Khulna: Rupsha, Sundarbans and cultural history

Khulna lies on the banks of the Rupsha River. Nature and culture can be different focal points for your trip to Khulna. You can choose what to focus on—from the river landscape and the Sundarbans to historic architecture.

Sundarbans and landscape

A significant part of the Sundarbans lies in Khulna District. The mangrove area was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1997. In the broader destination of Khulna Division, the Sundarbans lie in the delta of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers, on the Bay of Bengal. Tidal waterways, mudflats, and small salt-tolerant mangrove islands are among the defining features of the landscape.

Cultural sites in Khulna District

Historical destinations in the district include the Mosquekuri Mosque in the village of Amadi, in Koyra Upazila. It is 90 kilometers south of Khulna city. Sir P. C. Roy's house is also a tourist attraction in the district: it is located in Paikgachha.

The Kobi Krishnachandra Institute is located in the center of the Senhati Union market in Dighalia Upazila. It can be reached from Khulna by road or water; from Dighalia Upazila, access is by van or e-rickshaw.

Historical heritage in Khulna Division

In the broader destination of Khulna Division lies Bagerhat, a historic mosque city founded in the 15th century by the Turkish general Ulugh Khan Jahan. Its surviving features include mosques, residences, streets, ancient ponds, tombs, and a Chillakhana, or old cemetery. Shait-Gumbad is one of the largest mosques and is considered the only example of its kind in all of Bengal. Its diverse architectural and landscape features make Bagerhat a distinct historical destination within the division.

Other historic places in Khulna Division include Amjhupi Nilkuthi, a historic indigo factory and landmark in Meherpur District. The building is estimated to have been constructed between 1800 and 1815, during the heyday of the East India Company's indigo trade. On May 13, 1978, it was declared a tourist attraction during a meeting of Khulna Division. The Mujibnagar Smriti Saudha Complex covers 20.10 acres of land and was expanded between 1996 and 2001 to include a library, a mosque, and a guesthouse. These examples show how different eras and forms of cultural heritage coexist in the division.

Getting there and planning your hotel

Khulna is connected to Dhaka by road via Jessore and the Daulatdia–Paturia ferry crossing. The Sundarban, Chitra Express, and Jahanabad Express trains also run between the two cities. If you plan to travel by train, check the schedule in advance. The various destinations in the district and Khulna Division offer several themes to consider for your trip: rivers and mangrove landscapes, mosque architecture, or historic sites. When looking for a hotel, consider which of these themes are important for your stay.

Discover more destinations: Khulna

Return to the broader travel overview: Khulna Division.