Lotus lake in Natore charms visitors

Spare some time to visit the famous Lotus Lake in the Horticulture Centre in Natore as this serene waterbody is filled with countless pink lotus blossoms blooming amid the lush green grounds of the facility.

Hidden from the public eye, the lotus lake offers a touch of peace and tranquillity to anyone seeking a relaxing getaway during the holidays, reports state news agency BSS.

Located in the Jhautala area, the Horticulture Center spans 65 bighas of land. It is a haven of hundreds of flowering and fruit-bearing plants. The centre's primary function is producing and selling saplings from mother plants. Throughout the year, agriculture extension officers and sub-assistant agriculture officers receive training here. In addition to accommodation facilities for trainees, the centre also maintains demonstration plots showcasing good agricultural practices.

Upon passing through the entrance gate of the Horticulture Center, visitors are greeted by two towering palm trees standing as if in welcome. To the left stretches a 200-metre-long lake. The first 100 metres have been planted with red water lilies, which bloom during the monsoon season.

A sub-assistant agriculture officer tends the flowering plants as part of his training at Natore Horticulture Centre. Photo: Natore Horticulture Centre

The remaining section of the lake is carpeted with masses of pink lotus flowers. Large lotus leaves hold shimmering droplets of water resembling beads of mercury. As the droplets lose balance, they roll into the lake below, bringing to life the saying, "Life is like a dewdrop on a lotus leaf." Swarms of bees hum around the flowers. The peaceful and charming pink lotus blossoms can instantly lift one's spirits. On moonlit nights during the bright lunar phase, the beauty of the lotus flowers becomes even more enchanting.

Because the Horticulture Center serves as a training and sapling production facility, it is a protected area. As a result, visitor traffic remains limited and the lotus lake largely stays off the beaten track. Yet those who discover it often return time and again.

Nowshin Ashrafi Achal, a student of Bangladesh Agricultural University, told BSS that the small lotus lake created within the Horticulture Center is breathtakingly beautiful. She noted that thousands of zinnia flowers lining one side of the lake make the environment exceptionally attractive.

Asmaul Husna, a student of Islamic University, said that whenever she returns to her family home in Natore during campus holidays, visiting the centre is a must.

Pink lotuses bloom at the horticulture centre in Natore. Photo: Natore Horticulture Centre

Arman Hossain Akash, a student of Jagannath University, said that summer marigolds enhance the beauty of one side of the lake where water lilies are waiting to bloom. The fragrance of jasmine near the gate fills the surrounding area. Countless other flowering plants, including Ananta Lata, Madhabi Lata, Aparajita and Alokananda, are also awaiting bloom. According to him, the centre is exquisitely beautiful.

The Natore Horticulture Center was established in the Jhautala area of the town in the 1980s. Its first executive officer was S. M. Kamruzzaman, who later retired as an Additional Secretary. He recalled that the entire 65-bigha site had originally been little more than rice fields. With the support of then Deputy Commissioner Jalal Uddin Ahmed, the lake was excavated. He noted that the lake is particularly suitable for cultivating water lilies and lotus flowers.

Deputy Director of the Horticulture Center Md Shamim Iqbal said the centre's vision extends beyond water lilies and lotus flowers. Numerous flowering plants have already been planted and, once they all bloom, the grounds will become even more colourful and fragrant. Plans are also underway to construct walkways within the boundary walls. He expressed the hope of transforming the Horticulture Center into a major tourist attraction.