Unseen BangladeshBarishal Division
Barishal travel guide
A city of rivers and canals known as the Venice of Bengal; the overnight launch trip is the big experience here.
⭐ Famous food and products of Barishal
📜 How Barishal got its name
There are a few theories about the name. One is that there were big salt depots ('baro salt' chowkis) here; another is that it comes from tall sal trees. The old name was Chandradwip, later Bakerganj.
How to get to Barishal
Barishal is about 160 km from Dhaka; the journey takes 3.5–4 hours (bus) / overnight (launch).
- 🚢 By launch: Launches such as Sundarban, Parabat, Kirtankhola and Adventure from Sadarghat; deck ৳300–400, cabin ৳1,200–3,500, leaving around 9 pm.
- 🚌 By bus: Via the Padma Bridge with Sakura, Hanif, Green Line; non-AC ৳550–700, AC ৳1,000–1,400.
- ✈️ By air: Biman and US-Bangla; one way ৳3,500–5,500.
Places to visit (4)
One of the country's most beautiful mosque complexes, with a huge pond, gardens and lighting.
A pond of about 45 acres with an island in the middle; migratory birds in winter.
Red water lilies cover the wetland in the monsoon and autumn; loveliest by boat at dawn.
A huge red-brick church built in 1903, with remarkable architecture.
What it costs
৳1,500–3,000 per person per day
Where to stay
- Hotel Grand Park
- Mid-range hotels in town (৳1,200–3,000)
What to eat
Barishal's amra (hog plum), hilsa, Guthia sandesh