Loading...If you are looking for a nearby destination for a trip close to Dhaka, one of the most popular places is Moinot Ghat in Dohar. This area on the banks of the Padma River has become quite popular for visits, and it is possible to go there and return on the same day from the capital.
Once you visit, you will be mesmerized and will find yourself gazing at the beautiful waters of the Padma River. The vast waters of the Padma, the boats of fishermen drifting on the river, and walking along the shore will make you feel, for a moment, as if you are not in Dhaka’s Dohar but on the beaches of Cox’s Bazar. This is why many people refer to Moinot Ghat as Mini Cox’s Bazar.
Moinot Ghat has become quite popular among Dhaka’s residents for several reasons. The main attraction is the vast char (sandbank) on the eastern side and the expansive Padma River in front. Upon arrival, some people may wonder whether they are standing on a river’s char or a seaside shore! You can also take a boat ride on the Padma River along the banks. Additionally, during the season, you will see numerous colorful sailboats here.
The best time to visit Moinot Ghat is during the monsoon season. At this time, the lowlands on both sides of the road, where peanuts are grown before the rains, get submerged in the Padma’s water, offering a stunning view. Even before the monsoon, the beauty of this place is captivating. If you enjoy sunsets, watching the sunset on the Padma River one evening will leave a lasting memory.
For river tours on the Padma, you can take a trawler, ferry, or even a speedboat. A boat for up to eight people costs between 2,000 to 2,500 Taka for a 30-minute ride. There are also various engine boats available in different sizes, with prices ranging from 250 to 800 Taka per hour, and you can explore the area with 4 to 20/25 people at a time.
However, to truly enjoy the beauty of the Padma, it’s better to take an engine boat for a two- to three-hour ride away from the hustle and bustle of Moinot Ghat.
You can also buy fresh fish from the Padma River while on your boat ride. If you happen to encounter a fisherman’s boat, you can purchase fresh fish directly. However, the price for fresh Padma fish is relatively higher.
The second half of the day is the best time to enjoy Moinot Ghat and the Padma River’s beauty. You should not leave without witnessing the sunset.
If you plan to do a full-day trip, you can visit some historical sites and locations in Nawabganj during the morning. Start your day by visiting the Gandhi Maidan at Kolakopa in Nawabganj, the ancient palace, N House, Jagabandhu Saha House, and Khelaram Datar’s House. Don’t forget to check out the Judge’s House and Lawyer’s House in Nawabganj, and if possible, visit the Jopmala Rani Church in Bandura.
Food Arrangements:
There are only two restaurants at Moinot Ghat: Atahar Chowdhury’s Hotel and Julhas Bhuiyan’s Hotel. Most people come here hoping to enjoy the famous Ilish fish by the Padma River. While occasionally Ilish is available at these restaurants, on weekends, when the tourist crowd is larger, it can be difficult to find. The price of Ilish ranges from 60 to 90 Taka. If you wish to have larger Ilish fish, you should pre-order. Other fish like Boal (80 to 100 Taka) and shrimp (60 to 80 Taka) are also available. Rice is priced at 10 Taka per plate. However, better food options are available in Kartikpur Bazar nearby.
In Kartikpur Bazar, you can visit Shikdar Fast Food and other local eateries for rice and other dishes. Don’t miss out on the traditional sweets from Kartikpur, which are even sent abroad. The sweets from Ranjit and Niranjan Sweets are quite popular, and you can try their famous Chanar Rosogolla, priced at 180-200 Taka per kilogram, and other sweets like Chomchom, Kalojam, Balusha, Jalebi, Rasmalai, and Doi.
Accommodation:
Currently, there are no hotels, resorts, or boardings built near Moinot Ghat for tourists. It is recommended to visit during the day and return in the evening unless you can arrange a local resident’s house for accommodation.
How to Get There:
The most convenient way to reach Moinot Ghat from Dhaka is by taking a Jamuna Paribahan bus directly from the Golap Shah Mazar in Gulistan. The fare is 90 Taka, and it takes about 1.5 to 2.5 hours to reach Moinot Ghat. You can return to Dhaka on the same bus, with the last bus leaving Moinot Ghat at 6 PM. Alternatively, you can also take the N Mallik Paribahan from the same location in Gulistan, getting off at Nawabganj’s Majhirkanda. From there, take a local auto to Banshtola in Dohar for 15 Taka. From Banshtola, you can take another auto to Moinot Ghat for 10 Taka or a rickshaw for 20 Taka.
There are other transport options as well, including private cars, motorcycles, or buses via the Joypara route. From Joypara, you can take an auto to Kartikpur Bazar and then another auto to Moinot Ghat.
Precautions:
- If you cannot swim, avoid venturing too deep into the Padma River while swimming.
- Avoid littering by throwing cigarette packets, food wrappers, or bottles anywhere.
- Do not harm the birds in the area.
- Be respectful towards the locals, including shopkeepers and boat operators.
- Be mindful of your behavior, especially towards women. If any inappropriate behavior is observed, contact the nearby police station at Moinot Ghat for assistance.
So, what are you waiting for? The Padma River, with all its natural beauty, is calling you. Moinot Ghat, with its scenic splendor, is waiting for you!
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