15 Scenic places to visit in Barishal, including Mosques, Monasteries, and Zamindar Mansions
People in Bangladesh are enjoying a long holiday this Eid-ul-Azha, and many prefer spending the vacation by the riverside or visiting historical places. The southern district of Barishal, known as the heart of southern Bangladesh, is home to at least 15 tourist attractions. Here is a list of places you can visit with your family during the Eid holidays.
In Search of Peace by the Riverside
Southern Bangladesh is synonymous with rivers. Most recreational spots in this region have been developed along riverbanks, and Barishal is no exception. The once-mighty Kirtankhola River flows along the eastern side of the city. Around this river, places such as Trish Godown and Muktijoddha Park have developed into popular attractions.
Charbaria Taltali Village
An embankment has transformed the once erosion-prone Taltali village in Barishal’s Charbaria Union. What was once a vulnerable riverside area has now become a popular recreational destination due to local development around the embankment. Visitors say they are attracted by the peaceful, noise-free riverside environment.
In 2019, the Bangladesh Water Development Board began constructing the embankment and walkway at a cost of Tk 191 crore. After the work was completed in 2023, the area turned into a new source of livelihood for locals. At present, around 50 shops and restaurants have been established in the Charbaria Taltali area.
Trish Godown Riverview Park
The name “Trish Godown” sounds unusual, but it comes from the fact that more than 30 government food warehouses were built in the area. Around these warehouses, a Riverview Park and memorial killing field have been developed. A city protection embankment has been constructed along the Kirtankhola River, with a wide road built on top of it. People flock here to enjoy the scenic river view. Visitors can also enjoy boat and trawler rides and local food.
Muktijoddha Park
Muktijoddha Park has become one of the most popular free recreational spots in Barishal. Built around the Kirtankhola River, the park is shaded by casuarina trees, almond trees, flowers, and various local and foreign species of forest plants. It offers relief from the city’s noise and congestion. Visitors can also enjoy river rides on motorized boats.
Planet Park
Among Barishal’s children’s amusement parks, Planet Park is one of the most popular. The park features eight rides for children, including airplanes, trains, horse riders, super chairs, flower cups, Santa Maria rides, pedal boats, and parachute rides. There are also many attractive spots throughout the park for children to explore. The park remains open from 10 AM to 8 PM.
Oxford Mission Church
Oxford Mission Church is located on Bogra Road in Barishal city. Though officially named Epiphany Church, it is widely known as Oxford Mission. While it appears to be a single-story building, its height is comparable to a five-story structure. The church was built following Greek architectural styles.
Inside the compound are green lawns, ponds, schools, a library, a hospital, student hostels, flower gardens, and medicinal plants.
The church was designed by Sister Edith, with construction beginning in 1903 and completed in 1907 under Father Strong’s supervision. Built on part of a 35-acre property, the church contains carved wooden decorations and marble flooring. It also features a large and beautiful prayer hall.
The surrounding environment is calm and serene, lined with rows of palm trees. Nearby are the Father House and Mother House. Visitors can tour the church with permission, and it remains open to visitors until 4 PM daily.
Bells Park
Bells Park in Barishal city is deeply connected with history and heritage. The park stands as a reminder of British initiatives and is associated with many important national events.
The park features walkways, numerous ornamental trees, and a beautiful lake that enhances its scenery. At night, decorative lighting makes the park especially attractive. In the center lies a carpet of green grass surrounded by flower gardens, shade trees, benches, and umbrellas.
The adjacent Green City Park, built by the City Corporation, has further enhanced the beauty of the area. Today, thousands of people walk and relax there every morning and evening.
Lakutia Zamindar House
Located just outside Barishal city in Lakutia village, about eight kilometers north of the city, stands the nearly 400-year-old Lakutia Zamindar House. Once abandoned and rumored to be haunted, the mansion has now been renovated beautifully.
The estate includes impressive temples, a massive pond, open grounds, and intricately designed buildings. According to inscriptions, the mansion was built around 1700 by Rajchandra Ray, son of Rupchandra Ray, using brick, stone, and lime mortar.
The architectural beauty and craftsmanship of the mansion have secured its place in history. During the nineteenth century, it was also known as a center of cultural activities.
Historic Durgasagar Dighi
In 1780, Raja Shibnarayan of Chandradwip Pargana excavated a huge pond in Madhabpasha to solve local water shortages. The pond was named Durgasagar after his mother, Durgadevi.
Unlike many archaeological sites, Durgasagar is maintained by the district administration instead of the Department of Archaeology. The pond has ghats on three sides and a small island in the middle.
Its vastness justifies the name “Sagar,” meaning sea. It is the largest pond in Barishal Division and a favorite destination for tourists and nature lovers. During winter, migratory birds gather on the island, making it a bird sanctuary.
The area features shaded walkways, benches, and lush greenery, offering a peaceful environment. Fishing enthusiasts also visit here to catch large fish during seasonal fishing events.
Beautiful Guthia Mosque
The Baitul Aman Jame Mosque, popularly known as Guthia Mosque, is famous for its beautiful calligraphy, colorful glasswork, and marble architecture. This 20-domed mosque is located in Changuria village of Guthia Union, Uzirpur Upazila, about 22 kilometers southwest of Barishal city.
Around 1,500 people can pray inside the mosque at once, while the outer area can accommodate another 5,000 worshippers. Separate arrangements have also been made for women.
Construction of the mosque and Eidgah complex began on December 16, 2003, on nearly 14 acres of land by former MP S. Sarfuddin Ahmed Santu. The work was completed in 2006. Today, the mosque attracts hundreds of tourists every day.
Kasba Mosque
Kasba Mosque is located in Kasba village under Gournadi Upazila. This nine-domed mosque was built in a square shape similar to the famous Sixty Dome Mosque in Bagerhat.
The front façade is decorated with floral and ornamental designs. The mosque has four round corner towers decorated with engraved lines. One of its notable features is the square-shaped cornices.
There are arched entrances on the north and south sides, while three entrances on the east side lead into the mosque. The western wall contains three mihrabs. It is believed to have been built during the mid-fifteenth century under the rule of Khan Jahan Ali.
Mahilara Monastery
The Mahilara Monastery is located in Mahilara village of Gournadi Upazila. A large pond lies to its south, another pond to the east, and paved roads surround its west and north sides.
Locally known as “Sarkarer Math,” the structure is an excellent example of Shikhar temple architecture. Though no inscription has been found, archaeological sources suggest it was built during the seventeenth century by Ruporam Dasgupta during the reign of Nawab Alivardi Khan.
The tall structure resembles Italy’s Leaning Tower of Pisa. It stands about 27.4 meters high and is octagonal in shape. The lower part maintains equal dimensions up to a certain height before gradually tapering upward. The upper sections are decorated with numerous bow-shaped cornices leading to the peak.
Inside the monastery is a small square chamber with a single entrance on the western wall. Geometric decorations can be seen above the entrance and throughout the structure. The monastery is currently a protected archaeological site under the Department of Archaeology.
Miabari Mosque
The ancient Miabari Mosque, located in Raypasha village of Karapur Union in Barishal Sadar, is a remarkable example of traditional architecture. It is believed to have been built around 1800 and is situated about nine kilometers from Hatem Ali College intersection.
This Mughal-era mosque is two-storied and richly decorated. The lower floor contains six rooms used as dormitories for students of the attached madrasa.
The mosque’s beauty mainly centers around the second floor, which contains intricate designs throughout. The main mosque has three doors and is surrounded by eight large minarets supported by pillars. Between the larger minarets stand twelve smaller ones, all decorated with ornamental patterns.
Three large domes crown the mosque, with the central dome being the largest and richly decorated inside.
According to local legends, the mosque was built during the early British colonial period by Hayat Mahmud, who rebelled against British rule.
Other Places Worth Visiting
During the holidays, visitors can also explore Kuakata Sea Beach, Bhimruli Guava Garden and floating guava market in Jhalakathi, Satindra Smriti Gandhi Ashram in Bakerganj, Goila Monsha Temple in Agailjhara, Mukunda Das Kali Temple in Kashipur, the home of poet Jibanananda Das and the Dhansiri River, BM College, and Barishal University.
These places offer close contact with rivers and nature, along with a peaceful escape from urban noise and concrete life.