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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 community.
Today, it is managed by the University of Rajshahi and remains one of the most important archaeological collections in South Asia.
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 period (8th-12th century), which is considered one of the finest collections of Pala art anywhere in the world.
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.
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 period with terracotta tiles, pottery, and everyday items from medieval Bengal.
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 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.
Saturday to Wednesday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (April to September) and 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM (October to March).
Thursday: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Closed on Fridays and government holidays.
Ticket counter closes 30 minutes before closing time.
1 to 2 hours is enough to explore all the galleries at a comfortable pace.
History and archaeology enthusiasts may spend 2-3 hours studying the inscriptions and sculptures in detail.
A quick walk-through can be done in about 45 minutes.
October to March (winter season) is the best time to visit.
The weather is pleasant for walking around the museum and the surrounding area.
Summer months (April-June) can be very hot in Rajshahi, making outdoor exploration uncomfortable.
The museum is indoor, so it can be visited year-round.
The museum is located on Hetem Khan Road, near the Rajshahi Court area, in the center of the city.
It is one of the most well-known landmarks in Rajshahi and easy to find.
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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 Shahid Zia Shishu Park** Shahid Zia Shishu Park is the largest children's amusement park in the Rajshahi region and one of the most popular family destinations in the city. Located in the heart of Rajshahi, this park is dedicated to providing fun and entertainment for children and families, with a wide variety of rides, play areas, and recreational facilities. **Rides & Attractions** The park boasts over 70 rides and attractions, making it a mini amusement park rather than just a playground. From gentle kiddie rides for toddlers to more thrilling options for older children and teenagers, there is something for every age group. Popular rides include the Ferris wheel, mini train, bumper cars, merry-go-round, swings, and various spinning rides. The variety ensures that children can spend hours here without getting bored. **Family-Friendly Design** The park is designed with families in mind. There are shaded rest areas where parents can sit while children play, food stalls selling snacks and drinks, and wide pathways that make it easy to move around even with strollers. The colorful rides and decorations create a festive atmosphere that children love. It feels like a small carnival that runs every day. **Green Spaces** Beyond the rides, the park also has green lawns, trees, and flower beds that offer a pleasant environment for walking and relaxing. Families often combine the ride experience with a picnic on the grass, making it a complete day out for children. **A Community Favorite** The park is especially popular on Fridays, weekends, and public holidays, when families from across Rajshahi and nearby districts come to give their children a fun day. During Eid and other festivals, the park runs special programs and extended hours. For many children in the Rajshahi region, a trip to Shahid Zia Shishu Park is one of the highlights of their childhood. The park is close to [Shaheed Kamaruzzaman Central Park and Zoo](/tourist-places/kamaruzzaman-central-park-zoo), and the [Padma Badh](/tourist-places/padma-badh-riverside-embankment) riverside embankment is also a short drive away for an evening stroll.