Rajshahi travel guide

Rajshahi is the capital of Rajshahi Division in Bangladesh. The city is near many ancient capitals of Bengal, notably Lakhnoiti (or Lokhnaboti), and Pundra. Rajshahi is famous for trade in many exotic items, including pure silk, mangoes and lychees. Attractive silk products are cheaper in Rajshahi than anywhere else in the country, with the city often referred to as the 'silk city'. There are also a number ancient mosques, shrines and temples in and around Rajshahi.

Understand

Rajshahi city (Photo: RockyMasum, CC BY-SA 4.0)

Illuminated streets of Rajshahi (Photo: Rangan Datta Wiki, CC BY-SA 4.0)

Rajshahi is the capital of Rajshahi District and Division in northwestern Bangladesh. The Rajshahi municipality was established in 1876, one of the first in Bangladesh. It has a population of 1.6 million people (2022). One of the major rivers of the Indian subcontinent, the Padma, runs along the southern end of the city.

The city is home to many educational institutions, leading to a large student population and the nickname of "education city". The city of Rajshahi was declared as the happiest city in the world by the World Happiness Survey in 2006.

Climate

Rajshahi has a humid subtropical and tropical climate, with its coldest month being below 18°C (64°F). The climate of Rajshahi is generally marked with monsoons, high temperatures, considerable humidity, and moderate rainfall. During summer (April to July), daytime temperatures frequently exceed 36°C to 40°C (97°F to 104°F). The minimum temperature recorded in January is about 7 to 16 °C (45 to 61 °F). The highest rainfall is observed during the months of monsoon. The annual rainfall in the district is about 1,448 millimeters (57.0 in).

Get in

By plane

• Shah Makhdum Airport (RJH IATA), Nowhata. It is the primary airport of the city. Several airlines have flights from Dhaka.

By bus

It takes approximately 5 hours by road to reach Rajshahi from the capital, Dhaka. A number of bus services are available from Dhaka via Natore, some with air-conditioning. Bus services to other major districts are also available from the bus terminal.

Bus services include National Travels, Desh Travels, Grameen Travels. Bus fare: non-AC Tk 730, AC Tk 1100/1300.

By train

There are a number of luxurious intercity services between Dhaka and Rajshahi each day. The main ones are the Padma Express, the Silk City Express and the Dhumketue Express.

• Silk City Express - Dhaka to Rajshahi at 2:40PM and from Rajshahi to Dhaka at 7:35AM.
• Padma Express - Dhaka to Rajshahi at 10:45PM and from Rajshahi to Dhaka at 4PM.
• Dhumketue Express - departs Dhaka at 6AM, reaching Rajshahi at noon, and departs Rajshahi at 11:20PM, reaching Dhaka at 4:50AM.
• Banalata Express - The fasted and only break-free train of this route. Departs Dhaka at 01:30 PM reaching Rajshahi around 06:30 PM, and departs Rajshahi at 07:00 AM, reaching Dhaka around 01:30 AM.

The Silk City Express does not operate Sundays, the Padma Express has no service on Tuesdays, Banalata Express on Friday, and the Dhumketue Express does not run Mondays.

The major station for long-distance trains is

• Rajshahi Railway Station, located north of the city centre.

By car

The journey from Dhaka is 261 km, taking approximately 5 hours, depending on traffic. You must cross the famous Jamuna Bridge to reach the city.

Get around

Horse Cart at Rajshahi (Photo: Rangan Datta Wiki, CC BY-SA 4.0)

Local transport in Rajshahi city primarily relies on auto-rickshaws, which are affordable and readily available throughout the city. They serve as a convenient mode of transportation, with reasonable fares. Usually the minimum rickshaw (2-seater) fare within the city is 20 taka and the maximum is 80 taka. Additionally, tempos, small buses operating on fixed routes, offer another option for getting around the city. Buses are less common and often overcrowded but can be useful for longer journeys. Private car services are available but tend to be more expensive.

Rajshahi boasts relatively well-maintained and extensive sidewalks compared to many other cities in Bangladesh. Most of its roads feature adequate footpaths, though they may be narrower in comparison.

See

Sun rise at T Bandh (Photo: Rangan Datta Wiki, CC BY-SA 4.0)

Shabash Bangladesh on Rajshahi University Campus (Photo: Grambangla, CC BY-SA 4.0)

Varendra Research Museum (Photo: Nahid.rajbd, CC BY-SA 4.0)

Shah Makhdum Majar, Rajshahi (Photo: Musfiq munna, CC BY-SA 4.0)

T Bandh. A lovely sight of one of the largest rivers in South Asia. During the Monsoon season, the water level rises, along with its beauty.

• Varendra Research Museum (Varendra Museum), Hatem Khan, ☏ +880 194 25 46 70. 10AM-05:00PM (Apr-Oct), 10AM-04:30PM (Nov-Mar), Friday to Wednesday.. Established in 1910, the museum is dedicated to ancient history and culture. It is recognised as the oldest museum in the country. It has a rich collection of artefacts, relating to Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim heritage. Some of these date back to the 16th century. It is maintained by the University, located in the heart of town. ৳20 (Bangladeshi), ৳200 (Foreign).
• Shrine of Hazrat Shah Makhdum (Rh.). A Majar (shrine) was established to mark the resting place of Hazrat Shah Makhdum in 1635 CE. He was the first preacher of Islam in the region. Legend has it that he arrived by riding down the Padma on 2 crocodiles. To preserve this myth, some crocodiles are kept in the pond next to the shrine.
• Shaheed A.H.M Qamaruzzaman Central Park and Zoo. 8 AM–6 PM. The park is a wide area with lush green trees and grass. The zoo houses a variety of different animal species. It is by the bank of river Padma. ৳20.
• Shahid Zia Park. An amusement park that has monorail, bumping cars and many other exciting things. It is under the Rajshahi City Corporation.
• Boro Kuthi (next to Padma Botanic Garden). Historic preserved Dutch building on the Padma River waterfront.
• Rajshahi University. See this well-planned beautiful green campus before leaving Rajshahi. It is within a few kilometres from the city centre and easily accessible.
• Ghoramara. The oldest part of Rajshahi City, with 70- to 100-year-old buildings.
• Kashia-Danga (west side of Rajshahi). From this area, a massive mango tree garden area of Rajshahi starts. Anyone can have a glimpse of famous mango tree of Rajshahi from this area. The area is in the western part of the city, near the Rajshahi Court Railway Station.
• Santal Para (in the Mahish-Bathan Area). Some Santal tribespeople live here. Anyone can have a look at how they live.
• Rajshahi Silk Fabrication (3.5 km from the centre of the city.). Rajshahi silk is famous because it is a high quality fabric used for clothing, especially for saris. Along with factories, merchandise outlets are also available there.
• Lalon Shah Mukto Moncho. Park and amphitheater on the banks of Padma River.
• Padma Garden. Garden on the banks of Padma River.
• Novotheatre, Beside Rajshahi Zoo, ☏ +880 2588852395. 10AM-5PM. Country's second-largest planetarium and a modern centre for science education and entertainment. ৳30, 50 & 100.

Further afield

• Bagha Mosque. A historical mosque situated in Bagha, Rajshahi. There is a picture of this mosque in one side of the Tk 50 note.
• Kismat Maria Mosque, Durgapur, Rajshahi (From Rajshahi city, take the Rajshahi–Dhaka Highway for about 13 km to Shibpur Bazar, then follow the Department of Archaeology signboard for 4–5 km to reach the mosque.). An old mosque in Durgapur Upazila, a short distance from Rajshahi city. It was built around 1500 and is a protected archaeological site listed by the Department of Archaeology of Bangladesh.

Puthia Temple Complex
The Puthia Temple Complex is a group of notable old Hindu temples in Puthia Upazila, 32 km east of Rajshahi city, which has the largest number of historic temples in Bangladesh. The temples were built by the Hindu zamindar (landlord) rajas of the Puthia Raj family, well-known philanthropists of Rajshahi. Several of the temples are decorated with terracotta, and their architecture resembles the Jor Bangla style. Puthia Temple Complex is within a small area, so you can easily see the whole area on foot. You can also get around by rickshaw, and drivers can be hired for a few hours or even a full day.

• Puthia Rajbari (Pancha Ani Zamindar Bari), Puthia (32 km northeast of Rajshahi city, 1 km south of the Natore highway). 9AM–5PM (winter); 10AM–6PM (summer). The present two-storey rectangular palace was built in 1895 by Maharani Hemanta Kumari Devi in an attractive Indo-European style. The front pillars, ornamentation, woodwork, and floral and vine paintings on the room walls and above the doors show fine craftsmanship. The roof is flat and made of iron beams, wooden rafters, and tiles. A moat was dug around the palace for security. There are six royal ponds (dighi) around the palace, each covering about six acres, as well as six temples. ৳23 (Only if you want to visit the museum within it.).
• Bara Ahnik Mandir, Puthia (A 5-minute walk from Puthia Rajbari). One of the temples next to Puthia Rajbari.
• Krishnapur Gobinda Mandir (Salam's Math), Puthia (Close to Puthia Rajbari). A square temple, 4.25 m on each side, with doorways in the east and south walls. The arched east doorway is the main entrance, and it is decorated on both sides and above with terracotta plaques. The south doorway has little decoration. The temple has a tall shikhara (spire) roof topped with a finial, and its cornices and corners are finely decorated with terracotta plaques. The outer west wall is plain. Inside, the west and north walls each have a niche, which was usually used to hold a lamp.
• Pancha Ratna Govinda Temple (located within the inner precincts of the Puthia Rajbari or palace.). Built in the 19th century. It has the architectural feature of five ratnas or spires.

Do

The Padma River is a major river in Bangladesh and a popular spot for boating. You can take a boat ride on the river and enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding countryside. The best time to go boating is during the dry season, from November to April. Be sure to wear comfortable clothing and shoes that you don't mind getting wet. Safety standards on local wooden boats (nauka) vary. Ensure the boat is not overloaded and check if life jackets are available before setting off. If you are taking a boat ride on the Padma River, be sure to bargain for a good price.

Buy

Look for both traditional and western style clothes at Rajshahi stores.

Shaheb Bazaar (Photo: Arif Hossain, CC BY-SA 4.0)

• Shaheb Bazaar. A raucous street scene of commerce.
• RDA Market. On the south side of Shaheb Bazaar, this is the largest market in Rajshahi, full of vendors selling clothes, food, cosmetics, etc.
• New Market. A bit more shopping mall-like, but another large market with both hawkers and higher-end vendors.
• Kumarpara Mor, Shaheb Bazar Rd (5 minutes walking distance from zero point). At this point you will find some renowned brand shops like Arong, Le reve, Richman etc.
• Naga Bazar, Katila, Bagmara Upazila, Rajshahi District — A local market offering fresh local fish, vegetables and everyday goods. Naga Bazar (Naga Bazar, Katila), Katila, Bagmara Upazila, Rajshahi District (Located at Katila village, near Naga Bazar Zero Point). Local market offering fresh local fish, vegetables and everyday goods. The market serves nearby villages and is busiest in the morning.

Eat

Rajshahi’s culinary scene revolves around rich North Bengal specialties. During summer (May–July), the city transforms into the mango capital of Bangladesh, with local varieties like Khirsapat, Langra, gopalvog, and Amrapali dominating street markets and dessert menus.

Local specialties

Kalai Ruti

A signature Rajshahi flatbread made from black gram (mashkalai) flour and rice flour. Cooked on a clay stove, it is hot, dense, and traditionally served with mashed green chilies (morich bhorta), eggplant relish (begun bhorta), or slow-cooked spicy duck meat (hash-er mangsho). Kalai roti is sold at many places around the city. The kalai roti shops in Upashahar are popular with visitors: they are well furnished and more comfortable than most, and stay open late into the night, though prices are a little higher. For good-quality kalai roti at lower prices, try the roadside stalls at Dingadoba. A few shops in front of PN School in Shaheb Bazar also sell it.

Beef kala bhuna

The beef kala bhuna here is another local favorite, typically served with steamed rice. The most popular spot for it is at the eateries near the Nawhata Bridge in Paba Upazila, around 10 KM from Rajshai Railgate. While they used to prepare it only on market days, the huge demand means they serve it daily now. You can also get it every day at two hotels in Katakhali. Over at the City Haat, rice hotels serve kala bhuna on the regular market days, Sundays and Wednesdays. Besides these specific spots, several restaurants around the city offer it on their menus as well.

Sweets and desserts

Signature local sweets
Roshkodombom is Rajshahi's iconic signature sweet. It features a soft rasgulla center wrapped in a layer of sweetened khir (reduced milk solids) and coated with tiny, crunchy sugar beads, mimicking the round Kadam flower. Another signature sweet is Komlavog. Made from fresh chana and it is notably larger than a standard rasgulla. It is actually orange-flavored evolution of the classical rasgulla or rajbhog.

Some renowned sweet shops are listed below.

• Nabarup Mistanno Bhandar, Shaheb Bazar. Famous for producing varieties of sweetmeats.
• Rajshahi Mishtanno Bhandar. Rajshahi's one of the oldest sweetmeat shops, has several outlets all over the city.
• Ranar Sweet (Ranar mistir dokan), CNB more. Famous for serving hot, fresh sweets straight out of the cooking vessel every evening. ৳ 50–200.
• Shamim Sweets (Ranar mistir dokan), Shaheb Bazar (near zero point). Famous for serving crisp, piping-hot jilapi.

Multi-cuisine restaurants

Some nice restaurants and fast food places are available in the city. Most of them are located in Ranibajar and Mohila College Road.

• Nanking Chinese Restaurant, Monibazar (near C&B mor). Oldest Chinese restaurant in the city.
• Chili's Chinese Restaurant, Shaheb Bazar.
• Helium, Ranibazar, ☏ +8809639203131. Offers a diverse menu featuring fast food, continental, and Asian fusion cuisine
• Kabab House, Ranibazar, ☏ +880 1757-997880. Noon-11PM. Offered multi-cuisine. It offered good Bangladeshi cuisine as well, though the price is comparatively higher than other restaurants in the city.
• Nongor Restaurant (beside Lalon Shah Mukto Moncho), ☏ +880 1847-553030. 11AM-10PM. Offers indoor, outdoor, and rooftop seating with views of the Padma River. The venue serves a variety of local, continental, and fast food items, making it a favorite spot for evening hangouts and family dining.

Drink

• Rajshahi Parjatan Bar, Rajshahi Parjatan Motel. Offers a variety of drinks, including local and branded liquors.

Sleep

• Royal Raj Hotel & Condominium (রয়েল রাজ হোটেল এন্ড কন্ডোমিনিয়াম), 26/27 Ganakapara (Rani Bazar Mor), ☏ +880 1321231755.
• Grand River View Hotel (গ্র্যান্ড রিভার ভিউ হোটেল), Kajihata, ☏ +880 1877 766966. Pool, gym, laundry service, beauty services, restaurant, etc. City's only cineplex is located here.
• Chez Razzak Suites (চেজ রাজ্জাক সার্ভিস), Road#02, Padma Housing Estate, ☏ +880 721-761729, fax: +880 721-761774. Two-star business class guest house suites in beautiful residential area at Rajshahi hub. $45-65.
• Rajshahi Parjatan Motel (পর্যটন মোটেল, বাংলাদেশ পর্যটন কর্পোরেশন), Abdul Majid Road, Rajpara, ☏ +880 721775237, +880 1558143636, +880 1991139394. Check-in: noon, check-out: noon. Facilities include a complementary breakfast, Wifi zone, restaurant, laundry service, room service, ISD/NWD telephone, hot and cold water supply, all rooms with TV with satellite/telephone private balcony, outside catering service, free car parking, first aid, and safe deposit box in reception. ৳2500-7500.
• Hotel Nice International (হোটেল নাইস ইন্টারন্যাশনাল), Shaheb Bazar, ☏ +880 1740 133933.
• Hotel Mukta International, Batar Mor, Ganakpara, Shaheb Bazar, ☏ +880 1711-302322, fax: +880 721-774440. Tk 1200.
• Hotel Century, Luxmipur, ☏ +880 721-775063. This is one of the nice hotels in Rajshahi. Price is cheap here with air-conditioned rooms and parking.
• Jatra Flagship Rajshahi City Center (যাত্রা ফ্লাগশিপ রাজশাহী সিটি সেন্টার), Padma Residential Area, ☏ +880 130 9552872.
• Hotel X, Index Plaza, Chondipur, ☏ +880 2 9840 726. ৳5000.

Stay safe

Rajshahi is generally one of the safest and most relaxed major urban centers in Bangladesh. It has significantly lower rates of violent crime compared to Dhaka or Chittagong. However, visitors should remain mindful of basic safety and local customs.

Petty theft can happen in crowded commercial hubs such as Shaheb Bazar, RDA Market, and around the main railway station or bus terminals. Keep valuables secure and avoid displaying large sums of cash.

The city is relatively calm after dark, but it is best to avoid dimly lit alleys or deserted stretches along the Padma River embankment late at night, especially after 10/11PM.

Rajshahi is generally welcoming to solo female travelers, though you will likely attract curious looks. Dressing modestly (covering shoulders and knees) helps minimize unwanted attention and shows respect for local social norms.

Stay healthy

Though Rajshahi is one of the cleanest cities in Bangladesh, travelers should take standard health precautions.

Make sure to drink plenty of water or fluids (not coffee, alcohol or strong tea) to avoid dehydration. Try to always carry a water bottle with you to avoid dehydration caused by sweating during the summer months. Never drink tap water directly. Bottled water or filtered drinking water is recommended.

Wear long sleeves and trousers, apply a DEET-based repellent on exposed skin, and sleep under a mosquito net if your accommodation does not have air conditioning or window screens.

Connect

Almost all the mobile operators have 4G internet service all over the city. Most of the hotels and reputed restaurants give free WiFi facilities. Be sure to ask employees for the password in case it's protected.

Cope

High Commissions

• India (Assistant High Commission of India), Plot No. 316, Road No 1, Padma Abasik Area, Bhodra, Rajshahi, ☏ +880-247861212.

Go next

• Natore - Borders the district in the east, just beside Rajshahi City.
• Gaud - a historical centre with important mosques, which extends into the Gour (West Bengal) region of India
• Puthia - A temple town located 23 km away. Best explored on a day trip

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