Barisal district is one of the most prominent districts situated in southern Bangladesh. The district has a total population of 2,570,450 people with an area encompassing 2,784.52 square kilometers.
How to Visit Barishal from Dhaka?
The distance between Dhaka and Barisal is around 186 kilometers. It can be visited from Dhaka, by bus, by air, and by river. To visit Barisal by bus, one can avail direct bus services from bus companies such as Hanif Enterprise, Soudia Coach Service, and more. To avail the river route launch boats can be taken from Sadarghat of Dhaka to directly commute to Barisal.
Furthermore, air services can also be availed by booking tickets on direct Dhaka to Barisal domestic flights.
5 Places to visit in Barisal
1. Oxford Mission Church, Barisal
The Oxford Mission Church is located on the Bogra road in the Barisal district. It is broadly known as Oxford Mission Epiphany Church. It is the second-largest church in Asia by land proportions and one of the oldest churches in the subcontinent, being built in 1903.
The church represents the Chrisitian and early modern history of the country.
2. Shaheed Abdur Rab Serniabat Bridge
Located in Barisal Sadar, the Shaheed Abdur Rab Serniabat bridge is a renowned landmark in the district of Barisal. This place attracts tourists from all across the country. The bridge exhibits magnificent scenery overlooking the Kirtankhola river, evoking a soothing experience.
3. Kalsakathi zamindar’s house
The Kalsakathi zamindar house is located in the Bakerganj upazila of Barisal. It is an early 18th century Zamindar house that remains as a testament to the history of Bengal, and thus remains an important tourist attraction to be visited.
4. Kasba Mosque
The Kasba Mosque is located in the Gournadi Upazila of Barisal district. It is a 16th century mosque with nine domes, built during the reign of the Bengal sultanate. The site provides significant importance in terms of history and religion, and thus is a must-visit place in anyone’s bucket list.
5. Kirtankhola river
The Kirtankhola river, also widely known as the Barisal River, is a 160 km long river. The river emanates magnificent natural scenic beauty that attracts the attention of all the tourists who visit Barisal. Barisal without visiting this river is an incomplete experience.
3 Foods to try in Barisal
1. Shorshe Ilish
The shorshe Ilish is a popular dish in Barisal, prepared by mixing the Hilsha fish in a gravy of mustard, onions, chilies, and other spices. The fish is cooked and sometimes steamed to enhance its taste. It is a delicious meal, perfect at a lunch or dinner.
2. Narkel Pete Chingri
Narkel Pete Chingri is a traditional food of Barisal that is prepared by seasoning the shrimp with spices, and then putting it inside a coconut, and then cooking it in a burning oven. This food is often supplemented with rice, and is considered to be one of the most delicious dishes in the Bengali cuisine.
3. Bombay Morich Shingara
The Bombay Morich Shingara is an extremely spicy fast food, that is widely available and popular in Barisal. These shingaras are made with extremely spicy chilies, also known as Bombay morich, often in smaller shapes. The spice kick creates a burst of flavor, making it one of the most sought-after dishes for the spice lovers.
3 Places to stay in Barisal
1. Hotel Grand Park
The hotel grand park is an upscale 4-star hotel in Barisal, that provides all the modern amenities. It offers quick access to the airport, the launch station, the commercial district, and the city center, 24-hour room service, on-site laundry, a restaurant, and security cameras.
City Corporation of Barisal recognized the hotel as the cleanest in the entire Barisal city.
2. Hotel Athena
Hotel Athena is a private hotel located in the Katpotty Rd of the Barisal city. The hotel comes with all the modern amenities required for a comfortable stay along with great hospitality.
3. Hotel Sedona International
Hotel Sedona International is a modern hotel located in the Barisal sadar of the Barisal city. The hotel provides modern amenities, access to top-notch restaurants and cafés nearby, and security.
Things to do in Barisal
Barisal district is enriched with historical places of importance, natural scenery, and good food. The place is a great place to explore the historical places of significance while strolling alongside delicious foods displayed in the restaurants of the district. Boating in the rivers of the city can also be another activity of pleasure, to experience this district to the fullest.
Conclusion:
Barisal is a beautiful district that complements the overall beauty of Bangladesh. Its food, history, nature, and people exult our country, and its beauty and diversity to greater heights.