DAY 1: A Journey of Anticipation and Adventure
The journey to Rajshahi had been brewing for a month – planning, excitement, and anticipation building up day by day. Yet, the long-awaited tour date remained elusive!
At 6:30 AM on February 14, 2025, with the winter chill still lingering in the air, we gathered at Sech Bhaban, ready to begin our long-awaited tour. Seven riders, seven bikes—each of us eager to hit the road. Afrad on his Pulsar N250, Bandhan on the Gixxer SF 150, Noyon with his CB150R Exmotion, Keltu on the Hornet 165, Titas with his CBR 150R, Sajal riding the Gixxer 150, and Moshiur on the FZ V2. After a quick briefing, we set off from in front of Sech Bhaban.
From the Parliament House, there are two common routes to get onto the N4 highway toward Rajshahi. One route runs through Uttara, Tongi, and Gazipur to Chandra, while the other takes us via Gabtoli, Hemayetpur, and Baipail before reaching Chandra. We opted for the second route. Our route was set, with the first break planned at Chandra. But as the first day of Falgun, Valentine’s Day, and Shab-e-Barat bumped on the same day, the roads were packed. A full-on gridlock at Chandra forced us to detour through local roads, and by the time we merged back onto the highway, we were already running behind schedule. No time to waste—we pushed ahead without our planned break.
By 10:00 AM, we stopped at Tangail Elenga for Breakfast. Despite traveling only 95 km from Dhaka, it had already taken us three hours, and we realized that not only had we fallen behind, but the Rangpur team was also already ahead of us! Yes, the Syndicate FCB riders were not just coming from Dhaka but also from Rangpur. After a brief stop, we continued our journey, although traffic congestion slowed us down all the way to the Jamuna Bridge. Once we crossed the bridge, the roads began to ease up. After crossing the Jamuna Bridge, we finally hit the scenic stretch around Solonga, where the full Syndicate team met up with the Rangpur riders – Akimul, Sharif, Yamin, and Bogura-Moshiur.
The Ride Through Rajshahi’s Scenic Beauty
One of the main highlights of riding through Rajshahi Division is the road quality. The Sirajganj-Bonpara Highway, in particular, is a biker’s dream. Slicing through the heart of the Chalan Beel region surrounded by trees, the road allowed us to ride in formation with ease, roaring ahead in a line. The sight of so many bikes riding together is just as enjoyable for the riders as it is for those onlooking. No matter how many times the Bonpara Highway is captured through a camera lens or written about, you truly can’t grasp its beauty and the feeling it gives until you ride it yourself. We traveled through Horinchora, Mahishluti, Hamkuria, Kochikathi, and Baragram, and the beauty of Rajshahi began to unfold. We stopped at the Bonpara Bypass for Juma prayers and took some time to stretch our legs before continuing.
Food Adventure Continues: Savoring the Best of Rajshahi
The food adventure started even before we entered Rajshahi city. Rajshahi is famous for its beef kala bhuna, so our food tour kicked off with that. We made our way to Ibrahim Hotel and Restaurant for our first taste of the famous Beef Kalavuna. Known throughout the region, the dish was everything we’d hoped for and more. After lunch, we had a delightful surprise with a local dessert, ‘Sorer Kheer’. Everyone felt, “Amazing!” After our meal, we headed to Saheb Bazar in Rajshahi city, where we checked into our hotel at exactly 4:32 PM. It was time to freshen up and take a rest, but exploring the city was still on the agenda.
Street Snacks and Scenic Views of Rajshahi CIty
As the evening approached, we gathered at 6:30 PM to explore the city with our local FCBian, Mr Rad. Our first stop was Shimla Park, where we warmed up with an amazing cup of zesty lemon tea. Over the next few days, I missed this tea several times. Then, it was off to Rajshahi University, where we experienced two local street delicacies: ‘Lebu Pinik’ and ‘Lebu Churchur’ – street snacks that are truly unique to the area. Once on campus, we met one of our hosts in Rajshahi – FCBian Nahid.
Afterward, we made our way to the Central Library, the heart of the university, where the best conversations happen, that’s where our chat took off. We spent a long time sipping premium fruit juice, coffee, and enjoying each other’s company. Later, we made our way around the city bypass road, stopping for a group photo at Biman Square. The evening was cool, but we were in for an even chillier surprise.
As the night wore on, the temperature dropped more than expected. Despite being warned, none of us had anticipated the intense chill that hit after 9 PM. Shivering in our light jackets, we headed to dinner, where we enjoyed famous and traditional ‘Kalai Ruti’ with ‘Hash Kalavuna’ – another traditional dish from Northern Bengal.
The Last Adventure of the Day: The Padma River
After our meal, some members of the Rangpur team decided to head back to the hotel due to the cold. But for the rest of us, the adventure wasn’t over. We pressed on for one final adventure, headed to the banks of the Padma River, where we boarded a rocking boat anchored in the riverside. The gentle rocking of the boat and the cool breeze made for a perfect end to a long day.
DAY 2: Let’s Hit the Road!
Rajshahi is a happening city. Tourists gather here for various reasons – traditional food like Kalavuna, Street food, juicy Mangoes, and to visit historic places. But it’s not just the tourists that give this place its energy – the heart of Rajshahi lies in its people. The locals bring a vibrancy that is evident as you explore the city’s clean, organized streets and modern development. With overpasses and new roads being built for the future, Rajshahi is truly a city on the rise.
A Sudden Surprise
We woke up at 7 AM to get ready and headed out by 8:30. On day-2, our first destination was Kusumba, in Naogaon district, where ‘Kusumba Mosque’ awaited us. However, before reaching Kusumba Mosque, something unexpected happened. On the way from Rajshahi to Tanore, we saw two people waving frantically at us by the road-turns out, they were inviting us to Moshiur Bhai’s house in Rajshahi! In our group, we already have two riders named Moshiur – one from Dhaka and another from Bogura. Now, we were introduced to the third Moshiur from Rajshahi. Yes, it was completely unexpected, but their hospitality was nothing short of heartwarming. Plates upon plates of food were waiting for us – Duck curry, Chitoi pitha, Rice Roti, Chicken omelet, Fried potatoes, Murighonto, and homemade Jhola gur. We were stuffed, and honestly, it was the highlight of our food tour! We all felt so welcomed by Moshiur and his family, and that meal will always be a cherished memory.
Kusumba Mosque: A Historical Gem
After the feast, we reached to ‘Kusumba Mosque’ at 12 PM, which stands as a silent witness to centuries of history. Built in 1558 during the reign of Sultan Giyasuddin Bahadur Shah, this mosque is over 400 years old. It’s famous for appearing on the 5 Taka note, and walking through it was like stepping back in time. Inside the mosque, three Mimbars are intricately carved from black stone. The outer walls of the mosque also feature exquisite craftsmanship from that time, with delicate vines and leaf patterns carved with great skill. The mosque is surrounded by a peaceful pond and an ancient tree that adds to the serene atmosphere.
Onward to Porsha
Around 1 PM, we set off towards Porsha, a scenic upazila on the border of Naogaon. Although, our next destination wasn’t too far away. we decided to take the long way through picturesque-winding roads, fields of crops stretching as far as the eye could see, and tiny markets local markets. We continued through Ghugudanga Talatoli Road. The road is lined with hundreds of palm trees on either side, creating a stunning two-kilometer stretch. If you’re planning a visit to Rajshahi, don’t just focus on the well-known spots. Take the time to ride around, meet the locals, and enjoy the little moments – because that’s where the true charm lies!
Kureghor Mango Resort: A Blend of Tradition, Nature, and Friendship
By 3 PM, we reached to our most desired destination “Kureghor Mango Resort”. By then, hunger had started to set in, so everyone rushed to freshen up with a cold shower. Lunch was served in a traditional, communal style – a mat spread on the floor with large steel plates. We gathered around and dug in White rice, Mashed eggplant, mixed Vegetables, Chicken, and Lentils, all cooked over a clay stove, bringing that authentic village flavor. It was a simple meal, but one that hit the spot. After lunch, we stretched out on rope cots in the resort’s peaceful courtyard.
“The air was fresh, and the scent of nature surrounded us.
Staring at the blue sky, I closed my eyes, lost in a state of bliss-it felt like true happiness!”
Naogaon is known for its mud houses, a folk tradition that still exists in some areas despite modernization. We passed quite a few on our way to the resort – some one-story, some two-story, and others of various sizes. ‘Kureghor Mango Resort’ has been built keeping this tradition alive. The resort has 7 pod-style rooms, featuring low doors and thatched roofs. While the rooms retain an old-world charm, they’ve been equipped with modern amenities like electricity and washrooms to cater to our urban habits. In the courtyard, there are several rope cots. Birds chirp from the trees, and squirrels scurry about.
As the evening drew near, we headed to ‘Kureghor Agricultural Farm (also known as Freshi Farm)’, a short distance from the resort. This expansive farm, covering 100 bighas, grows a variety of crops, including mangoes, dragon fruit, sugarcane, and coffee. Afterward, we went to ‘Mashidpur Hat’, the local market. Unfortunately, it had already closed by the time we got there. We ended up gathering at a shop selling peanuts, beans, and chana chur, hoping to find some tea. No luck with tea there, so we rode to ‘Kusharpura Bazaar’, a couple of kilometers away, grabbed some tea and brought local sweets for the night.
Back at Kureghor, as the cold set in, preparations for a BBQ began, and Naheed Bhai set up a campfire. We gathered around the fire, reclining on rope beds, and enjoyed a lively music session. Rabbani was the star of the night, with Shanto harmonizing alongside him. We sang everything from John Denver to James, Abdul Jabbar to Khalid, and Rupom Islam to Ayub Bachchu – atmosphere was filled with joy.
Day 3: The Final Day: A Journey of Brotherhood and Adventure
The third day was essentially the ride back home – Dhaka. The night before, we’d stayed up late around the campfire, making the most of the chilly evening and music, and if it weren’t for the fire dying out, we might have stayed awake even longer. Despite the late night, most of us woke up by 7 AM, some even earlier. Palm juice was served for those craving a refreshing start to the day.
After yesterday’s revitalizing cold shower at Kureghor Mango Resort, I felt recharged, but this morning, the energy just wasn’t there. The dew had washed the bikes overnight, and as everyone wiped them down, the fatigue started to set in. By the time breakfast was ready – Khichuri, Mashed potatoes, and Fried eggs – it was already 8:30. We were off schedule, supposed to check out at 9 AM, but it ended up being 10:45 before we hit the road.
After leaving Kureghor Resort, Nahid and Sayem said their farewells and headed back to Rajshahi, while the rest of us took a different route. We passed through Saraigachi and Shishabazar and stopped for a tea break in Mahadebpur. After that, we continued the Naugon-Mahadebpur highway with 13 bikes towards our next spot ‘Dublahati Rajbari’. The ‘Dublahati Rajbari’ is nearly 200 years old, sprawling over 5 acres, and once served as the residence of a wealthy zamindar. The zamindari of this palace stretched over Sylhet, Dinajpur, Pabna, Bogura, Rangpur, and parts of India. Although now in ruins, it is said to have once had 350 rooms. However, the palace still exudes a sense of its former grandeur and aristocracy, offering a glimpse into history.
We left the place at 1:00 PM and continued our way toward the Natore-Naogaon highway. With more bikes on the road now, we split into two teams to make the ride easier. Rabbani Bhai’s team speed ahead while Afrad Bhai’s team took a more relaxed pace, enjoying the ride without rushing. The Natore-Naogaon highway cut through the scenic Chalanbil, with vast wetlands and crop fields stretching on both sides. The original itinerary included a visit to the ‘Natore Rajbari’, but due to time constraints, we had to skip and continued our ride toward Sirajganj.
The last place on our itinerary was the Sirajganj China Dam. But decided to skip the Sirajganj China Dam due to the fading daylight. We had our lunch at 5:30 PM at Sirajganj, followed by a tea session at a local shop with local brothers. The ride back was smooth until we hit the usual traffic jams at Elenga. We squeezed through narrow roads and caught up with FCBian Shahed and Masum in Tangail before finally making our way through traffic near Bypail and Hemayetpur.
At 10:15 PM, after a final regroup at the Abhi refueling station, we said our goodbyes, and everyone went their separate ways. The Rajshahi Syndicate tour had come to an end. It’s hard to believe how quickly it passed, but the memories, the laughter, and the songs will stay with us forever.
“A list of new experiences, new places, new friends, and new stories. But the greatest thing we gained was brotherhood. A mix of familiar faces, new friends, experienced riders, and novices all came together, and by the end of it, no one was a stranger. We returned with stronger bonds and trust in one another—there’s nothing greater we could have gained.”