Padma Garden and T-Bandh travel guide

At a glance

Location

The Padma bank south of Rajshahi city

Purpose

City protection embankment

Best time

Afternoon and sunset; October–March

Next to

Boro Kuthi, Lalon Shah Park

History and details

Rajshahi city was long at risk from Padma erosion. To protect it, embankments and a 'T'-shaped spur were built along the river, known locally as the T-Bandh. When a garden, seating and walkways were later added beside it, it became the city's main leisure spot.

Right next to it is Boro Kuthi — a silk-trading house built by Dutch merchants in the 17th–18th century and later used by the British; it is one of Rajshahi's oldest buildings. In the dry season, when the Padma drops, a huge char appears, and boat trips to it are popular.

Things to do

• Watch the sunset from the T-Bandh
• Take a boat to the Padma char
• See the old Boro Kuthi building
• Eat kalai roti at a riverside stall

How to get to Padma Garden and T-Bandh

By rickshaw from the city centre.

Rajshahi is about 250 km from Dhaka; the journey takes 5–6 hours.

• 🚌 By bus: Green Line, Hanif, Desh Travels, National from Gabtoli; non-AC ৳650–800, AC ৳1,200–1,600.
• 🚆 By train: Silk City, Padma, Dhumketu, Banalata Express from Kamalapur; fare ৳350–1,100.
• ✈️ By air: Biman and US-Bangla (Shah Makhdum Airport); one way ৳3,500–5,500.

Where to stay

• Parjatan Motel Rajshahi
• Hotel X Rajshahi (luxury)
• Mid-range hotels in town (৳1,200–3,000)

What to eat

Kalai roti, mangoes (June–July), Rajshahi silk saris

Good to know

• The Padma's current is strong in the monsoon — take care in boats
• The Boro Kuthi next door is an old building made by the Dutch

More to see nearby

• Boro Kuthi (1 km)
• Varendra Research Museum (2 km)
• Shrine of Shah Makhdum (1 km)

More places to visit in Rajshahi district

• Varendra Research Museum — The country's first museum, founded in 1910; superb sculptures from the Pala-Sena era.
• Puthia Temple Complex — Puthia Rajbari and the largest group of terracotta temples, including the Shiva Temple and Govinda Temple.
• Bagha Mosque — A Sultanate mosque from 1523; terracotta decoration, it was on the old 50-taka note.
• Shrine of Hazrat Shah Makhdum (R.) — Rajshahi's main shrine, on the Padma bank.

Location on the map