Munshiganj is a district from Bangladesh that is located beside the mighty river Padma. This district is very close from Dhaka as well. Although Munshiganj is not that much popular amongst the tourists from Bangladesh, but it has many popular attractions which worth a visit. Being very close from Dhaka this district’s attractions are ideal option for a day trip. River Dhaleswari is another prominent river from the district apart from Padma. This district is famous for potato, jute, and seasonal vegetable cultivation. That’s why this is always rich with natural beauties regardless the season. To cover all the interesting spots from this district would take more than a day. Here are a list of places which I visited from Munshiganj in several times.
#1 Idrakpur Fort
Idrakpur fort or Idrakpur kella is located very close to the Munshiganj town. This is a fort from 1660 and was built by Mir Jumla II who was a governor of Bengal that time. This small fort doesn’t require too much time to explore.
#2 Baba Adam Mosque
Another attraction from the district is the mosque of Baba Adam that is located in village Koshba of Munshiganj sadar upazila. This archaeological mosque was built in 1483. It is a three dome mosque having a dimension of 10m x 3.75m.
#3 Sonarong Twin Temples
Sonarong twin temples (which is also called as Sonarong jora moth) is one of the beautiful twin temples from Bangladesh. Despite its beauty not too many tourists use to visit this. It is located in the village Sonarong of Tongibari union. The village road towards these temples is also beautiful to enjoy.
#4 Shyamshiddhir moth
Shyamshiddhi moth is another attractive moth or temple from the district. Similar to other temples this one is also doesn’t get that much attraction from the local travelers. This 100 feet tall moth was built in 1758 by a rich Hindu from that area. It is located in Shyamshiddhi of Sreenagar upazila.
#5 Mawa and river Padma
Although this is at number 5 in the list but amongst the Bangladeshi tourists this Mawa is the most popular tourists attraction from this district. Visitors use spend their afternoon beside the river Padma (that is not only a bigger river from Bangladesh but also from the world). Visitors have option to hire boat explore the vicinity area. Before returning from Mawa don’t forget to taste the Ilish Bhaja.
#6 Arail beel
This Arail beel is the best attraction for the nature lovers. During the rainy season (from July to September) would be the best time to visit this. A vast area uses go under water and everything gets connected through water. Using a hired local boat anyone could explore the area for a whole day. Usually people like to visit this place as a group. Arail beel is located in Sreenagar upazila of Munshiganj district.
#7 Shanti Babur Moth
This Shanti Babur Barir Moth is located in Serajdikhan upazila. This moth is not that much old (probably a hundred years). If you are near the area then don’t miss the opportunity to visit this. The area has three moths having three different heights.
#8 Muktarpur bridge over river Dhaleswari
River Dhaleswari has several bridges over it. Muktarpur bridge is one of those. During afternoon this bridge could be an interesting place for walk, and then enjoying the sunset over river Dhaleswari. Don’t forget to try the street foods which are near from the bridge (nothing special though).
#9 Ichamati river
Munshiganj district also has a river named Ichamati. This is a small river but full with scenic beauty. Farmers use to do jute and other cultivation beside the river. Rainy season is the best time to wander around the river as river gets full with water that time and Jutes are fully grown. If you want to do something unconventional exploring in Munshiganj district then this river would be an ideal one. This river is located in Serajdikhan upazila.
#10 Fegunasar Shiva Temple
It is a different styled temple from Bangladesh. Unlike any other temple this one is having a different shape. Inside the temple has a Shiva Linga (a phallus of Lord Shiva). This attraction is located in Serajdikhan upazila of the district.
#11 Rampal Dighi
This was a very large Dighi which exists in theory only. The actual place is already occupied by local people who do the cultivation in current days. That’s why shrink into a very smaller one and not possible to go near. Since it has a historic value it worths to visit when someone is passing near it.
#12 Camping in a safe place
Camping in Munshiganj would be a nice option for adventure lovers. If you can ensure the safety and security then that would be awesome. Just imagine walking around the village for a whole day, swimming in river, and then sleeping in a tent during night.
How to Go
As Munshiganj is near to Dhaka it doesn’t take much time to go any of the places. Depending upon your place you could take the bus like Bikrampur service, Elish, Anondo, etc. These buses use to leave in every 10/15 minutes and doesn’t require advance booking (although the service quality is not that top notch). It would be better if you have a hired or your own vehicle during the tour. It would give you a freedom to move from one attraction to another one without a delay.
Where to Stay
Padma resort is probably the only option in Munshiganj (which is also near Mawa and river Padma). Otherwise it doesn’t have too many good places to stay. But usually people go to Munshiganj as a day trip. Instead of staying there you could go there in early morning and return back after sunset.
Written by Lonely Traveler,
For blog alonelytraveler.com
