Visit Rajbari for glimpses of lost palaces

Rajbari is a district in central Bangladesh and it is located under Dhaka Division. The Bangla word 'Rajbari' means a ‘palace’ as this historic district pays tributes to rich zemindar families that feudally ruled the modern-day Rajbari.

The district is bounded by Pabna district on the north, Faridpur and Magura districts on the south, Manikganj district on the east, Kushtia and Jhenaidah districts on the west.

Top tourist sites here are Mir Mosharraf Hossain Memorial Centre, Rajbari Government High School Red Building, Kalyan Dighi, Daulatdia Ghat and Goalanda.

Mir Mosharraf Hossain Memorial Centre in Rajbari Photo: Vromonguide/Chowdhury Samiul Qauder

The irony of Rajbari is that for a place named after royal homes, remarkably few palaces remain. The majestic Rajbari of Majumder Zamindars from the 18th century, once mentioned in the autobiography of Rassundari Devi, no longer exists. Raja Surjo Kumar of Laxmikol, after whom the district is said to have been named, has almost nothing left to prove his presence, even the debris of his palace vanished years ago.

In villages like Baliakandi, old zamindar houses stand tall, but the names of their original owners have been lost to time, now known only by the new families who purchased them decades ago.

But a new chapter is being written on the banks of the Padma. The district administration has launched a series of eco-friendly initiatives aimed at transforming Rajbari into a tourism-friendly destination. The latest addition is ‘Jolchhabi’, a modern riverside retreat inaugurated in April 2026, designed to offer city-dwellers a tranquil escape with artistic, culturally-inspired structures.

Beyond the riverfront, visitors can still trace the district’s layered history. The tomb of renowned novelist Mir Mosharraf Hossain stands as a cultural landmark, while the Goalanda Ferryghat offers a glimpse of the district’s historical role as a riverine hub. Religious sites like the shrines of Padmadi Monumia and Sonumia, as well as Shajui Majar, also draw pilgrims and history enthusiasts.

Rajbari’s story is one of contrasts, a district where the grandeur of zamindari has faded, yet where a new vision is taking root. The palaces may be gone, but in their place, the Padma’s banks are becoming a space for quiet reflection, cultural connection, and a fresh start for local tourism.

How to go from Dhaka

Reaching Rajbari from Dhaka is straightforward, with convenient options to suit every preference. Here are some ways to go there.

By train: The Bangladesh Railway operates direct trains from Dhaka to Rajbari, offering a comfortable and scenic journey of approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. This is often considered the best option.

By bus: Several bus services, such as Zaman Enterprise, run from Dhaka to Rajbari. The road journey typically takes around 3.5 to 4 hours.

By car: For those who prefer flexibility, driving is a great choice. The distance is roughly 130 km and can be covered in about 1 hour and 45 minutes via the Dhaka-Khulna highway.

With its growing list of attractions and excellent connectivity from the capital, Rajbari is an ideal destination for a quick and memorable getaway.