Gandhi Ashram Trust

District:Noakhali•Division:Chittagong

historicalcultural

Find Places to Stay Near Gandhi Ashram Trust

Explore accommodations in Noakhali sorted by distance

View Accommodations

About

Historical Significance

Gandhi Ashram Trust in Jayag village of Noakhali district stands as a living memorial to Mahatma Gandhi's extraordinary peace mission during one of the darkest periods in Bengal's history.

In late 1946 and early 1947, communal riots swept through Noakhali, causing widespread violence and suffering.

Mahatma Gandhi, at the age of 77, walked barefoot through the villages of Noakhali for four months to restore peace and harmony between Hindu and Muslim communities.

This historic journey is known as Gandhi's Noakhali March.

The Historic Peace Walk

Gandhi arrived in Noakhali in November 1946 and began his famous padayatra (walking pilgrimage) across the affected villages.

He walked from village to village, staying in homes of both Hindus and Muslims, preaching his message of non-violence and communal harmony.

During his stay in Jayag, Gandhi established this ashram as a center for his peace activities.

He held prayer meetings, met with village elders, and worked tirelessly to heal the wounds of communal violence.

His presence and message helped calm tensions and became a shining example of peaceful conflict resolution.

The Ashram Today

Today, Gandhi Ashram Trust preserves the memory of this historic period.

The ashram contains the room where Gandhi stayed during his Noakhali mission.

You can see his personal belongings, including his charkha (spinning wheel), utensils, and other items he used daily.

The ashram also houses a small museum with photographs, letters, and documents from that period.

A library with books about Gandhi and the freedom movement is also available for visitors.

What Makes It Special

•This is one of the few places in Bangladesh directly connected to Mahatma Gandhi

•The original structures where Gandhi lived have been preserved

•The serene environment reflects Gandhi's principles of simplicity and peace

•It serves as an important site for understanding the region's communal harmony efforts

•The ashram continues to promote Gandhi's ideals through various programs

A Place of Reflection

The ashram sits in a peaceful setting surrounded by trees and gardens.

It offers visitors a chance to reflect on Gandhi's message of non-violence and communal harmony.

The simplicity of the ashram mirrors Gandhi's own lifestyle.

Many visitors find the atmosphere deeply moving and inspirational.

Schools and colleges often bring students here to learn about this important chapter of history.

Explore More of Noakhali

While visiting Gandhi Ashram, consider exploring other attractions in Noakhali including Maijdee Court for colonial architecture and the scenic Meghna River Area.

Visitor Information

Entry Fee

Free entry for all visitors.

Opening Hours

Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Closed on government holidays.

The museum and library may have slightly shorter hours, typically closing at 4:30 PM.

Time Needed

1-2 hours is enough to explore the ashram thoroughly.

This includes viewing the museum exhibits, Gandhi's room, the library, and walking around the peaceful grounds.

If you want to sit and reflect in the serene environment, plan for 2-3 hours.

Best Time to Visit

Year-Round Destination

Gandhi Ashram can be visited any time of the year as it's an indoor attraction.

Best Months

•October to February is ideal with pleasant weather for exploring the area

•January 30th (Gandhi's death anniversary) and October 2nd (Gandhi's birthday) have special programs

Avoid

•June to September sees heavy monsoon rains which may make travel difficult

•Extreme summer months (April-May) can be uncomfortably hot

Estimated Cost

Entry & Basic Costs

•Entry fee: Free

•Auto-rickshaw from Noakhali town: BDT 150-250

•CNG from Maijdee: BDT 120-200

Food & Refreshments

•Snacks from local shops: BDT 50-100

•Lunch at Noakhali town restaurant: BDT 150-300

•Bottled water: BDT 20-30

Total Estimated Budget

•Budget visit (from Noakhali): BDT 300-500

•Comfortable visit (including meal): BDT 500-800

•Day trip from Dhaka (bus + local transport + food): BDT 1,500-2,500

How to Reach

From Dhaka

•Take a bus from Sayedabad or Mohakhali to Noakhali (5-6 hours, BDT 400-600)

•Alternatively, take a train to Noakhali Railway Station (6-7 hours)

•From Noakhali town, the ashram is in Jayag village, about 25 km away

From Noakhali Town

•Auto-rickshaw or CNG to Jayag village (30-40 minutes, BDT 150-250)

•Local buses also run to Jayag from the central bus stand

•The ashram is well-known locally, so ask for "Gandhi Ashram"

From [Maijdee Court](/tourist-places/maijdee-court)

•The ashram is about 20 km from Maijdee

•Take a CNG or auto-rickshaw directly (25-30 minutes, BDT 120-200)

Nearby Attractions

•Combine your visit with Nijhum Dwip for a full Noakhali experience

•Maijdee Court is also nearby for exploring colonial-era architecture

Facilities

On-Site Facilities

•Museum with Gandhi memorabilia and historical photographs

•Library with books on Gandhi and the freedom movement

•Clean restrooms available on premises

•Shaded seating areas in the garden for relaxation

•Drinking water available

Accessibility

•Wheelchair accessible pathways in main areas

•Ground floor exhibits are easily accessible

•Staff can assist visitors with special needs

Services

•Local guides available (usually volunteers who know the history)

•Information desk with brochures and maps

•Occasional educational programs and lectures

Nearby Services

•Small shops in Jayag village for snacks and drinks

•Restaurants available in Noakhali town (25 km away)

•ATMs available in Noakhali town

Things to Do

Educational Activities

•Explore the museum with Gandhi's personal belongings and photographs

•Read books about Gandhi and the freedom movement in the library

•Learn about the 1946-47 Noakhali peace mission history

•Study the letters and documents from Gandhi's time here

Reflective Experiences

•Walk through the peaceful gardens and grounds

•Sit in the meditation area for quiet reflection

•Visit the room where Gandhi stayed

•Observe the simple lifestyle Gandhi practiced

Cultural Engagement

•Attend prayer meetings if scheduled during your visit

•Participate in special programs on Gandhi Jayanti (October 2)

•Join commemorations on Martyrs' Day (January 30)

•Interact with local historians and volunteers

Photography

•Capture the historic buildings and Gandhi's room

•Photograph the museum exhibits (with permission)

•Document the peaceful ashram environment

•Take pictures of the garden and memorial areas

Do's and Don'ts

Do's

✓Maintain silence and respect in the ashram premises

✓Remove shoes before entering Gandhi's room

✓Ask permission before taking photographs inside the museum

✓Dress modestly and appropriately for this historical site

✓Read the information boards to understand the history

✓Dispose of trash properly in designated bins

✓Respect the local customs and traditions

✓Sign the visitor book to support the ashram

Don'ts

✗Do not make loud noises or play music

✗Do not touch or move museum exhibits

✗Do not smoke or consume alcohol on premises

✗Do not litter anywhere in the ashram

✗Do not deface walls or monuments

✗Do not disturb others who are meditating or reflecting

✗Do not bring pets inside the ashram

✗Do not remove any items from the premises

Safety Tips

General Safety

•The ashram is located in a peaceful rural area with low crime rates

•Keep your belongings with you at all times

•Travel during daylight hours for the safest experience

•Inform someone about your travel plans

Health Precautions

•Carry drinking water, especially during summer months

•Bring basic medications if you have any health conditions

•Use mosquito repellent, particularly during monsoon season

•Wear comfortable walking shoes

Travel Safety

•Use registered auto-rickshaws or CNGs for transport

•Negotiate fare before starting your journey

•Keep emergency contact numbers saved on your phone

•Carry some cash as card payments may not be available locally

Weather Considerations

•Check weather forecasts before visiting during monsoon (June-September)

•Carry an umbrella or raincoat during rainy season

•Stay hydrated and use sun protection during summer

Location

Loading map...

Get Directions

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to review!

Loading reviews...

More Places in Noakhali

island

Nijhum Dwip

Noakhali

**A Brief History** The island started forming in the 1950s through natural silt deposits from the [Meghna River](/tourist-places/meghna-river-area-noakhali). In the 1970s, the government planted mangrove forests to stabilize the land. Local people began settling here, and spotted deer were introduced to the island. The deer found the perfect home and their numbers grew quickly. Today, Nijhum Dwip hosts one of the largest spotted deer populations in Bangladesh. **The Wildlife Sanctuary** In 2001, 16,352 hectares of Nijhum Dwip was declared a National Park to protect its wildlife. The island is famous for its spotted deer (locally called "Chitra Harin"), which roam freely across beaches and forests. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to see them grazing near the shoreline. Besides deer, the island supports various birds, reptiles, and marine life. **Migratory Birds Paradise** During winter (November to February), thousands of migratory birds visit Nijhum Dwip. Species like kingfishers, herons, egrets, and various waterfowl make this island their temporary home. Bird watchers consider this one of the best spots in Bangladesh for seeing rare migratory species. **Mangrove Forests and Beaches** The island has beautiful mangrove forests along its shores. These forests protect the island from erosion and provide shelter for wildlife. The beaches here are quiet and clean, unlike the crowded beaches of Cox's Bazar. You can walk for kilometers without seeing another person during the off-season. **Island Life** About 35,000 people live on Nijhum Dwip. Most work as fishermen or farmers. The local way of life is simple and traditional. Visitors often enjoy the warm welcome from local communities and get a glimpse of authentic coastal Bangladesh. Fresh seafood, especially crab and dried fish, is a highlight for food lovers. **Learn More** For more information about Bangladesh's wildlife sanctuaries, visit the [Bangladesh Forest Department](http://www.bforest.gov.bd/) website.

—(0)