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Rajshahi & Rangpur

Includes  Why Go? Rajshahi...... 84 The vast alluvial floodplains of northwest Bangladesh were Puthia...... 87 a cradle of ancient Buddhist and Hindu kingdoms that held Sona Masjid (Gaud). . 88 sway over the region for centuries, before eventually suc- Bogra...... 89 cumbing to Islamic conquerors. Modern-day Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions – which cover this heritage-strewn region – Mahasthangarh . . . .91 are thus rife with the tumbledown walls of many splendidly Paharpur...... 93 decaying ruins from these bygone eras. Needless to say, it’s Rangpur...... 94 enough reason for history and archaeology buffs to visit. Dinajpur...... 97 In a nutshell, the area contains some of Bangladesh’s fin- est rajbaris (Raj-era palaces), exquisitely decorated temples and the country’s largest and most impressive Buddhist ruins. Small villages, colourful markets and remote commu- nities living on fast-eroding sand islands all add to the allure Best Places to Eat of a trip to this part of the country. The idyllic rural land- ¨¨RDRS Guesthouse (p96) scape is stunning to boot, and lends a fantastic backdrop to the decaying, moss-hewn ancient architecture that steals ¨¨Chili’s (p86) the attention of your camera. ¨¨Order’s Up (p85)

When to Go Best Places Bogra to Sleep °C/°F Te mp Rainfall inches/mm 40/104 ¨¨RDRS Guesthouse (p96) 24/600

¨¨Chez Razzak (p84) 30/86 16/400 ¨¨Archaeological Rest House 20/68 (p94) 8/200 10/50

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(p93) (p93) Paharpur (p91) (p91) Mahasthangarh Temple Kantanagar N E I W ( B Rajshahi & Rangpur Highlights Wandering the ruined remains the ruined remains Wandering known oldest the country’s of city. (p97) Walking through Walking (p97) 3 2 1 Exploring this ruined Exploring Bangladesh’s monastery, site. archaeological standout

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