Things To Do
in Khulna
Khulna is a busy riverfront city in southwestern Bangladesh that serves as the gateway to the Sundarbans mangrove and important industrial hubs like Mongla. The city blends working‑class industry, shrimp processing facilities and lively riverbank markets with pockets of green parks and historic sites in the surrounding district. Khulna’s rivers — notably the Rupsha and Bhairab — shape local life: ferries, boatyards and fish markets are central to daily rhythms.
From here visitors commonly launch into nature excursions, explore nearby UNESCO heritage sites in Bagerhat and use Khulna as a base for Sundarbans tours.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the historic 60 Domed Mosque, a UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases stunning Mughal architecture. As you wander through the mosque's intricate corridors, take in the serene atmosphere and the beautiful gardens surrounding it. Capture the early morning light on the mosque's domes for exceptional photographs.
Head to the nearby city of Bagerhat, where you can explore the ancient city ruins and learn about its significant role in the region's history. Enjoy a traditional Bangladeshi lunch at a local eatery, sampling dishes such as Bhuna Khichuri or Panta Bhat. Afterward, visit the Sixty Dome Mosque and the tomb of Khan Jahan Ali, the city's founder, to gain insight into Bangladesh's rich cultural heritage.
Return to Khulna and stroll along the waterfront promenade, enjoying the view of the sunset over the Rupsha River. Stop at a local café for a refreshing cup of tea and some evening snacks while mingling with the locals. As night falls, consider visiting a cultural performance or music event to experience the vibrant arts scene in Khulna.
Embark on an early morning boat tour of the Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger as you glide through the winding waterways, surrounded by lush greenery and unique wildlife. The early morning mist adds an enchanting touch to the serene landscape.
After exploring the forest, enjoy a packed lunch on the boat, taking in the stunning surroundings. Continue your journey deeper into the Sundarbans, where you may encounter spotted deer, crocodiles, and various bird species. Engage with a local guide who can share fascinating stories and insights about the ecosystem and its conservation efforts.
As the sun sets over the Sundarbans, return to your starting point and head to a nearby guesthouse for dinner. Relish a delicious local meal featuring fresh seafood while sharing stories with fellow travelers about the day's adventures. Wind down your evening by gazing at the starry sky and listening to the sounds of nature.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍛Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $2-5 |
| 🍽️Three‑course meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $12-25 |
| 🚕Short CNG auto/rickshaw ride | $0.20-1 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $15-40 |
| 🛵Daily bicycle rental or similar | $2-6 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Gateway to the Sundarbans — excellent wildlife and mangrove experiences
- Abundant fresh seafood and active riverfront culture
- Lower prices compared with major tourist cities
- Good base for visiting nearby UNESCO sites in Bagerhat and Mongla
- Limited international flight connections — extra travel to reach the city
- Monsoon rains can disrupt travel plans and outdoor activities
- Fewer tourist amenities and limited nightlife compared to major cities
- Language can be a barrier outside tourist services
- "Assalamu alaikum" - Peace be upon you (common greeting)
- "Dhonnobad (ধন্যবাদ)" - Thank you
- "Kemon achen? (কেমন আছেন?)" - How are you?
- "Koto daam? (কোথ দামের?)" - How much does it cost?
- "Ami Bangla bolte pari na (আমি বাংলা বলতে পারি না)" - I can't speak Bengali
Places to Visit in Khulna
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic mangrove scenery with twisting creeks, wildlife and dramatic light; best taken from a licensed boat tour for varied compositions.
Busy river scenes with boats, ferries, fish markets and sunsets — excellent for street and river photography.
Industrial scale, container activity and large ships create dynamic, large‑scale images, particularly around dawn or dusk.
A UNESCO‑listed 15th‑century mosque complex nearby with distinctive domes and historic architecture — great for architectural shots.
Vibrant market stalls, drying fish, and riverside commerce offer candid cultural and food photography opportunities.
Food in Khulna
Khulna Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Prawns cooked in a rich coconut milk and spice sauce — a regional favorite available at seafood restaurants and family eateries.
Must-Try!
Steamed hilsa (ilish) with mustard paste, common in coastal Bangladeshi cooking; available in restaurants when in season.
Mashed spiced prawns or dried fish (shutki) preparations served with rice; find these at local homes and traditional eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Early morning fish markets where local fishermen and traders sell fresh catches and dried fish — great for photography and buying fresh seafood to eat at nearby stalls.
Areas around transport hubs and busy streets serve fuchka/pani puri, jhalmuri, singara and chotpoti — inexpensive, tasty and widely available.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly in public — women often wear salwar kameez or cover shoulders and knees; men should avoid sleeveless shirts in conservative areas.
Remove shoes before entering homes and many religious sites. Use your right hand for eating or giving/receiving items, and be respectful during calls to prayer.
A common greeting is 'Assalamu alaikum' in Muslim contexts; offer it back with 'Wa alaikum assalam'. Avoid public displays of affection and be polite when taking photos — always ask permission before photographing people.
Safety
Tipping in Khulna
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not obligatory but appreciated: round up small bills for rickshaw drivers, give 5–10% in restaurants if service is not included, and tip guides/boat crew modestly after Sundarbans trips.
Cash (Bangladeshi Taka) is king, especially in markets and small eateries. ATMs and banks are available in Khulna; major hotels and some restaurants accept cards, but bring cash for local purchases. Mobile payment adoption is growing but may be limited outside urban centers.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid; daytime temperatures often climb above 30°C (86°F). Expect strong sun and plan early morning or late afternoon activities; stay hydrated and use sun protection.
Heavy rain and high humidity with possible local flooding and rough river conditions; some boat trips may be canceled and insect activity rises.
Generally pleasant with reduced humidity and clearer skies — one of the best periods for Sundarbans trips and comfortable city exploring.
Cool, dry and mild evenings (10–20°C / 50–68°F) with comfortable days — ideal for outdoor activities and wildlife viewing.
Khulna at Night
Hiking in Khulna
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Guided short walks on approved islands and forest fringes within the Sundarbans for birdwatching and mangrove exploration; always done with licensed guides and boat access.
Low‑elevation walks along riverbanks and through rural villages near Khulna offer easy, scenic excursions rather than mountainous hiking — good for cultural immersion and photography.
Walking routes around the historic mosques and archaeological sites in Bagerhat, combining light walking with cultural touring and photography.
Airports
How to reach Khulna by plane.
Closest domestic airport with regular flights to Dhaka and other cities; ground transport (bus, taxi) connects to Khulna in about 1.5–3 hours depending on service.
Main international gateway to Bangladesh; most international visitors arrive here and travel to Khulna by domestic flight to Jashore, train, bus or car (several hours).
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of Khulna’s population — culturally Bengali and predominantly Muslim, shaping language, food and daily rhythms.
A visible Hindu community with temples and cultural festivals contributing to the city’s diversity.
Khulna hosts shrimp processing plants, shipyards and industrial zones with many residents employed in manufacturing and trade.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Cricket is by far the most popular sport — local matches, street cricket and community games are common year‑round.
Football has strong local interest, with community matches and school competitions drawing crowds.
Traditional boat races and rowing activities are part of riverine culture, especially during festivals and local events.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Khulna.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available (dal, vegetable curries, bhaji, rice and rotis) but many dishes use fish or shrimp. Ask for ‘shobji’ (vegetable) dishes and confirm there is no fish or shrimp stock used.
Vegan choices exist but require care: avoid ghee or dairy‑based sweets and ask whether dishes use fish oil or shrimp paste. Simple vegetable curries, dal and rice are often safe if specified vegan.
Most meat served locally is halal by custom; seafood is widely acceptable. If you need specific halal certification, ask larger hotels or restaurants for confirmation.