Bhitargarh
The ramparts of a huge ancient fort city near the Indian border, with the 53-acre Maharajar Dighi at its heart.
Bhitargarh, in Amarkhana union north of Panchagarh town, is one of the largest fortified sites in Bangladesh. Archaeologists believe the city was founded around the 5th or 6th century and occupied for over a thousand years. Its earthen and brick ramparts form a series of nested enclosures spread across about 25 square kilometres, and parts run into Indian territory.
To a casual eye most of it now looks like raised field boundaries and wooded mounds, but excavations have revealed brick structures and a clever water system that diverted the Shalmara river. The main stop for visitors is Maharajar Dighi, a large tank with brick ghats and tree-lined banks, associated in local legend with a king named Prithu Raja.
How to go
Bhitargarh is about 15 km north of Panchagarh town. Hire an auto-rickshaw or CNG (≈35 min, 300-500 BDT return) or take a shared auto towards Amarkhana and then a van to Maharajar Dighi.
Where to stay
Stay in Panchagarh town, where simple hotels charge 1,000-3,000 BDT.
