Padma-Garden-Rajshahi's-Sunset-Paradise-History-And-Complete-Riverfront-Travel-Guide.
Padma Garden (Oddvar Munksgaard Park): The Complete Guide to Rajshahi's Riverside Retreat
 |
| Padma garden rajshahi |
Introduction: Where Nature Meets Modernity
For anyone planning a trip to Rajshahi—Bangladesh's pristine city of education and calm—the first image that often comes to mind is the vast, tranquil Padma River. Intertwined with the city's identity, the Padma riverbank hosts one of modern Rajshahi’s most beautiful architectural and recreational centers: Padma Garden.
Locally famed as Padma Garden, this open recreational area is officially named Oddvar Munksgaard Park. Spanning approximately one kilometer from Futkipara to Dargapara in the Barokuthi area, this park is more than just a green space; it's a testament to Rajshahi's dedication to urban planning and international friendship. Built under the management of the Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC), the park is open to all visitors and now offers Wi-Fi internet access for the convenience of its guests.
The History Behind the Name: Who Was Oddvar Munksgaard?
Why does a beautiful Bangladeshi park bear a European name? The official name, Oddvar Munksgaard Park, commemorates a deep partnership between Rajshahi City and Aarhus City in Denmark.
 |
| padma garden rajshahi |
Oddvar Munksgaard was a Danish engineer and development worker, serving as a key official in Aarhus’s water and sanitation department. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, he served as a central coordinator for a joint partnership project (Linkage Project) between RCC and Aarhus City Corporation. This project aimed to modernize Rajshahi’s municipal planning, waste management, water supply, and sanitation systems.
Munksgaard's tireless efforts and technical expertise played a massive role in the city's environmental improvement, paving the way for Rajshahi to earn its reputation as the "Clean City" of Bangladesh. To honor his sincere love for the city and his vital contribution to its beautification, the RCC built and dedicated this scenic riverside park in his name. The park thus stands not merely as a recreational spot but as an eternal symbol of gratitude and international friendship.
Location, Design, and Architecture
Prime Location
The park is centrally located along the banks of the Padma River, specifically near the Rajpara Srirampur Park Gate. It’s situated only about 500 meters or a quick 4–5 minute walk south of Rajshahi Zero Point, making it easily accessible from anywhere in the city via local transport (rickshaw or auto-rickshaw) to Dargapara.
 |
Design Highlights
Padma Garden is designed as a modern 'Riverfront' garden, integrating modern architecture with the natural environment:
- Walkways and Paving: The park features wide, smooth tiled walkways, perfect for a relaxing stroll along the river to enjoy the fresh Padma breeze.
- Seating Galleries: A major draw is the tiered, step-like seating arrangement facing the river. This gallery design allows hundreds of people to sit together and enjoy a panoramic view of the Padma.
- Greenery and Landscaping: The park boasts well-manicured lawns, seasonal flower beds, and shaded trees, upholding Rajshahi’s 'Clean City' identity.
- Modern Lighting: After sunset, decorative LED lighting transforms the area into a magical spectacle, making it safe and inviting for evening visits.
Experience the Padma Garden: Why You Must Visit
Padma Garden is the heartbeat of Rajshahi's social life, especially in the late afternoon, attracting people of all ages.
- Sunset Paradise: The park's main attraction is the stunning sunset. Watching the sun's crimson rays reflect off the Padma’s water from the tiered galleries is a truly unforgettable experience.
- The Many Moods of the Padma: Visitors witness the river’s contrasting forms—the vast, sandy chars (islands) that emerge in the dry season and the powerful, swelling currents during the monsoon.
- Open Stage for Culture: The park features an open stage (Muktomancha) that hosts daily cultural programs and events organized by various social groups.
- Boating and Char Trips: From the ghat near the park, visitors can hire small dinghy boats for a ride on the Padma. On Fridays and public holidays, many take boats to the char (sandy island) that emerges in the middle of the river, for a fee of around 20 BDT per person.
 |
| Padma River side |
Nearby Attractions along the Riverside
As you walk west from Padma Garden, the riverbank continues to offer compelling historical and cultural spots, all linked by the riverside path:
- Hazrat Shah Makhdum (R.) Mazar: The shrine of the revered saint is located just a short walk west of the park.
- Rabindra Muktomancha: Moving past the Mazar, you will find the Rabindra Open Stage, which hosts regular cultural performances.
- Simanto Nongor (BGB Check Post): Adjacent to the Rabindra Muktomancha is the BGB-controlled Simanto Nongor (Border Anchor), also situated right on the bank of the Padma.
Visitor Information: How to Get There, Where to Eat, and Stay
How to Get to Rajshahi
Rajshahi is accessible from Dhaka by road, rail, and air:
- By Bus: AC/Non-AC services like Green Line, Ekota, Shyamoli, Hanif, and National Travels are available from Dhaka's Mohakhali, Abdullahpur, Gabtoli, and Kalyanpur terminals.
- By Train: Popular express trains from Dhaka include Silkcity Express, Padma Express, Dhumketu Express, and Banalata Express.
Reaching Padma Garden
- From Zero Point: The park is only 500 meters (4-5 minutes walk) south of Rajshahi Zero Point.
- From Court Area: The park is approximately 3 km west of Zero Point toward the Court area, accessible by rickshaw or auto-rickshaw.
- From Rail/Bus Station: Take an auto-rickshaw to Padma Garden; the ride takes about 10–15 minutes and costs around 20–25 BDT.
- Padma Path: The road running along the river, stretching roughly 12 kilometers from Bulonpur, through Barokuthi, to Satbaria, is a favorite for leisurely walks and views, regardless of the season.
Where to Eat
Numerous small and large restaurants and food stalls have sprung up inside and outside the Padma Park area, particularly near the T-Bandh:
- Local Delicacies: You can taste the famous duck meat (Hansher Mangsho) in the Mormoria area and the popular Kalabhuna near Katakhali.
- Cafes and Snacks: The area is known for its food carts and cafes (like the famous 'Bhooter Bari') offering coffee, Chotpoti, Fuchka, and local BBQ, making the evening social scene vibrant.
Where to Stay
For overnight stays, Rajshahi offers several notable residential hotels:
- Hotel Nice International
- Hotel Silk International
- Hotel Star International
- Hotel Green City International
- Mukta International
- Parjatan Corporation Motel
Nearby Tourist Attractions
While in Rajshahi, consider visiting these other major attractions:
- T-Bandh
- Rajshahi University
- Rajshahi College
- Varendra Research Museum
- Puthia Rajbari
- Bagha Mosque
Disclaimer & Responsibility: All tourist locations are national assets. Refrain from activities that harm nature and encourage others to do the same. All travel costs and contact details provided are subject to change over time; please verify information before planning your trip.
- Also visit:
Comments
Post a Comment