Article by: Raihana Karim – Astute Horse
Barishal (http://www.barisal.gov.bd/), officially known as Barishal, is a major city that lies on the bank of Kirtankhola River in south-central Bangladesh. It is the largest city and the administrative headquarter of both Barishal district and Barishal Division. It is one of the oldest municipalities and river ports of the county. Surrounding the river bank it has many beautiful visiting places. Barishal Muktijoddha Park, Bells Park, Bibir Pukur, Jame Masjid are some of the beautiful places to visit in Barishal District.
Barishal Muktijoddha Park lies on the bank of beautiful Kirtankhola River (https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g667461-Barisal_City_Barisal_Division-Vacations.html). If you want to enjoy the serenity of this beautiful river then it is the perfect choice. It takes only 15 minutes from the city to reach this park. The park is established in the memory of our countries martyred. Apart from the park, the main attraction of this place is the boating facilities. In the evening, the serene breeze from river and evening twilight makes the boat journey beautiful. It has both engines facilitate boats and normal rowing boats. There are also arrangements for snacks. If you want to have something delicious, you can relish yourself with fuchka and chotpoti.
Bells Park is the introduced name of Bangabandhu Udyan located at the heart of Barishal city. For visiting, this park is one of the beautiful places in Barishal. The name Bells Park was given after the migration of Nicholas Bitson Bell in Barishal District from 1896 until 1899. He established this park at that time of his migration period. After the independence, our first Prime Minister Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman came to Barishal for a tour on January 3, 1973. This garden was dedicated in his honor and after that it was named Bangabandhu Udyan. This park is adjacent to Grand Park Hotel. The name of the restaurant in the hotel is ‘Bells Diner’. It is surrounded by a playground, walkway and helipad. The park is full of trees and a lake, which makes it more beautiful. It is perfect for your morning and evening walks.
Bibir Pukur is one of the well-known historical places of Barishal. In the first half the 16th century Christian Missionaries arrived in Barishal. The pond is named after Jinath Bibi, who had the pond dug in 1908 to give relief to the local people from the sufferings of the shortage of water. At present the pond is known as Bibir Pukur after Jinath Bibi. The Barisal city corporation has taken steps to beautify it. As a result, now it is more attractive than before. Keep this historical pond in your bucket list if you plan to visit Barishal.
Lakhutia Zamindar Bari is located in the village Lakhutia, 8km north from the Barishal city. The Zamindari started by Rupchandra Ray in 18th century and it expanded when his grandson Rajchandra Ray took over. The castle was built by Rajchandra Ray in the 19th century, no exact date or record of the establishment is found. The main palace is a two-storied building. There are several temples and motte on the eastern side of the building. Most of the temples are now in dilapidated condition. One of the motte was built by a descendant of the Ray family, named Pankaj Kumar Ray Chowdhury. He built it in the memory of his parents in August 15, 2001, which is very recent. If you like historical places then it is a perfect place for a visit. A bus ride from the city and you are at this gigantic castle.
All the aforementioned places helped to build the history of the City of Barisal. On your next visit to Barisal do not forget to pay a visit to these places. (https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g667461-Activities-Barisal_City_Barisal_Division.html)
