Nilphamari (নীলফামারী): travel guide

Teesta-basin district, home to Nilsagar lake and Saidpur, with its rail junction and airport.

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

Things to do in Nilphamari

  • Saidpur Railway Workshop: Railway workshop in Saidpur with a history going back to 1870. Historical, free entry
  • Nilsagar Dighi: Large historic pond (about 54 acres) at Dhopadanga in Gorgram union, with a Hindu temple on the east bank and a darvesh's abode on the west bank; a picnic and recreation spot visited by migratory birds, with a fair at Baruni Snan. Nature, free entry, best time: Winter
  • Maynamatir Garh (ময়নামতির গড়): Fort mound linked to Raja Dharmapal's sister Maynamati in Harinchara union, Domar, about 18 km north of Nilphamari; tourists still visit. Historical, free entry
  • Chini Mosque, Saidpur (চিনি মসজিদ): Historic mosque in Saidpur, listed as a place of interest in Nilphamari district and on the district tourism portal. Religious, free entry
  • Nilphamari Museum (নীলফামারী জাদুঘর): District museum housed in the old building of the Nilphamari DC office. Museum, free entry
  • Nil Kuthi (নীল কুঠি): Old indigo factory site in Nilphamari town, next to the Deputy Commissioner's office; the town is named for indigo. Historical, free entry
  • Gomnati Forest (গোমনাতি ফরেস্ট): Forest Department forest in Gomnati union of Domar upazila. Nature, free entry
  • Dimla Forest (ডিমলা ফরেস্ট): Forest on the Domar-Dimla road, about 44 km north-east of Nilphamari town according to the district portal. Nature, free entry
  • Bhimer Chula (ভীমের মায়ের চুলা): Ancient site known as Bhimer Akha or Bhimer Mayer Chula, 200 m north-west of the Kishoreganj upazila complex. Historical, free entry
  • Harishchandrer Path (হরিশ্চন্দ্রের পাঠ): Ancient palace site traditionally linked to Raja Harishchandra in Khutamara union, Jaldhaka upazila. Historical, free entry
  • Kundupukur Mazar (কুন্দ পুকুর মাজার): Shrine of Hazrat Pir Mohiuddin in Kundapukur union, Nilphamari Sadar. Religious, free entry
  • Saidpur Christ Church (সৈয়দপুর খ্রিস্টান চার্চ): Church built in 1893 near the Saidpur railway workshops; the caretaker will open it if locked. Religious, free entry

Where to stay in Nilphamari

  • Hotel Abokash (Budget), about Check with hotel for current rates. Hotel on the Saidpur-Nilphamari road (older directory listing, 2021)
  • Eque Heritage Hotel and Resort (Resort), about Check with hotel for current rates. Saidpur hotel with pool, patio and restaurant; Saidpur is in Nilphamari district
  • Nilphamari Circuit House (Budget), about Check with hotel for current rates. Government circuit house with 8 guest rooms (3 AC VVIP/VIP, 5 non-AC); booked through the DC office (Nazarat Deputy Collector), mainly for officials
  • Hotel Air-Star (MidRange), about Check with hotel for current rates. 3-star hotel in Saidpur with restaurant and 25 rooms (aggregator listing)
  • Nilsagar Rest House (Budget), about ৳1,000 - ৳1,500/night. Government rest house beside Nilsagar pond run by the DC office; half rate for govt staff
  • Dimla Upazila Dak Bungalow (Budget), about Check with hotel for current rates. 3 non-AC rooms and 2 VIP rooms
  • Shanta Abasik Hotel (Budget), about Check with hotel for current rates. Single and double rooms with attached bathrooms
  • Domar Upazila Dak Bungalow (Budget), about Check with hotel for current rates. Government dak bungalow with 6 rooms

Travel advice for Nilphamari

  • Nilsagar fair: A fair with Harikirtan singers is held on the banks of Nilsagar during Baruni Snan, at the full moon of Baisakh; the pond is also a popular picnic spot.
  • Train to Nilphamari: The Nilshagor Express goes to Nilphamari (2017 travelogue); check the current Bangladesh Railway timetable. Onward by car, tempo or scooter.
  • Border areas: Chilahati Land Port and the Gomnati area lie right on the India border; keep to public areas, carry ID and follow BGB instructions.
  • Saidpur airport: Saidpur Airport, a domestic airport near Saidpur Cantonment, is about 20 km from Nilphamari town; Saidpur is also reached by road and rail.

More places to explore in Bangladesh

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