Rajshahi & Rangpur

The vast alluvial floodplains of northwest Bangladesh were a cradle of ancient Buddhist and Hindu kingdoms that held sway over the region for centuries, before eventually succumbing to Islamic conquerors. Modern-day Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions – which cover this heritage-strewn region – are thus rife with the tumbledown walls of many splendidly decaying ruins from these bygone eras. Needless to say, it's enough reason for history and archaeology buffs to visit.

In a nutshell, the area contains some of Bangladesh’s finest rajbaris (Raj-era palaces), exquisitely decorated temples and the country's largest and most impressive Buddhist ruins. Small villages, colourful markets and remote communities living on fast-eroding sand islands all add to the allure of a trip to this part of the country. The idyllic rural landscape is stunning to boot, and lends a fantastic backdrop to the moss-hewn ancient architecture that steals the attention of your camera.

Explore Rajshahi & Rangpur

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Rajshahi & Rangpur.

  • Temple

    Kantanagar Temple

    Set amidst gorgeous countryside, the vault-roofed rouge sandcastle of Kantanagar Temple, also known locally as Kantaji, is a stunning piece of religious…

  • Ruins

    Somapuri Vihara

    The hulking 20m-high remains of a 1300-year-old red-brick stupa form the central attraction of the vast monastery complex at Somapuri Vihara. Shaped like…

  • Museum

    Varendra Research Museum

    This gem of a museum is tucked away in an unassuming building on a quiet street, but can easily take up half a day of your time. Founded in 1910 with the…

  • Palace

    Natore Rajbari

    One of the oldest rajbaris in Bangladesh (dating from the early 1700s), the magnificent but dilapidated Natore Rajbari was once the nerve-centre of…

  • Palace

    Tajhat Palace

    The flamboyant and delightfully maintained Tajhat Palace is arguably one of the finest rajbaris in Bangladesh. The palace was constructed in the 19th…

  • Mosque

    Khania Dighi Mosque

    About 750m beyond the turn-off for Darasbari Mosque, turn right at the bus stand and keep walking for around 250m until you see a sign directing you off…

  • Historic Site

    Bashor Ghar

    Possibly the grandest of Mahasthangarh's historic sites, this lofty and multi-tiered red-brick pavilion dates back to around the 7th century, although it…

  • Lake

    Ram Sagar

    Commissioned in 1750 by Raja Ramnath, a local landlord, this placid and expansive reservoir is nearly a kilometre long and sits at the heart of the…

  • Hindu Temple

    Shiva Temple

    Built in 1823, the towering Shiva Temple sits at the entrance to Puthia village, overlooking a pond. It’s an excellent example of the pancha-ratna (five…

  • Mosque

    Chhoto Sona Masjid

    Built between 1493 and 1526, the well-preserved ‘Small Golden Mosque’ is oddly named, given that it’s actually jet black with just patches of terracotta…

  • Hindu Temple

    Govinda Temple

    Arguably the most startling monument in Puthia village is the Govinda Temple, located inside the palace, on the left-hand side of the inner courtyard…

  • Ruins

    Citadel

    Running along the left of the road as you walk from Mahasthangarh town towards the museum, the Citadel – or what’s left of it – forms a rough rectangle…

  • Historic Building

    Dinajpur Rajbari

    Mostly in ruins now, the 100-plus-years-old Dinajpur Rajbari still pulls in the crowds not because of its crumbling walls and moss-hewn pillars, but…

  • Palace

    Puthia Palace

    This stately, multi-columned, two-storey palace was built in 1895 by Rani Hemanta Kumari Devi in honour of her illustrious mother-in-law, Maharani Sharat…

  • Architecture

    Carmichael College

    This splendid heritage structure dating from 1916 is one of Bangladesh's largest colleges in terms of area and enrolment. Its architectural grandeur…

  • Museum

    Mohammed Ali Palace Museum & Park

    This museum is housed inside one of only a handful of furnished rajbaris in Bangladesh. This one is the former home of a line of influential nawabs, which…

  • Ruins

    Tahkhana Palace Ruins

    About 100m beyond Sona Masjid, turn left down a signposted lane and keep walking for about 250m until you reach this small complex of ruins overlooking a…

  • Museum

    Mahasthangarh Museum

    This small but well-maintained museum has a lively set of objects discovered in the antique-rich surroundings, and is a good place to familiarise yourself…

  • Museum

    Paharpur Museum

    The small but well-kept museum gives a good idea of the range of cultures that have used this site. Stucco Buddha heads unearthed here are similar to the…

  • Hindu Temple

    Kali Temple

    Used actively for worship, this interesting architectural folly with red Corinthian pillars is modelled on a Florentine dome (or at least a Bengali vision…