Rajshahi --- the name itself gives a royal and majestic aura. Indeed, the division has a golden heritage as it was ruled by various maharajas, rajas and zamindars. There are some of the attractive tourist destinations in Rajshahi division which would definitely leave you fascinated by this northern part of the country.
Bank of the Padma River:
Padma is one of the largest rivers in South Asia. During monsoon, the water level increases and its beauty increases along with it. The city took on reducing air pollution and has succeeded. So, one can breathe fresh air here while walking on the riverside. A walk on the riverside in the morning or evening can soothe your mind and help you recollect your thoughts.
Varendra Research Museum:
Established in 1910, Varendra Research Museum is known as the oldest museum in the country. It has a rich collection of artifacts related to Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim heritage. It contains many relics of ancient civilizations in Bengal like Indus Valley seals, terracotta cups, figurines and idols, sculptures of Hindu deities in stone, idol of Shiva Nataraja, Bodhisattva, stone mihrab etc. Mughal artefacts such as weapons, shawls, musical instruments, traditional carpets etc are also seen. Some of these date back to the 16th century. It is maintained by the university located in the heart of the town. The visiting hours are 10:00am - 4:00pm and the entry fee is Tk 50.
Puthia Rajbari: Puthia Rajbari is a palace in Puthia Upazila built in 1895, for Rani Hemanta Kumari. It is the evidence of Indo-Saracenic Revival architecture in Bengal. The palace is situated 30 km from the east of the town and one km south from Rajshahi Natore highway. The rajbari is divided into 4 courts. These are: Karchri (office) Angan (court), Mandir angan or Gobindabari (temple court), Andar Mahal (inner quarters) and Residence of Maharani Hemanta Kumari.
The rooms are built around the courts in the palace. Kachari angan has porticos on both the west and east ends which project in the Palladian manner. The west entrance gate leads to kachari angan while the other leads to temple or Govindabari courts.
The palace contains many ornamental terracotta plaques. Govinda temple depicts a lot of stories that one can simply pass hours checking all of them out. Sitting on the edge of the Shiva temple and seeing the world go by along with soft breezes can make you escape from the urban hassle. There is no entrance fee and transports are available from Rajshahi city.
Shrine of Hazrat Shah Makhdum (R): A Dargah was established to mark the resting place of the Saint Hazrat Shah Makhdum in 1635. He is the first preacher of Islam in the northern region. Legend says that he arrived here by riding two crocodiles in the Padma. To preserve this myth, some crocodiles are still kept in the pond adjacent to the shrine.
Chhoto Sona Mosque:
Chhoto Shona Mosque is located in Chapai Nawabganj district of Bangladesh. The mosque was built during the reign of Sultan Hussain Shah in between 1493 and 1519. The fifteen domes of the mosque were once gilded. The mosque bears much ornamentation consisting of mosaic roundels in blue and white colours of variegated design. Stone carving, brick-setting, terracotta, mihrab, gilding and glazed tiles were used for decorating the building. The patterns which are observed were inspired from the chain-and-bell of the Buddha and Jaina period.
Planning a quick visit to this 'Silk city' can remove the monotony of daily life. This part of the country is a heaven for those who love history, architecture, heritage and archaeology.
