Rajshahi Central Zoo

Rajshahi Central Park and Zoo has been developed over 32.76 acres of erstwhile race course grounds along the banks of the Padma. The zoo is only 4.2 km from Rajshahi city. In 1972, the construction work of Rajshahi Central Zoo near Shaheed AHM Kamaruzzam Road was started, and in 1974-76, with the permission of the Revenue Department, the construction of a children's park was completed here along with the zoo. As a result, Rajshahi Central Zoo became known as Shaheed AHM Kamruzzaman Central Park & ​​Zoo.

At the main entrance gate of the zoo, there is a giant sculpture of a giraffe and a fountain of the mermaid. Shaded by various flowers, fruits and medicinal plants, the park has a small lake with various beautiful sculptures and aesthetic bridges. The notable collection in the zoo includes various aquatic and terrestrial animals including millet, balihas, horses, deer, antelopes, pythons, snakes, crocodiles. The beauty of Padma river can be enjoyed from the artificial hills of this park in a beautiful natural environment. Apart from this, the park has several interesting rides including paddle boat, Nagar Dola to entertain the visitors.

Today, this children's park has become one of the entertainment centers of Rajshahi city. In addition to the local visitors of Rajshahi, students and tourists from various educational institutions gather here every day for educational tours and picnics.

Rajshahi Central Park and Zoo is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Anyone can enter here by paying 25 rupees per person. However, a separate fee is required for the picnic spot.

Rajshahi is accessible by road, rail and air from the capital Dhaka city. From Dhaka's Mahakali, Abdullahpur, Gabtali and Kalyanpur, Green Line, Ekta and Desh Travels AC buses travel to Rajshahi at a fare of Tk 900 to 1400. Non-AC buses like Shyamli, Hanif, National Travels, Bablu Enterprise etc. operate at a fare of Tk 710 to 750.

Silk City, Dhumketu, Banalta and Padma Express trains run to Rajshahi from Kamalapur railway station. The fare will be Tk 340 to Tk 856 depending on the train class. Besides, if you want to go to Rajshahi in less time, you can go to Rajshahi by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, US Bangla Airlines and NovoAir flights from Dhaka's Shahjalal International Airport.

Rajshahi National Park and Zoo is located just 3 km from the zero point of Rajshahi city, on the east side of Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner's Office and Police Line. You can easily reach this park by taking a rickshaw or an auto from zero point of the city.

Notable residential hotels in Rajshahi city for overnight stay include Tourism Corporation Motel, Hotel Green City International, Hotel Star International, Hotel Nice International and Mukta International.

There are several good quality restaurants around the park. Besides, you will find different quality fast food, Chinese and Bengali restaurants in Rajshahi city.

Other Sightseeing Places in Rajshahi : Other sightseeing places in Rajshahi include Varendra Research Museum, Shishu Park, Bagha Mosque and Putia Rajbari.

Feature Image: Hasan Nabil