Ramsagar, located in Dinajpur, Bangladesh, is a Spectacular destination known for its large freshwater lake and lush surroundings. A perfect getaway for nature lovers, Ramsagar offers scenic views, historical significance, and peaceful vibes. All these make it a must-visit for both tourists and locals.  Location  Ramsagar is situated in the Dinajpur district of northern Bangladesh. It is located in the village of Tejpur, about 8 kilometres south of Dinajpur town. The name “Ramsagar” refers to King Ram Nath, who commissioned the creation of this vast man-made lake in the mid-1750s. Spanning 1,079 metres in length and 192.6 metres in width, Ramsagar Lake is the largest man-made water body in Bangladesh.  Around 1.5 million labourers participated in digging the lake, with a total cost of 30,000 taka at the time. It was originally built to provide water for the local population and wildlife. The surrounding area now features Ramsagar National Park, making it a popular tourist destination. Read more: Baklai Waterfall in Bandarban: How to Get to One of the Tallest Waterfalls in Bangladesh Ways to Reach Ramsagar from Dhaka From Dhaka to Dinajpur Travelling by Air The fastest way to reach Ramsagar from Dhaka is by flying to Saidpur Airport, which is located around 60 kilometres from Dinajpur. There are regular flights from Dhaka to Saidpur, with an average flight duration of about one hour.  A one-way ticket costs from BDT 4,000 to BDT 5,000, depending on the season and availability. You can hire a private car from Saidpur or take public transport to reach Dinajpur, which usually takes another 1.5 to 2 hours. Travelling by Train Another popular way to reach Dinajpur is by train. Trains from Dhaka to Dinajpur are available daily, and the journey typically takes around 8 to 9 hours, depending on the train service. There are several classes of tickets, ranging from BDT 575 to BDT 1,978, depending on whether you choose a regular seat or an air-conditioned cabin. The train ride is scenic and makes it an enjoyable journey. Read more: Lawachara National Park Travel Guide: Evergreen forest in northeastern Bangladesh Travelling by Bus Travelling by bus is the most budget-friendly option for visiting Ramsagar. Buses depart regularly from Dhaka to Dinajpur, and the journey usually takes around 10 hours, depending on traffic conditions. Ticket prices range between BDT 800 and BDT 1,500 for non-AC and AC buses. While it may be the longest option in terms of travel time, buses offer frequent schedules and are accessible for most travellers. From Dinajpur to Ramsagar To travel from Dinajpur to Ramsagar, you can use local transport options. From Dinajpur town, you can hire a rickshaw van or take a ride on a ‘Nosimon’ (a local motorised vehicle). The ride typically takes around 15 to 20 minutes to reach Ramsagar.  What to See and Do at Ramsagar Exploring the Historic Temples  At the northern end of Ramsagar Lake, you will find two ancient temples, known as Dev Mandir, Baroduari, and Hazarduari. These structures, built during the 17th or 18th century, add a touch of history and spirituality to the area. Their traditional architecture makes them a must-see for history buffs and those interested in cultural heritage. Read more: Tazing Dong Trekking: In-Depth Travel Guide and Cost Details Stroll Through Ramsagar National Park The lush Ramsagar National Park, covering around 60 hectares, is perfect for nature lovers. The forest, planted with a variety of ornamental and fruit trees by the Forest Department, provides a peaceful retreat. The park is home to several animals, including deer, wild boar, sloth bear, hyena, and even blue bulls. Birdwatchers will enjoy spotting species such as white-breasted water hens, jacanas, and purple herons.

With China's biggest freshwater lake reduced to just 25% of its usual size by a severe drought, work crews are digging trenches to keep water flowing to one of the country's key rice-growing regions. The dramatic decline of Poyang Lake in the landlocked southeastern province of Jiangxi had otherwise cut off irrigation channels to nearby farmlands. The crews, using excavators to dig trenches, only work after dark because of the extreme daytime heat, the official Xinhua News Agency reported. A severe heat wave is wreaking havoc across much of southern China. High temperatures have sparked mountain fires that have forced the evacuation of 1,500 people in the southwest, and factories have been ordered to cut production as hydroelectric plants reduce their output amid drought conditions. The extreme heat and drought have wilted crops and shrunk rivers including the giant Yangtze, disrupting cargo traffic. Fed by China’s major rivers, Poyang Lake averages about 3,500 square kilometers (1,400 square miles) in high season, but has contracted to just 737 square kilometers (285 square miles) in the recent drought. As determined by water level, the lake officially entered this year’s dry season Aug. 6, earlier than at any time since records began being taken in 1951. Hydrological surveys before then are incomplete, although it appears the lake may be at or around its lowest level in recent history. Along with providing water for agriculture and other uses, the lake is a major stopover for migrating birds heading south for the winter. Read: China and US spar over climate on Twitter A wide swath of western and central China has seen days of temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) in heat waves that have started earlier and lasted longer than usual. The heat is likely connected to human-caused climate change, though scientists have yet to do to the complex calculations and computer simulations to say that for certain. “The heat is certainly record-breaking, and certainly aggravated by human-caused climate change,” said Maarten van Aalst, director of the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre in the Netherlands. “Drought is always a bit more complex.” The “truly mind-boggling temperatures roasting China” are connected to a stuck jet stream — the river of air that moves weather systems around the world — said Jennifer Francis, a climate scientist at the Woodwell Climate Research Center in Falmouth, Massachusetts. She said a an elongated area of relatively high atmospheric pressure parked over western Russia is responsible for both China’s and Europe’s heat waves this year. In China’s case, the high pressure is preventing cool air masses and precipitation from entering the area. “When hot, dry conditions get stuck, the soil dries out and heats more readily, reinforcing the heat dome overhead even further,” Francis said. In the hard-hit city of Chongqing, some shopping malls have been told to open only from 4 to 9 p.m. to conserve energy. Residents have been seeking respite in the cool of air raid shelters dating from World War II. That reflects the situation in Europe and elsewhere in the Northern Hemisphere, with high temperatures taking a toll on public health, food production and the environment.