Are you planning to visit Khulna in 2024? Then look no further. We are here to serve you with the top 14 places to visit in Khulna in 2024. So, pack your bags and embark on a journey with us to this incredibly beautiful city.
Khulna, the gateway to the Sundarbans, is the third-largest city in Bangladesh. The city is famous for its industrial development, bustling markets, and delicious cuisine. Rupsha, Bhairab, Chitra, Pashur, and Kapotaksh rivers have made this city incredibly beautiful. However, the city has much more to offer than its popular attractions. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey to discover the uncommon and underrated sights of Khulna that are often overlooked by tourists. From historical shrines to exotic wildlife, and serene rivers to quaint museums, Khulna has something for everyone. Here are the top 14 places to visit while you are in Khulna:
Top 14 Places of Khulna
Sundarbans:
The Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest in the world, is in the southern part of Khulna. It is home to the Bengal tiger, crocodiles, spotted deer (Chitra), and many other animals. The forest is also famous for its rich flora and fauna. The total area of the Sundarbans is around 10,000 sq km, of which 6017 sq km is owned by Bangladesh. The Sundarbans were declared one of the UNESCO Heritage Sites in 1987.
The forest is home to more than 350 species of trees, 120 species of fish, 270 species of Birds, and 83 species of animals. The best way to explore the Sundarbans is by boat, and many tour operators offer multi-day tours.
Bhutia Padma Beel:
Bhutia Padma Beel, a large lake located in the Terkhada Upazilla of Khulna, is a popular tourist spot. Every year thousands of nature lovers visit this lake to witness the beauty of blooming lotuses. The Bhutia Beel is a replica of the raw beauty of rural Bengal.
The lake is home to many migratory birds, including the black-tailed godwit, red knot, and sandpiper. It is also a great spot for fishing and boating.
Hiron Point:
Hiron Point, also known as Neelkamal, is a popular spot for watching wildlife in the Sundarbans. It is located at the southernmost tip of the Sundarbans on the bank of the Kunga River and is accessible only by boat. The area is home to many Bengal tigers, Chitra deer, crocodiles, and other wildlife. There is a watch tower only 3 kilometers away from Hiron Point.
Putney Dwip:
Putney Dwip, also known as Dwip Char, is a small island located in the Sundarbans. It is an animal sanctuary for Deer and Fish. The island is famous for its beautiful sandy beaches and clear blue waters. It is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. Locals come here to catch crabs and shellfish.
Khulna Divisional Museum:
The Khulna Divisional Museum is the second-largest museum in Bangladesh. It is in the heart of the city in Shib Bari More and is home to a vast collection of historical artifacts and cultural items. The museum has a collection of old coins, sculptures, pottery, and other artifacts found from soil digging that offer a glimpse into the history and culture of the Gupta, Pal, Sen, and Mughal dynasty and the region.
BirSrestho Ruhul Amin Graveyard:
The BirSrestho Ruhul Amin Graveyard is a memorial located on the Eastern Bank of the Rupsha River. It is named after Ruhul Amin, a Bangladeshi freedom fighter who was awarded the Bir Shreshtha, the highest military award in Bangladesh for his bravery in the Bangladesh Liberation War. The memorial is a great place to remember his sacrifices and to pay tribute to his legacies.
Khan Jahan Ali Bridge:
“A white herd grazes in Rupsha’s murky waters, as red clouds signal the onset of night’s quarters.” Said poet Jibonanondo Das about the beauty of the Rupsha River. The Khan Jahan Ali Bridge, also known as the Rupsha Bridge, is a truss bridge that spans the Rupsha River. It is the gateway to Khulna City. The bridge has a length of 1 mile. It is the busiest bridge in Bangladesh in terms of visitors. The western end of this bridge is a popular spot for taking photos and enjoying the sunset.
Rabindra Complex:
The Rabindra Complex is a cultural center located 12 miles away from Khulna City in Dakshindihi village. It is named after Rabindranath Tagore, the famous Bengali poet, and Nobel laureate. The complex has a museum, library, auditorium, and a park that is dedicated to Tagore’s life and works. There are statues of Rabindranath Tagore and his wife.
Bangabandhu Island:
Bangabandhu Island is in the Bay of Bengal and is accessible by boat from Khulna. The island is between Hiron Point and Dublar Char. It is a great spot for bird watching, fishing, and watching Iraboti (Irrawaddy) Dolphins. The government is planning big time to convert this island into a proper tourism center.
Shaheed Hadis Park:
Shaheed Hadis Park, earlier known as The Khulna Municipal Park, is a beautiful park in Khulna that pays tribute to Sheikh Hadisur Rahman, who was killed during the mass protests in 1969. The Park is also known to host Mahatma Gandhi, who gave a speech here on 16th June 1925.
The park is on Babu khan road and offers a serene retreat for locals and visitors alike. It features a man-made lake, walking trails, a children’s playground, and a stunning illuminated fountain that creates a mesmerizing display at night. The park is a popular spot for picnics and family outings and is open to the public seven days a week with no entry fee. Its tranquil atmosphere and beautiful surroundings make it an ideal spot to calm down and relax amidst the chaos of the city.
Karamjal Eco-Tourism Center:
Located just a short distance from the Sundarbans, the Karamjal Eco-Tourism Center is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in experiencing the natural beauty of the Sundarbans within a short time. The center is situated on the banks of the Pashur River and offers visitors a range of activities, including birdwatching, wildlife spotting, and boating.
The center is also home to the only natural crocodile breeding center in Bangladesh, where visitors can see these fascinating creatures up close. There is also a watch tower, from where you can enjoy the surroundings without being at risk.
Kotka Sea Beach:
If you’re in the mood for some sun, sand, and sea, head over to Kotka Sea Beach. Located on the southwestern tip of Bangladesh, Kotka Sea Beach, also known as Jam Tola Sea Beach, is an unspoiled paradise that’s perfect for a day trip. The beach is surrounded by dense mangrove forests and is home to a variety of marine life, including Chitra deer, wild boars, and sea turtles. Visitors can take a dip in the mudded waters or simply lounge on the soft, white sand. Or, if you are lucky enough, you may get to witness the king of Sundarbans, The Royal Bengal Tiger.
Swatch of No Ground: 
Swatch of No Ground is a natural phenomenon that occurs off the coast of Bangladesh. It is home to the largest submarine fan in the world “The Bengal Fan” or “The Ganges Fan”. A submarine is a vast expanse of water that is so shallow that ships can’t navigate. The water is so deep that visitors can see the water looks deeper in color.
The area is also home to a variety of marine life, including colorful fish, sea anemones, and starfish. According to scientists, this is the only place in the world where you can see dolphins, Porpoise fish, and Whales together. The place is home to more than 10 species of birds, 30 species of fish-breed whales, and milky whales. The place works as an ecological filter for the Sundarbans.
Rupsha River Khulna:
The Rupsha River is probably one of the favorite places to spend some quality time for people in the Khulna region. It is the gateway to the city of Khulna. Rupsha River at night looks even more mesmerizing. It is like the perfect art from the greatest artist. Visitors can take a boat ride down the river and explore the surrounding countryside, taking in the sights and sounds of this beautiful region.
How to Reach Khulna
Now that you have made up your mind to visit Khulna, you must reach Khulna first. First, you will need a Bangladeshi Visa. Now that you have a Visa, you must book a flight. The procedure is pretty much the same anywhere in the world. We will be talking about US, UK, and India in particular.
If you’re traveling from the US, the easiest way to get to Khulna is by taking a flight to Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh. From Dhaka, you can take a domestic flight to Jessore, which is the nearest airport to Khulna. Alternatively, you can take a train or bus from Dhaka to Khulna, which takes around 8-10 hours.
If you’re traveling from the UK, you can take a flight to Dhaka or Kolkata (India) and then take a connecting flight or train/bus to Khulna. Bandhan Express operates on this route every week, but you might have to book your ticket earlier.
If you’re traveling from India, you can take a flight to Dhaka or Kolkata and then take a connecting flight, train, or bus to Khulna. There are also direct bus services available from Kolkata to Khulna, which take around 6-7 hours.
Note: Do your part to keep the planet clean and healthy – don’t litter during your travels
