Known for
- 1
Where the rivers meet.
At Goalanda the Jamuna joins the Padma, and for more than a century the ghats here, Goalanda and later Daulatdia, were the gateway between Dhaka and the south-west. Ferries, launches and fishing boats still crowd the shore, and the river is as wide as anywhere in the country.
- 2
A small, quiet district.
Beyond the river, Rajbari has the old jor-bangla temples at Nalia in Baliakandi and a few ponds and village sights. It is a short stop on the way to Faridpur or Kushtia rather than a destination of its own.
Best season
GoodFairNov–Feb
November to February for calm water and cool days at the ghats. In the monsoon the Padma runs high and fast, a sight in itself, but launches and ferries can be disrupted in storms.
Getting there
Bus
Dhaka
Via the Paturia–Daulatdia ferry or the Padma Bridge
Train
Dhaka
Trains to Rajbari station
Getting around
Rajbari town
Bus or CNG to Daulatdia and Goalanda
From Dhaka, buses cross the Jamuna side by Paturia–Daulatdia ferry or go over the Padma Bridge via Faridpur; either way Rajbari town is a few hours. Trains also reach Rajbari. Daulatdia ghat is about half an hour from town.
Local food
Padma hilsaMust try
Fried fresh at the ghat
Padma hilsa above all, fried fresh at the ghat eateries, and other river fish.
Places to see
River, lake and haorShahnoor Habib Munmun · CC BY 3.0Daulatdia and Goalanda ghats
The old ferry ghats where the Jamuna meets the Padma, long the main crossing between Dhaka and the south-west, still busy with ferries, launches and fishing boats.
Kalyan Dighi
An old, large pond in Rajbari, a quiet place for a walk along its banks.
Nalia Jor Bangla Temple
Two temples side by side at Nalia in Baliakandi, founded in 1655 by Raja Sitaram Roy; one still has its tower, the other has lost it.
Sources 2
Times, fares and opening hours change. Check before you go.
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The same guide, every place and photo, on your phone without a connection. Mark the district when you get there.
