Holy river Ganga, before merging at Gangasagar island in West Bengal, India, splits in two distributaries at in Murshidabad dist of West Bengal. One distributary Bhagirathi, also called Hooghly, flows in India. Other distributary Padma flows to Bangladesh. Padma river is further called Meghna and merges at Hatia island in bay of Bengal. Intrigued to experience the merger of Ganga distributary Padma in Bangladesh, I embarked on my journey to Hatia island and explore the island on foot.
Instead of flying, I had decided to take a road trip from Kolkata to Dhaka. Strange thing happened at the Petrapole border crossing on India side. At India immigration, person behind counter found unusual of me going first time to Bangladesh alone on a road trip despite my telling him that I have traveled world over solo. He scrutinized my previous passport booklets full of countless visas and took me to his senior. They believed that I may have an Indian passport but I am not Indian. I told the officer about my travel blog, about my explorations and soon found him excited to read my blog.
Road trip was excellent though there were some rough patches on road. In particular, I would like to mention the crossing of river Padma a few km before reaching Dhaka. There was no bridge and each vehicle had to be ferried through water which would take hours due to long queues of vehicles in waiting.
I had not anticipated the traffic jams at certain junctures and the worst in Dhaka. Arrival time to Dhaka was 6 pm and it had passed midnight when I got down at Mirpur in Dhaka. There were a few mid range hotels but they were not ready to take booking for lone woman. Two hotels tried but the same response. A young boy volunteered to help me as an interpreter as he knew Hindi. Few shops were still open. Boy inquired from shopkeepers about more hotels. Third hotel tried. Same response again. Boy was unhappy. He strongly told the hotel receptionist about the wrong impression I was getting from their country. Hotel person agreed but showed helplessness and suggested if some local person gives reference then they will do room reservation. That boy gave his personal ID as a local reference for me. Such gracious gestures make my journey so memorable.
Booked cruise for Dhaka to Hatia island. I boarded ship at Sadarghat in Dhaka. A scenic sail of two days, I enjoyed thoroughly. Spent time with locals. Tasted local delicacies. Sharing some images.
Everywhere, I would ask if anyone knew English or Hindi. Pleasantly surprised to find some people knowing Hindi. Even at Hatia island one shopkeeper spoke in Hindi and guided me for onward journey. Many people gathered at his shop. Everyone curious about me.
To probe further I took other route from Hatia island to Dhaka on return. After three hours trawler journey in sea, I reached Rachnapur, from there took auto for the Noakhali bus stand and there onwards traveled to Dhaka by bus.
Exploring the vastness of Ganga distributary in Bangladesh, this has been my fascinating Ganga journey, with a difference.
That sounds like an amazing road trip and boat trip. How lovely that the boy personally vouched for you to stay in the hotel. Great travel memories
Such moments make out journey so memorable.
I’ve never been to Bangladesh but I heard a lot about how gorgeous it is. I can’t wait to explore this part of the world
Each country has its distinct charm.
I love the combination road and boat trip! It sounds like you had quite an adventure!
That way I explored extensively.
How wonderful that you got to visit the Holy River what an incredible experience for you.
Memory for life.
I’ve always wanted to try a boat trip and explore! This is definitely going on my bucket list because you made it sound absolutely amazing.
Thank you.
I really have wanted to visit Bangladesh at least once in my life. The boat ride, road trip, and your entire trip looked amazing to me.
It was an amazing trip indeed.
I have never been to this part of the world before, but it is always fun to try new adventures and it looks as though you have had an ace time x
Exploring new realms.
Sounds like you had a fantastic time on this trip! Thanks for bringing us along the journey and great photos.
Thank you.
This sounds like a trip into a fairy tale. India must be just fantastic. I’d love to visit, but I do not want to explore it by myself. As soon as I have a travel buddy, I go – and I definitely make sure to visit also Bangladesh.
Life time memories to look back to.
It sounds like you had such a lovely time. I’ve never been to those parts of the world but I’ve always been interested in going. Thank you for taking us along with you!
Honored to share my experience with all.
This sounds like an amazing road trip. I would love to do something like this myself one day
Road trips are great to explore surroundings.
What an incredible trek. Such journeys truly open the soul and mind to new things…I am glad you had such a memorable adventure.
Memorable truly.
I had no idea that some countries or areas really don’t like solo travellers. That’s so nice of the person to give you their personal recommendation x
These are the experiences that we get through our journeys.
I am from Asia, too! I can say you had a great eperience. I wish to visit there soon. Beautiful country.
Great to know you Risa.
What an amazing experience you have been through doing the road trip on your own and thanks to the boy who helped you as well. I not only think that you are brave but so adventurous as well. Keep sharing your journey
Amazing journey. Memorable moments for life.
I have heard of the Ganga River before but never knew the history near how it runs. I learned a lot from this post and really loved ready your journey.
Thank you so much.
Your posts always make me miss India, what a fantastic idea and journey!
Thanks Aimee. Plan your journey to India.
wanna see Bangladesh! Hope there were more photos but I really got curious of your journey, will read them one at a time! Safe travels 🙂
Thank you Chrissy.
What an incredible trip! I have never been but adding this to my bucket list.
Incredible trip indeed.
Wow what an amazing trip! It’s so good that boy helped you get a hotel – I would have been lost on my own trying!
Memorable moment of journey, truly.