Bithangal Akhra
A centuries-old Vaishnava monastery on the edge of the Baniachong haors, reached by boat in the monsoon.
Bithangal Akhra is a Vaishnava monastery in Bithangal village on the edge of the haors of Baniachong upazila, founded in the 16th century by the saint Ramkrishna Goswami. Its long rows of cells, said to number more than a hundred, once housed resident sadhus, and the complex still keeps old treasures such as a marble seat and objects used in festivals.
The akhra comes alive during major Vaishnava festivals, when devotees arrive from across the region. For most travellers, though, half the charm is the journey: in the monsoon the last stretch is by boat across a sea-like haor, with the akhra appearing on its raised mound like an island.
How to go
From Habiganj town go to Baniachong by bus or CNG (≈30-40 min, 50-80 BDT). From there, about 12 km south-west, use a motorbike or CNG in the dry season or an engine boat across the haor in the monsoon (≈1-1.5 h; boats 1,500-2,500 BDT return).
Where to stay
Stay in Habiganj town (1,000-3,000 BDT); there is no tourist accommodation in Bithangal.
