Enjoy the Tranquil Beauty of Birishiri
Located around 200 km north of the city of Dhaka, close to the border between Bangladesh and India, Birishiri in the Netrokona District is gaining favor with travelers who appreciate natural beauty and enjoy visiting places off the beaten track. With the spectacular Durgapur ceramic hills as a backdrop, the Shomeshwari River is the centerpiece of the area's scenic surroundings. The color of the river's water changes as the level rises and falls through the seasons and it is always a delight to see. In the drier months, the river can be crossed on foot, while in the rainy season it swells in size, but is still relatively slow-flowing and boats are available as transportation to cross the river.
In addition to the natural beauty of Birishiri, visitors will find the rich cultural diversity fascinating. Ethnic groups found in the Netrokona District, of which Birishiri is a part, include the Banai tribe who speak their own dialect called Banai, and are followers of the Hindu religion. Also in the area are members of the Buna tribe who speak Bangla and practice Hinduism; the Garo tribe who speak Achik or Garo and follow the Christian religion; and the Hajong tribe who speak Hajong and practice Hinduism. There is an ethnic museum at Birishiri which offers insight into the history, traditions, languages and culture of the various tribes in the area.
Visitors to Birishiri can travel by bus from Dhaka, taking note that the last 30 km of the journey is likely to be a bumpy ride as the road is rough. In the town rickshaw drivers are available to take visitors to all the best spots to visit and most travelers make use of this option, as the majority of rickshaw pullers are knowledgeable about the area, and it provides income for the locals.
Places to visit include the palace of the Susang king, the Dasha Busha temple, Ramakrishna temple near Kula Para and Loknath Baba temple. The Orange forest and Spice Garden with its cinnamon and bay leaf trees provide a feast for the senses and a walk along the sandy banks of the Shomeshwari River is sure to be a relaxing, yet rejuvenating, experience.
