Varendra Research Museum travel guide

At a glance

Founded

1910 (Varendra Research Society)

Building opened

1916

Collection

9,000+ artefacts

Run by

Rajshahi University

History and details

In 1910 Kumar Sarat Kumar Roy of Dighapatia, the historian Akshay Kumar Maitreya and Ramaprasad Chanda formed the 'Varendra Research Society' and began collecting artefacts across the Varendra region. This became Bangladesh's first museum.

The present building opened in 1916; its architecture blends Hindu, Buddhist and Islamic styles. Rajshahi University has run the museum since 1964.

It holds Pala and Sena era stone and bronze sculptures, finds brought from Mohenjo-daro, Gupta and Sultanate coins, inscriptions and thousands of Sanskrit and Bengali manuscripts. Its collection of Pala sculpture makes it one of the richest museums in the subcontinent.

Things to do

• See the Pala-Sena sculpture gallery
• See the collection of ancient coins and inscriptions
• Photograph the building's architecture (from outside)

How to get to Varendra Research Museum

At Hetem Khan in Rajshahi city.

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

• May be closed on Thursdays — check the hours before going
• Photography inside is limited

More to see nearby

• Padma Garden and T-Bandh (2 km)
• Shrine of Shah Makhdum (2 km)
• Rajshahi College (1 km)
• Boro Kuthi (2 km)

More places to visit in Rajshahi district

• Padma Garden and T-Bandh — The paved bank of the Padma; sunsets and boat trips to the char.
• 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