Barishal
One of the largest old ponds in southern Bangladesh, dug in the time of the Chandradwip kings, with a wooded island in the middle and migratory birds in winter.
Durga Sagar is a huge old pond (dighi) at Madhabpasha, once the seat of the kings of Chandradwip, who ruled this part of the delta before the British. According to local tradition it was dug in the late 18th century by a king of Chandradwip and named after his mother, Rani Durgavati.
In a region where river water turns salty and muddy, great ponds like this were built to give people clean water, and they were seen as acts of piety and generosity. Durga Sagar is one of the largest of them in the south.
Today it is a quiet, shaded place: a broad sheet of water ringed by trees and a walking path, with a small wooded island in the middle. In winter, migratory birds settle on the water, and the pond is a favourite outing for families from Barishal city.
Take a CNG or bus from Barishal towards Banaripara and get off at Madhabpasha.
Follow the tree-lined path around the water and look out for birds on the far side and around the island.
Sit on the steps of a ghat as the light softens over the water.
Return before dark and finish with dinner and sweets on Sadar Road.
November to February for migratory birds and cool weather; afternoons are the most pleasant
At Madhabpasha, about 10–12 km from Barishal city on the Barishal–Banaripara road: around 30 minutes by CNG or local bus.
