Kushtia is a district from the western part of Bangladesh, which is now under the administration of Khulna division. This district is located beside the river Padma, and another major river Gorai. This district offers several tourist activities which are related to nature, history, and archaeology. Handloom weaved Gamchha are one of the best from this district. After your visit you could have a few of those as a souvenir. The accent of the people from Kushtia is sweet sounding (also clearer than any other part of Bangladesh) as it was once part of Nadia district during the British era. Kushtia is known for giving birth to famous people such as Lalon fakir, Mir Mosharraf Hossain, Bagha Jatin, and many more. I had a chance to visit this nice district once, and below are the list of tourist attractions based on my visit at that time.
#1 Shelaidaha Kuthi Bari
Kuthibari in Kumarkhali is one of the top tourist attractions from Kushtia district. You could visit the place during any time of the year. But it would be best to visit during the 25th Baishakh of Bangla calendar (8th of May). That particular day is the birthday of the poet Rabindranath Tagore, and the local authority arranges a large village fair there. It is one of the largest village fairs in Bangladesh. Read more about it from Shelaidaha Kuthi Bari.
#2 The shrine of Lalon fakir
Lalon Fakir is probably the best philosopher Bangladesh ever had. He was born in Kushtia district and the shrine (or majar) is another top tourist attraction from Kushtia district. He is revered for his songs which are related to life and spirit. Everyday a lot of fans visit this shrine. Best time to visit during the Dol purnima of the 11th month of Bangla calendar (which is usually between February-March). Read more about from The shrine of Lalon fakir.
#3 A Mughal style mosque from Jhaudia
Jhaudia Shahi mosque is a Mughal style small mosque located in Kushtia district which is worth a visit. It is not that much popular amongst the tourists who visit Kushtia. But if you are a fan of Mughal architecture and history then this mosque is for you. It takes about an hour to reach near the mosque using public transportation. Read more about Jhaudia Shahi Mosque.
#4 Explore Jugia Tati Para
This is kind of a different activity in Kushtia. It is related to being close to the local people in Kushtia who live on weaving cloth using handlooms. This Jugia village is near the Kushtia town and takes around half an hour to go there by vehicle like rickshaw. During your visit you could see how they are doing the weaving, how their life is, and many more. If you are a fan of off-road tourists activities then this is the activity for you. Read more about the Jugia Tati Para.
#5 Tagore lodge
Tagore lodge is a small building located in Millpara of Kushtia town. It is a duplex building that was used by the poet Rabindranath Tagore. It takes approximately 10 minutes to explore this area. Being close to the town, this historical place is worth a visit. Read more about the Tagore lodge.
#6 Mighty river Padma
I don’t know about other tourists, but I like rivers. I like to sit beside a river and watch it, like to swim in it. River Padma is one of the greatest rivers in the world (if we consider the source). This river flows through several districts in Bangladesh. I’ve visited the river from several part of Bangladesh. That’s why I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to see it from Kushtia district. Put this in your things to do in Kushtia district. Read more about the River Padma.
#7 Gorai river beside the town
River Gorai is an interesting river from Kushtia. Later on it is known as Madhumati in other parts of Bangladesh. I’ve observed a sunrise over the river Gorai. Though it was not brilliant as my location choice wasn’t perfect. But you could do it perfectly if you want. During the summer the river gets very little water. But during the rainy season Gorai is a mighty one. Once again if you are a fan of the river then this is for you. Read more about the Gorai river.
#8 A Christian Cemetery in town
This Christian cemetery is located at the heart of the Kushtia town. This is not actually a tourist spot. But if you love to visit the cemetery and you have permission to enter the premises then don’t miss the chance to visit this place. Read more about it from the article A Christian Cemetery.
#9 Chapaigachhi Beel for nature lovers
This is a place related to natural beauty in Kushtia. This waterbody is formed from the inflowing three rivers and two canals. I visited the place during summer which was not a good choice. During the rainy season you’d see plenty of water in it. And during winter you’d expect to see migratory birds (not too many in numbers though). Read more about the Chapaigachhi Beel.
How to go to Kushtia:
There are several bus services available which come to Kushtia from Dhaka. Such bus services are SB Super Deluxe, Shyamoli Paribahan, etc. Usually it takes around 4-5 hours overnight. All the buses leave from Gabtoli or Kolyanpur of Dhaka. I’d advise you to book the bus ticket several days before the departure (specially during the weekend).
Where to stay:
There are several good quality hotels available for night staying. I stayed in the hotel Hotel River view during my stay and they allowed me to do an early check in at 5:00am in the morning.
Where to eat:
There are several quality restaurants located in Kushtia town (one of them is just beside the Hotel River View). For the morning breakfast you could go to any local restaurants near the bus stoppage which provides the traditional Bangladeshi breakfast of handmade bread and Bhaji (or Daal).
Souvenir from Kushtia:
Try to buy the Gamchha made using the handloom. It would be an experience to buy it from the people who are making it instead of from a shop. This district produces one of the finest handloom weaved Gamchha. Kulfi from Kushtia is also famous. You’d see street vendors selling those. Try to taste one or two to slake your thirst during summer.
Written by Lonely Traveler,
For the blog alonelytraveler.com
