Sadarghat Boat Ride on the Buriganga River in Old Dhaka, Bangladesh

With sweaty palms and more than hint of trepidation I boarded a tiny vessel equipped with nothing more than an oar, a Bangladeshi man sporting a toothy grin and a tiny wooden plank for a seat.  Within moments we began our journey down the most functionally chaotic river port I had ever witnessed with my own two eyes.  Off in the distance, I could see colossal vessels that dwarfed the puny craft I had just boarded.

Like  lowly pawns on a chessboard, tiny rowboats crisscrossed and zigzagged around the larger vessels with an uncanny ability to weave in and out of the way.  The white knuckle grip I had on the side of our rowboat soon subsided as my previous reservations about the entire journey were melted by the lovely faces I encountered as we paddled along.  From Bangladeshi men dancing on the plank of gigantic freighters to oarsman with smiles plastered from ear to ear, I felt a welcome party was being thrown in my honor.

In Old Dhaka, the river Buriganga is the lifeblood of the city and a microcosm off the hectic pace of life that extends throughout Old Dhaka.  With nearly 30,000 people and what seems to be an infinite amount of vessels nearby the Sadarghat river font, visiting here is a pandemonium unlike any I’ve ever experienced in my entire life.  A never ending rindle of humanity pours into vessels where the cries of horns, voices and calls to prayer berates your ears.  A journey along the Buriganga river is an absolute must for those visiting Old Dhaka, Bangladesh.  The following is a travel photo essay where I hope to capture the intensity, chaos and friendly encounters one can expect as a passenger on a humble little craft:

Travel Photos: Buriganga Boat Ride – Crossing The River

A close-up telephoto shot of a group of young Bangladeshi boys/teenagers on a small river boat plying the waters of the Buriganga.

Bangladeshi women splash water on their faces nearby a less crowded ghat.

A group of adorable Bangladeshi boys wave to me as I take their photo.

An oarsman with a stern face and white beard glares at me as we pass his vessel.

The rowboat you see in front of us is nearly identical to the one I’ve just boarded.

This photo should give you a sense of the sheer size of the large vessels in comparison to the smaller passenger rowboats that all share space along the Buriganga.

These friendly Bangladeshi men greeted me with their warm smiles.

There was dancing. There was joy. There was plenty of hamming it up for the camera from these three Bangladeshi men.

One of the more distinct faces I encountered along the way.

This Bangladeshi man tends to the small fire at the ghat.

I wasn’t kidding when I mentioned that I felt like I was having a party thrown in my honor. Check out all of these smiling faces!

I took off my sandals along the way so I could stretch out my feet.

Here I am relaxing on the rowboat as we pass numerous other small vessels nearby the Sadarghat.

The button down shit and lungi (Bangladeshi skirt for men) are typical attire for Bangladeshi men – especially the oarsmen.

[vsw id=”61o7vVWhp7I” source=”youtube” width=”1000″ height=”800″ autoplay=”no”]

Travel video capturing my experience

What a treat! Smiles and a dance – just for me!” alt=”What a treat! Smiles and a dance – just for me!

This was a typical scene along the Buriganga River near the Sadarghat with small vessels weaving in and out along the chaotic waters.

Buriganga River In Old Dhaka, Bangladesh

The Buriganga River is one of the main rivers in Bangladesh and is a must-visit destination for travelers exploring Old Dhaka. This river is not only a lifeline for the city but also a cultural and historical hub that has been part of the region’s history for centuries. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities on the river, from river cruises to exploring the bustling waterfront markets.

One of the most popular things to do on the Buriganga River is to take a boat tour. There are many different types of boats available, ranging from large paddle steamers to small wooden rowboats. A boat tour offers a unique perspective on the city, and visitors can witness the vibrant activity along the riverbanks. They can also see the bustling shipyards and the ancient ferries that have been used for generations.

For those interested in history, a visit to the Sadarghat waterfront market is a must. This market is one of the oldest in Bangladesh and is a bustling hub of activity. It is also the main port for river transport in the city. Here, travelers can witness the comings and goings of the riverboats and cargo ships and experience the lively energy of the market.

Visitors can also explore the various ghats along the river. A ghat is a set of stairs leading down to the river, and these can be found throughout Old Dhaka. Each ghat has its own unique history and is an important cultural landmark in the city. At the ghats, travelers can watch local people washing their clothes, taking a bath, or simply relaxing by the river.

Finally, the Buriganga River is also a great place to sample local cuisine. Many restaurants and food stalls can be found along the waterfront, serving up a variety of delicious dishes, including fresh seafood, biryani, and kebabs.

In conclusion, the Buriganga River in Old Dhaka, Bangladesh, is a fascinating destination for travelers looking to explore the cultural and historical hub of the city. From boat tours to waterfront markets, visitors can experience the vibrant activity along the riverbanks and witness the daily life of the local people. The Buriganga River is a must-see attraction that offers a unique perspective on the city and its rich history.

Sadarghat For Travelers To Old Dhaka, Bangladesh

Sadarghat, located on the banks of the Buriganga River in Dhaka, Bangladesh, is a vibrant and bustling transportation hub that offers a unique glimpse into the country’s culture and history. As one of the largest river ports in the world, Sadarghat is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an authentic and immersive experience.

The port is a vibrant scene of activity, with countless boats and ferries constantly arriving and departing, carrying people, goods, and livestock. The sounds of horns and the commotion of travelers and traders create a sensory experience that is truly unforgettable. One can also witness the everyday life of the locals, who rely on the river for their livelihoods and daily needs.

Aside from its transportation significance, Sadarghat is also home to several attractions that are worth exploring. The Ahsan Manzil, a historic palace that was once the residence of the Nawabs of Dhaka, is located nearby and offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the city’s wealthy elite in the past. The nearby Lalbagh Fort, built in the 17th century, is also a popular tourist destination that offers a fascinating look into Bangladesh’s rich history.

In addition to the sights and sounds, Sadarghat is also a great place to sample some of Bangladesh’s delicious street food. Visitors can try local delicacies like samosas, biryani, and jhal muri, a popular snack made from puffed rice, vegetables, and spices.

Overall, Sadarghat is a fascinating and vibrant destination that offers an authentic look into the culture, history, and everyday life of Bangladesh. A visit to this bustling river port is an unforgettable experience that should not be missed by any traveler exploring the region.

Being A Foreigner In Dhaka, Bangladesh

Being a foreigner in Dhaka, Bangladesh is a fascinating and unique experience that offers a glimpse into a world that few travelers have experienced. With its bustling streets, vibrant culture, and friendly locals, Dhaka is a city that is unlike any other.

One of the most striking things about being a foreigner in Dhaka is the attention that you receive from the locals. With relatively few travelers visiting the city, foreigners are a rare sight and often attract a lot of curiosity from the locals. This can be both a positive and a negative thing, as while it can be overwhelming to be the center of attention, it can also lead to some incredibly rewarding interactions and experiences.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of being a foreigner in Dhaka is the opportunity to experience the city’s unique culture and way of life. From the colorful rickshaws that fill the streets to the fragrant street food that can be found on every corner, there is always something new and exciting to discover in this vibrant city.

Perhaps one of the biggest challenges of being a foreigner in Dhaka is the language barrier. English is not widely spoken in the city, and communication can be a struggle at times. However, this can also be an opportunity to learn a new language and connect with locals on a deeper level.

Despite the challenges, being a foreigner in Dhaka is a truly rewarding experience that offers a unique perspective on life in this bustling city. With its rich culture, friendly people, and vibrant energy, Dhaka is a destination that is well worth exploring for any traveler looking for an adventure off the beaten path.