Known for its unbearable summer heat and abundance of mangoes during the season, it is no secret that the city — one of the oldest in Bangladesh — can be a treat for all travel aficionados. The best thing about Rajshahi is that it is still quiet and most of the points of interest can fit into a day's itinerary if you plan your timetable carefully.
The Varendra Museum
Officially known as Varendra Research Museum, this is the oldest museum in the country. Managed by Rajshahi University, it is barely a kilometre away from Rajshahi Zero Point. Whether you want to walk or hire a rickshaw, we leave that up to you.
Rajshahi College
If you are on your way to Varendra Museum from Zero Point, Rajshahi College will be on your left, a few hundred metres before you reach the museum. With its green campus, a large pond, and a combination of modern and old buildings, it's worth a visit.
Dhopkols
Visiting the dhopkols will be a different experience. Why? Firstly, there are quite a few of them, and secondly, they are spread out across the city. Built in the early 1900s, these used to be life-saving as they supplied pure drinking water all over the city. A number of Dhopkols are still functional and continue to provide water. Beldarpara Temple, Hetem Khan Medical Road, Betpotti, Raninagar Mor, Kumarpara, and a few other places still have them.
The Padma River
You may see the mighty Padma by going to the T Dam or the I Dam. Both of these places offer a spectacular view of the river.
A few kilometres to the west from the heart of the city, you can go to these places by rickshaw or an auto-rickshaw. If you wish, you can even go to one of the chars by hiring a boat or trawler that is waiting. It will be a memory to cherish for a long time.
Rajshahi University campus
Less than five kilometres to the east of the heart of the city, the campus offers you a sight of a different life — a beautiful life. From Paris Road to Charukala Road, the placid campus offers a lot for a traveller. Just walk around or sit on the grass and you will feel like you are recharging with the spirit of fresh air. That being said, remember that this is the campus of an educational institution and not a regular tourist spot. Do not be a mindless tourist; show respect to the campus.
If you are on a tight schedule and can only spend a day or two on vacation, visiting Rajshahi is not such a bad idea. The city itself is calm and less noisy than you would expect. As long as you are not here in the summer, you should have a pleasant time. Still, pack your bags carefully. Do not forget your sunscreen and water bottle!
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