Rajshahi has seen the most glorious period of Bengal's Pala dynasty. It is famous for pure silk, attractive silk products, mangoes and lichies. There are also a number of

ancient mosques, shrines and temples in Rajshahi. Connected with Dhaka by road, rail, river and air Rajshahi is located on the bank of the river Padma. Here, Bangladesh

Parjatan Corporation offers comfortable accommodation and restaurant facilities. Tel: 880-721-775492,775237

Varendra Research Museum

Situated at the heart of the city, this museum has a rich collection of objects of Mohenjodaro and also of 16th to 19th century A.D. Its rich collections contain interesting objects of past Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim heritage. It is maintained by Rajshahi University Authority.

Paharpur: An ancient seat of Learning

Paharpur is a small village 5 km. west of Jamalganj railway station in the greater Rajshahi district where the remains of the most important and the largest known monastery, south of the Himalayas, have been excavated. This 8th century A.D. archaeological finds covers approximately an area of 27 acres of land. The entire establishment, occupying a quadrangular court, measuring more than 900 ft. and from 12 ft to 15 ft in height with elaborate gateway complex on the north, there are 45 cells on the north and 44 in each of other three sides with a total number of 177 rooms. A site museum houses the representative collection of objects recovered from the area. The excavated findings have also been preserved at the Varendra Research Museum at Rajshahi. The antiquities of the museum include terracotta plaque, images of different gods and goddesses, potteries, coins, inscriptions,and other minor clay objects. UNESCO has declared it as a world Heritage site.

Mahasthangarh: The Oldest Archaeological Site

Located on the western bank of river Karatoa at a distance of 18 km. north of Bogra town, Mahasthangarh is the oldest archaeological site of Bangladesh. The spectacular site is an imposing landmark in the area having a fortified long en~losure. . Beyond the fortified area, other ancient ruins fan out within a semi circle of about 8 km. radius. Several isolated mounds, locally named Govinda Bhita Temple, Khodai Pathar Mound, Mankalir Kunda, Parsuramer Bedi, Jiyat Kunda etc. surround the fortified city. This 3rd century B. C. archaeological site is still held to be of great sanctity by the Hindus. Every year (mld-Apnl) and once In every 12 years (December) thousands of Hindu devotees JOin the bathing ceremony on the bank of river Karatoa. The antiques of Mahasthangarh site museum include terracotta oblects, gold ornaments and coins recovered from the site and much more. Also noteworthy are the shrines of Shah Sultan Bulkhi Mahishwary and Gokul Medh in the neighbourhood of Mahasthangarh.

Dinajpur: The old ornamental temple town

Dinajpur a northern district of the country offers a number of attractions to the visitors. The Ramsagar (great sea) lake With resthouses is a good picnic spot having facilities for fishing and rowing in a serene and quiet green countryside atmosphere.

Kantaji Temple

The most ornate among the late medieval Hindu temples of Bangladesh, built by Maharaja Pran Nath in 1752 A. D. is situated near Dinajpur town. Every inch of the temple surface is beautifully embellished with exquisite terracotta plaques, representing flora and fauna, geometric motifs, mythological scenes and an astonishing array of contemporary social scenes and favourite past times. The Maharaja's palace with relics of the past centuries and loca I museum are worth a visit.

Other Places of Tourist Attraction

Shilaidaha Kuthibari, Kushtia

It carries the memory of Nobel laureate poet Rabindranath Tagore who made frequent visits to this place and used to stay in connection with administration of his Zamindari and enriched Bengali literature through his writings during that time. It is located at a distance of about 20 km. from Kushtia town.

Sagordari, Jessore

It is the birth place of the celebrated poet Micheal Modhusudan Dutt. BPC has constructed there a tourist facilities centre with accommodation, catering and tourist information.

Mujibnagar Memorial

Located at a distance of about 7 km. from the town of Meherpur. First provisional revolutionary Government of Bangladesh was declared here on 14 April during the liberation war in 1971. A monument has been built to commemorate the historic occasion. Facilities department is also constructing a tourist facilities centre there.

Jamuna Bridge

It is the single largest project Bangladesh has ever implemented. The bridge was constructed on the river Jamuna connecting east and northwestern region of the country. The 4.8 km. long bridge was constructed at a cost of US$9S0 million thus creating an uninterrupted surface transport facility from Teknaf, southernmost tip of Bangladesh to Tetulia, the northern most tip of Bangladesh. Construction of this bridge ushered a new vista to national integration, economic rejuvenation of the northern region, especially tourism development of the country.

Gandhi Asram

Situated about 23 km. north-west of Choumuhani town and 2 km. east of Chatkhil at Jayag in Noakhali district, this Asram was established in the memory of historic visit of the Mahatma Gandhi to Noakhali and devoted to his ideology. In 1946-47 Mahatma, the protagonist of Ahimsa ideology visited this region with a view to preach peace. Historical Charka and other valuables used by Mahatma are preserved in this asram and those evoke deep respect to the unique memories of the great soul.

Trisal

Situated 20 km. away from Mymensingh town, Trisal is associated with the childhood memories of our national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. Nazrul was a student of Darrirumpur High school under Trisal police station. Here a cultural organization called Nazrul Academy has been established in memory of the great poet. Rebel poet Kazi Nazrul, the Shelley of Bangladesh, is at rest beside the central mosque of the Dhaka University.

Sri Chaitanya Temple

About 500 years old famous temple of Sri Chaitanya Dev is located at Dhaka Dakhin nearly 45 km. south-east from Sylhet town. The place is revered for being the ancestralhome of the famous Vaishnava saint. Annual fair is organized on the fullmoon day of the Bangia month Falgun. Hundreds of devotees from home and abroad attend this colourful fair.