Best-kept secrets of Lakshmipur beckon travellers

A small district of Bangladesh, Lakshmipur in Chattogram division remains one of the country's best-kept secrets. Its rich history, architectural wonders and natural beauty offer visitors a rustic experience away from the crowded tourist circuits.

It is bordered by Chandpur to the north, Bhola and Noakhali districts to the south, Noakhali to the east, and Barishal and Bhola districts to the west.

The name Lakhshmipur is believed to have originated from the word “Lakshmi”, the goddess of prosperity. Mainly agrarian, the staple crop is paddy. Paddy is regarded locally as “Lakshmi” and the word “pur” means “full”.

The district comprises of Lakshmipur Sadar, Ramganj, Raipur, Ramgati and Kamalnagar upazilas.

Dalal Bazar Zamindar Bari

Facade of Dalal Bazar Zamindar Bari Photo: Vramon Guide

This zamindar house is related to the naming of the Lakshmipur district. It is believed that the Lakshmipur district was first named after zamindar Lakshmi Narayan.

Dalalbazar Zamindar Bari is one of the oldest structures in Lakhsmipur. The zamindar house adjacent to Dalal Bazar, located along the Dhaka-Raipur Road, about five kilometres from the Lakshmipur district headquarters, is a great attraction for visitors.

Raipur Boro Masjid

Raipur Boro Masjid Photo: The Business Standard

It is basically a large mosque with 23 domes. Around a thousand people can pray together in this mosque. The mosque is located on the north side of Raipur Bazar on the west side of Raipur-Faridganj Road.

Pir Fazlullah established this mosque on the west bank of the Raipur Bazar on the banks of the Dakatiya River in Bangla year 1227.

Char Alexander

Sunset at Char Alexander Photo: Wikipedia  

Location of Char Alexander is in Union No 4 of Ramgati Upazila of Lakshmipur District.  During British rule, an English gentleman named Alexander was working as revenue collector in Ramgati office. The union was named Alexander after him. Char Alexander (Char Alexander) is currently one of the tourist areas of Lakshmipur.  Many people come here every day to see the beauty of Meghna embankment and river.
Vivid green fields all around, waves of the Meghna crashing on the embankment and the immense beauty of nature, one can find a touch of tranquility.  

Sahapur Neel-Kuthi

The Sahapur Neel-Kuthi (indigo warehouse) is a surviving remnant of the colonial indigo trade that shaped this district’s resistance history. Indigo cultivation was forcibly enforced here under the British, and the resistance to this exploitation, the Indigo Resistance Movement was one of the significant anti-colonial struggles in which Lakshmipur’s people participated. The Kuthi building itself stands as an artifact of that contested history.

Culture and local traditions

The folk culture traditions of Lakshmipur are rich and varied rhymes, riddles, proverbs, folk songs, Pala songs, Murshid songs, and Sari songs all form part of the living cultural heritage. Pottery-making villages in Lakshmipur Sadar, Ramgonj, Raipur, and Ramgati maintain a handicraft tradition that rewards visitors who seek out the artisans directly.

Where to stay

Muktijoddha Guest House near Temohoni Bus Stand offers AC and non-AC rooms, while Lakshmipur Circuit House in Sadar Upazila provides a convenient stay near Baitul Mamur Masjid. Private vacation rentals like Airbnb are also available for those seeking a more local experience in both town and village areas. For budget travellers, basic local hotels and lodges can be found near bus stands and markets, though advance booking is recommended.

How to go from Dhaka

Lakshmipur city is generally travelled by road. Dhaka Express, Econo Service, Grameen Service, Janani Paribahan, Royal Coach and Miami Air Condition are among the vehicles that depart from Dhaka to Lakshmipur.  These vehicles depart from Syedabad Bus Terminal during the day and Jhigatla, Mohammadpur, Mirpur-10, Uttara and Savar at night.

No matter where you are located in any part of the country, come to Jhumur Ilisha Square in Lakshmipur.  Then you can visit the tourist centre by different vehicles.

The district’s tourism potential remains largely unexplored, presenting opportunities for sustainable development that could benefit local communities while preserving the region’s historical and cultural heritage for future generations.