Joypurhat is the smallest district in Rajshahi Division, wedged between Bogura, Naogaon and the Indian border. The district is known for the country's largest state-owned sugar mill, fertile flat farmland growing pointed gourds and potatoes, and expansive historic ponds like Nandail Dighi. Travelers usually reach it by the broad-gauge railway line that cuts north through its center toward Dinajpur.
- From Dhaka
- About 250 km, 6.5 hours by road
- Best time
- November to February
- A day costs
- About ৳1,300 to ৳5,000 per person
- Nearest airport
- Saidpur Airport (SPD)
What Joypurhat is famous for
- Cane sugar from Joypurhat Sugar Mills জয়পুরহাট চিনি কলের চিনি
- Gur-er khaja গুড়ের খাজা
- Pointed gourd (patol) পটল
How Joypurhat got its name
The town is said to take its name from King Joypal of the Pala dynasty, who ruled the surrounding region. When the railway arrived in 1884, the word hat, meaning market, was added to the station name to distinguish it from Jaipur in India.
Places to visit in Joypurhat
Photo: Ratuls21, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Joypurhat Sugar Mills জয়পুরহাট চিনি কল
The largest state-owned sugar mill in Bangladesh, established in 1960 on a 100-acre industrial campus in Joypurhat town.
- Best time
- November to February during the sugarcane crushing season
- Give it
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free to view; rickshaw from the railway station about ৳30–40
Hinda-Kasba Shahi Mosque হিন্দা-কসবা শাহী জামে মসজিদ
A distinctive five-domed mosque built in 1958 with a tall minaret, delicate glass mosaics, and carved marble patterns.
- Best time
- November to February
- Give it
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free entry; shared CNG from Joypurhat town about ৳50 each way
Nandail Dighi নান্দাইল দিঘী
A vast 59-acre reservoir stretching nearly a kilometre, excavated in 1610 and now a winter refuge for migratory waterfowl.
- Best time
- December to February for migratory bird sightings
- Give it
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free; CNG from Joypurhat town about ৳60–80 each way, van about ৳20
Unseen Joypurhat: the lesser-known places
Quieter spots most visitors miss. Go with a local driver or ask us to arrange one.
Photo: Rangan Datta Wiki, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Lokma Rajbari (Lokma Zamindar Bari) লকমা রাজবাড়ি
The decaying brick arches and overgrown courtyards of an 18th-century zamindar estate standing right beside the Indian border.
- Best time
- November to February
- Give it
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free entry; auto to Panchbibi about ৳40, van to Koria village roughly ৳100 return
How to get to Joypurhat
- Coaches leave Gabtoli and Mohakhali in Dhaka, including Hanif, Shyamoli and SR Travels, running via the Jamuna Bridge and Bogura to Joypurhat town in 6 to 7 hours.
- The Ekota Express, Drutojan Express, Panchagarh Express and Nilsagar Express depart Kamalapur and Airport stations, stopping directly at Joypurhat railway station.
Where to stay in Joypurhat
Rooms run from about ৳700 a night for a simple hotel, around ৳1,800 mid-range and ৳4,000 or more for the most comfortable. Prices are approximate.
- Hotel Red Rock, Sadar Road
- Hotel Boishakhi Residential, Sadar Road
- Hotels around Station Road and Shantinagar in the district town
What to eat in Joypurhat
Sample crisp gur-er khaja from local sweetmakers, freshly fried chomchom, and spicy duck curry served with parathas at late-night eateries near the railway station.