Khulna

Khulna, the third-largest city in Bangladesh, serves as the primary gateway to the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest and home to the Royal Bengal Tiger. Positioned on the banks of the Rupsha and Bhairab rivers, it is an essential river port and industrial hub for the southwestern region. Historically, Khulna gained prominence during the British Raj as a center for the jute industry, earning the nickname City of Jute due to its massive processing mills. In recent decades, the city's economy has shifted toward the lucrative frozen seafood export business, particularly shrimp and prawn farming, which is a major foreign exchange earner for the country. The city's geography is defined by its proximity to the tidal delta, making it a critical staging ground for ecotourism and environmental research. Nearby, the historic city of Bagerhat, founded by Khan Jahan Ali in the 15th century and now a UNESCO World Heritage site, features the magnificent Sixty Dome Mosque. Khulna itself is characterized by a relatively cleaner environment and wider roads compared to other Bangladeshi metropolises. Key landmarks include the Khan Jahan Ali Bridge, which connects the city to the southern districts and the port of Mongla. The city is also an educational center, hosting the Khulna University and the Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET). As a transit point for goods coming from the Mongla port, the city plays a vital role in national commerce. Despite challenges such as salinity intrusion and seasonal cyclones, Khulna continues to grow as a resilient urban center that bridges the gap between industrial development and one of the most fragile ecosystems on Earth.

Nearby cities

Khulna

Khulna is a major industrial city that serves as the gateway to the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest.

Jessore

A historic city in southwestern Bangladesh, known for its date palm juice and as the first district liberated in 1971.

Kushtia

The cultural capital of Bangladesh, famous for being the home of the philosopher-saint Lalon Shah and the poet Rabindranath Tagore.

Jhenaidah

A district in western Bangladesh known for its agricultural diversity and several historical mosques and temples.

Tsimasham

Tsimasham is the headquarters of Chukha district, strategically located along the main highway between Thimphu and the Indian border.

Sirajganj

A major river port and transportation hub on the Jamuna River, connecting northern Bangladesh with the rest of the country.

Bogra

One of the oldest cities in Bengal, known as the 'Capital of North Bengal' and famous for its archaeological heritage.

Haa

Haa is a small, secluded town in western Bhutan, nestled in a deep valley near the border with Tibet.

Lhamoizingkha

Lhamoizingkha is a subtropical border town in Bhutan, situated on the banks of the Sunkosh River in an area with lush vegetation.

Pabna

An important city in western Bangladesh, known for its hosiery industry and mental health hospital.

Rangpur

One of the major cities in northern Bangladesh, known for its agricultural importance and historical sites like Tajhat Palace.

History & landmarks

Bagerhat

Bagerhat is a historic town in southwestern Bangladesh, home to a UNESCO-listed 15th-century mosque city built by Khan Jahan Ali.

Sundarbans

The largest contiguous mangrove forest in the world is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to the endangered Bengal tiger.

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Phajoding Monastery

A massive monastery complex high above Thimphu, reached by a steep hike.

Buddha Dordenma

A gigantic Buddha statue towering over Thimphu.

Taktsang Monastery

Known as the Tiger's Nest, the monastery clings to a steep cliff above the Paro Valley.

Gasa Dzong

A historic mountain fortress built in the 17th century to protect against attacks from the north.

Kila Nunnery

The oldest nunnery in Bhutan, often referred to as the female Tiger's Nest.

Dochula Pass

A scenic mountain pass featuring 108 memorial chortens.

Nature

Wang Chhu

The main river of the Thimphu Valley runs through Bhutan's capital and forms a picturesque gorge in the west of the country.

Jamuna River

The lower course of the Brahmaputra in Bangladesh, characterized by many sandbars.

More places

Sixty Dome Mosque

One of the oldest mosques in Bangladesh, located in Bagerhat.

Mujibnagar Monument

The monument commemorates the first provisional government of Bangladesh, which was sworn in here in 1971.

Sundarbans

The largest mangrove forest on Earth and home to the Bengal tiger.

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Bjemina Industrial Estate

An industrial estate near the capital Thimphu, focusing on light industries, wood processing, and construction materials.

Chukha Hydropower Plant

Bhutan's first major hydroelectric project, built in the 1980s with Indian assistance.

Port of Mongla

This is the second largest seaport of Bangladesh, situated at the confluence of the Pasur and Mongla rivers.

Motithang Takin Preserve

A wildlife reserve in Thimphu that protects the takin, Bhutan's national animal, which appears to be half goat and half cow.

National Seed Centre Paro

An important facility for preserving agricultural diversity and providing high-quality seeds to Bhutanese farmers.