Things To Do
in Khulna
Khulna, located in the southwest of Bangladesh, is the country's third-largest city and an important industrial and commercial hub, particularly known for its jute mills and shrimp processing industries. It serves as the gateway to the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest, home to the Royal Bengal Tiger and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it a pivotal area for both ecological tourism and biodiversity.
The city also boasts a rich cultural landscape, featuring numerous educational institutions, historical landmarks, and cultural festivals that reflect the vibrant heritage and traditions of Bangladesh.
- "Assalamu Alaikum" - Peace be upon you
- "Dhonnobad" - Thank you
- "Kemon aso?" - How are you?
- "Bhalo achi" - I am fine
- "Khobor ki?" - What's the news?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $10 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $2 - $10
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.25 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $15 - $40
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $10 - $25
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a boat ride into the Sundarbans, observing the enchanting mangrove forests and diverse wildlife. Don't forget to keep an eye out for the famous Bengal tiger.
Enjoy a picnic lunch on one of the riverbanks while soaking in the natural beauty around you. Continue exploring the vast network of waterways and spot various bird species.
Return to Khulna and savor a local dinner at a restaurant. Conclude your day with a walk along the riverfront.
Visit the historic Sixty Dome Mosque, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and appreciate its remarkable architecture. Spend time learning about the rich history of this architectural marvel.
Head over to the Khulna Museum to explore artifacts that showcase local heritage. Engage with exhibitions that provide insight into the region's culture and history.
Dine at a traditional Bengali restaurant and enjoy local specialties. Consider visiting a nearby bazaar for some evening shopping.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and vibrant local traditions.
- Strategic location as a gateway to the Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Growing economic opportunities in trade due to proximity to the Port of Khulna.
- Diverse culinary options, including famous local seafood dishes.
- Friendly and welcoming local population.
- Frequent traffic congestion in urban areas.
- Vulnerable to natural disasters like cyclones and flooding.
- Air and water pollution issues, particularly from industrial activities.
- Infrastructure challenges, such as inconsistent power supply.
- Limited access to advanced healthcare facilities compared to larger cities.
Best Activities in Khulna
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the world's largest mangrove forest and spot the Royal Bengal tiger, deer, and various bird species.
Visit the historic mosques and structures of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Take a scenic cycling tour along the Rupsha River and enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings.
Enjoy a leisurely boat ride while admiring the serene landscape and local village life.
Tours
Uncover the best of Khulna with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Khulna
Visit one of these nice places.
The largest mangrove forest in the world, known for its diverse wildlife and stunning natural beauty.
A picturesque bridge over the Rupsa River, offering great views of the surrounding landscape.
A historic site with beautiful architecture and a peaceful atmosphere, providing great photo opportunities.
Food in Khulna
Khulna Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A popular local dish made with hilsa fish, cooked in a spicy gravy of mustard paste, turmeric, and other aromatic spices. This dish is a must-try for seafood enthusiasts. Recommended at Rupsha Restaurant.
Must-Try!
A traditional rice cake prepared by steaming rice flour filled with coconut and jaggery, creating a delicious sweet treat. You can find Bhapa Pitha at local sweet shops and markets across Khulna.
A classic Bengali dish of leftover rice soaked in water, typically served with fried hilsa fish, complemented by a range of side dishes. Look for this dish at local eateries and specialized hilsa restaurants.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Khulna better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Explore the bustling food stalls along Khan Jahan Ali Road, offering a myriad of local street foods such as Puchka (Phuchka), Jhal Muri, and Singhara. This vibrant area is an ideal spot to sample authentic Khulna street food.
An aromatic and colorful market where you can discover an array of local produce, spices, and street snacks like Fuchka, Chotpoti, and Samosa. The market provides an immersive experience in Khulna's culinary culture.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
When meeting someone in Khulna, it is important to greet them with respect, which may include a handshake or a slight bow, particularly when addressing elders or those in positions of authority.
It is essential to be mindful of personal space and avoid standing too close to others, especially when interacting with individuals from different age groups or backgrounds.
In Khulna, it is customary to wash your hands before and after a meal, and food is often served with the right hand. It is also polite to wait for the host or the eldest person at the table to start eating before beginning your meal.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Khulna with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Khulna
Ensure a smooth experience
In Khulna, Bangladesh, tipping is not a common practice. It is not expected in restaurants, hotels, or for taxi services. However, if exceptional service is provided, a small tip as a token of appreciation may be given.
Cash is the most common form of payment in Khulna, Bangladesh. Credit and debit cards are not widely accepted, especially in smaller establishments. It's important to carry sufficient cash for transactions, as ATMs may not be readily available in all areas.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Khulna.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Khulna, with comfortable temperatures and clear skies. Expect pleasant weather for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Hot and humid weather with occasional thunderstorms. Expect high temperatures and high humidity levels, but this season is ideal for exploring the Sundarbans mangrove forest.
Heavy rainfall and high humidity, making outdoor activities challenging. Expect lush greenery but be prepared for wet conditions and potential disruptions to travel plans.
Khulna at Night
Hiking in Khulna
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
The largest mangrove forest in the world, offering a unique ecosystem with several trails for hiking and exploring nature.
Located near Rangamati, this park features beautiful hills, forests, and trails suitable for hiking, though it's a bit further from Khulna.
Located near Sitakunda, it is a popular spot for hiking and offers stunning views from the top, about a 2-3 hour drive from Khulna.
A high-altitude lake in the Boga valley, known for its trekking routes. Though it's distant, it’s a popular hiking destination in Bangladesh.
Features various trails and scenic views, particularly in areas around the hilly regions, approximately a longer drive from Khulna.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Khulna through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Khulna by plane.
Located in Dhaka, approximately 250 km from Khulna, this is the busiest airport in Bangladesh and serves as a key international gateway.
Located in Sylhet, about 280 km away, this airport serves domestic and limited international flights.
Situated in Chittagong, approximately 300 km from Khulna, this airport handles both domestic and international flights.
Located in Jessore, around 70 km away from Khulna, this airport primarily serves domestic flights but has international capabilities.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in Khulna, making up around 98% of the population.
An indigenous ethnic group primarily residing in the southeastern regions of Bangladesh, including some parts of Khulna.
A minority group that migrated from Bihar, India, during the partition of India.
An indigenous group known for their distinctive culture and traditions, present in some areas of Khulna.
An ethnic group traditionally engaged in agriculture and labor, found in varying numbers in Khulna.
Various other smaller ethnic and community groups residing in the region, including immigrants and refugees.
The Soul of Khulna
Discover the essence of Khulna through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Cricket is the most popular sport in Khulna, with a strong following and many local tournaments.
Football is widely played and enjoyed by many in Khulna, with several clubs and leagues.
Kabaddi is a traditional sport in Bangladesh, and Khulna has a vibrant kabaddi scene.
Badminton is popular among the youth, with many local players participating in tournaments.
Volleyball is commonly played in schools and communities throughout Khulna.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Khulna.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Khulna cuisine heavily emphasizes fish and meat, many local eateries and cafes offer vegetarian dishes, such as lentil-based curries, vegetable fritters, and rice-based platters.
Vegan options are available at several restaurants in Khulna, with dishes centered around lentils, vegetables, and rice. Cafe Dine & Bar is known for its diverse vegan offerings.
Finding gluten-free options can be a bit challenging in Khulna due to the prevalent use of wheat. However, some restaurants are accommodating, offering rice-based dishes and specialized gluten-free menus upon request.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Khulna with these cultural adventures.
