Unseen Bangladesh
Kurigram District · Rangpur Division · চিলমারী বন্দর
Chilmari Port travel guide
The Chilmari of the song 'Oki Gariyal Bhai'; the Brahmaputra at its grandest.
🗓️ Best time to visitOctober–March; the Ashtami bath in Chaitra
⏱ How long it takes2 hours
💰 Estimated costBoat ride ৳300–500 per hour
History and background
Once a busy river port on the Brahmaputra; the Chilmari of the famous Bhawaiya song 'Oki gariyal bhai, hankao gari tui Chilmarir bondore', sung by Abbasuddin. Many people come for the Ashtami bath in the Brahmaputra on Ashtami in Chaitra.
How to get to Chilmari Port
In Chilmari upazila; about 25 km from Kurigram.
Kurigram is about 350 km from Dhaka; the journey takes 7–8 hours.
- 🚌 By bus: Kurigram buses from Mohakhali/Gabtoli (Hanif, SR, Shyamoli), fare ৳800–900.
- 🚆 By train: Kurigram Express from Kamalapur, fare ৳500–1,400.
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
Brahmaputra fish
Good to know
- In char villages you'll meet local hospitality — be respectful
More places to visit in Kurigram district
- Dharla Bridge — A bridge over the Dharla River, a place for afternoon chats.