Pabna

Pabna, in north-eastern Bangladesh, within the Rajshahi Division, is an interesting mix of Hindu temples, British-era palaces, natural wetlands and criss-crossing rivers, complete with century-old bridges. The capital of the district, also known as Pabna, sits to the south, on the northern bank of the Padma River, and is home to most of the archaeological structures.

Get in

By plane

• 1 Shah Makhdum Airport (Rajshahi Airport) (109 km away from Pabna City). The nearest airport of Pabna. (updated Nov 2022)

By train

You can go to Pabna by train. It's very easy to go Pabna from Dhaka. First you have to go Komlapur rail station. You can buy a ticket from there for Dhaka to Pabna.

By bus

Bus tickets from capital Dhaka via Aricha to Pabna costs Tk 300 to Tk 450.

See

• 1 Taras Rajbari/Ray Bahadur Gate, Abdul Hamid Road, Pabna, Bangladesh (along Ataikula Rd (i.e. trunk road)). palace with Doric columns, archways and portico built by Rai Banamali Ray Bahadur in the late 19th century with arch (Ray Bahadur Gate) in front. Displays late-medieval Renaissance style with neoclassical forms, particularly of the semi-Corinthian order. 
• 2 Jor Bangla Mandir, Jor Baangla Paara, Pabna City. Though a bit weathered, it's the best existing example of jor bangla (twin hut-styled) mandir. It was constructed in the 1800s. 
• 3 Chatmohor Shahi Masjid (Bengali: চাটমোহর শাহী মসজিদ), Chatmohar, Bangladesh (10 km southeast of Pabna City). This, along with Kherua Mosque in Sherpur (both built in 1582), mark the two earliest existing monuments of Mughal Bengal. Its three-dome style is reminiscent of the style of the mosque adjacent to the Taj Mahal or Musalla at Mashad. Terracotta ornamentations also worth seeing. 
• 4 Jagannath Temple, Chatmohar Upazila (north of Pabna on R604, past Chatmohar, then east on Somaz Bazar - Handiyal Rd). World heritage site consisting of Hindu temple for Shree Jagannath Deva and several others with their own particular temple. Constructed between 1300-1400 CE. Terracotta tiles feature ancient Hindu Shastra events outside. 
• 5 Chalan Beel Wetlands (outside of Natore). One of the largest and richest wetlands in Bangladesh. Like an inland sea during rainy season. 
• 6 Shitlai Plalace, Pabna City (near N6 (Hospital Rd) and R601 (Pabna-Sujanagar Hwy)). Another palace with Corinthian columns, porticos, etc, built around 1900. This is now part of a drug manufacturing corp EDRUC, so may not be open for visitation. 

Hardinge Bridge

• 7 Hardinge Bridge. 1.1 mile railway bridge named in honor of Lord Hardinge, British viceroy of India. Sustained damage during the Liberation War of Bangladesh of 1971. Its truss style sits alongside the Lalon Shah Bridge built in 2004 over the Padma River (main channel of the Ganges). They are both the 2nd longest bridges (railway/roadway) in Bangladesh and are quite an engineering marvel. 

Eat

Sleep

• Ratnodweep Resort, Dhaka Pabna Highway Road, Jalalpur, ☏ +88 01730 318953, reservations@ratnodweepresort.com. (updated Jan 2019)

Go next

• Natore