Tanjim Istiaque | Published: August 14, 2022 17:18:42 | Updated: August 14, 2022 18:15:01

You might have heard about the floating markets in Thailand. But have you heard anything about the floating market in Bangladesh?

The largest floating guava market can be found in Barishal, otherwise called Bengal's Venice. Apart from business purposes, if you need a break from your hectic schedule, just visit the 200-year-old floating guava market.

The southern part of Bangladesh is known for its guavas, often known as 'Bengal's Apple.' Farmers in Pirozpur rely largely on guava growing, particularly in Jhalakathi Sadar Upazila, Swarupkathi, and Banaripara Upazila.

The floating guava market is found mostly at Bhimruli, Atghar, and Kuriana in Pirojpur's Swarupkathi Upazila. On 31,000 acres of land, 20,000 households from 26 communities cultivate guava. About 60 per cent of the local guava market need is supplied from here.

The guavas are brought in boats by dealers and sold wholesale for Tk 250 – 300 every 40 kg. The market opens early in the morning and closes in the evening. Though the guava market stays open every day of the week, the best time to visit is during the guava season (July-August).

The Bhimruli Market typically remains busiest between 12 noon and 3:00 pm.  Therefore, getting to the market by 11 AM is better, as the crowd thins out after that time.

Special features of the market

Swarupkathi's village Bhimruli has been a tourist attraction in recent years since travellers have discovered this place recently.

The Boat Market here at Atghar, Kuriana is another key appeal. However, the boat market was only held on Mondays and Wednesdays. Guthia Mosque is also worth a visit.

At the northernmost end of the market, there is a little bridge that crosses the canal. It can be considered a watch tower because the entire market can be seen very well from that place. The picturesque beauty and surroundings around the market may convey you to Thailand or Venice in the heartland of Bengal. Furthermore, the rain enhances the beauty of the surroundings.

Nothing surpasses the magnificence of the floating market when you arrive in Bhimruli; the interconnecting rivers, the boats loaded with guavas, and the luxuriant foliage on both ends of the canal make you feel like you've entered a piece of heaven.

The construction of the Padma Bridge has greatly facilitated transportation in southern Bangladesh. It was once unimaginable to travel to Pirojpur by bus in 6 to 8 hours.

However, if a two-day trip is planned, the relaxing launch travel by night is advised. After leaving the launch at Barishal Sadarghat, one must take a CNG or vehicle to the Banaripara launch ghat. Then you can rent a trawler or a boat for Bhimruli. For launch travel, launches like Surovi 9 leave at 8 PM from Sadarghat and reach Barisal by 3 AM.

If you prefer to go by air, there is a direct flight from Dhaka to Barishal. Novoair, US-Bangla, and Biman Bangladesh conduct flights in this route.

Food, accommodation and necessary requirements

There are restaurants and lodging residences in Pirorjpur close to the market, or you can stay in a hotel in Barishal and travel to Pirojpur from there. Nevertheless, if you don’t have that much time, you can simply return home by taking a bus at night which won’t require booking a hotel.

Don’t forget to take a life vest, raincoat, polythene, necessary medicines, as well as some dry food.

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Published by Syed Manzur Elahi for International Publications Limited from Tropicana Tower (4th floor), 45, Topkhana Road, GPO Box : 2526 Dhaka- 1000 and printed by him from City Publishing House Ltd., 1 RK Mission Road, Dhaka-1000.

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