Khulna district is located in Bangladesh’s Khulna Division, located in the country’s southwest. It is one of Bangladesh’s largest districts, covering an area of roughly 4,389.11 square kilometers. The district has a population of approximately 2,613,385 individuals, according to the most recent census.
Khulna is well-known for its agricultural economy, which is centered on paddy fields and fishing. The Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest, is located in the district and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as a significant tourist attraction. The area is also well-known for its shipbuilding, jute mills, and shrimp processing facilities.
How to Visit Khulna from Dhaka?
Khulna can be visited from Dhaka by road, by train, and even by air via Jessore Airport. The distance between Dhaka to Khulna is around 246 kilometers. An individual can avail bus services from companies such as Ena Transport (Pvt) Ltd, Hanif Enterprise, and more for direct Dhaka to Khulna bus services.
Moreover, the direct train journey from Dhaka to Khulna takes around 9 hours. To take the air route one must embark on a Dhaka to Jessore direct flight, and then travel to Khulna from Jessore traversing a distance of around 65 kilometers.
5 Places to visit in Khulna
1. Sundarbans
The district of Khulna acts as the entry point into the Sundarbans, a vast mangrove forest, and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is home to the critically endangered Bengal tiger as well as a range of other wildlife such as crocodiles, snakes, and birds. The forest also acts as a natural storm and cyclone barrier. Thousands of tourists visit this location each year due to its distinct natural beauty, flora, and fauna.
2. Karamjal Tourist Spot
Karamjal is situated in the Sundarbans on a 30-hectare plot of property on the banks of the Pashur River, close to the Mongla seaport. It is famous for its mangrove forests, wooden paths, a variety of wildlife, and boat rides. It’s home to the Karamjal Wildlife Breeding Center, where tourists can see crocodiles, deer, and birds, among other wildlife.
3. Putney Dwip
Putney Dwip is a small island in Bangladesh’s Sundarbans, situated in the southern part of the Khulna district. It is well-known for its beautiful beaches, forests, and natural landscapes, which draw visitors looking for a peaceful and serene escape.
4. Hiran Point
Hiran Point, also known as NeelKamal, is situated on the banks of the Promatta Kunga River in the southern Sundarbans of the Khulna district. It is famous for its breathtaking natural beauty and varied wildlife, which includes the endangered Royal Bengal Tiger, Chitra Deer, Dhyani Bak, and other species.
5. Khulna Divisional Museum
The Khulna Divisional Museum is situated in the Majid Sarani of Bangladesh’s Khulna district. The Bangladesh Archaeological Department created the museum in 1998 to showcase the region’s cultural heritage and history. It has exhibits on local folk art, crafts, and archaeological artifacts dating back to antiquity.
2 Foods to try in Khulna
1. Chui Jhal
Chui Jhal, also known as Piper Chaba, is a spice component. Chui trees resemble betel leaf vines. Its roots and stems are cut into chunks and cooked. The addition of Chui Jhal creates a distinct salty-spicy flavor, earning it a reputation as a popular spice from the southwestern regions. It is commonly found in meat-based dishes.
However, many people use chui to cook fish or vegetables. It is also used by street food sellers to enhance the flavor.
2. Sandesh
Sandesh is a milk and sugar based sweet dish which is of immense popularity in the Khulna district. Throughout the district, almost all sweet shops sell these items in their stores, while customers buy them largely for celebratory purposes.
3 Places to stay in Khulna
1. Hotel Castle Salam
Hotel Castle Salam, which began as a small hotel on Khulna’s K.D.A. Avenue in 1996, has developed into a 100-room luxurious business boutique hotel. The hotel offers a variety of facilities, including an infinity pool, a Women’s Salon, airport pickup and drop-off, and more. Their exceptional hospitality distinguishes them as one of the finest hotels in the area.
2. City Inn limited
City Inn Limited is a hotel in Khulna’s Majid Sarani neighborhood. It provides luxurious accommodations with contemporary amenities such as air conditioning, flat-screen televisions, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel also has an on-site restaurant that serves both local and foreign cuisine, including Chinese, European, and Indian dishes. They are well-known for their outstanding services.
3. Hotel Royal International
Hotel Royal International is an upscale hotel on Khan Jahan Ali Road in the Khulna district. The hotel has a variety of amenities, including spacious guest rooms, a swimming pool, a fitness facility, and a meeting space, amongst many others. It is a popular option for both business and leisure visitors to the region.
Things to do in Khulna
The district of Khulna bustles with a lot of activities ranging from hiking and trekking through the trails surrounding the natural landscapes of the district, to boating on the rivers passing through the area. The museums and historical sites of Importance also serve as interesting locations for discovering the history and culture of this region.
Conclusion:
Khulna is one of the most important districts in the Southern part of the country. The rich culture, heritage, natural diversity, food, and history of the place makes it a special place on the bucket list of any traveler discovering Bangladesh.
