Pirojpur, Barishal
The old palace buildings and temples of the Rayerkathi zamindars, just outside Pirojpur town.
Rayerkathi was the seat of one of the old zamindar families of the Pirojpur area, whose estate is said to date back to the Mughal period. Over the generations the family built a cluster of residences, a court building and several temples around ponds near the town.
After the zamindari system ended and much of the family left, the buildings fell into decay. Some are now ruins overgrown with trees; others still stand, with arched doorways and ornamental brickwork. The temples remain places of worship, especially during Hindu festivals.
The site is unpolished and quiet — a glimpse of the estates that once ruled the countryside of southern Bengal.
Breakfast in Pirojpur and a walk by the river.
Ride out to the zamindar house and walk around the buildings, temples and ponds.
Return to town for rice, river fish and sweets.
October to March
A short auto-rickshaw or rickshaw ride from Pirojpur town.
