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The University of Rajshahi is the second-largest university in Bangladesh, established in 1953 on the northern bank of the Padma River.
Its sprawling 753-acre campus, about 5 kilometers from the city center, is not just an educational institution — it is one of the greenest and most beautiful campuses in the country, and a popular destination for visitors.
The campus is covered with massive old trees — banyans, rain trees, mango groves, and flowering varieties — creating a canopy that makes walking here a delight, especially in Rajshahi's hot climate.
Wide tree-lined roads, manicured lawns, ponds, and open fields give the campus a park-like feel.
During the mango season (May-June), the campus is especially beautiful with its hundreds of mango trees.
The most famous landmark on campus is the Shabash Bangladesh (শাবাশ বাংলাদেশ) sculpture by renowned artist Nitun Kundu.
This iconic bronze sculpture depicts a young man and woman standing tall with determination, symbolizing the spirit of the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971.
It has become one of the most photographed and recognized sculptures in Bangladesh.
The campus houses several monuments related to the Liberation War.
The Rajshahi University Liberation War Museum preserves artifacts, photographs, and documents from 1971.
There are also memorial plaques and monuments honoring students and faculty who were martyred during the war.
As one of Bangladesh's premier universities, the campus has a rich intellectual heritage.
The Varendra Research Museum, the oldest museum in Bangladesh, was originally connected to the university's research efforts.
The campus includes faculties of arts, sciences, engineering, law, and social sciences, and has produced many notable alumni in politics, literature, and science.
Free entry.
The campus is open to the public.
No ticket or permission needed for general visits.
The campus is accessible throughout the day.
Academic buildings are open during university hours (8:00 AM to 5:00 PM).
The grounds, roads, and outdoor areas can be visited anytime.
The Liberation War Museum has its own hours — check locally.
2 to 3 hours to see the main attractions — Shabash Bangladesh sculpture, Liberation War monuments, and a walk through the tree-lined avenues.
A full exploration of the campus can take half a day if you visit the museum and relax by the ponds.
October to March (winter) is the best time — pleasant weather for walking around the large campus.
May-June is mango season when the campus is especially beautiful.
Avoid visiting during exam periods or academic holidays when the campus feels empty.
The campus is about 5 km east of Rajshahi city center, along the Rajshahi-Dhaka highway.
The main gate (Kaziha Gate) is the primary entrance.
The campus is very large (753 acres).
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**About Padma Garden** Padma Garden (also known as Padma Udyan) is a beautifully landscaped riverside park in Rajshahi city, sitting right on the bank of the mighty [Padma River](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Padma_River). It is one of the most popular recreational spots in Rajshahi, loved by families, couples, and anyone looking for a peaceful evening by the river. **What Makes It Special** The garden combines well-maintained green lawns, flower beds, paved walking paths, and decorative features with stunning views of the Padma River. What draws people here most is the sunset — watching the sun sink below the horizon over the wide Padma is one of Rajshahi's signature experiences. The golden light reflecting off the river water creates a scene that visitors never forget. **The Park Layout** The garden is spread across a well-planned area along the riverbank. There are manicured lawns, ornamental plants, colorful flower beds, benches, and a few open areas where families can sit and enjoy the surroundings. A boundary wall with decorative railings separates the garden from the river embankment, offering safe viewpoints of the river. Children enjoy the open spaces for running and playing. **A Social Hub** Padma Garden is more than just a park — it is a social gathering spot for the people of Rajshahi. In the evenings, you will see students studying on benches, friends chatting over tea from nearby stalls, families having picnics on the grass, and photographers trying to capture the perfect sunset shot. During festivals and holidays, the garden gets especially lively. **Evening Atmosphere** The garden is at its best during the late afternoon and evening hours. As the temperature cools down (Rajshahi is one of the hottest cities in Bangladesh), locals flock here for the cool river breeze and the spectacular sunset. A few snack vendors and tea stalls near the entrance make it easy to enjoy a relaxed evening without needing to plan much. For a longer riverside experience, walk over to the [Padma Badh](/tourist-places/padma-badh-riverside-embankment) embankment nearby, or visit the historic [Shrine of Hazrat Shah Makhdum](/tourist-places/shrine-of-hazrat-shah-makhdum) in the same area of the city.
**About Shaheed Kamaruzzaman Central Park and Zoo** The Shaheed A.H.M. Kamaruzzaman Central Park and Zoo is the main public park and small zoo in Rajshahi city. Named after [A.H.M. Kamaruzzaman](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A._H._M._Qamaruzzaman), a prominent freedom fighter and politician who was martyred in 1975, the park serves as both a memorial and a family-friendly recreational space in the heart of the city. **A Green Retreat in the City** The park is spread over a sizable area and features landscaped gardens, walking paths, ponds, and open green spaces. Tall trees provide welcome shade, making it a pleasant escape from Rajshahi's often intense heat. The well-maintained lawns and flower beds give the park a tidy, inviting appearance. For families living in the city, it is the go-to place for a day out with children. **The Zoo** The zoo section houses a small but interesting collection of animals and birds. You can see Bengal tigers, deer, monkeys, crocodiles, peacocks, various species of parrots, and other local and exotic animals. While it is not a large-scale zoo like the national zoo in Dhaka, it offers children and families a chance to see animals up close. The zoo is well-suited for young children who are seeing animals for the first time. **Recreation Facilities** The park has a small lake where paddle boats are available, which is a favorite activity for families. There are also a few rides and play areas for children. Benches are placed throughout the park for relaxing, and vendors sell snacks, ice cream, and drinks near the main paths. **Community Importance** As one of the few large green spaces in Rajshahi city, the park plays an important role in the community. It is a popular spot for morning joggers, evening walkers, families on weekends, and students looking for a quiet place to read. Families with children often combine a visit here with the nearby [Shahid Zia Shishu Park](/tourist-places/shahid-zia-shishu-park) for a full day of fun. During public holidays and festivals, the park gets especially crowded and lively.
**About Puthia Temple Complex** The Puthia Temple Complex is the largest collection of historic [Hindu temples](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu_temple_architecture) in Bangladesh. It sits in the small town of Puthia, about 23 kilometers east of Rajshahi city, on the banks of a large pond. The complex was built mainly between the 15th and 19th centuries by the Puthia royal family, who were local landlords under the Mughal and British empires. **Why It Stands Out** What makes Puthia special is the sheer number of beautiful temples packed into one area. Within a few hundred meters, you will find over a dozen temples of different shapes and sizes — some tall and pointed, others wide with many towers. The craftsmanship on these temples is breathtaking, with detailed terracotta panels showing scenes from Hindu mythology, floral patterns, and everyday life from centuries ago. **The Key Temples** The most famous structure is the **Shiva Temple** (also called Pancharatna Shiva Mandir), which is the largest Shiva temple in Bangladesh. Built in 1823, this five-towered temple rises gracefully above the landscape with its ornate terracotta decoration. Right next to it is the **Govinda Temple**, an even more elaborately decorated building covered almost entirely in terracotta tiles showing stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The **Jagannath Temple**, the **Choto Govinda Temple**, the **Dol Mancha** (a raised platform used for the Holi festival), and several smaller shrines complete the complex. **Historical Significance** The Puthia royal family, known as the Puthia Raj, was one of the most influential [zamindari](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zamindari_system) families in northern Bengal. They were generous patrons of art and religion, and their wealth went into building these magnificent temples. The Puthia Rajbari (palace), now used as a college, still stands nearby and adds to the historical atmosphere. After the [Partition of India](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Partition_of_India) in 1947, the royal family moved to India, but their temples remain as a lasting tribute to their devotion and artistic vision. **Visiting Today** Today, the complex is managed by the Department of Archaeology and attracts visitors interested in history, architecture, and photography. The peaceful setting around the large pond, with temples reflected in the water, makes it one of the most photogenic spots in all of Bangladesh. It is a must-visit for anyone traveling through the Rajshahi region, and pairs perfectly with a trip to the [Varendra Research Museum](/tourist-places/varendra-research-museum) and [Bagha Mosque](/tourist-places/bagha-mosque), both within easy reach.
**About Varendra Research Museum** The Varendra Research Museum is the oldest museum in Bangladesh, founded in 1910 in the heart of Rajshahi city. It was established by Kumar Sharat Kumar Roy, a local landlord and history enthusiast, along with Ramaprasad Chanda and other scholars, under the guidance of the [Rajshahi College](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajshahi_College) community. Today, it is managed by the University of Rajshahi and remains one of the most important archaeological collections in South Asia. **What You Will Find Inside** The museum houses over 9,000 artifacts spanning more than two thousand years of history. The collection includes Hindu and Buddhist stone sculptures, terracotta plaques, coins from various dynasties, ancient inscriptions, and manuscripts. One of its most prized possessions is a collection of black stone sculptures from the [Pala Empire](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pala_Empire) period (8th-12th century), which is considered one of the finest collections of Pala art anywhere in the world. **The Building Itself** The museum building is a beautiful example of colonial-era architecture. Built in the Indo-Saracenic style with a blend of European and Mughal design elements, the two-story brick structure features arched windows, decorative columns, and a grand entrance that immediately catches your eye. The building itself is worth a visit even before you step inside. **Gallery Highlights** The galleries are arranged thematically. The ground floor features Hindu and Buddhist sculptures, including images of Vishnu, Shiva, Tara, and Buddha in various forms. The upper floor holds Islamic artifacts, coins, old weapons, inscribed copper plates, and an impressive collection of Arabic and Persian manuscripts. There is also a section dedicated to the [Bengal Sultanate](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bengal_Sultanate) period with terracotta tiles, pottery, and everyday items from medieval Bengal. **Why It Matters** For anyone interested in understanding the deep history of northern Bengal and the broader South Asian civilizations that shaped this region — from the Buddhist monasteries of [Paharpur](/tourist-places/paharpur-buddhist-monastery) to the Hindu kingdoms and the Islamic dynasties — the Varendra Research Museum is the perfect starting point. It brings together artifacts that tell the story of this land over millennia, all in one compact and well-maintained space.