Explore Khulna

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Khulna is the third-largest city in Bangladesh, after Dhaka and Chittagong. It is the administrative centre of the Khulna District and the Khulna Division. It is the divisional centre of 10 districts of the division. Khulna is also the second largest port city of Bangladesh after Chittagong because of Port of Mongla. Wikipedia

🕒 Best Time to Visit:

  • November to February (Winter):
    ✅ Best time – cool and dry weather, ideal for exploring the Sundarbans and city tours.

  • March to May (Pre-monsoon):
    🌤️ Hot and humid – still good for local sightseeing.

  • June to September (Monsoon):
    🌧️ Rainy and humid – boat trips possible but may face weather disruption.

🚆 How to Get There:

  • From Dhaka:

    • 🚂 Train:

      • Sundarban Express, Chitra Express → ~8–10 hours

    • 🚌 Bus:

      • Green Line, Shohag, Hanif → ~8–9 hours

    • ✈️ Air:

      • Nearest airport: Jessore (~1.5 hours drive from Khulna)

🌟 Top Attractions:

🌲 The Sundarbans (UNESCO Site):

  • Largest mangrove forest in the world

  • Home to the Royal Bengal Tiger, spotted deer, monkeys, crocodiles, and rare birds

  • Visit via day tours or overnight boat cruises from Khulna or Mongla

Popular entry points: Karamjal, Harbaria, Katka, Kochikhali

🛕 Cultural & Historical Sites:

  • 9 Dome Mosque (Khan Jahan Ali’s Mosque), Bagerhat:
    UNESCO World Heritage Site – 15th-century mosque made of terracotta bricks

  • Shat Gombuj Mosque (Sixty Dome Mosque), Bagerhat:
    Iconic medieval Islamic architecture – ~40 km from Khulna

  • Shrine of Khan Jahan Ali:
    Tomb of the famous Muslim saint and founder of Bagerhat

  • Rupsha Bridge:
    Landmark bridge over Rupsha River – perfect for sunset views

🐟 Local Interests:

  • Fish and Shrimp Farms:
    Khulna is a leading center for prawn farming — take a short village tour

  • Mongla Port:
    Second-largest seaport in Bangladesh, ~40 km south of Khulna

🚶 Activities to Do:

  • 🛳️ Take a Sundarbans boat cruise (1–3 days)

  • 📸 Visit Bagerhat’s historic mosques and tombs

  • 🐊 Explore Karamjal Wildlife Center

  • 🛶 Enjoy a boat ride on Rupsha River

  • 🧺 Buy honey, golpata (mangrove leaves), and handicrafts

🏨 Accommodation:

In Khulna City:

  • City Inn Hotel & Restaurant – Comfortable & centrally located

  • Royal Hotel International – Mid-range, popular for business travelers

  • Tiger Garden Hotel – Good for families

  • Hotel Castle Salam – Popular for international tourists

Near Sundarbans:

  • Pashur Hotel (Mongla)

  • Bonobibi Eco Cottage (Rustic but scenic)

  • Overnight boats with cabins (for Sundarbans tours)

🍽️ Food & Restaurants:

Must-Try Local Dishes:

  • 🦐 Golda Chingri (giant prawn) curry

  • 🐟 Ilish bhuna (hilsa fish)

  • 🐚 Crab masala

  • 🍛 Traditional Bengali set meals (rice, lentils, vegetables, fried eggplant, and curry)

Recommended Places:

  • City Inn Restaurant

  • Deshi Kitchen – Local favorites

  • Honey Bunny Restaurant – Casual dining

  • Hotel Castle Salam Restaurant

🧑‍🌾 Local Culture:

  • Language: Bengali

  • Crafts: Pottery, boat-making, woven mats

  • Festivals:

    • Sundarbans Day (Feb)

    • Mela at Khan Jahan Ali’s shrine