Khulna
· BD

Khulna

Khulna, Khulna, Bangladesh

Discover Khulna: A Gateway to the Sundarbans and a City of Rich Heritage Nestled on the banks of the Rupsha River, Khulna beckons travelers with a unique blend of natural beauty, historical intrigue, and vibrant city lif…

#Khulna#Bangladesh#City#Port#Industrial hub
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Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Khulna.

Top Hotels in Khulna

Top Flights to Khulna

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Khulna.

Tours

Visit Sundarbans Mangrove Forest

Explore the largest mangrove forest, home to the Royal Bengal Tiger, various bird species, and unique flora and fauna.

Khulna City Tour

Explore the vibrant city of Khulna, visiting historical landmarks, local markets, and cultural sites.

Shopping

Local Market Shopping

Explore the local markets of Khulna to find traditional Bangladeshi products and crafts.

Outdoor

Batiaghata Beach Picnic

Spend a relaxing day at Batiaghata Beach enjoying the sun and sea.

Rupsha River Boat Ride

Take a boat ride along the Rupsha River to enjoy scenic views and fresh air.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers
Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Khulna.

Currency
৳ | BDT | Bangladeshi Taka
Population
Information not available.
Languages
Bengali, Bengali, English
Average weather
Khulna
Jan
clear
25°12°
Feb
clear
28°15°
Mar
hot
33°20°
Apr
hot
35°24°
May
hot
34°26°
Jun
rain
32°26°
Jul
rain
31°26°
Aug
rain
31°26°
Sep
rain
31°25°
Oct
cloud
31°23°
Nov
clear
29°18°
Dec
clear
26°14°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Khulna.

What people love

Khulna, located in Khulna, Bangladesh, is a city with a rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Here are some pros of traveling to Khulna:

  1. Sundarbans Mangrove Forest: Khulna is the gateway to the world's largest mangrove forest, the Sundarbans. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to diverse flora and fauna, including the famous Royal Bengal tigers. Travelers can explore the forest on boat tours and see unique wildlife like spotted deer, crocodiles, and various bird species.

  2. Bagerhat: Khulna is close to the historic city of Bagerhat, known for its ancient mosques and monuments from the medieval period. The most famous attraction in Bagerhat is the Sixty Dome Mosque, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an architectural marvel.

  3. Rich Bengali Culture: Khulna offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant Bengali culture. Visitors can experience traditional music, dance, and cuisine, as well as interact with friendly locals to learn more about the region's customs and traditions.

  4. River Cruises: Khulna is situated on the banks of the Rupsha and Bhairab rivers, offering the opportunity for scenic river cruises. Travelers can enjoy relaxing boat rides while taking in the picturesque views of the surrounding landscape.

  5. Local Markets: Khulna is home to lively markets where visitors can shop for traditional handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs. Exploring the bustling markets is a great way to experience the local lifestyle and pick up unique items to take back home.

Overall, traveling to Khulna offers a combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and unique experiences that make it a rewarding destination for tourists.

What to know

Some potential cons of traveling to Khulna, Bangladesh, could include:

  1. Weather: Khulna experiences a hot and humid climate throughout the year, with monsoon rains from June to October. Traveling during the monsoon season may lead to inconvenience due to heavy rainfall and potential flooding in some areas.

  2. Health Concerns: Travelers to Khulna should take precautions against mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever and malaria, which are prevalent in the region. It is advisable to take necessary vaccinations and use mosquito repellent.

  3. Language Barrier: Bengali is the primary language spoken in Khulna, and while some people may understand English, communication can still be a challenge in some situations. Learning a few basic Bengali phrases can be helpful.

  4. Infrastructure: The infrastructure in Khulna may not be as developed as in other major cities, leading to issues such as poor road conditions, limited public transportation options, and intermittent power outages. Travelers should be prepared for potential inconveniences.

  5. Safety Concerns: As with any travel destination, it is essential to remain vigilant and take precautions against petty crimes such as theft and scams. Travelers should also be cautious when traveling alone at night and avoid displaying valuable items in public.

Please note that these cons may vary depending on individual experiences and circumstances. It is always recommended to conduct thorough research and consult with local authorities before traveling to any destination.

Khulna, located in the southwestern part of Bangladesh, is the third-largest city in the country. It serves as the administrative seat of both Khulna Division and Khulna District. Here is a detailed history of Khulna, along with significant events, historical figures, and important landmarks:

Historical Background

  • Early History: The region that is now Khulna has been inhabited for centuries, with its history intertwined with the greater Bengal region. It was part of the ancient kingdoms of Vanga and Samatata.

  • Mughal Period: During the late 16th century, Khulna came under the control of the Mughal Empire. It was a part of the Bengal Subah and was known for its fertile land and the production of salt, rice, and other agricultural products.

  • British Colonial Period: In the 18th century, with the decline of the Mughal Empire, the British East India Company began to exert control over Bengal, including Khulna. The city developed as a river port, benefiting from its strategic location along the Rupsha and Bhairab Rivers.

Post-Independence

  • Partition of India (1947): After the partition of India in 1947, Khulna became a part of East Pakistan. The partition brought about significant demographic changes, with many Hindus migrating to India and Muslims moving to what became East Pakistan (now Bangladesh).

  • Bangladesh Liberation War (1971): Khulna played a critical role during the Bangladesh Liberation War. The city witnessed significant conflict and was a focal point of resistance against Pakistani military forces. It was liberated on December 17, 1971, following the surrender of Pakistani forces.

Modern Development

  • Industrial Growth: Post-independence, Khulna emerged as an important industrial hub in Bangladesh. It is known for its jute, textile, and fish processing industries. The Khulna Shipyard, established during the 1950s, is one of the prominent industrial facilities in the city.

  • Education and Culture: The city is home to several educational institutions, including Khulna University and Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET). These institutions have contributed to the growth of the city as a center for education and research.

Significant Landmarks

  • Sundarbans: Although not within the city itself, the Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest in the world, is located near Khulna. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major tourist attraction.

  • Shat Gombuj Mosque: Located in nearby Bagerhat, this historic mosque is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for its sixty domes. It was built during the 15th century by the Turkish general Ulugh Khan Jahan.

  • Rupsha Bridge: This bridge over the Rupsha River connects Khulna with the rest of the country and is vital for trade and transportation.

Notable Figures

  • Khan Jahan Ali: A 15th-century Muslim saint and the architect of the Shat Gombuj Mosque. His contributions to the region's architecture and culture remain significant.

  • Sundarban Forest Guards: The local forest guards play a crucial role in protecting the Sundarbans and its wildlife, including the endangered Bengal tiger.

Khulna continues to develop as an important city in Bangladesh, balancing its industrial growth with the preservation of its rich cultural and natural heritage.