Destination guide
Barguna Launch Ghat
বরগুনা লঞ্চ ঘাট
The beating heart of Barguna town — at dusk, when the Dhaka launches berth or cast off, the ghat turns into a fair. Many say the approach to Barguna is the most beautiful of any district — the launch slips in through a narrow canal with keora forest on both banks, and to many it feels like drifting down a Sundarbans creek. Those who love rivers travel here by launch — the moonlit crossing, gulls at dawn, the hum of the ghat — that is the real sight.
History & significance
Three launches once ran this route daily; after the Padma Bridge opened, passengers fell away, and now the Pubali-1 is the only regular one left. The route survives on Barishal–Chandpur branch traffic. The Gabkhan Channel on the way was dug in 1918 under British rule — locally it is called the Suez Canal of Bengal.
How to get there
From Dhaka's Sadarghat, the MV Pubali-1 departs at 6:30 PM (daily or alternate days) — deck ৳500, non-AC single cabin ৳1,300, double ৳2,500 — crossing Chandpur and Barishal, then up the Bishkhali past Betagi, Kathalia, Bamna, Kalikabari and Ramna ghat to reach Barguna around 10:30 next morning. The MB Royal Cross or Rajarhat-B also run (VIP single ৳700); the Shoriyotpuri-3 serves Amtali. Returning, day launches run via Kaliganj–Ilisha (the Karnaphuli-14 leaves at 9 AM).
Entry fee
No verified entry fee yet
Travellers mention a ৳10 terminal ticket at Dhaka's Sadarghat; nobody reports a separate ticket to enter the Barguna ghat itself.
Opening hours & best time
The ghat works all day, but it comes alive at dusk — departure and berthing time. In winter low water, launches time their runs by the tide; December nights on the open deck are bitterly cold.
Best time
Travel on a full-moon winter night — with dawn fog and gulls; just remember warm clothing.
Traveller tips
Book cabins by phone ahead — they sell out on holidays.
Onboard food is priced above market (one traveller paid ৳80 for rice and dal) — stock up at the ghat.
Do not lose your way among Sadarghat's gates — southern launches cluster on one side; ask which gate first.
Sit at the front of the deck — that is where the views are best; keep belongings close.
Launches running an hour late is normal — do not build a tight schedule on them.
Location
The exact coordinates of this destination have not been verified yet, so no map location is shown.