Kishoreganj, Dhaka
A vast haor that becomes an inland sea in the monsoon, with a long embankment road, village islands and boat rides to the horizon.
The haors of Kishoreganj are wide, saucer-shaped basins between rivers. From about June the rivers rise and the basins join into one great sheet of water, with villages standing on raised mounds like islands. In winter the water drains away and the same land is planted with boro rice.
Nikli became one of the most popular haor destinations once its long embankment road was built along the water’s edge. On a monsoon afternoon the road is lined with visitors, and boats take people out to see the villages, the swamp trees and the sunset over the water.
It is an easy introduction to haor life, close enough to Dhaka for a weekend trip.
Leave Kishoreganj town early by CNG or bus.
Walk along the embankment road for wide views over the water.
Hire an engine boat with life jackets and visit the island villages and swamp trees.
Fresh fish or duck curry in Nikli bazar.
Watch the sun set over the water from the embankment, then head back to town.
July to October, when the haor is full; avoid stormy days.
Nikli upazila is north-east of Kishoreganj town. Take a CNG or local bus from the town to Nikli, around 1–1.5 hours; the embankment and boat ghats are close to the bazar.
