Barisal - Discovering Bangladesh

Travelling to Barisal

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Barisal, a pretty good destination in Bangladesh (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Barisal and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Barisal, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Bangladesh, here's everything to know about Barisal for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Barisal

Sure, here's some general information about Barisal: - Barisal is a city located in the southern part of Bangladesh, in the Barisal Division.
- It is known as the "Venice of Bengal" because of its many rivers and canals.
- The population of Barisal is around 330,000 people.
- The city has a tropical climate, with hot, humid summers and mild winters.
- Some popular tourist attractions in Barisal include the Pasha Shahi Mosque, the Durga Sagar, and the Kuakata beach.
- The primary language spoken in Barisal is Bengali.
- The local cuisine in Barisal is known for its seafood dishes and local sweets.
- The best time to visit Barisal is during the winter months (November to February), when the weather is mild and dry.

What to visit in Barisal

Sure, here are some of the top tourist attractions in Barisal along with some information about each of them: 1. Kuakata Beach - This beach is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Barisal. Located in Patuakhali district, it is famous for its beautiful sunrise and sunset views over the Bay of Bengal.
2. Durga Sagar - Durga Sagar is a large pond located in Barisal city, surrounded by greenery and a perfect spot for a picnic. It is also a popular location for boating and fishing.
3. Bibichini Shahi Mosque - This ancient mosque was built during the Mughal era and is located in Barisal city. It is known for its unique architectural design, featuring beautiful terracotta tiles and intricate carvings.
4. Guthia Mosque - Another historic mosque in Barisal, the Guthia Mosque was built in the late 17th century during the reign of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. It is considered a masterpiece of Mughal architecture and has been well-preserved over the years.
5. Baitul Aman Jame Masjid - This mosque is a modern architectural wonder, featuring a dome made of mirrors that reflect the sun's rays in a dazzling display of light. It is located in Barisal city and attracts many visitors every day.
6. Durga Mandir - Situated near the Durga Sagar, this Hindu temple is dedicated to the goddess Durga and is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Barisal.
7. Rambhola Island - This uninhabited island is located in the Bay of Bengal and is a popular spot for picnics and day trips. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters.
These are just a few of the many tourist attractions in Barisal that visitors can enjoy. With its rich history and beautiful landscapes, Barisal is definitely worth a visit for anyone traveling to Bangladesh.

You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Barisal.

When to go on holiday to Barisal

The best time to visit Barisal in Bangladesh is during the winter months between November and February when the weather is cool and dry. During this time, the temperature ranges from 10°C to 28°C, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and sightseeing. However, if you plan to visit during the summer months between May and September, be prepared for high temperatures and frequent rainfall. The temperature can reach up to 35°C, and the monsoons can cause floods and disrupt travel plans. Overall, if you want to avoid extreme weather conditions, it would be best to plan your trip to Barisal during the winter months.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Barisal

To get to Barisal, you can take a domestic flight, a bus, or a launch (river boat) from Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh.
Domestic Flights: There are daily flights from Dhaka to Barisal operated by airlines such as Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Novoair, and US-Bangla Airlines. The flight duration is around 50 minutes.
Buses: There are several bus companies including Green Line, Shohag Paribahan, and Hanif Paribahan that operate direct buses from Dhaka to Barisal. The journey takes around 6-7 hours.
Launches: You can also take a launch (river boat) from Dhaka's Sadarghat terminal to Barisal. There are several private and government-owned launch services available. The journey time is around 8-10 hours depending on the schedule, weather, and river conditions.
I would recommend checking the schedules, prices, and safety of each transportation option before making your choice.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Barisal, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Barisal

Here are some typical foods of Barisal (Bangladesh) and a short description for each: 1. Pitha: Pitha is a type of cake made from rice flour and coconut, often flavored with jaggery, molasses, or sesame seeds.
2. Bhapa Pitha: Bhapa Pitha is a type of steamed cake made from rice flour, coconut, and molasses.
3. Shorshe Ilish: Shorshe Ilish is a famous Barisal dish made from Hilsa fish cooked in mustard sauce, served with rice.
4. Shutki Shira: Shutki Shira is a spicy and flavorful dish made from dried fish cooked with curry and served with rice.
5. Daal: Daal is a dish made from lentils cooked with different spices such as cumin, turmeric, and ginger.
6. Bhorta: Bhorta is a type of mashed vegetable dish made with different vegetables, often seasoned with garlic, onion, and mustard oil.
7. Fish Curry: Fish Curry is a dish made with different types of fish cooked in a spicy tomato and onion sauce.
8. Chingri Malai Curry: Chingri Malai Curry is a popular Barisal dish made with prawns cooked in a creamy coconut and turmeric sauce.
9. Prawn Biryani: Prawn Biryani is a popular rice casserole dish that includes shrimp and a variety of spices, including cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves.
10. Chicken Roast: Chicken Roast is a Barisal-style chicken dish roasted in a tandoor until crispy and served with salad and naan bread.
You can find general info about typical foods in Bangladesh here.

Is Barisal an expensive destination for tourists?

Barisal is generally not considered an expensive destination for tourists in Bangladesh. In fact, it is known to be one of the more affordable areas to visit within the country. Accommodation and food options are relatively inexpensive, and transportation costs are also quite reasonable. However, the cost of specific activities and attractions in Barisal may vary depending on your interests and budget. It's always a good idea to research and plan your trip ahead of time to ensure you have a realistic budget in place.

Where to find accomodation in Barisal

In Barisal, the best places to find accommodation are the central areas of the city surrounding the Barisal Launch Terminal. Some of the top areas to stay in include Sadar Road, Sardar Bari, Nathullabad, and Kawnia. These neighborhoods offer a wide range of accommodation options, including hotels, guesthouses, and lodges. They are also conveniently located near the popular tourist attractions, shopping areas, and restaurants in the city.
You can check hotel prices at Barisal here:
Booking.com

Is Barisal a safe destination for tourists?

Barisal, Bangladesh is generally considered a safe place for tourists. However, as with any travel destination, it is important to take precautions and stay aware of your surroundings. Some general tips for staying safe in Barisal include: 1. Do your research beforehand and learn as much as you can about the area and its customs.
2. Dress modestly and respect local customs and traditions.
3. Stay aware of your belongings and keep valuables secured at all times.
4. Avoid walking alone at night and stick to well-lit and busy areas.
5. Be cautious when using public transportation and only use licensed taxis.
6. Always carry a form of identification with you.
7. Consider using a guide when exploring the area.
By following these tips, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to Barisal.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Bangladesh here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Barisal.

What type of travelers will enjoy Barisal the most?

Barisal, Bangladesh offers a variety of activities and attractions that can appeal to different types of travelers. However, it is worth noting that the city is more popular among families and those seeking relaxation.
Couples can enjoy the romantic boat rides in Paddy fields and Barisal Backwaters that offer panoramic views of the countryside. They can also visit the Kuakata beach and enjoy the beautiful sunsets together.
Young people can have fun exploring the rural areas of Barisal and trying out local delicacies. They can also visit the temple complex in Durga Sagar and take part in various cultural events and festivals.
Families with children can enjoy the nature reserves such as Bibir Pukur and Kuakata beach. They can also visit the markets in Barisal and introduce their children to the local cultures and traditions.
Overall, Barisal is suitable for all types of travelers, but it definitely has more to offer for those seeking a peaceful and relaxing experience.

How to get around Barisal

In Barisal, you can use a variety of transportation options to move around. Buses and microbuses are the most common forms of public transportation in the city. Auto-rickshaws are also available and are a popular mode of transportation for short distances. For longer distances or traveling to other cities and towns, you can also take trains or hire private cars or taxis. Additionally, there are ferries available for crossing the rivers and canals in and around the city.

What to see around Barisal

Sure, here are some nice places to visit on a day trip from Barisal: 1. Kuakata Beach - It's a beautiful beach with a panoramic view of the Bay of Bengal. You can enjoy the sunrise and sunset from here.
2. Durga Sagar - Located in Bakerganj, it's a historical pond which is popular among the locals. You can take a boat ride here to explore the area.
3. Guthia Mosque - It's an ancient mosque located in Bakherganj which is famous for its unique architecture. You can visit this mosque to learn about the history and culture of the region.
4. Bagerhat - It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site which houses many historical monuments and structures like Sixty Dome Mosque and the Tomb of Khan Jahan Ali.
5. Patuakhali - It's a coastal town which is famous for its beautiful beaches and seafood. You can explore the town, its markets and enjoy the local cuisine.
These are some of the places you can visit for a day trip from Barisal.
For every travel information about Bangladesh you can click here.

Wild Trips is the Wikipedia of travel: in the unfortunate case you find an error, please write to us to correct it... Thank you!
Follow us on Facebook if you like wild trips around the world and beautiful itineraries in Italy: https://www.facebook.com/wildtrips.