Old buildings from Kolakopa – Bandura

Kolakopa is located in Nawabganj of Dhaka district. This place has plenty of old style buildings scattered in several places. Being very near from the Dhaka city (35 kilometer) this Kolakopa is an ideal place for a day trip with family. Not sure who were those people who’ve built these archaic edifices. It appears like a bunch of rich people used to live here.

There are several buildings and each of them are known as different names. I have started with Judge Bari (probably owned by a justice of a court). Possibly currently owned by a rich government official. This is a private property and public entry is not entertained. I found the door was open, and trespassed. This building is looking gorgeous and having baroque design.

Another ancient house is Ukil bari (means advocate house). This one is not having that much architectural design, but open for public. People can do picnic in front of the building. But it appears that someone is still living inside this nice little house.

Next to the Ukil bari there is another one located named Kokil Payeri House. This one is an old house and currently being used as the quarter for the nearby school’s teachers. I’ve liked this building over any other buildings from the Kolakopa.

There was a program going on inside the Ansar camp. So I didn’t enter inside the camp. Walked beside the Ichhamoti river and examined other old edifices outside the main camp premise. The Ansar camp has occupied a large number and portion of the old houses from Kolakopa. I am not sure whether they allow people to explore them or not.

Andhar kotha (means dark house). The building premise of this one is bigger than most of the Kolakopa edifices. Initially I thought this one is an abandoned one, but later found people were still living at the second floor. Inside the building is a bit darker. People call this as Nobo Kutir, Radha Nath Shaha House, etc.

Finally, a lone temple. This one is in front of the Kokil Payeri House. Inside this small temple a stone statue available having the head stolen.

How to Go:

1. Take the bus of Bandura from Fulbari, Gulistan. N Mallik, Druto, etc are the available services. Bus fare is 70 Taka per person.

2. After around 2 hours you’d be at Kolakola Answer camp. GPS coordinate of Answer camp stoppage is (23°39’30.03″N, 90° 8’35.70″E). Ask the bus driver to drop you there.

3. From there keep exploring the edifices using the provided GPS location with the article.

This article has written by Lonely Traveler,
for the blog http://icwow.blogspot.com/

Friday, 30 December 2011