Jessore (যশোর): travel guide

Flower district of Bangladesh, with wholesale gerbera and gladiolus fields; home of the Chanchra Temples and the Sagardari birthplace of the poet Michael Madhusudan Dutt.

Jessore is in Jessore district, Khulna division, Bangladesh. Compare bus, train and air fares to Jessore and see the route on a map.

Things to do in Jessore

  • Jessore Institute Public Library: Public library established in 1851, described as among the oldest in the country, in Jessore town. Historical, free entry, best time: Daytime
  • Chanchra Temples: Former Chanchra Rajbari area just south of downtown Jessore, with the almost-restored Shiv temple (a terracotta, eight-roofed structure) and the ruined Dosh Mahabidya temple. Historical, free entry, best time: Winter
  • Madhusudan Dutt House, Sagardari: Birthplace and family home of the poet Michael Madhusudan Dutt in Keshabpur upazila, now a museum and library holding family belongings. A large fair is held here around his birth anniversary in late January. Museum, free entry, best time: Late January (Madhu Mela) or winter
  • Mound of Dam Dam Peer (দমদম পীরের ঢিবি): Archaeological mound at Sonargram village, Bhojgati Union, Manirampur, said to be about 1,800 years old, where excavations since 2004-05 revealed 18 rooms and terracotta plaques. Historical, free entry, best time: Winter
  • Jhapa Baor (ঝাঁপা বাওড়): Large oxbow lake (baor) in Jhapa Union, Manirampur. Lake, free entry, best time: Winter
  • Jashore Collectorate Building: Red-brick colonial-era Collectorate building in the Daratana area at the heart of Jessore town, set in a Collectorate park; Wikivoyage describes the park as open 10 AM-7 PM daily and the building as dating from 1786. Historical, free entry, best time: Evening, when the building is lit
  • Godkhali Flower Market (গদখালী ফুল বাজার): Wholesale marigold and other flower market at Godkhali in Jhikargachha, with flower fields around nearby Panisara that can be seen along the road. Market, free entry, best time: Winter morning
  • Bharat Bhayna: Conical archaeological mound about 12 m high at Bharat Bhayna village, Keshabpur, probably the remains of an ancient Buddhist temple (thought to be 5th century AD); it is only partly excavated. Historical, free entry, best time: Winter

Where to stay in Jessore

  • Hotel City Plaza International (MidRange), about ৳1,680 - ৳5,000/night (+15% VAT). Restaurant, free breakfast, wifi and A/C
  • Zabeer Hotel International (Luxury), about around ৳6,105/night. Rooftop pool, gym and full breakfast
  • Jashore IT Park Hotel and Resort (MidRange). 3-star hotel with restaurant, near Jashore IT Park
  • Iqbal Manjil Serviced Apartments (MidRange), about ৳3,500 - ৳4,500/night. Serviced suites with breakfast included, room service and Wi-Fi

Travel advice for Jessore

  • Khejurer rosh and patali gur (Khajura): Jessore is known for date juice and for patali, the date-palm jaggery cooked and crystallised by a traditional method, made mainly in Khajura upazila. Date palms also grow around Keshabpur and Manirampur. The tradition is declining as fewer trees are tapped.
  • Madhu Mela in January: A large fair is held at Sagardari around Michael Madhusudan Dutt's birth anniversary in late January, drawing big crowds.
  • Getting to Sagardari: From the Jessore inter-district bus terminal take any Chuknagar-bound bus to Keshabpur, then hire a van or easy-bike to Sagardari; agree the fare first.
  • Jessore airport: Jessore airport serves only Dhaka but is the nearest airport for Khulna and the south-west. Buses connect Jessore with Khulna in about 1h45.
  • Flower fields near Godkhali: Flower fields around Godkhali and Panisara are best seen in the cooler months; Benapole-bound buses stop at Godkhali bazar and vans run on to the fields.

More places to explore in Bangladesh

JatraSathi is a free Bangladesh trip planner in English and Bangla. Prices are estimates; check before you travel.