
Explore accommodations in Magura sorted by distance
Ichakhada Neelkuthi is a colonial-era indigo factory located in Ichakhada village, Magura Sadar Upazila.
Built in 1805 by an English indigo planter named Thomas Tweedey, this historic site stands as a powerful reminder of the dark chapter of British colonial exploitation in Bengal.
Indigo cultivation began across Bengal around 1777.
European planters, mainly British, forced local farmers into tight contracts to grow indigo instead of food crops.
The farmers received very low prices while the planters made enormous profits.
The Ichakhada-Hazarapur area in Magura was one of the centers of this indigo trade, with commercial importance dating back to the Mughal era.
The suffering of farmers under indigo planters eventually led to the famous Indigo Revolt of 1859-60.
Farmers across Bengal rose up against the oppressive system.
The Ichakhada-Hazarapur region played a role in this uprising.
Remnants of indigo cultivation can still be found at Hajrapur, Boroi, and Amtail in the area.
When indigo cultivation ended, the Neelkuthi building was repurposed.
Around 1876, it was converted into a government boys' school.
Later, a Women's College was established on the premises.
An interesting legacy of the indigo planters is that they planted the first litchi saplings in the Hazarapur area, which eventually grew and spread to become the famous Hajrapuri Litchi variety known across the region.
The original colonial structure still has visible remains.
The brick walls, architectural elements, and overall layout give visitors a sense of what the indigo factory once looked like.
The site is recognized as an archaeological heritage of Magura District.
Free (open heritage ruins)
Accessible during daylight hours
1 to 1.5 hours
November to February (pleasant weather for exploring ruins)
200-500 Taka (transport from Magura town)
Note: This is an open heritage site with minimal facilities.
There are no restrooms, food stalls, or drinking water on-site.
Carry everything you need.
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The Nabaganga River is the lifeline of Magura district and one of the most scenic rivers in southwestern Bangladesh. Flowing right through the heart of Magura town, this 230-kilometer-long river has shaped the history, culture, and daily life of the region for centuries. **Origin and Name** The [Nabaganga River](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nabaganga_River) is a branch of the Mathabhanga River, originating near Chuadanga district. The name "Nabaganga" means "New Ganges" in Bengali - it was named this way because people believed the sacred Ganges flowed through the Mathabhanga into this river, giving it a new form. From its source, the river flows east through Jhenidah and Magura districts before turning south and eventually joining the Chitra River in Narail district. **A River with Rich History** The Nabaganga was once a busy waterway. Up until the mid-1970s, large steamers named "Ostrich" and "Gazi" regularly carried passengers from Kushtia to Khulna, passing through Magura and Narail. Launches and cargo boats used the river as a major trade route connecting the southwestern region. The river also has a dramatic history - centuries ago, Mog and Portuguese pirates from the Sundarbans coast would travel up the Nabaganga to raid villages along its banks. **The River Today** Near Magura town, the Nabaganga is about 200 meters wide, though it narrows in some spots due to encroachment. During the monsoon season (June-September), the river swells with water and becomes fully navigable, creating a beautiful sight as it stretches across the flat landscape. In the dry season, the water level drops, revealing sandy banks that attract flocks of birds. The riverfront area in Magura town has a park and a bridge, making it a popular spot for locals to relax in the evenings. **Why Visit** The Nabaganga offers a peaceful escape from the busy town. Whether you come for a quiet boat ride, to watch the sunset from the riverbank, or simply to enjoy the fresh air by the water, the river provides a calming experience. The surrounding countryside, with its green fields and rural villages, adds to the charm. During winter months, you can spot various migratory birds along the sandy banks.

**About** Sirijdia Baor is a beautiful U-shaped oxbow lake located in Chaulia Union of Magura Sadar Upazila. This natural water body covers about 92 acres of water surface, making it one of the largest baors ([oxbow lakes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxbow_lake)) in the Magura region. With its calm waters, green surroundings, and wide open skies, Sirijdia Baor offers a peaceful escape from everyday life. **How the Baor Was Formed** Like all baors in Bangladesh, Sirijdia Baor was created naturally over hundreds of years as an [oxbow lake](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxbow_lake). When the nearby [Nabaganga River](/tourist-places/nabaganga-river) changed its course, it left behind this curved, U-shaped body of water. Over time, the lake developed its own ecosystem with various fish species, aquatic plants, and birds that depend on it for survival. **Sirijdia Eco Park** In September 2020, an eco-park project was officially launched on 105 acres of government land surrounding the baor (92 acres of water and 13 acres of land). The project was inaugurated by Advocate Saifuzzaman Shikhar, Member of Parliament from Magura-1 constituency. The initial budget of 35 lakh Taka came from the MP's government development fund, with additional support from the Zila and Upazila Parishad. **What Makes It Special** The eco-park project aims to turn Sirijdia Baor into a major tourist destination. Plans include tree plantations along the banks, power supply, cottage construction, boating facilities, and safety measures for visitors. The vast crop fields along the banks add to the scenic beauty, especially during the rice growing season. **Visitor Information** - Entry Fee: Free (no formal entry fee currently) - Opening Hours: Open area, accessible during daylight hours - Best Time to Visit: November to March (cool, dry weather with clear skies) - Time Needed: 2 to 3 hours - Estimated Cost: 200-500 Taka (transport from Magura town)

Raja Sitaram Roy's Palace is one of the most important historical sites in Magura district and a window into Bengal's rich past. Located in Mohammadpur Upazila, about 25 kilometers southeast of Magura town, this 300-year-old palace complex sits on the banks of the Madhumati River. The Bangladesh Department of Archaeology declared it a preserved antiquity on April 15, 2010. **The Story of Raja Sitaram Roy** [Raja Sitaram Roy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raja_Sitaram_Ray) (1658-1714) started as a government official under the Nawab of Murshidabad during the Mughal era. Through his sharp mind and political skill, he rose from a simple bureaucrat to a powerful zamindar (landlord) and eventually earned the title of "Raja" (King) in 1688. His estate stretched from Pabna in the north all the way down to the Bay of Bengal, and from Barisal in the east to Nadia in the west. He was one of the last independent Hindu rulers in this part of Bengal before the Mughals took full control. **The Fortified Capital** Around 1697-98, Sitaram built his capital at Mohammadpur, choosing the location carefully. The area was naturally protected by large wetlands (bils) on three sides and the Madhumati River on the east. He built a massive square fort with each side stretching about 1,300 feet (roughly 400 meters), made of earthen bricks. A wide moat about 200 feet across and one mile long surrounded the fort, making it very hard for enemies to attack. **What You Can See Today** While much of the palace has fallen into ruins over the centuries, several structures and features still survive: - **Kacharibari (Court Building)** - The old administrative building where the Raja held court, still in relatively good shape - **Dol Manch (Swing Pavilion)** - A three-tiered ceremonial platform used for festivals, one of the better-preserved structures - **Toshakhana (Treasury)** - The royal treasury building, now in poor condition - **Dashabhuja Temple** - Built in 1699, this temple shows the Raja's early Hindu Shakti worship - **Lakshmi Narayan Temple** - Built in 1704, reflecting his later shift to Vaishnavism - **Singha Daraja (Lion Gate)** - The main entrance gate decorated with elephant trunk carvings - **Ramsagar** - A huge rectangular lake measuring 2,400 by 900 feet and about 20 feet deep - **Krishnasagar** - Another large tank measuring 1,000 by 350 feet, built to prevent flooding - **Sukh Sagar** - A square tank with a three-story palace at its center where the royal family would retreat for rest **The Fall of a Kingdom** Raja Sitaram eventually stopped paying taxes to the Mughal Nawab and declared himself an independent ruler. This did not sit well with the Mughals. In 1714, Nawab Murshid Quli Khan sent his forces against Sitaram. The Raja was defeated, captured, and executed, bringing an end to his short-lived kingdom. The palace was abandoned and gradually fell into decay. Despite the damage from time and neglect, walking through the ruins gives you a strong sense of the grandness this place once held. For anyone interested in Bengal's history, this is a must-visit destination in southwestern Bangladesh.

**About** Arpara Eco Park is a nature-focused recreational park located in Arpara Union, Shalikha Upazila of Magura District. It is the only dedicated eco park in Magura, offering visitors a green escape with tree-lined pathways, a scenic canal, and family-friendly outdoor activities. The park promotes environmental awareness while providing a pleasant space for relaxation and recreation. **What the Park Offers** The park features a beautiful 2-kilometer-long canal running along its south side, lined with [Krishnachura (Royal Poinciana)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delonix_regia) trees and various other species. When the Krishnachura trees bloom in summer with bright red and orange flowers, the view is truly stunning. The lush greenery throughout the park creates a refreshing atmosphere, especially welcome during hot weather. **For Families and Children** Children will love the play area with swings, slides, and creative clay sculptures of animals including tigers, deer, zebras, herons, camels, and birds. These life-sized animal figures make for great photo opportunities and keep kids entertained while parents enjoy the natural surroundings. **Environmental Mission** Arpara Eco Park was developed with a focus on maintaining environmental balance and protecting local biodiversity. Regular tree plantation drives are organized here, including events led by the Shalikha Upazila administration. The park serves as a living example of how green spaces can be created and maintained for both people and nature. **Visitor Information** - Entry Fee: Small local entry fee (check at the gate) - Opening Hours: Open daily during daylight hours - Best Time to Visit: November to February (pleasant weather); also beautiful during Krishnachura bloom season (April to June) - Time Needed: 2 to 3 hours - Estimated Cost: 300-600 Taka (including transport from Magura town)