Balihar Rajbari
About Balihar Rajbari
Balihar Rajbari was the seat of the Balihar zamindars, a landholding family who ran a large estate in this part of Naogaon during the British period. Their palace, near Naogaon town, was once an imposing building with courtyards, columned halls and a family temple.
After the zamindari system was abolished in the 1950s, the family left and the palace fell into decay. Today parts of the building are roofless and wrapped in creepers and trees, while carved pillars, arches and plasterwork still hint at its former elegance. It is unrestored and quiet, which is a large part of its appeal.
Take care on the uneven ground and do not climb on fragile walls. Evergreen Bangladesh Tours visits Balihar on private tours of Naogaon, usually combined with the Kusumba Mosque and the monastery ruins at Paharpur.
Things to do
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Explore the ruins
Wander the courtyards and halls of the old palace, now taken over by trees and vines.
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Photography
Crumbling arches and roots growing through brick make for moody photographs.
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Village life
The palace sits among village homes; local children are often curious to say hello.
Getting there
From Naogaon town: A short drive, under an hour by car.
From Rajshahi or Bogura: Around 2 hours by car, best combined with Kusumba Mosque or Paharpur.
Where to stay
Stay in Naogaon town for the simplest access, or in Rajshahi or Bogura for a wider choice of hotels.
More to see in Naogaon
Tours that visit Balihar Rajbari
Short Tours
Heritage Treasures of North Bengal
from $550 per person
Questions
Is Balihar Rajbari restored?
No. It is an unrestored ruin, so take care when exploring.
How long does a visit take?
About an hour.
Is it worth the detour?
Yes, if you enjoy atmospheric ruins and quiet countryside. It combines well with Kusumba Mosque and Paharpur.