Natore

The largest wetland of northwest Bangladesh — about 40% in Natore, 35% in Sirajganj and 25% in Pabna. Winter brings migratory birds and the monsoon brings open water for country-boat trips; forty-seven rivers and waterways feed the beel, the Atrai being the main inflow. It is a region, not a single site — visit from Singra/Gurudaspur (Natore), Tarash (Sirajganj) or Bhangura (Pabna) with a locally hired boat.

The seat and residence of the Rajshahi Raj zamindar family, a set of palace blocks spread over roughly 50 acres. The celebrated Rani Bhabani managed the estate and expanded the palace from here in the mid-1700s. Damaged in the 1897 earthquake and rebuilt, the blocks are walkable in a couple of hours.

An Indo-Saracenic royal palace built in 1734 by Raja Doyaram, Dewan of Rani Bhabani, known for its clocktower gate with an imported Italian clock and marble statues. Declared the official government residence for northern Bangladesh in 1972, a museum opened inside in 2018. Because it still serves a state function, check which parts are open to visitors before going.