Puthia Rajbari
About Puthia Rajbari
Puthia is a small town on the road from Rajshahi to Natore, and it holds one of the densest groups of historic temples in Bangladesh. At its centre stands Puthia Rajbari, the two-storey palace of the Puthia zamindar family, built in 1895 by Rani Hemanta Kumari Devi. Its long colonnaded front mixes European and Indian styles, with plaster mouldings and a broad lawn in front.
The family were among the wealthiest landholders of the region, and they spent generously on temples. Within a few minutes’ walk of the palace you can see the Boro Govinda Temple and the Chota Anhik Mandir inside the old compound, the Chota Govinda Mandir nearby, the four-tiered Dol Temple across the green and the five-spired Large Shiva Temple beside the Shiv Sagar pond.
The palace building is used by local institutions and is not always open inside, but the facade, grounds and temples are the real reason to come. Evergreen Bangladesh Tours includes Puthia on private tours of Rajshahi, with a local guide who knows which temple door is open on the day.
Things to do
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Walk the temple circuit
Follow a loop from the palace to the Govinda, Anhik, Dol and Shiva temples, all within easy walking distance.
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Photograph the palace facade
The long pillared front looks its best in soft late-afternoon light, reflected in the pond.
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Study the terracotta
Several temples carry fine terracotta panels with scenes from Hindu epics and village life.
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Village tea break
Stop at a roadside tea stall in Puthia bazaar and watch small-town life go by.
Getting there
From Rajshahi: Puthia is about 25 km east of the city on the Natore road, roughly 40 minutes by car.
From Dhaka: Fly or take the train to Rajshahi, then drive out. By road from Dhaka it is a long day, so most travellers stay in Rajshahi.
Where to stay
There are no tourist hotels in Puthia itself. Stay in Rajshahi city, which has a good choice of business hotels and guesthouses, and visit Puthia as a half-day trip.
Tours that visit Puthia Rajbari
Holiday Tours
Bangladesh Cultural and Heritage Discovery Tour
from $800 per person
Short Tours
Heritage Treasures of North Bengal
from $550 per person
Holiday Tours
Ten Days Across Bangladesh
from $800 per person
Questions
How far is Puthia from Rajshahi?
About 25 km east of Rajshahi city, around 40 minutes by car on the Natore road.
Can you go inside Puthia Rajbari?
The building is used by local institutions, so the interior is not always open. The facade, grounds and nearby temples can be seen freely.
How much time do I need?
Two to three hours covers the palace and the main temples at a relaxed pace.
Is there a dress code?
Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered, and remove shoes before entering any temple.