Rayerkathi (রায়েরকাঠী) is a less visited place that the tourists hardly explore. In fact there wasn’t that much information about the place on internet. After visiting the Kirtipasha Jomidar Bari, we were heading towards the Khulna. We had to pass through the Pirojpur district (পিরোজপুর জেলা), and this Rayerkathi Jomidar Bari (রায়েরকাঠী জমিদার বাড়ি) resides in this district. So we have guided our car driver towards the place using the map. It wasn’t too far from the district headquarter. Probably it was a 15-20 minutes of car drive.
Though I am calling this as a Jomidar Bari (জমিদার বাড়ি), but these days there is nothing left behind. Only few temples around (or probably there were few remnants, but couldn’t explore due to the time constraints). These are old temples which are in ruin, probably carrying the mark of 300 years or more. As per the reference, it should have the largest phallus of lord Shiva, but I forgot to see this during my visit (what a shame). But may be you can do it for me!
It was probably around 2:45pm at the day when we have reached there. There is a newly temple built beside the old ones and few people were there for the prayer. I am not sure, but probably it was due to the 11th day of the moon that locally known as Ekadoshi (একাদশী). As per their information, it was an Iskon Temple (ইস্কন মন্দির). They have invited us to have join the feast after the prayer. We agreed, but after that we started exploring around the area and decided to return back.
When we were about to leave the place, they have again invited us to join at the feast with them. It was vegetable dish and we agreed to join with them. In fact we didn’t have anything after the breakfast. And my travel-mate was also feeling hungry. So we have decided to join the feast as a purpose of lunch. There were probably 4/5 items for the menu and all were delicious.
During the lunch we came to know that they were the last decedent of the Rayerkathi Jomidar (রায়েরকাঠী জমিদার) family. It was really great to meet someone like them who actually belongs from this famous family. I could have stayed for more to know everything from them (the history), but had to move forward as the day during winter is really short in Bangladesh. So we have thanked them and started the wheel again for our next destination.
The day started with lot of disinformation and I was almost convinced by those as a bad omen. But later on the day eventually turned into a good one, and with an excellent experience which I can not buy with money.
How to Go:
This is a easy place to access. First you have to come to the Pirojpur district (পিরোজপুর জেলা). From Dhaka there are several ferries (locally known as launch) start for Pirojpur (পিরোজপুর) every night. You can ride any of those. Alternately you can come here using Bus as well. It will be probably through Bagerhat (I am not sure). From the district town, you can take auto rickshaw to come near the place. Just ask local people about the place. For your assistance, the GPS coordinate is (22°35’50.32″N, 89°59’13.13″E).
Where to stay:
Well, this district doesn’t have too much facilitated hotel (if you like luxury). That case you have to stay at the nearby towns like Bagerhat (বাগেরহাট) or Khulna (খুলনা). But if you are not that much picky about the hotels, then feel free to stay any cheap hotels from the town. It won’t be a bad idea, trust me.
It was the day-1 of our four days trip at Southern Bangladesh. We have traveled Barisal (বরিশাল), Jhalokathi (ঝালকাঠি), Pirojpur (পিরোজপুর), Bagerhat (বাগেরহাট), and Khulna (খুলনা) on those days.
Rayerkathi Jomidar Bari (রায়েরকাঠী জমিদার বাড়ি),
Village: Rayerkathi (রায়েরকাঠী),
Upazela: Pirojpur Sadar (পিরোজপুর সদর উপজেলা),
District: Pirojpur (পিরোজপুর জেলা),
Country: Bangladesh (বাংলাদেশ),
GPS coordinate (22°35’50.32″N, 89°59’13.13″E)
This article has written by Lonely Traveler,
for the blog https://alonelytraveler.com/
