from Floating Guava Bazar to Barisal, one can make a stop at Guthia Masjid and Durgasagar Dighi for sightseeing.
9. Shapla Gram, Satla/শাপলা গ্রাম, সাতলা
Shapla Gram, Satla
Satla village is 60 kilometers away from Barisal Sadar. Shaplar Beel is the name given to the bees in Satla village, Ujirpur Upazila, Barisal, by the locals.
Shapla village Satla is comparable to a shapla (Lotus) kingdom. Thousands of flowering red shapla in the water of the beel can easily outshine the crimson glow of the sun. It is a lovely place for families and friends to visit. Although it is unknown when the shapla began to bloom here, it is known that there are red, white, and purple shapla varieties. However, red shapla is most common.
Shapla was born amid roughly 5,000 hectares of wetland in the Satla town. Shapla marketing is consequently identified with the majority of Shapla village population. From the Shapla village of Satla, flowers are distributed to other regions of the country. Photographers may snap the best images of Shapla from Satla.
Visiting season of Shapla Village Satla
Typically, Shapla blooms here during the months of August, September, and October. In these months, if you visit the Shapla village of Satla, you will witness thousands of shapla.
10. Kirtipasha Zamindar Bari
Kirtipasha Zamindar Bari
The location of the Kirtipasha Zamindar Bari is on Kirtipasha Bazar Road in Kirtipasha, Jhalokati. In addition to this landmark, Jhalokati lists eleven other landmarks. Barisal District is roughly 12 to 15 kilometers away.
The zamindar bari (landlord’s home) is located roughly 5 kilometers to the northwest of Jhalakathi. To reach the village from the city, I used an electric auto-rickshaw (battery-powered vehicle). Then I began heading towards the zamindar bari, which was almost a century old, with a distinct sense of exhilaration. Eventually, I reached the end of my journey and was standingștiin front of my objective.
Initially constructed by Zamindar Ram Jiban Sen in the early 19th century, the opulent mansion is now owned by the royal family. Later, Zamindar Kirtinarayan Pasha erected a number of temples on the estate grounds. He is honored with a place name.
The zamindar bari is one of the grandest and largest in Bangladesh. At least 200 rooms were present. Currently, it is an abandoned property in a terribly deteriorated state. The majority of the building’s walls are still standing, but the floors and ceilings have vanished. Only one structure is currently in good condition. It serves as the 1975-established Nabin Chandra Girls High School. Eventually, a second new school building was completed. On the property sits an abandoned Shiva temple. On the route to the house, there is an additional, well-kept Shiva shrine.
