A detailed overview of Khulna
A detailed overview of Khulna
Blog Article
Here’s a detailed overview of Khulna, Bangladesh’s third-largest city and a major hub in the southwestern region:
???? Location & Significance
Region: Southwestern Bangladesh, on the Rupsha and Bhairab Rivers.
Division: Capital of Khulna Division.
Key Features:
Gateway to the Sundarbans (world’s largest mangrove forest).
Major industrial and port city (Mongla Port is nearby).
???? City Overview
Population: ~1.5 million (2023 estimate).
Economy:
Jute industry (historically called the "Jute Capital" of Bangladesh).
Shipbuilding, shrimp farming, and salt production.
Mongla Port (second-largest seaport in Bangladesh).
Education: Home to Khulna University, Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET), and Khulna Agricultural University.
???? Transportation
By Road: Connected to Dhaka via the Khulna-Dhaka Highway (~6–7 hours by bus).
By Train: Intercity trains (e.g., Sundarban Express) run from Dhaka (~8–9 hours).
By Air: Khan Jahan Ali Airport (domestic flights to Dhaka).
River Transport: Ferries and launches operate on the Rupsha River.
???? Key Attractions
The Sundarbans
Distance: ~60 km from Khulna.
UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to the Royal Bengal Tiger.
Activities: Boat tours, wildlife spotting, honey collection (seasonal).
Mongla Port
Bangladesh’s second-largest port, vital for trade.
Shat Gambuj Mosque (Sixty Dome Mosque)
Located in Bagerhat (45 km from Khulna).
A UNESCO-listed 15th-century mosque built by Khan Jahan Ali.
Khulna Shipyard
One of Bangladesh’s largest shipbuilding hubs.
Rupsha Bridge
Iconic bridge over the Rupsha River, offering scenic views.
Khulna Royal Market (Royal Bazar)
Famous for freshwater fish, dates, and traditional sweets.
Khan Jahan Ali’s Tomb (Bagerhat)
A revered Sufi saint’s mausoleum.
????️ Local Cuisine
Freshwater Fish: Hilsa (Ilish), Pabda, Koi (cooked in mustard gravy).
Khulna’s Sweets: Chhanaar Payesh (cottage cheese pudding), Roshmolai.
Street Food: Fuchka, Chotpoti, Jhalmuri.
????️ Urban Life
Residential Areas: Sonadanga, Khalishpur, Boyra, and Nirala.
Shopping Malls: City Inn Center, Royal Plaza.
Hospitals: Khulna Medical College Hospital, Gazi Medical College Hospital.
????️ Climate
Summer (March–June): Hot & humid (30°C–38°C).
Monsoon (July–October): Heavy rainfall, occasional flooding.
Winter (November–February): Mild (12°C–25°C), best time to visit.
???? Challenges
Cyclone Risk: Coastal vulnerability (e.g., Aila in 2009).
Salinity Intrusion: Affects agriculture and drinking water.
Traffic Congestion: Growing city with limited infrastructure.
???? Culture & Festivals
Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year) – Street processions, fairs.
Rash Mela (Hindu festival at Dubla Island near Sundarbans).
Local Theater: Khulna Theatre Stage is famous for Bengali dramas.
???? Why Visit Khulna?
✅ Gateway to the Sundarbans (adventure & eco-tourism).
✅ Rich history (Mughal & British colonial relics).
✅ Industrial hub (insight into Bangladesh’s economy).
✅ Less crowded than Dhaka/Chittagong.
???? Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit: November–February (pleasant weather).
Stay: Hotels like Hotel Castle Salam, Tiger Garden International.
Must-Try: A boat tour in the Sundarbans and fresh seafood.