Gabkhan Bridge Jhalakathi

The 5th Bangladesh China-Friendship Bridge established on the Gabkhan Channel, known as the Suez Canal of Bengal, is known as the Gabkhan Bridge. The length of Gabkhan Channel, the only artificial waterway in Bangladesh connecting Sandhya and Sugandha rivers, is about 18 km. This canal is unique in Bangladesh in terms of its beauty.

To add a new dimension to being enthralled by the nearly 200-year-old Gabkhan Channel waterways, one can board the front deck of a centenarian paddle steamer. The Gabkhan bridge built on the Gabkhan Canal is recognized as the highest bridge in the country. And the wonderful construction style of the bridge has given it a special uniqueness from all other bridges.

If you want to see Gabkhan bridge, you have to come to Jhalkathi district first. Gabkhan Bridge can be reached within 10-15 minutes by renting an auto rickshaw from the fire service junction of Jhalkathi district. Besides, you can take a bus bound for Pirojpur and get down at Gabkhan Setu.

Dhaka to Jhalkathi : AC and non-AC buses of various types ply on the Dhaka to Jhalkathi route. Among them, Hanif, Sakura, Sarbik, Sonar Tari, Surabhi Transport are among them. AC/Non-AC bus ticket price is Tk 550 to Tk 900 per person.

There are currently 4 paddle steamers plying the Gabkhan Channel. Lepcha, Mahsud, Ostrich and Tarn steamers leave Sadarghat at 6.30pm Sat, Sun, Tue, Wed. Dhaka to Morelganj deck fare is Tk 280, non AC double cabin fare is Tk 2100, AC double cabin fare is Tk 3715.

There are quite a few residential hotels in Jhalakathi district town. Dhansindi Rest House or Dalian Thai Chinese Hotel located on Kalibari Road in the city will cost 250 to 1000 Tk.

If you are visiting Jhalkathi, you can try Luchi-Vhaji from Morning-Evening Sweets on Kalibari Road, Sweets and Rasmalai from Ghosh Sweets Store.

Feature Image: Nadeem Hossain