Things to do in Rajshahi Division
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Baro Kuthi
A block southeast of Rajshahi Government College, on a high bank of the Padma River, is a historic structure known as Baro Kuthi. It's one of the last remaining examples of the indigo kuthis (factories) that once flourished in the region. The simple buildings are of little architectural interest but their history is fascinating.
In the early-19th century Baro Kuthi was built by the Dutch for the silk trade, and served as a fort in times of emergency. Some rooms were probably used as a prison and for mounting cannons. After 1833, when Baro Kuthi was taken over by the British East India Company, it was used for the indigo trade, which lasted about 25 years. It is reputed to…
reviewed
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Nawab Syed Abdus Sobhan Chowdhury Memorial Museum
Two blocks east of Sat Mata, the Nawab Syed Abdus Sobhan Chowdhury Memorial Museum is one of only a handful of furnished rajbaris in Bangladesh. The mosaic ceiling of the audience hall is impressive, and the rooms have mannequins dressed to impress in both Bengali and British fashions. The last room you’ll see is dedicated to modern art – it’s a compelling display, but the lack of English explanation leaves it somewhat obscure. Look out also for the rare gharial (a type of crocodilian). We’re sure you’ll agree that they look far better nailed to the wall here than they would do in the wild…
reviewed
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Martyrs' Memorial Museum
The collection of Liberation War mementos at the Martyrs' Memorial Museum at RU is a reminder of the dreadful days of the 1971 war. Unfortunately, the dilapidated state of the museum, with its dusty collection of war artefacts, is more likely to make one feel that the country has forgotten its heroes.
Among the exhibits are blood-stained uniforms, a pen used by a fighter to write his last love letter, the deed papers of surrender by the Pakistani forces, and remains recovered from a mass grave of victims, among whom were intellectuals from RU.
reviewed
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Ahar Restaurant
At night it’s damn near impossible to miss this flashing Christmas tree of a restaurant. During the day it’s marginally more subtle, but even so the bright lights, bright pink interior and bright balloons are obviously of great appeal to the girls of Rangpur as this seems to be the only restaurant in the entire country where female diners outnumber male. The staff proudly announce that they can make ‘anything’, though they mean anything Bangladeshi. Still, the biryani is well worth the trip.
reviewed
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Paharpur Museum
The small museum gives a good idea of the range of cultures that have used this site. Stucco Buddha heads unearthed here are similar to the Gandhara style of Indo-Hellenic sculpture from what is now northwestern Pakistan. Sculptural work includes sandstone and basalt sculptures, but the stonework of Hevagara in passionate embrace with Shakti is the collection’s finest item. The most important find, a large bronze Buddha, is usually away wooing fans on a seemingly endless world tour.
reviewed
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Cozy Café
The Cozy Café, where the young of the town come to see and be seen, is Bogra’s trendiest eating experience and is very much a new concept for Bogra. The décor is dark and cool, the Chinese dishes really delicious, the staff will be genuinely pleased to see you and, if another reason were needed to stop by, they have a music collection that includes such old-school ‘classics’ as Bon Jovi, Europe and A-ha!
reviewed
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Aristocrat Coffee Shop & Restaurant
Locals dress sharp to come to this new restaurant and coffee shop situated above the Mercantile Bank. One half is a relaxed coffee shop with filter coffee, tempting cakes and a distinctly non-Bangladeshi vibe. The other half is the last word in Rajshahi sophistication and offers some of the best Indian and Chinese food you’ll find in north Bangladesh – the chicken tikka masala is spot on as is the service.
reviewed
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Quality Sweets & Restaurant
The Quality Sweets & Restaurant is overflowing with both character and drool inspiring food. It’s tucked down a little alley off the main drag – there’s no exterior English sign, but there is a small sign in English beside the interior door. The dhal here is especially good and much thicker than is normal in Bangladesh. Its sweet selection is deserving of the name.
reviewed
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Varendra Research Museum
Founded in 1910 with the support of the maharaja of Dighapatia, the Varendra Research Museum is managed by Rajshahi University (RU), and is the oldest museum in the country. The predominantly British-style building has some interesting Hindu-Buddhist features, including a trefoil arch over the doorways and windows. A small rekha temple forms the roof.
reviewed
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Food Garden
A bright and cheerful new Chinese establishment that is popular at both lunch and dinnertime. It’s a great respite from the searing intensity of the streets, and the clientele, who are generally better off Bangladeshis, won’t overpower you with stares. It offers sensible half-portions and, should you feel like eating out on the dirty streets, take-away.
reviewed
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Chili’s
The Chili’s emporium has a flurry of restaurants in the centre. The main tiger-stripe building gives you the chance to get flirty with a tasty Thai or Chinese meal upstairs, while downstairs you will discover a kebab joint and a ‘fast food’ restaurant (though exactly what the difference between kebabs and fast food is, isn’t made clear).
reviewed
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Tajhat Palace
The domineering Tajhat Palace is one of the finest rajbaris in Bangladesh. During the regime of General Ershad (1982–91), the palace was used by the High Court division of Bangladesh’s Supreme Court, but today it houses a small museum stuffed with old manuscripts and bits and bobs from Paharpur and Mahasthangarh.
reviewed
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Govinda Bhita Hindu Temple
Outside the Citadel, opposite the museum, the remains of a 6th-century Govinda Bhita Hindu Temple overlook a picturesque bend in the river. The temple, which looks like a broken-down step pyramid, is a quiet spot to get away from everyone. Opening hours are as for the Mahasthangarh Site Museum.
reviewed
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Boaishaki Restaurant
This place is so popular it’s just silly, but as normal the locals know best. As well as delectable curries there are a few harder to come by dishes such as biryani. If the staff take a shine to you then you might find yourself leaving with a free red rose, and a cha or two better off.
reviewed
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Humanitarian Agency for Development Services
If you're interested in seeing what local NGOs are doing, visit the office of the Humanitarian Agency for Development Services (HADS) and its farm on the southwestern edge of town. To arrange a visit drop by the HADS Guesthouse (which we don't recommend you stay in).
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Rajshahi Government College
Near the centre of Rajshahi are some Raj-era buildings. Rajshahi Government College, which dates from 1873 when several maharajas donated money for its establishment, is an elegant two-storey edifice with beautiful semicircular arched windows.
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Kantanagar Temple
Set in the graceful heart of gorgeous countryside, the rouge sandcastle of Kantanagar Temple is a stunning block of religious artwork, and is surely one of the most impressive Hindu monuments in Bangladesh.
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Saidpur Chinese Restaurant
There’s a nice food culture on Market St; have a wander to see what’s on offer. Opposite the Hotel Samrat is the Saidpur Chinese Restaurant, which is certainly the nicest place in town to eat.
reviewed
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Jahaz Company Shopping Centre
The perfect place to splash out on the elaborate souvenir sari that you may wear once when you get home. As well as the overwhelming collection of clothes and jewellery, you’ll also find electronic goods.
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New Market
If the town centre isn't bewildering enough then check out the cube of chaos that is the New Market, on the way to the train station. It's most active in the morning, and it's a photographer's paradise.
reviewed
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Martin Chinese Restaurant
The brightly coloured exterior of this restaurant sits in contrast to the gloomy interior, but even so the fussy waiters will bring forth a passable array of Chinese food. Expect to be dining alone.
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Akboria Mishty Mela
A kickback café with a range of sickly-sweet Bengali cakes and almost equally sweet Western cakes. It also delves into coffee and light snacks, and Chinese meals are dished out upstairs.
reviewed
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Update Supermarket
There’s a healthy range of groceries and toiletries at the Update Supermarket. There’s also an attentive employee who will try to promote every product within a 2m radius.
reviewed
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New Hotel
The best Bangladeshi restaurant in the town centre by far, New Hotel’s restaurant is very popular and open almost till midnight. There are vegetarian dishes here, too.
reviewed
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Saidpur Restaurant
The Saidpur Restaurant is a decent place to stuff your gullet with all manner of meat and veg curries, attracting the normal hordes of locals and starers.
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