Photo: MD. Shoriful Islam T…, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gajni
About Gajni
Gajni, known locally as the Gajni Abakash Kendra, lies in Jhenaigati upazila of Sherpur district, in the low hills along the border with the Indian state of Meghalaya. It was developed as a public leisure area, and on Fridays and holidays it is one of the most popular outings in the region.
Paths wind through forested hills to a lake with boats and to a viewing tower, from where the Garo Hills rise on the Indian side. The surrounding villages are home to Garo and Koch families, and the drive in passes rice fields, small markets and homesteads at the foot of the hills.
Gajni is busiest on weekends and quietest early on weekdays. Wild elephants sometimes come down from the hills along this border, so keep to the main paths and follow local advice. Madhutila Eco Park in neighbouring Nalitabari offers similar hill scenery if you have more time.
Evergreen Bangladesh Tours can include Gajni on a private tour of the northern hills with Birishiri; see Mymensingh Division for more of the region.
Things to do
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Walk the forest paths
Follow the paths through the wooded hills for an easy walk in the Garo foothills.
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Climb the viewing tower
Look north across the border to the Garo Hills of Meghalaya.
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Take a boat on the lake
Hire a small boat on the lake for a quiet half hour among the hills.
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Meet Garo communities
With your guide, visit nearby villages and learn about Garo life and traditions.
Getting there
From Dhaka: about five to six hours by road via Mymensingh and Sherpur town.
From Mymensingh: about two hours by road. Gajni and Birishiri are both in the northern hills but are best visited on separate days.
Where to stay
There is little accommodation at Gajni itself. Sherpur town has simple hotels, and Mymensingh, about two hours away, has the widest choice.
We suggest hotels that fit your budget when we send your tour price.
Tours that visit Gajni
None of our set tours stop here yet, but we can add it to a tailor-made trip.
Questions
Where is Gajni?
In Jhenaigati upazila, Sherpur district, in the foothills of the Garo Hills on the border with Meghalaya, India.
How do I get to Gajni from Dhaka?
By road via Mymensingh and Sherpur town, about five to six hours. Many travellers combine it with a night in Mymensingh or Sherpur.
What is the best time to visit Gajni?
November to February, when the weather is dry and cool for walking. The hills are greenest after the monsoon, in September and October.
Is Gajni safe to visit?
Yes, it is a popular family destination. Wild elephants occasionally cross from the hills in this border area, so keep to the main paths and follow local advice.