Nature purifies our soul by releasing stress. It is said that we should visit a new place every year. However, it may not be possible to plan a luxury tour when you work six days a week. If you want to experience the divine beauty of pinkish hills, blue water ponds, and a sinuous river but can hardly afford more than a day, visit Durgapur. This heavenly place is located in the North region of Bangladesh. Falling near the border area of India, Durgapur holds the reminiscent touch of the Meghalaya hills. Though not promoted like other tourist spots of Bangladesh, Birishiri, Durgapur is one of the most beautiful places in Bangladesh.
Durgapur Upazila falls under the Netrokona district in Bangladesh. Durgapur is enriched with versatile topography. This remote area of Bangladesh attracts the outdoor enthusiast from within and outside the country for its mesmerizing natural beauty. The most popular tourist spots of Durgapur includes Shomeshwari River, China Clay Hill, China Clay Lake, Ranikhong Church, Hajong Mata Roshimoni Monument, Cultural Academy (Palace of Maharaja Susang), Tribal community of Hazong people, Garo village, Dasha Busha Temple, Ramkrisna Temple, Bijoypur Border, Orange Forest, Kongsha River, Gajarie Forest, etc. Stay with us to know some fascinating details about these places.
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Shomesshori River, Susang Durgapur, Netrokona, Bangladesh
Stepping on the soil of Durgapur, the enchanting beauty of the Shomeshwari River will steal your mind. Not to mention, it is one of the most stunning rivers of Bangladesh. Originating from Garo Hill, under the Garo-Khasi range at Meghalaya in India, this hilly river entered the country through the Bijoypur border, Netrokona. You have to cross the Shomeshwari River by boat to explore different places in Durgapur. With the change of seasons, this magical river Shomeshwari brings changes in this landscape. Monsoon rains make this river unruly but blossom its beauty in full. The photogenic beauty of this undulating river at the backdrop of the Meghalaya hills will remain in your mind forever. However, during the winter the water dries up almost!
Ceramic Hill area is another unforgettable natural treasure of Durgapur. In several places, you will find hills built with China Clay soil. Ceramic Hills at Birishiri Union in Durgapur Upazila has acquired a significant reputation among travelers around the world. These clay hillocks are also available around the Limestone Lake at Kulagora union. These hills are also known as China Matir Pahar or China Clay Hills. What makes these hills stand out from general hills is their amazing pinkish colored soil. The secret behind this exclusive appearance is the special chemical composition of the soil. Since 1960, Ceramic companies had been excavating at Birishiri to collect the ingredients for ceramic objects and crockeries. You can hike these Ceramic hills to add some thrills to your trip. What is more? During the rainy season, blue water is stored in the valleys of these hills making the whole environment blissfully romantic.
Limestone Lake Birishiri Netrokona - Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Want to spend some tranquil moments beside a picturesque blue water pond at the backdrop of pinking hills? You will find such a paradise called 'Limestone Lake' at the Kulagora union in Durgapur Upazila of Netrokona District. The heart-touching scenic beauty of this divine blue water will pacify your soul taking you far away from the humdrum of hectic city life. This Limestone Lake is also known as Neel pukur, China Matir Lake, China Clay Lake, etc. The mystery behind its exclusive blue water is the presence of chemical compounds especially Copper Sulphate in the soil. However, being mesmerized by the beauty of this pond, don’t try to jump in the water. This Limestone Lake is fairly deep, so any attempt for swimming can cost your life.
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While planning your itinerary at Durgapur, don’t miss the BGB camp located adjacent to the Bangladesh-India border at Bijoypur Netrokona. From this place, you can enjoy the mind-blowing cloud-hugging green mountains of Meghalaya in India. Not to mention, here you can enjoy the thrill of visiting a foreign land without a passport or visa. As the BGB Camp is standing beside the Shomesshori River, you can take a boat trip to view the surrounding place.
Hills of Netrokona - Image Credit Wikipedia
During your journey towards Bijoypur BDR Camp, you will find the Hajong Roshimoni Monument which was built as a remembrance of the courageous sacrifice of Hajong Roshimoni. Looking back to history during British empires the Zamindar used to own all lands of this area. The poor farmers were permitted to cultivate the lands but were forced to pay their yield which made them economically handicapped. In 1938 the ethnic farmers of Netrokona and Mymensingh created a collective movement called Tonk Andolon under the leadership of Roshimoni. In 1946, Roshimoni Hajong was mercilessly killed by the dictator. Though looking simple, this monument inspires the people and the tourists to stand against oppression.
Hajong Roshimoni Monument - Picture Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Near BGB camp you can visit Orange hill, which is another tourist attraction of Durgapur. Moreover, in the vicinity of BGB Camp, you can spend some time at Ranikhong Church. This holy place was built from 1910 to 1915. Standing over a small hillock, this historical church attracts both the pious minds and the tourists.
In Durgapur, you can observe the lifestyle of two ethnic groups – Hajong and Garo. To know more about the culture and history of these ethnic groups, you can visit the Tribal Cultural Academy – former palace of Maharaja (King) Susang – at Birishiri in Durgapur.
How to Reach Birishiri Durgapur?
Starting the journey from Dhaka, you can reach Durgapur by bus, train, or private transport. From the Mohakhali bus stand of Dhaka, you can take a bus heading towards Birishiri. The journey will take around 7 hours. The last few hours can be very tough, as the road is quite bumpy near Birishiri. However, the train journey is comparatively more comfortable than the bus ride. Reaching Kamalapur Railway Station, catch the train on the Dhaka – Jharia route. This journey by train usually takes around 10 to 11 hours. Dropping at Jharia station, you can hire local transport to reach your desired tourist spots. Usually, it takes one day to visit all places in Durgapur.
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