A cosy winter morning in Zindakuthi Market

Floating Vegetable Market

In the backwaters of Jhalokathi and Pirojpur, farmers sell vegetables and guavas straight from their boats. Most colourful in the monsoon guava season; allow a morning.

About Floating Vegetable Market

The canals of the south are a market place. At Bhimruli in Jhalokathi and other canal junctions nearby, farmers paddle in from their orchards and fields with boats piled high with produce, and traders buy straight from boat to boat. It is one of the most photogenic sights in Barishal Division.

The markets are best known for guavas. During the season, roughly July to September, the water fills with small boats loaded with green fruit, and the surrounding orchards are busy with pickers. Outside the season the markets are smaller and trade vegetables, coconuts and other produce, so it is worth checking what is on before you go.

You explore by country boat, drifting among the sellers and stopping at orchards along the banks. The same canals lead to the floating timber market near Swarupkathi, so the two make a natural day together. Evergreen Bangladesh Tours visits on private backwater tours with a local guide.

Things to do

  • Boat among the sellers

    Drift through the market in a small boat as produce changes hands around you.

  • Guava orchards

    Stop at an orchard along the canal and taste fresh guava in season.

  • Market photography

    Boats piled with green fruit make striking pictures, best in the morning.

  • Canal-side villages

    See homes, schools and landings along the backwaters.

Getting there

From Barishal: about an hour by road to the canals around Bhimruli, then by country boat.

From Dhaka: the overnight launch to Barishal is the classic route; by road via the Padma Bridge takes around five hours.

Where to stay

Stay in Barishal city, which makes an easy base for a day on the backwaters.

Tours that visit Floating Vegetable Market

Questions

When is the floating guava market?

Mainly in the guava season, roughly July to September. Smaller vegetable markets run at other times.

What time does the market start?

Trade is busiest in the morning, so plan to arrive early.

Is it suitable in the rain?

Yes, the boats keep running in the monsoon. Bring rain gear and a dry bag for your camera.

Can I buy fruit from the boats?

Yes, sellers are usually happy to sell a small amount to visitors.

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