Unseen BangladeshJhalokati District · Barishal Division · গাবখান চ্যানেল ও সেতু
Gabkhan Channel and Bridge travel guide
One of the country's busiest waterways, with a fine view from the high bridge.
🗓️ Best time to visitYear-round; afternoon
⏱ How long it takes1 hour
💰 Estimated costFree
History and background
The roughly 18 km long Gabkhan canal joins the Sugandha and Bishkhali rivers; as a key part of the Dhaka–Khulna waterway it is called the 'Suez Canal of Bengal'. The high Gabkhan Bridge over the canal gives lovely views all around.
How to get to Gabkhan Channel and Bridge
Near Jhalokati town.
Jhalokati is about 190 km from Dhaka; the journey takes 4–5 hours.
- 🚌 By bus: Buses to Jhalokati/Barishal via the Padma Bridge, fare ৳550–750.
- 🚢 By launch: Launch from Sadarghat to Jhalokati, or get off at Barishal and take a bus.
Where to stay
The district town has basic and mid-range hotels (roughly ৳800–2,500). Government circuit houses and dak bungalows can be used with permission.
What to eat
Guava, amra, fish from the Gabkhan Channel
Good to know
- Watch out for traffic on the bridge
More places to visit in Jhalokati district
- Bhimruli Floating Guava Market — A guava market held boat to boat on a canal; busiest in July–September.
- Kirtipasha Zamindar Bari — The ruins of a 19th-century zamindar's house.