Ramsagar National Park
How to Visit Ramsagar Lake, National Park at Dinajpur
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.
2 months ago
Visit Ramsagar Dighi, Dinajpur: The Historic Man-made Lake Telling Myths for Centuries
When you hear the name Ramsagar, you may think that it is a sea. When you hear the name Dighi, you may be a little perplexed thinking whether it is a sea or lake. You will find the answers to all of your questions if you visit Ramsagar Dighi, the largest man-made lake located in the Dinajpur district. Full of historical and archeological monuments, the lake is 77 acres in volume and 30 feet deep. The water in this lake surprisingly never dries up. Let's take a look at the details of this attractive Ramsagar lake.
Background to the naming of Ramsagar Dighi
Shortly before the battle of Palashi, the lake was dug between 1750 and 1755 on the orders of King Ramnath to meet the water needs of the surrounding villages. The lake came to be known as Ramsagar Dighi after the name of King Ramnath.
There is a popular myth surrounding this lake. When a severe drought occurred in 1750, thousands of people died due to the lack of water. At this time the merciful king Prannath received a dream order and dug a lake. The whole work of digging the lake was completed in just 15 days. But no water rises from that lake.
Read Visit Kaptai Lake, Rangamati: The Largest Artificial Lake in South Asia
Suddenly one day the king received a prophecy in a dream that if his only son Ram was sacrificed in the lake, the water would rise. According to the dream, the king first built a small temple in the middle of the lake. Then one morning Prince Ramnath, dressed in white, rode on an elephant and started his journey towards the lake.
After reaching the bank of the lake, Yuvraj Ram went down the stairs to the temple. Water began to rise from the bottom of the lake in front of everyone's wide eyes. A huge lake was filled with water along with Yuvraj Ramnath in the blink of an eye. Later, the king named the lake after his son - Ramsagar.
Ramsagar Dighi as tourist attractions
The lake, located at Tajpur village, about 8 km south of Dinajpur district town, came under the supervision of the forest department in 1960. In 1995-96, the lake was established as a modern tourist center which was declared as a national park later on April 30, 2001.
There was a wharf in the middle of the west bank of the lake, some of which still remain. The wharves, made of sandstone slabs of various shapes, were about 150 feet long and 60 feet wide, respectively. The banks of the lake are about 35 feet high each.
Read Floating Guava Market in Barishal: Outlandish decor for livelihood on the estuary of three canals
At present, the water of this lake, which is adorned with innumerable plants, has created an eye-catching scene with its reflection and vast water.
A beautiful and modern rest house has been made here under the direct supervision of the tourism corporation for the beautification of the lake. There is a mini zoo with pythons, monkeys, and several deer inside the Ramsagar National Park. There is a children's park with statues of various animals and birds. 7 picnic corners have been built here for the convenience of picnics. A library named Ramsagar Library has been set up on October 10, 2010, with a collection of more than 800 books.
Camping on the shores of Ramsagar is a fascinating way to enjoy the captivating beauty of the full moon. Every year more than fifty thousand tourists come to Ramsagar to experience the magnificent beauty and scenery of the lake and the nearby places.
Read Visit Baikka Beel, Hail Haor, Sreemangal: Buoyant art of nature in a paradise of birds
3 years ago